Earning an income from something you're really good at has never been easier thanks to online platforms like Skillshare. With the changing dynamics of the global job market, there are ample opportunities available online to facilitate earning passive income.
If you are looking for a chance to make some quick money through online teaching, then SkillShare is the perfect platform for you. It is a subscription-based online learning community wherein there are thousands of courses from myriad subjects and topics.
The services available via SkillShare are free unless you feel the need to upgrade to the Premium Plan. All you need is some basic teaching material for the subject of your choice and filming equipment to record your sessions. Curated below are some expert-recommended tips that can help you design your first course.
Selecting the Topic
The first step is to select a topic that you can teach confidently. For this, you can select any one of your favorite hobbies such as cooking, playing any instrument, painting, and others. Productivity classes like these are a huge hit on the platform and your classes will be an instant success.
Pick a topic and assess how your target audience base can benefit from it. Try to define reasons as to why should one sign up for your class. In this way, not only will you be teaching your passion, but you will be earning money out of it as well!
Framing the Outline
It is paramount that your video is professional and organized. An effective way to ensure this is to frame a well-planned outline as to how you wish to go about the course. This script can include important components, exciting activities, and virtual assessments.
Usually, one class on SkillShare lasts anywhere between 20 to 60 minutes. This can be further subdivided into multiple sections of 3 to 5 minutes each. Furthermore, you can inculcate interesting presentations and physical demonstrations to make your classes more engaging.
Recording the Class
This might seem to be quite intimidating if you are facing the camera for the first time. However, with regular practice, you can get used to it and put out your best foot forward while recording your classes.
Furthermore, a great way to garner the undivided attention of your target audience is to film the session in a bright spot with good lighting and background. Make sure that your frame is organized and contains only the essential elements without looking too crowded.
If you are concerned about what to record on, you can simply pick up your smartphone and film your session. As long as the video is being shot in HD quality (720p), the device of filming hardly matters.
You can make minor edits to your class using Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro in order to give them a more professional appearance. However, we recommend that you do not go too cinematic with the edits and keep it simple instead
Publish the Class
Now that you are ready to upload your class, go to the SkillShare website and create an account by following some simple steps. After doing so, click on the “Become a Teacher” option. Then, click on “Create a Class” and start uploading your recorded video.
Keep in mind that you will have to upload each section of your video separately, till the total video time must hit 10 minutes for it to be published. The processing time for the entire video is approximately 10 to 30 minutes.
Furthermore, you can upload a thumbnail or cover page for your video as well. It should be catchy and attractive in order to gain the attention of your target audience. The dimensions for the same should be 1280x720 for the best results.
Monetizing the Class
One way through which you can make money is referrals, which is roughly $10 per sign-up. Apart from this, you will be earning certain royalties from your uploaded videos. This can fluctuate between at least $200 to $300 per month!
Moreover, if you are regular with your uploads, and the uploaded videos are of top quality, you qualify as a top teacher. These teachers can get an opportunity to earn up to $1000 per month as they reach out to more students.
In case you are looking for more helpful tips, you can refer to the Teacher Handbook available on the website.
Conclusion
Your hobby might be something that others consider a skill and are passionate to learn about. Instead of keeping the joy all to yourself, you can teach others and make a nice income too. Skillshare provides the platform, all you've got to do is share your knowledge.
