How I Built a $50,000 Online Course About Impulse Buying (And How You Can Too)

Teaching What You Know: Turning Expertise into Income

Ever thought about turning what you know into a steady income stream? I did exactly that. I took my fascination with impulse buying and built a $50,000 online course from scratch. Let me show you how I did it—and how you can too.

The Lightbulb Moment: Recognizing Market Potential

It all started with late-night scrolling. I kept seeing collectors talk about those “oops, I bought it” moments—especially after a drink or two. They’d wake up to a rare coin in the mail and a dent in their wallet. That’s when it hit me: this wasn’t just funny stories. It was a real problem people wanted to solve. So I created “The Psychology of Impulse Buying: How to Make It Work for You.”

Identifying the Core Problem

Digging deeper, I noticed a few common threads:

• Buyers feeling regret after a rushed purchase
• Sellers capitalizing on those impulsive moments
• Collectors looking for ways to stay in control
• The thrill—and stress—of winning an auction you barely remember bidding on

Course Creation: From Concept to Curriculum

Module Structure

I broke the course into six clear modules:

• Why we make impulse decisions
• How to spot an impulsive buyer (hint: it’s easier than you think)
• Timing your auctions for those late-night clicks
• Writing listings that tempt people to click “buy now”
• Keeping your own impulse spending in check

Platform Selection

I tried a few platforms and here’s what worked for me:

Teachable was perfect for building a community around the course. Udemy helped new students find me easily. I used Teachable for the main course and put shorter versions on Udemy to attract more people.

Marketing Strategies That Convert

Leveraging Niche Communities

I went straight to where my audience was already talking—forums and Facebook groups. I offered free mini-courses that tackled their biggest frustrations. Here’s an example of an ad that worked well:

Example Facebook Ad Copy:
"Ever woken up to a surprise package? Learn how collectors avoid buyer’s remorse (yes, even after a glass of wine). Free mini-course inside!"

Content Marketing Approach

Instead of just selling, I gave value first. I shared:

• Real stories of impulse buys gone right (and wrong)
• Fun videos comparing sober vs. tipsy bidding
• Interviews with sellers who’ve mastered the art of the impulse sale

Monetization and Scaling

Upsell Strategy

The main course cost $97 and included:

• All video lessons
• Practical worksheets
• Access to a supportive community

For those who wanted more, I offered a premium version at $297 with:

• A personal strategy call with me
• A custom bidding plan
• My advanced guide on triggering impulse buys

Key Takeaways for Your Course Creation

1. Find what makes your audience tick—emotionally
2. Build your content around solving their specific problems
3. Pick platforms that fit your style and goals
4. Show, don’t just tell—share your knowledge freely
5. Offer options so people can choose what works for them

Conclusion: Turning Observations Into Income

What began as curiosity about late-night bidding turned into my most profitable project yet. By paying attention to real struggles, creating useful content, and connecting with the right people, I built an online course that changed my income—and my students’ habits. You can do this too. Look for those everyday frustrations in your niche. There’s a good chance others are willing to learn how you solve them.

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