How I Turned My Niche Expertise in Overdates Into a $50,000 Online Course on Teachable

I still remember the first time I held an overdated coin in my hand. It felt like uncovering a secret code — one that thousands of collectors were hunting for. That moment sparked a passion that eventually turned into a $50,000 online course on Teachable. And honestly? It didn’t start as a business idea. It started as curiosity.

If you’ve ever thought, “Could I teach what I know?” — the answer is yes. I did. And you can too, especially with platforms like Teachable and Udemy making it easier than ever to share your knowledge and get paid for it.

Identifying Your Niche Expertise

My path began with something very specific: numismatic overdates — coins where the date was re-engraved or altered during minting. Sounds niche? It is. But that’s exactly why it worked.

I didn’t set out to teach the entire world about coin collecting. I focused on the one thing I knew better than anyone else: spotting and valuing overdates. That specificity became my superpower.

Why Niche Matters

When you go narrow, you go deep. And that’s what people pay for.

• Target a specific audience: I wasn’t selling to “people who like coins.” I was selling to collectors actively hunting for overdates — a much easier sell.

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• Stand out in a crowded market: No one else was teaching this exact skill in video format. My course filled a real gap.

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• Create more effective marketing: I knew where my students hung out (Facebook groups, coin forums, YouTube channels), so I spoke directly to them.

Conducting Market Research

Before I filmed a single lesson, I spent weeks just listening.

• Online Forums: I lurked in numismatic communities like Reddit’s r/coins and CoinTalk, noting the same questions popping up: “Is this an overdate?” “How do I authenticate it?” “What’s it worth?”
• Keyword Research: Tools like Google Keyword Planner and Ahrefs showed me search volume for terms like “how to identify overdates” and “overdate coin value.” Low competition, high intent — perfect.
• Competitor Analysis: I checked Udemy and YouTube. Most content was outdated or superficial. I saw room for a structured, step-by-step course.

That research gave me confidence. People were searching. They were asking. They were ready to pay.

Structuring Your Course

I didn’t want to just dump information. I wanted students to feel like they were learning something tangible — something they could use the next day at an auction or coin show.

Defining Learning Objectives

I broke it down like a guidebook. Each module had a clear outcome:

• Module 1: Know what an overdate is — and isn’t.
• Module 2: Spot overdates with 90% accuracy using the right tools.
• Module 3: Authenticate and grade like a pro, even without certification.
• Module 4: Know which overdates are trending and how to value them.
• Module 5: Start building a collection that grows in value.

Every lesson ended with a “Now try this” challenge — because real learning happens when you apply it.

Creating an Engaging Curriculum

I mixed things up to keep it interesting:

• Module 1: Introduction to Overdates — History, myths, and why these coins matter.
• Module 2: Identifying Overdates — Close-up video inspections, microscope tips, and using reference books like the Cherrypicker’s Guide.
• Module 3: Authentication and Grading — How to spot fakes, understand PCGS/NGC standards, and when to send coins in for certification.
• Module 4: Market Trends and Valuation — Real auction results, price guides, and how to spot undervalued overdates.
• Module 5: Building a Collection — My personal strategy for sourcing, storing, and tracking value over time.

Developing High-Quality Content

I invested in a decent microphone and lighting. Nothing fancy — just clear audio and good visuals. I used screen recordings to show how I examine coins magnified on my computer. And I shared real stories: like the time I bought a $20 coin that turned out to be a rare overdate worth $800.

Students loved those moments. They weren’t just learning facts — they were learning from experience.

Choosing the Right Platform

I tested both Teachable and Udemy — and used each for different reasons.

Teachable: Customization and Control

Teachable became my home base. I loved that I could:

• Brand the course: Use my logo, colors, and custom website. It felt like my school.
• Set my own pricing: I tested $97, $147, and $197. $147 performed best — good value, not too cheap.
• Engage with students: The discussion forum let me answer questions directly. Students helped each other. It built a real community.

Plus, I could add quizzes, downloadable checklists, and even a private Facebook group for students.

