Four steps to validate an online course idea before building it

Executive overview

Most course creators build first and sell later — then hear crickets. Validation before building eliminates that risk. The framework moves from internal clarity to external proof to data signals to real human feedback, in that order.

Skipping straight to data wastes time; skipping human interviews kills sales.

Internal validation: find your blue ocean

• You can't teach what you haven't experienced — your unique angle is the only true differentiator.
• Blue ocean strategy: competing in a crowded market (red ocean) is unsustainable; your unique experience creates uncontested market space.
• Prompts to surface your angle: what challenge have you overcome? What do people repeatedly ask you for help with? What mistakes would you stop others from making?
• Identify your transformation statement: "I help [who] go from [X] to [Y] so they can [Z]."
• People buy outcomes, not information — information is free online.

External validation: proof of concept

• Some competition is a good sign — it confirms demand exists.
• What makes competition irrelevant is your unique angle, not the absence of others.
• Where to look: Amazon bestseller reviews, Udemy/Skillshare courses, blogs, forums, influencers, podcasts, YouTube channels, meetup groups, coaches in the space.
• Start broad to identify category demand; narrow to your specific angle later.
• Engaged comments matter more than audience size.

Data-based validation: numbers support, not lead

• Use Google Keyword Planner or Keywords Everywhere on YouTube to measure search volume.
• High volume on a broad term (e.g. "weight loss") confirms category demand — it doesn't define your course.
• Narrow focus will show lower volume; that's expected and doesn't mean low viability.
• Example: "weight loss" → "postpartum weight loss" — narrowing confirms a unique market position within a proven category.

Human validation: the non-negotiable step

• Conduct 50 ideal client interviews (ICA interviews) via Zoom — research only, no selling.
• Where to find interviewees: existing network, past clients, engaged members of relevant Facebook groups, podcast listeners, YouTube commenters, forum participants.
• Build relationships first by adding value — answer questions, share tips, show up consistently.
• Core interview questions:
  • What are you most challenged, frustrated, or struggling with when it comes to [topic]?
  • What is the number one thing you wish you could learn to overcome this?
  • If you solved this, what would the ideal outcome look like for you?
• These answers directly shape curriculum and messaging.

Real examples

• Jordan (gardening for mental health): pre-sold 8 of 10 spots; 281 people expressed interest after joining Canadian gardening Facebook groups and answering questions consistently.
• Jared (executive chefs becoming leaders): pre-sold 17 spots, generating $66,000 before the course was built.