How Long Does It Take to Develop an Online Course: A Comprehensive Guide for Shopify Merchants

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding the Course Development Timeline
3. Setting Realistic Expectations
4. The Course Development Process
5. Strategies to Streamline Course Development
6. Conclusion
7. FAQ

Introduction

Did you know that the online education market is projected to exceed $375 billion by 2026? As more individuals and businesses embrace the creator economy, the potential for generating revenue through online courses has never been higher. However, one critical question that often arises is: how long does it take to develop an online course?

This question is particularly relevant for Shopify merchants looking to diversify their revenue streams and build meaningful connections with their audience. With platforms like Tevello, we empower you to create, manage, and sell online courses seamlessly within your Shopify store, eliminating the need for external platforms. We aim to provide a user-friendly, all-in-one solution that supports your growth in this burgeoning industry.

In this blog post, we will explore the various factors influencing the time it takes to develop an online course, share strategies to streamline the process, and offer insights to help you create a compelling course that resonates with your audience. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting your e-learning journey, we aim to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of course development timelines.

By the end of this post, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge needed to embark on your course creation journey confidently. Are you ready to unlock new revenue opportunities for your Shopify store? Let’s dive in!

Understanding the Course Development Timeline

The time it takes to develop an online course can vary significantly depending on several factors, including:

1. Course Length: The duration of the course directly impacts the development time. On average, it takes about 10 to 20 hours of work to create one hour of content. Therefore, for a 5-hour course, you can expect to invest anywhere from 50 to 100 hours in total.
2. Familiarity with the Topic: If you’re already well-versed in your subject matter, you’ll likely spend less time researching and developing content. Conversely, if you’re entering a new field, factor in additional time for research and understanding the material.
3. Experience in Content Creation: First-time instructors often require more time to produce quality content. While experienced creators may spend 5 to 6 hours developing an hour of content after refining their workflow, beginners might need closer to 20 hours due to the learning curve.
4. Sales Strategy: The approach you choose for selling your course will also influence the timeline. Courses sold independently on your website will require additional time for marketing, building sales funnels, and audience engagement compared to those sold on marketplaces.
5. Resources and Tools: The availability of resources, such as recording equipment, editing software, and design tools, can significantly affect your development speed. Investing in high-quality tools can streamline production and enhance the final product.

Setting Realistic Expectations

As we delve deeper into the course development process, it’s essential to set realistic expectations. For instance, if you’re balancing a full-time job or other commitments, it may take longer to complete your course. Many first-time instructors find that they can allocate about 5 hours a week to course development, which can extend the timeline to several months.

Imagine a Shopify merchant selling craft supplies who decides to create a "Beginner's Knitting" course. If they can dedicate 5 hours a week, they might take 3 to 4 months to complete a 5-hour course. However, if they can ramp up their efforts to 15 or 20 hours a week, they could finish the same course in 4 to 6 weeks.

The Course Development Process

Now that we’ve established the factors impacting development time, let’s break down the course creation process into manageable steps. Each step comes with its own time requirements, and understanding these can help you plan effectively.

1. Research and Curriculum Development

The first step in creating an online course is researching the topic and developing a curriculum. This phase can take anywhere from 10 to 20 hours or more, depending on your familiarity with the subject and the depth of content you wish to cover.

• Identify Learning Objectives: What do you want your students to achieve by the end of the course?
• Outline the Course Structure: Break the content into modules or sections, ensuring a logical flow from one topic to the next.
• Research Competitors: Analyze similar courses to identify gaps in the market and areas where you can offer unique value.

2. Content Creation and Scripting

Once your curriculum is in place, the next phase involves creating the content. This includes scripting your lectures, preparing supplementary materials, and designing any necessary visuals.

• Script Development: Spending around 5 to 10 hours on scripting is common. This ensures your lectures are concise, informative, and engaging.
• Visuals and Supporting Materials: Create slides, infographics, or handouts that complement your lectures. This can take an additional 5 to 15 hours depending on your design skills.

