140+ Successful Online Course Ideas Creators Recommend

It all starts with a topic that speaks for itself. And how do you find that one topic your students would love? The challenging part is there can be a gap between what you love and what your students actually want to learn from you. Might be you are an excellent massage therapist who knows how different essential oils work and mix together. But are your students interested in a course about the technical aspect or the history of these essential oils?

We asked Jessica Terzakis, an experienced course creator who helps creators and business owners like you grow their businesses and practices at Terzakis and Associates, to share her best practices. 

What Jessica recommends you do when it comes to finding a successful online course idea is understand:

• Who is my online course for?
• What do my students want to learn? What problem will my online course topic solve for them?
• Is it something my students want to pay for?
• Does my online course idea align with these points?

And you have the best online course topic idea at the nexus, where the answers to all four questions overlap. If you have already chosen a niche, you can use Uteach’s AI course idea generator, which is completely free. Insert the general topic, get a bunch of ideas, and pick the one you like best. 

Some of the most trending areas you might be looking for online course ideas for include the following: 

• Artificial intelligence and technology
• Business
• Marketing
• Career
• Self-development
• Home & Lifestyle
• Health & Wellness
• Art, Design, and Creativity
• Personal Finances
• Family and Relationship (Parenting) 

Let’s discover some of the trending topics in these niches based on the results and data Google provides and see the examples. 

AI Online Course Ideas 

Anything related to artificial intelligence is popular nowadays and online courses are no exception. Besides, AI-related topics make a great evergreen online course idea, as artificial intelligence will stay here for a long. 

If you have passion and experience with AI tools, best practices, integrations, automation and strategies, this is an excellent chance for you to monetize your expertise. 

• Machine Learning Fundamentals
• Natural Language Processing (NLP)
• Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs)
• AI in Robotics and Automation
• Prompt Engineering
• AI-driven Marketing and Personalization
• AI for Cybersecurity
• AI for international development and humanitarian work
• AI for Game Development

You can come up with thousands of online course topics with each of these categories. 

AI online course examples from expert creators

• Machine Learning A-Z™: Hands-On Python & R in Data Science by Kirill Eremenko and Hadelin de Ponteves (Udemy)
• Natural Language Processing in TensorFlow by Laurence Moroney (Coursera) 
• AI in Healthcare Specialization offered by Stanford University

Business Online Course Ideas

Lots of people dream of running their own businesses and making money on their own terms. Plus, with the rise of remote work and freelancing, entrepreneurs are turning to online courses for guidance. People want skills they can put to use right away. And who doesn't dream of being their own boss? 

Now, here's where you come in. As an online course creator, you can share your expertise, inspire action, and help people turn their ideas into reality. Whether you teach them the fundamentals of business or explore niche strategies, there's no shortage of topics to explore.

Popular business course ideas include:

• E-commerce essentials
• Remote team management
• Productivity hacks for entrepreneurs
• Financial literacy for small business owners
• Business analytics and data visualization
• Sustainable business practices
• Franchise ownership essentials
• Business negotiation skills
• Mindful leadership
• Social entrepreneurship
• Startup funding strategies
• Agile project management
• Business exit strategies
• Strategic planning for small businesses
• Legal essentials for entrepreneurs
• Growth Hacking methods for small businesses
• Online business growth (i.e draw up a Shopify eBay multichannel selling) 

Business online course examples from expert creators

Here are a few examples of course ideas in the business category: 

• How to Raise Your First Round of Funding 
• Mastering Productivity: Boost Your Efficiency by Bradon Holschlag 
• How to Become a Shopify Expert, From Zero to Hero by Tim Sharp

Marketing online course ideas

You may be an online marketing consultant or a digital marketing specialist who is professional in the sphere and likes to share knowledge, experience, and skills.  

Everyone needs to learn at least basic marketing skills, including other course creators. Digital marketing courses are particularly popular. They teach skills like SEO, PPC advertising, and email marketing, which are essential for online success. Social media marketing courses still maintain popularity as platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok continue to dominate.

Besides digital marketing, courses focusing on content marketing and copywriting are also a hit, as all businesses need to know how to create engaging content that resonates with their audience. 

