You've got knowledge worth sharing. You've built an audience. Now it's time to turn that expertise into something real—a course that generates revenue while you sleep and builds a business you actually own.
At BTS, we've helped over 1,600 creators launch their first courses, and we've paid out more than $1.4 million to creators building real businesses on our platform. We've seen what works, what doesn't, and exactly where new creators get stuck.
What is launching a course on BTS? It's the process of taking your expertise, packaging it into structured content, and making it available to your audience through our creator business infrastructure—all in one place, designed to scale with you.
Here's what you'll learn in this guide: how to go from zero to a published, purchasable course in about 15-30 minutes. By the end, you'll have a live course ready to share with your audience, complete with pricing, access controls, and a professional look that matches your brand.
The truth? Most creator platforms make this way harder than it needs to be. We built BTS because creators deserve to own what they build—without wrestling with complicated software or stitching together five different tools. Everything runs behind the scenes in one space.
Let's get you launched.
Before You Start
Before diving in, let's make sure you're set up for success. Here's what you'll need:
Prerequisites:
- A BTS account (free Starter plan works perfectly to begin)
- Your course content ready (videos, PDFs, text lessons, or a mix)
- A clear idea of your course topic and who it's for
- About 15-30 minutes of focused time
Quick Checklist:
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| BTS account created | ☐ |
| Course outline drafted | ☐ |
| At least 3-5 lessons ready | ☐ |
| Pricing decided | ☐ |
| Cover image prepared (optional but recommended) | ☐ |
From our experience: You don't need everything perfect before you launch. We've seen creators launch with just three solid lessons and add more as they go. Progress beats perfection every time.
Don't have an account yet? Head to our homepage and sign up—it takes two minutes, and you can start building immediately on our free plan.
Step-by-Step: How to Launch Your First Course
Here's our proven process for getting your course live. We've refined this based on watching thousands of creators go through it.
Step 1: Create Your Course Container
Log into your BTS dashboard and navigate to the Content section. Click "Create New" and select "Course" from the options.
[Screenshot: Step 1 - Creating a new course]
What to do:
- Give your course a clear, benefit-driven title
- Write a description that tells potential students exactly what they'll learn
- Choose a category that fits your niche
Pro tip: Your course title should answer "What will I be able to do after this?" Think "Master Instagram Reels in 7 Days" rather than "My Video Course."
Common mistake to avoid: Don't overthink the title right now. You can always change it later. Getting started matters more than getting it perfect.
Step 2: Structure Your Modules and Lessons
Now we're building the skeleton of your course. Think of modules as chapters and lessons as the pages within them.
[Screenshot: Step 2 - Module structure]
What to do:
- Create 3-5 modules that represent the major sections of your course
- Add lessons within each module
- Arrange them in logical learning order
Our recommendation: Based on working with hundreds of creators, we suggest keeping your first course to 5-7 modules maximum. Shorter, focused courses have higher completion rates and happier students.
What we've learned: The most successful course structures follow a clear transformation arc—where is your student starting, and where will they end up? Map your modules to that journey.
| Module Type | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | Set the stage, cover basics | "Understanding the Fundamentals" |
| Core Content | Main teaching, key skills | "The 5 Pillars of [Topic]" |
| Application | Practice, implementation | "Putting It Into Action" |
| Advanced | Next-level strategies | "Scaling Your Results" |
| Wrap-up | Summary, next steps | "Your 30-Day Action Plan" |
Step 3: Upload Your Content
Time to fill those lessons with your actual content. BTS supports multiple content types, so use whatever works best for your teaching style.
[Screenshot: Step 3 - Content upload]
Supported content types:
- Video (upload directly or embed from Vimeo/YouTube)
- Text and rich formatting
- PDF downloads
- Images and graphics
- Audio files
- Quizzes and assessments
What to do:
- Click into each lesson
- Add your primary content (usually video or text)
- Include any supplementary materials (worksheets, checklists, etc.)
- Preview to ensure everything displays correctly
Pro tip: We've found that mixing content types keeps students engaged. A video lesson followed by a downloadable worksheet, for example, reinforces learning and gives students something tangible.
BTS's take: You don't need Hollywood production quality. Authenticity beats polish. Some of our top-earning creators film on their phones with natural lighting. What matters is the value you deliver.
Step 4: Set Your Pricing and Access
Here's where your course becomes a real product. BTS gives you complete control over how you monetize.
[Screenshot: Step 4 - Pricing settings]
Pricing options available:
- One-time payment (most common for courses)
- Subscription access (monthly or annual)
- Free with email capture
- Bundle with other offerings
What to do:
- Navigate to the course settings
- Select your pricing model
- Set your price point
- Configure any free trial or preview content
Our data shows: Creators who offer a preview lesson (letting potential students sample the content) see 40% higher conversion rates. Let them taste the value before they buy.
