Yes, it’s possible, and no, I didn’t have a teaching degree or a fancy background in education.
Just two years ago, I was scrolling through Instagram during my lunch break when I saw someone share how they made $1,000 in a weekend by teaching online courses.
It sounded like a scam. I mean, how could someone make real money just by teaching what they know especially without credentials?
But curiosity turned into action. And action turned into income.
Today, I’ve taught over 10,000 students online and built a steady side income all without ever stepping into a classroom.
How I Made Money Teaching Online Courses Without Prior Experience
- The Turning Point – From Doubt to Doing
I was working a 9–5 job in a completely unrelated field, customer service.
It paid the bills but drained my energy. I always believed I had something valuable to offer, but I wasn’t sure what.
Then one day, I sat down and made a list,
What do I actually know that someone might pay to learn?
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I knew how to edit videos using simple software
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I had helped friends set up YouTube channels
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I was pretty good at explaining things step-by-step
That was my “aha!” moment. I didn’t need to be an expert. I just needed to be one step ahead of someone else.
Choosing My First Course Topic
Instead of overthinking it, I decided to go with what I knew best: “Video Editing for Beginners on a Budget.”
I outlined simple lessons, used free screen-recording tools, and shot the course on my old laptop. No fancy gear. No studio setup.
It wasn’t perfect, but it was helpful. And that was enough.
Where I Hosted My Course
I researched platforms like Teachable, Thinkific, and Udemy.
I chose Udemy for my first teaching online courses because,
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It had built-in traffic (perfect for a beginner)
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I didn’t need to worry about marketing upfront
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It was free to get started
Uploading the course was easy. I submitted it for review, and within a week, boom, it was live!
My First Sale (And What It Felt Like)
I’ll never forget the ping on my phone.
“You’ve made your first sale: $13.99.”
It was small, but it felt HUGE.
That was the validation I needed. Someone out there paid to learn from me.
What I Did Differently To Make More Money
After my first few students, I started learning fast.
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I added subtitles to make my course accessible
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I replied to every review and question promptly
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I optimized the title and thumbnail for better visibility
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I created a second course and bundled them together for a higher price
Soon, I was making around $500–$800/month consistently. Nothing life-changing, but it was a solid side hustle.
Lessons I Learned (That Might Help You Too)
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You don’t need to be an expert. You just need to know more than the person you’re teaching.
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Start small, but start smart. Pick a niche topic, keep it simple, and improve as you go.
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Use platforms with built-in audiences. You won’t need to run ads or build a following from scratch.
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Feedback is gold. Use it to improve your future content and gain trust.
Where I Am Now
I’ve now launched my own website to host premium courses.
I also run a YouTube channel and use email marketing to grow my audience. What started as a tiny experiment is now a growing online business.
You Can Start Today
If you’ve been thinking about teaching online courses but feel stuck because of “lack of experience,” here’s the truth –
👉 Your lived experience is your qualification.
👉 Your story is your strength.
Don’t wait to be perfect. Start now, start messy, and refine as you go.
Final Thoughts
Getting paid to teaching online courses was one of the best decisions I’ve made. It gave me freedom, purpose, and a way to share what I love doing.
And the best part? You can do it too.
Read: My Secret to Earning Passive Income Through Stock Photography