Here is a list of profitable marketing online course ideas you may consider:

• Digital Marketing Fundamentals
• Social Media Marketing Strategies
• Content Marketing Essentials
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Techniques
• Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising Mastery
• Email Marketing Best Practices
• Branding and Brand Management
• E-commerce Marketing Strategies
• Data Analytics for Marketing
• Influencer Marketing Tactics
• Monetize YouTube
• Video Marketing Strategies
• Mobile Marketing Optimization
• Marketing Automation Tools and Techniques
• Cross-channel Marketing Integration

Marketing online course examples from expert creators 

• Seth Godin's Freelancer Course
• Advanced Content Marketing Tactics by Neil Patel 
• Russell Brunson's "One Funnel Away Challenge"

IT and software online course ideas

IT and tech are always evolving. Seriously, from smartphones to smart fridges, it's hard to find a corner of modern life that isn't touched by IT in some way. With that being said,  IT moves fast. Like, blink, and you'll miss it fast. New technologies are created, old ones get updated, and there's always something new on the horizon. That means there is a constant demand for people who can keep up with the latest trends and tools. And where do they turn for that knowledge? 

You guessed it – online courses! 

What IT courses can you offer? 

• Introduction to Programming
• Web Development Fundamentals (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
• Mobile App Development (iOS, Android)
• Cybersecurity Essentials
• Cloud Computing Basics (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
• Data Science Fundamentals (Python, Pandas, TensorFlow)
• Database Management (SQL)
• Network Administration (TCP/IP, DNS, Routing)
• IT Project Management (Agile, Scrum)
• Ethical Hacking
• IT Support Essentials
• DevOps Practices (CI/CD, IaC)
• Blockchain Basics
• Internet of Things (IoT) Applications
• Big Data Analytics (Hadoop, Spark)
• Computer Graphics and Design
• User Experience (UX) Design
• Software Testing and Quality Assurance
• IT Compliance and Regulations (GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS)
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• WordPress development 

IT online course examples from expert creators 

• Sebastian Thrun: Artificial Intelligence for Robotics
• Rob Percival: The Complete Web Developer Course
• Mark Lassoff: Become a Certified Web Developer: HTML, CSS and JavaScript

Personal finances online course ideas

Personal finances and investing courses address a universal need—everyone wants to manage their money better. Whether someone is just starting their first job, planning for retirement, or managing a small business, financial literacy is essential for making informed decisions and achieving financial goals. 

The rise of digital banking, fintech apps, and online investing platforms has transformed the way people manage their money. Your course can help individuals understand these technological advancements and use them to their advantage. If you can offer practical insights and actionable tips from your personal experience, that would make a great course idea. 

Here are some online course topic ideas for this category:

• Budgeting 
• Crypto Investing 
• Investing
• Personal Finance for Millennials
• Retirement Planning 
• Real Estate Investing Essentials
• Tax-Smart Investing
• Financial Planning for Families
• Side Hustle Finances
• Advanced Stock Market Strategies
• Impact Investing
• Financial Independence Retire Early (FIRE)
• Options Trading Mastery
• Wealth Preservation Strategies
• Dividend Investing for Passive Income
• Sustainable Investing
• Financial Wellness for Employees

Finances and investment online course examples from expert creators 

• Chris Haroun: The Complete Cryptocurrency Course: More than 5 Courses in 1
• Erin Booth: Passive Income 101: How to Earn Passive Income in 2024

Career opportunities online course ideas

In today's rapidly evolving job market, many individuals are seeking ways to enhance their skills or acquire new ones to stay competitive. They are especially interested in courses that offer insights into specific career paths, industries, or in-demand skills. So, if your online course can meet their needs of achieving employability and increase their earning potential, it will surely be successful. 

• Career Guide for Teenagers
• Required Specialist for the Future
• How to Get Your First Job   
• How to Work Effectively as a Freelancer
• Successful Job Interview Tips
• Create Your Professional Resume, Portfolio, Cover Letter
• Interesting Subject to Study: New Required Specialties
• Business Etiquette (Behavior at Workplace)
• Leadership: Essentials for Career Development 

Career opportunities online course examples from expert creators  

• Dianna Eckford: Preparation for Job Interviews
• Alex Gendinik: Top 1% Resume Writing: Write A Resume, Cover Letter, CV

Art & Design Online Course Ideas

Arts and design are highly versatile fields with broad appeal. From painting to graphic design and photography, there are countless topics to present and explore. This diversity attracts a wide range of learners, from beginners looking for a new hobby to professionals seeking to refine their craft.