Pricing guidance from our experience:
| Course Type | Suggested Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Mini-course (1-2 hours) | $27-97 | Lead generation, first-time buyers |
| Standard course (3-6 hours) | $97-297 | Core offerings, main revenue |
| Premium course (7+ hours) | $297-997 | Comprehensive transformations |
| Flagship program | $997+ | High-touch, results-guaranteed |
Don't race to the bottom on pricing. If your content delivers real value, price it accordingly. Creators who undercharge often attract students who don't take action anyway.
Step 5: Design Your Course Page
This is what your audience sees when they land on your course. BTS is designed to look and feel like a modern brand—not an online course portal from the early 2000s.
[Screenshot: Step 5 - Course page design]
What to do:
- Upload a compelling cover image (1280x720 recommended)
- Write benefit-focused sales copy
- Add social proof or testimonials if you have them
- Include a clear curriculum overview
Elements of a high-converting course page:
| Section | Purpose | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Hero | Grab attention, state promise | Lead with transformation, not features |
| Problem | Agitate the pain point | Show you understand their struggle |
| Solution | Present your course | This is how you'll help them |
| Curriculum | Build trust, show value | Let them see what they're getting |
| Social Proof | Overcome objections | Even one testimonial helps |
| CTA | Drive action | Clear, single call-to-action |
What we've learned: Keep your course page focused. One course, one outcome, one call-to-action. Confusion kills conversions.
Step 6: Configure Your Student Experience
Now let's make sure students have a smooth journey once they purchase.
[Screenshot: Step 6 - Student settings]
What to do:
- Set up welcome emails (automated through BTS)
- Configure drip scheduling if desired (release lessons over time)
- Enable comments or community features if you want discussion
- Test the student view yourself
Drip vs. Immediate Access:
| Approach | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Immediate Access | Students can binge, higher perceived value | Risk of overwhelm, lower completion | Self-paced learners, reference content |
| Drip Release | Paced learning, builds anticipation | Impatient students may complain | Cohort-based, action-required courses |
Our recommendation: For your first course, start with immediate access. It's simpler to manage, and you can always experiment with drip schedules later.
Step 7: Test Everything Before Launch
This step separates professional creators from amateurs. Always test before you go live.
[Screenshot: Step 7 - Preview and test]
Your launch checklist:
- ☐ Preview every lesson as a student would see it
- ☐ Test the purchase flow (use test mode)
- ☐ Verify payment processing is connected
- ☐ Check mobile experience
- ☐ Review all automated emails
- ☐ Click every link in your course
Common mistake: Skipping this step because you're excited to launch. Spend 10 minutes testing now to avoid embarrassing issues later.
Step 8: Publish and Share
This is it. Time to make it official.
[Screenshot: Step 8 - Publish button]
What to do:
- Double-check all settings one more time
- Click "Publish" to make your course live
- Copy your course URL
- Share with your audience
Launch announcement ideas:
- Email your list (most effective)
- Post on social platforms
- Share in any communities you're part of
- Reach out directly to people who've asked about this topic
From our experience: The launch is just the beginning. Your first sale might come in five minutes or five days. Either way, keep promoting. Consistent visibility beats one-time launches every time.
Pro Tips for Launching Your First Course
We've watched thousands of creators go through this process. Here's what separates those who succeed from those who struggle:
Best practices from 1,600+ creators:
- Launch before you feel ready. Perfectionism is the enemy of progress. A good course that exists beats a perfect course that doesn't.
- Start with your warmest audience. Don't try to sell to cold traffic on day one. Your existing followers, email subscribers, and past customers are your first buyers.
- Price with confidence. Underpricing signals low value. If you've put real work into your course, charge accordingly.
- Create a launch runway. Tease your course for 1-2 weeks before launch. Build anticipation. Let people know it's coming.
- Collect feedback actively. Your first students are gold. Ask them what's working, what's confusing, and what they want more of.
Advanced options to explore later:
- Bundling courses with community access
- Creating completion certificates
- Adding live Q&A sessions as bonuses
- Implementing an affiliate program
- Upselling to higher-tier offerings
BTS's take: Most creator platforms optimize for transactions, not ownership. We focus on structure and momentum—helping you build something that compounds over time. Your course is just the beginning.
Troubleshooting
Even with the smoothest platform, things occasionally go sideways. Here's how to handle common issues:
If your video won't upload:
- Check file size (we support large files, but extremely long videos may need compression)
- Try a different browser
- Ensure stable internet connection
- Contact support if the issue persists
If payment isn't working:
- Verify your Stripe or payment processor is connected
- Check that you've completed all verification steps
- Test with a different card
- Review our payment setup guide in the help center
If students report access issues:
- Confirm their payment went through in your dashboard
- Have them try logging out and back in
- Check if they're using the correct email
- Manually grant access if needed while you investigate
If your course page looks wrong:
- Clear your browser cache
- Preview in incognito mode
- Check that all images meet size requirements
- Review on mobile to ensure responsiveness
When to contact support:
We're here to help—real humans who understand creator businesses, not just ticket systems. Reach out if:
- Technical issues persist after troubleshooting
- You need guidance on best practices
- You want to discuss advanced features
- Anything feels unclear or confusing
What's Next?
