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Any insider input that "you wish you knew" when you first started out with Udemy and developing your first course?

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One thing I wish I knew was that the tools or equipment I have doesn't limit what I can do. For example, I have a smart phone, which is more than capable of helping me record.. I also have quicktime and a web browser, so I can use Google Slides to create a course, and record it in quicktime.

Sure, the specific tools (cameras, mics, etc) help, but the point isn't to have flashy equipment, it's to have content that resonates with students and helps them improve themselves.

RonErez

Yes:

Don't offer free courses or give away free coupons
Get a great microphone. For example Dynacaster SE. Blue yeti picks up too much background noises
Make sure my chair is not squeaky and the air condition is not on. Also put my keyboard and mouse on something soft.
Record audio and video simultaneously
Prepare a semi-script. Personally a script is too strict for myself but some structure is needed
Create an organized folder structure of all files and resources on my hard drive and make back ups
Always use promotional announcements twice a month
Never offer $9.99 discounts unless black friday is approaching or you just launched the course. Otherwise set coupons to $12.99-$14.99 range
If you promote on social media then be subtle and suggest other resources besides your own and add a disclaimer when you mention you course. It's easy to get banned on social media
Choose a topic which is not over-saturated. Almost everything is but there are different levels of over-saturation
Choose a topic you enjoy teaching
Do your best but proceed with low expectations. It's really hard to create a successful course
Read the Udemy info about creating videos and anything on course creation. The resources are great
Join the monthly coffee chats. They are amazing.
Ask questions in the instructor community.
Always respond promptly and politely to students
If a student leaves a bad review then contact them and try to address the issue. Students appreciate it if you genuinely care and may even update the review - however do not ask them to update the review
Don't use any service for boosting reviews or get you "active students". These are all scams.
Be patient.
Ideally create multiple courses and cross-promote
Ask friends and family for feedback on videos
Send Udemy the test video for feedback
If you do ever offer a free course coupon then let it be under the condition that the student leaves a review.

Good luck!

alicerichard65

@Robert344Humphries
wellnowurgentcare wrote:
When I first started out with Udemy and developing my first course, one insider tip I wish I had known is to focus on defining clear learning objectives. This helps in creating a structured course that meets learners' needs and expectations. Additionally, using Udemy's Marketplace Insights tool to identify in-demand topics can help validate or refine your course idea. Lastly, investing time in marketing and continuously improving your course based on feedback is crucial for long-term success.

Thank you for posting that it could be just the thing to give inspiration to someone who needs it! Keep up the great work! Thanks to this article I can learn more. Expand my knowledge and abilities.

Best reagards,
Alice Richard