Arts and design are also essential components of various industries, including advertising, fashion, film, and architecture. As such, there is a growing demand for skilled artists and designers across different sectors. If you have already chosen your sector, it’s high time to create a course. Here are topic ideas for arts and courses:

• Graphic Design Fundamentals
• Adobe Creative Suite Mastery
• Web Design and Development
• Digital Illustration Techniques
• Photography Basics
• Interior Design Essentials
• Fashion Design and Sketching
• UX/UI Design Fundamentals
• Motion Graphics and Animation
• Art Therapy and Expressive Arts

Arts and design online course examples from expert creators 

• Chris Parker: THE Photography Masterclass: Complete Course on Photography
• Sarah Meister and others: Modern and Contemporary Art and Design Specialization

Self-development online course ideas

People are constantly seeking ways to improve themselves, whether it's personally or professionally. Self-development includes topics like goal setting, time management, confidence building, and much more. As you can see, there's something for everyone.

Usually, traditional education falls short of teaching essential life skills such as resilience, emotional intelligence, and goal setting. That is why students turn to help for online courses. And your next course can fill this gap. Some popular  ideas for the self-development course category include: 

• Time Management
• Building Self-Confidence
• Mindfulness Meditation
• Effective Communication Skills
• Goal Setting and Achievement
• Emotional Intelligence
• Financial Literacy
• Leadership Development
• Public Speaking 
• Mindset Mastery
• Stress Management Techniques
• Creative Problem Solving
• Effective Study Skills
• Assertiveness Training
• Healthy Habits for Well-being
• Career Exploration and Planning
• Resilience Building
• Effective Decision Making
• Relationship Building and Networking 

Self-development online course examples from expert creators

• Chase Ellfeldt: How To Unlock Your True Potential
• Critical Thinking at University: An Introduction 

Health & Wellness online course ideas

These days people are very interested in healthy food and lifestyle. Some prefer to become vegan others like any kind of tasty and healthy food. On top of that, everyone desires to lead a fulfilling and healthy life, and health and wellness courses provide valuable knowledge and skills to achieve this goal. From managing stress to improving fitness, health and wellness courses offer practical guidance that directly impacts people's daily lives.

•  Become an Online Yoga Teacher
• Mindfulness Meditation
• Nutrition
• Yoga 
• Mobility
• Stress Management Techniques
• Functional Fitness
• Healthy Eating on a Budget
• Mental Health Awareness
• Strength Training 
• Self-Care 
• Weight Management
• Healthy Habits

Health & Wellness online course examples from expert creators 

• Shahab Nilgiri: Mobility Simplified For The Working Individual
• Maya Adam, Stanford University: Child Nutrition and Cooking

Family and Relationship (Parenting) online course ideas

The last popular niche for online courses we will be discussing is parenting. Why does it have high demand?

People are constantly seeking guidance and support in raising their children, navigating relationships, and managing household dynamics. The digital age has introduced new complexities to parenting. Issues like screen time management, cyberbullying, and online safety add layers of concern for parents trying to raise children in a technologically rich world. 

They often turn to online resources to stay informed about the latest trends and best practices in digital parenting.

• Parenting in a Virtual World
• Parental Controls and Monitoring Apps
• Positive Discipline Techniques 
• Effective Co-Parenting
• Raising Confident and Resilient Children
• Financial Planning for Growing Families
• Positive Home Environment
• Single parenting
• Special Needs Parenting
• Balancing Work and Family Life  

Parenting online course examples from expert creators 

• Gregory Caremans: Neuroscience for parents: How to raise amazing kids
• Alan E. Kazdin, Yale University: Everyday Parenting: The ABCs of Child Rearing

What do I do after choosing my topic? 

As you can see, there are so many topics and possibilities to get started with. To pick a topic that will work 100%, you will need to evaluate your skills and understand if your students are willing to pay for it.  This means you will need to validate your online course topic before entering the process of course creation. 

If you haven’t come up with a topic idea for your next course yet, use Uteach’s AI course idea generator. It is free of charge and can help with brainstorming topics, as it suggests several course ideas on any topic you like. 

As you are about to start the course, you will need to consider an all-in-one course creation platform to help you deliver, market, and sell it. 

Uteach gives you a chance to create your personal website and start your educational business. It is very easy to start, as no coding skills are required. Book a demo now, and our expert will walk you through all the steps of how to make online course business profitable with an online platform.