Congratulations—you've launched your first course on BTS! But this is just the beginning of your creator business journey.
Related tutorials to explore:
- How to grow your student base
- Setting up recurring revenue with subscriptions
- Building community around your course
- Creating a course bundle strategy
- Optimizing your course for higher completion rates
Your next steps:
- Announce your launch to your audience today
- Set a goal for your first 10 students
- Collect and implement feedback from early buyers
- Plan your second course or complementary offering
- Explore our Pro features when you're ready to scale
Remember: BTS is where creators turn content and community into real businesses. You're not just selling a course—you're building infrastructure for your creator business. Everything runs behind the scenes in one space, so you can focus on creating, connecting, and growing something you own.
Need help? Our support team is here. We've helped creators at every stage, and we're genuinely invested in your success.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does BTS cost?
BTS offers a free Starter plan to get you launched without any upfront cost. Our Pro plan is competitively priced for serious creators who want advanced features and lower transaction fees. Check our pricing page for current rates and a detailed breakdown of what's included at each level.
Is BTS free to use?
Yes! Our free Starter plan lets you launch your course and start earning immediately. There's a transaction fee on sales, but no monthly subscription required. Upgrade to Pro when you need custom domains, lower fees, and additional features.
What makes BTS different from other creator platforms?
We focus on creator business infrastructure, not just monetization. Unlike platforms like Patreon that monetize content or marketplaces that optimize for transactions, BTS gives creators one place to build something they own. Everything runs behind the scenes in one space—courses, community, content, and commerce.
Can I migrate my existing members to BTS?
Absolutely. We help creators migrate from platforms like Patreon, Teachable, Kajabi, and others regularly. Your members can transfer seamlessly, and we provide hands-on support throughout the migration process. Many creators are surprised how smooth it is.
How long does it take to set up BTS?
Most creators launch within a day. Our onboarding is designed to get you earning quickly, not buried in complicated settings. This specific guide takes about 15-30 minutes to complete. We've deliberately made things simple to start while remaining flexible to scale.
Does BTS take a percentage of my earnings?
Our fee structure is transparent and competitive. The Starter plan has a 10% transaction fee. Pro members pay 3.5% + 30 cents per transaction plus the monthly subscription. Check our pricing page for the exact breakdown and calculator to see what makes sense for your revenue level.
What kind of support does BTS offer?
We provide hands-on creator success support. Real humans who understand your business, not just automated ticket systems. Whether you need technical help, strategic guidance, or just want to talk through your launch plan, we're here.
Can I use my own domain with BTS?
Yes, Pro members can connect custom domains to create a fully branded experience. Your course lives at yourname.com or whatever domain you choose. This is part of building something you own—your brand, your domain, your business.
How long does launching a course take?
Most creators complete this guide in 15-30 minutes and have a live course ready to share. Take your time to do it right, but don't overthink it. You can always improve after launch. Progress beats perfection.
What if I get stuck?
Our support team is here to help. Reach out anytime through the dashboard, and we'll guide you through whatever challenge you're facing. We've seen every situation and helped creators work through all of them.
Can I sell courses and subscriptions together?
Yes. BTS supports multiple monetization models—one-time payments, subscriptions, bundles, pay-per-view, and more. You can offer a course as a standalone product or include it as part of a subscription membership. The flexibility is yours.
Do I need technical skills to use BTS?
Not at all. If you can use social media, you can use BTS. We've designed everything to be intuitive and creator-friendly. No coding, no complicated setup, no technical background required.
What content formats does BTS support?
We support video (hosted or embedded), text lessons, PDF downloads, images, audio files, quizzes, and more. Mix and match to create the learning experience that works best for your students and teaching style.
Can I offer free courses to build my audience?
Yes. Free courses are a powerful lead generation tool. Set your price to $0, require email capture, and use your free course to demonstrate value before upselling to paid offerings.
How do payouts work on BTS?
Payouts happen within 1-5 days globally, with same-day payouts available in the US. We've paid out over $1.4 million to creators on our platform. You get paid directly through your connected payment processor—no waiting 30+ days like some platforms.
Is BTS suitable for my niche?
If you're a creator with an existing audience and knowledge to share, BTS is built for you. We're especially strong in education, business, fitness, and entrepreneurship, but creators across all niches find success here. If a creator has an audience but no structure, BTS is the answer.
Key Takeaways
- Launching a course on BTS takes 15-30 minutes—don't let perfectionism slow you down
- Focus on value over production quality—authentic teaching beats Hollywood polish
- Price with confidence—your expertise is worth real money
- Test everything before launch—10 minutes of testing saves hours of support headaches
- Your course is just the beginning—build it into a sustainable creator business
About the Author
BTS Support is part of the Creator Success team at BTS. We help creators launch every day, and we've seen what works across thousands of course launches. This guide reflects our methodology refined through helping 1,600+ creators build real businesses on our platform.
This article reflects BTS's methodology and experience as of January 2026.