What are course creators' biggest challenges in 2026?
At the end of 2025, I asked my audience to participate in a survey for existing or aspiring course creators. More than 250 subscribers replied, and their responses confirmed what I’ve been witnessing in today’s online course industry.
It is no secret that I am a big fan of online education.
I love how the internet has made learning and teaching more accessible and affordable for people from all walks of life. Becoming a course creator in my 50s has transformed my life in ways I could never have imagined when I was working as an employee for others. The freedom of being my own boss has been amazing. When my online course business surpassed its first $100K in revenue, it felt a little unreal, but I was also very proud of having created that from zero. Seeing my students thrive in their own businesses is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
Sadly, the online course industry is also deeply embedded in hustle culture.
Hustle culture, with its secrets and manipulative high-pressure sales tactics, has always been problematic, and AI is now taking it to new levels. As a result, the market is flooded with fluffed-up, poorly written lead magnets and garbage courses.
The survey results reflect some of the challenges this presents for those of us who prefer a calmer, more authentic approach to course creation.
Let’s take a closer look and start with some of the survey demographics…
What age group do you fall into?
As a late-bloomer solopreneur who started her business in her early 50s, it makes sense that 65% of my audience is 46 and older. I love that there are a few twentysomething, too 😉
What do you currently offer in your business?
It was interesting to me that the majority of entrepreneurs with online courses have a hybrid business, offering courses as well as other products, and services. That was me, too, for four years before transitioning to full-time teaching.
How long have you had your business?
Lots of well-established businesses, loved seeing this!
If you don’t offer courses, are you planning to do so in the future?
Wow! 90% want to launch an online course, almost 70% within the next 12 months. That’s amazing because my audience does not consist of hustlers, these are established and experienced entrepreneurs who are experts in their fields. I found this very encouraging because our online world does need more authentic, human, and skilled virtual teachers.
And now the big question: What are your biggest challenges when it comes to course creation?
Thank you so much to everyone who responded with such passion and attention to detail here! From all the answers, five themes emerged, and I wholeheartedly agree with these being the biggest challenges for calm course creators. Let’s have a look at them:
1. Marketing without the hustle
“The idea of marketing my course stresses me out.”
“I don’t like marketing.”
“I don’t know how to sell my course without hustling.”
“My course isn’t selling.”
I noticed a deep resistance to the familiar high-pressure, pushy marketing approach. I am right there with you! You want to promote authentically, but feel overwhelmed and unsure how to market your course without constantly selling, selling, selling.
2. Time and energy
“I struggle to find the time to create my course.”
“My energy or time is very limited.”
“This feels like too much work.”
Balancing course creation with other responsibilities (client work, jobs, family commitments) is a very common challenge for solopreneurs and can make it feel impossible. Many of you worry that you’ll never finish or maintain momentum once you start.
3. Not knowing where or how to start
“I want to do it but don’t know where to even start.”
“Coming up with the structure of my course is hard.”
“I don’t know what to teach.”
There was a decided lack of clarity and confidence in how to begin. Fom defining the course topic to structuring modules, lessons, and delivery format. Blank page syndrome is real at this stage!
4. Confidence and comparison
“I love the idea of teaching, but worry I’m not good enough.”
“There are too many courses already — I’m too late.”
“My audience is very small — is it even worth it?”
Imposter syndrome and comparison paralysis are common challenges not just for course creators, but also for solopreneurs in general. New course creators especially doubt their expertise and fear that the saturated market means their work won’t stand out.
5. Technology
“I don’t know which course platform is best.”
“I don’t know what software or hardware I need.”
“The tech is stressful.”
Tech hurdles — from recording equipment to platform setup — create enough friction for course creators that they often stop them in their tracks before they even start. This is especially common amongst creative entrepreneurs who are passionate about their craft but easily overwhelmed by the technical aspects of running an online business.
Conclusion & Next Step
The online course industry is growing up, and only those who are true experts and passionate teachers will continue to succeed in it. The challenges — marketing without hustle to managing time, confidence, and tech — are real for those of you who prefer a gentler approach to business and life. But they are by no means insurmountable.
The good news is that you can turn these challenges into successes with a clear roadmap, step-by-step guidance, and the right support to help you move forward calmly yet consistently. That’s what my Calm Course Creator course is all about: helping ethical entrepreneurs like you bring your course idea to life with structure, clarity, and ease — so you can finally launch your first online course!
☞ Enrolment now open!