3. Recording

Recording your content is often the most time-consuming aspect of course development. Setting up your recording space and ensuring consistent quality can add significant time to this phase.

• Equipment Setup: Ensure your recording equipment (camera, microphone, lighting) is set up correctly. This setup can take 1 to 3 hours initially and should remain consistent across recording sessions.
• Recording Sessions: Depending on the length of your course, recording can take anywhere from 10 to 50 hours. Each session should be followed by testing the audio and video quality to avoid issues.

4. Editing and Post-Production

Editing your recorded content is crucial for maintaining a professional appearance. This phase can take anywhere from 10 to 20 hours.

• Video Editing: This includes cutting out mistakes, adding transitions, and incorporating visuals. Familiarity with editing software can significantly reduce this time.
• Quality Control: Review the edited videos to ensure they meet your quality standards. This may require additional hours for re-editing.

5. Marketing and Sales Funnel Development

Once your course content is finalized, the next step is to market it effectively. This process involves creating a sales funnel and building an audience.

• Sales Funnel Creation: Developing a sales funnel can take 20 to 50 hours. This includes creating landing pages, email sequences, and promotional materials.
• Audience Engagement: Building a community around your course is essential. Engage with potential students through social media, webinars, or free resources.

6. Launch and Maintenance

Finally, launching your course involves promoting it to your audience effectively. Post-launch, you’ll need to maintain the course by answering student queries and updating content as necessary.

• Launch Activities: The launch phase can take 10 to 30 hours, depending on your promotional strategy.
• Ongoing Maintenance: After launch, expect to spend at least 1 hour a week managing student inquiries and making necessary updates.

Strategies to Streamline Course Development

To maximize efficiency and reduce development time, consider implementing the following strategies:

1. Set a Schedule: Dedicate specific blocks of time each week to course development to maintain consistency and momentum.
2. Use Templates: Create or utilize existing templates for your course materials, outlines, and marketing materials to save time.
3. Leverage Technology: Use tools like Tevello to manage your online course, handle sales, and engage with your community all in one place.
4. Iterative Development: Consider launching a minimum viable product (MVP) version of your course first. This allows you to gather feedback and make improvements over time.
5. Collaborate: If possible, collaborate with others who have experience in course creation. This can help you learn faster and streamline the process.

Conclusion

Developing an online course is an enriching endeavor that can unlock new revenue opportunities for your Shopify store. While the process may seem daunting, understanding the timeline and breaking it down into manageable steps can make it more approachable.

At Tevello, we believe in empowering Shopify merchants to create and sell online courses seamlessly. By providing a user-friendly platform with robust features, we strive to eliminate the complexities of course creation and community engagement.

If you’re ready to embark on your course creation journey, we invite you to start your 14-day free trial of Tevello today. Explore our powerful, all-in-one feature set for course creation, communities, and digital products, and take the first step toward transforming your Shopify store into a hub for online learning.

FAQ

How long does it take to develop an online course?

The development time varies based on several factors, including course length, your familiarity with the topic, and your experience in content creation. On average, expect to spend 10 to 20 hours to create one hour of content.

Can I create a course quickly?

While it’s possible to create a course in a short timeframe, producing a quality course that generates sales typically requires a more significant investment of time and effort.

What tools do I need to develop an online course?

Basic tools include a camera, microphone, and editing software. Platforms like Tevello can provide additional resources for managing your course and community.

How can I promote my online course?

Promoting your course effectively involves creating a sales funnel, engaging with your audience through social media, and using email marketing to reach potential students.

What if I’m new to course creation?

If you’re new, it’s important to set realistic expectations and be prepared for a learning curve. Starting with a smaller course or an MVP can help you gain experience without feeling overwhelmed.

By leveraging our insights and tools, we at Tevello are excited to support your journey in creating impactful online courses.