Udemy: Reach and Exposure

Udemy was my marketing machine. They promote courses through email blasts, coupons, and affiliate programs. I got my first 200 sales through their “$9.99” deals. It was low margin, but it built reviews and social proof.

Once I had 5-star ratings, I could raise my price and sell at full value — especially on Teachable.

Marketing Your Course

A course is just a file until you get people to see it. Here’s what worked for me.

Building an Email List

I gave away a free “5 Most Common Overdates” PDF in exchange for email sign-ups. It was short, useful, and led straight into the full course. I sent a 5-day email series with tips, stories, and a limited-time discount. Open rates? Over 50%. That never happens with ads.

Leveraging Social Media

I posted short videos on YouTube and Instagram: “This coin sold for $1,200 — here’s why.” “How to spot an overdate in under 60 seconds.” No sales pitch — just value. I linked to my free PDF in the bio. Traffic followed.

I also shared behind-the-scenes: filming a lesson, testing a new checklist, or chatting with a student who made a big find.

Collaborating with Influencers

I reached out to respected coin dealers and YouTubers in the niche. Not big celebrities — just trusted voices. One let me guest post on their blog. Another invited me to co-host a live “Ask Me Anything” session. We split the attendees. I sold 17 courses that night.

Running Paid Ads

I tested Facebook and Google ads. Instead of “buy my course,” I targeted curiosity: “Do you own one of these rare 1943 copper pennies?” or “This common error could be worth $5,000.”

I A/B tested headlines, images, and calls to action. After a few weeks, I knew exactly what converted.

Creating a Referral Program

I gave students a 20% commission for every friend they referred. Some earned hundreds of dollars. One student referred 8 people just because he loved the course that much.

Scaling for Passive Income

Once the course was live, I stopped doing one-on-one consultations. The course replaced hours of work with one-time effort and ongoing revenue.

Offering Upsells and Cross-Sells

After Module 3, I offered a $49 “Authentication Toolkit” — a PDF with checklists, sample images, and grading tips. It had a 35% conversion rate.

I also sold a $97 “Advanced Overtime Workshop” — a live, limited-access class with Q&A.

Creating a Membership Site

Eventually, I launched a monthly membership: exclusive videos, monthly coin evaluations, and a private Discord group. Students paid $29/month. It’s now my most consistent income stream.

Licensing and Partnerships

A major coin show licensed my course for their educational program. A dealer bundled it with a starter coin set — “Learn what you’re buying!” It opened doors I never expected.

Measuring Success and Iterating

I didn’t just set it and forget it. I paid attention.

• Course completion rate: If people dropped off after Module 2, I made the next lessons shorter or added a bonus video.
• Student feedback: I asked, “What was the most valuable part?” and “What should I add?” I added a new module on “Overdates in Canadian Coins” based on that.
• Sales and revenue: I tracked which emails, ads, and landing pages converted best. I doubled down on what worked.
• Engagement metrics: High forum activity? Great. Low quiz scores? Time to simplify a lesson.

Every quarter, I reviewed and updated one module. It kept the course fresh and students coming back.

Key Takeaways

Here’s what I learned — and what you can apply to your own course:

• Your niche doesn’t need to be big — it needs to be passionate. My audience was small, but fiercely loyal.
• Structure matters as much as content. A clear path keeps people moving forward.
• Teachable gives you control. Udemy gives you reach. Use both wisely.
• Marketing is about giving first. Free value builds trust — and customers.
• Passive income isn’t passive at first. It takes effort. Then it compounds.
• Always listen to your students. They’ll tell you how to improve — and what to sell next.

Conclusion

My course didn’t happen overnight. It took months of filming, testing, and tweaking. But once it was out there, it kept working — even while I slept.

You don’t need to be a celebrity. You don’t need a huge audience. You just need one skill, one passion, and the courage to teach it.

Whether you’re into coin collecting, coding, cooking, or coaching — your knowledge is worth something. And with the right platform, the right structure, and the right marketing, it can become your next income stream.

I started by teaching what I loved. Now, it pays my bills. And honestly? That’s the best part.

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