If you’ve been eyeing the online course space and wondering, “Is it too crowded?” or “Do I really need to do a 10-day launch again?” – this one’s for you. Whether you’re dreaming up your first digital course or you’re already knee-deep in Kajabi lessons and upsells, 2025 brings some exciting shifts in how we create, launch, and sell online courses.

Spoiler: you don’t need 100 videos, a film crew, or a brand-new bonus every 24 hours to make your course a success. Trust me.

Let’s dive into what’s working right now and the real-deal strategies that are helping course creators not just sell – but support their students in getting actual results.

Is the Online Course Market Too Saturated in 2025?

Short answer: Yes… but don’t panic. Saturation isn’t a dealbreaker – it’s proof of demand. And in 2025, people know what online courses are. You’re not spending your time explaining the concept of a digital course anymore. Instead, you’re selling results.

That also means you can get wildly specific with your niche. Gone are the days of creating “The Ultimate Email Marketing Course.” Now? There’s room for micro-courses like “How to Make Custom GIFs for Your Welcome Email.” (Yes, really.)

So is the space crowded? Absolutely. But with the right strategy and a clear transformation, your course will stand out.

Shorter Launches. Shorter Courses. Sharper Results.

Raise your hand if you’ve ever planned a 10-day launch and totally lost steam by day 4 🙋‍♀️

You’re not alone – and you’re not crazy for wanting something shorter. In 2025, we’re seeing launches shrink down to 3-4 days (some even 48 hours). Why? Because attention spans are shorter. Your audience doesn’t want to wade through 10 days of live streams and bonus stacking. They want clarity, momentum, and a clear deadline.

The same goes for course content. Long-winded, do-it-all courses are on the decline. People are craving fast wins and focused takeaways – and honestly, that’s a good thing. A well-designed short course is easier to finish, easier to sell, and way less likely to collect digital dust in someone’s inbox.

Want People to Finish Your Course? Make It Easy to Consume.

Real talk: most of us have unfinished courses sitting in our accounts. And as a creator, that’s frustrating. So how do we help people actually finish?

Here’s what’s working:

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  Offer multiple ways to learn (video + audio + transcript)

  
  
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  Add downloadable handouts to your lessons

  
  
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  Let people listen on the go (Kajabi’s app is perfect for this)

  
  
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  Keep videos to 10-15 minutes max whenever possible

  
  

Remember, most people are multitasking while taking your course – folding laundry, doing admin work, walking the dog. Your job is to make it easy to plug into your content, not force them into a 90-minute sit-down.

Bonus Tip: Put the Lesson Time in the Title

It sounds small, but it’s huge. When people see “Video Length: 12 minutes” right in the lesson title, they’re way more likely to press play. Also: remind them they can watch on 2x speed! 🏃‍♀️

Launching in 2025: Live vs. Evergreen

Both models work – but each has its trade-offs.

Live launches tend to convert better thanks to that built-in urgency. But they’re also time-consuming and exhausting (especially if you’re wearing all the hats in your business).

Evergreen launches, on the other hand, give you freedom – but they require consistent visibility. You can’t just mention your course in a welcome email once and call it a day. If you’re going evergreen, commit to talking about your offer regularly. Use content, social posts, bonuses, and fresh angles to keep it feeling new.

Not sure which to choose? Consider your course topic. If someone finds you and is ready now – can they buy? If not, offer a strong freebie that keeps them warm until your next open cart.

Accountability Is the New Value Add

One of the biggest online course trends in 2025? Built-in support. People are tired of going it alone, and they’re craving community.

Here’s what’s working now:

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  Cohorts or live rounds

  
  
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  Coaching calls or hot seat sessions

  
  
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  Accountability buddies (yes, even via Facebook threads)

  
  
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  Silent coworking Zooms (low lift for you, high impact for them)

  
  

And no – it doesn’t always have to be you leading the support. A team member can host a coworking session, answer FAQs, or guide students through a lesson. It’s all about creating momentum and reducing isolation.

Done-for-You Templates Are Still Gold

This one hasn’t changed much – people love a shortcut.

Whether it’s a Canva pack, a Dubsado proposal, or pitch email scripts, done-for-you assets make your course more actionable (and more irresistible). I’ve even seen students say they bought a course just for the bonus template. Moral of the story? Don’t sleep on DFY. If you happen to be in need of some free social media templates – I’ve got you!

What to Do If Your Launch Flops

First: don’t spiral.

Everyone has a “launch flop” story. What separates successful course creators is how they respond. Instead of blowing up your whole plan mid-launch (don’t change your course name at 11 PM, friend), try these smaller tweaks:

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  Offer a new payment plan

  
  
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  Add a limited-time bonus

  
  
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  Send a short, personal Loom to warm leads who clicked the sales page

  
  
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  Hop on Instagram for an AMA

  
  
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  Check your sales page for missing info (like refund policies)

  
  

Stay calm. Collect feedback. And test again next time. Course success compounds – but only if you stay in the game.

Refund Requests Will Happen. Here’s How to Handle Them.

If you sell online courses, you will get refund requests. It’s not a bad sign – it’s proof that you’re reaching real people.

My advice? Make your refund policy crystal clear upfront. Personally, I like a 14-day window with no hoops. If someone’s asking for a refund, they probably weren’t the right fit – and that’s okay.

Want to collect helpful data? Use a short form that asks why they’re requesting a refund. Sometimes, a simple “I couldn’t find the thing I needed” leads to a saved sale.

One Last Thing About Trends…

Trends are helpful. But they’re not gospel.

At the end of the day, your course should reflect you, your students, and your unique strengths. If you hate live launching? Don’t do it. If you love being on camera? Go for it. If you’re a behind-the-scenes girly like me, embrace the slides and record in your hoodie.

Because the real trend for 2025? Building courses that feel aligned, intentional, and human.

 

Ready to Build Your First (or Next) Course?

 

If you’re planning to launch a course this year, I’ve got you covered. Grab my free Podcast Starter Kit (because yes, your voice can be your best marketing tool), or check out my site to see how I can help you build a brand, website, and digital product that actually sells.