Online learning is booming — and behind every successful course is a passionate instructor. But what does it really take to become a top-rated Udemy instructor? How do they choose topics, create engaging content, and attract thousands of students from around the world?
In this exclusive feature, we go behind the scenes with [John Matthews], a top Udemy instructor with over 150,000 students enrolled in his technical and business-focused courses. Whether you’re a budding course creator, a lifelong learner, or just curious about the e-learning industry, this conversation is packed with insights and inspiration.
Why This Interview Matters
Udemy alone boasts 70,000+ instructors and over 200,000 courses. But only a handful rise to the top. Understanding their journey helps demystify:
- How top instructors structure their courses
- The tools and platforms they rely on
- The marketing strategies that drive enrollments
- The common mistakes new instructors make
Meet the Instructor: John Matthews
Name: John Matthews
Courses: Data Science, Python Programming, Project Management
Students: 150,000+
Average Course Rating: 4.7 stars
Years on Udemy: 6+
John’s journey began in corporate training before he transitioned to full-time course creation. Today, he not only teaches on Udemy but also helps other instructors build their brand.
The Origin Story — From 9-to-5 to Full-Time Instructor
How did you get started creating online courses?
John:
“I used to conduct in-person workshops for Fortune 500 companies. One day, I recorded one of my sessions and uploaded it to Udemy — just to test the waters. Within 6 months, it earned more than my full-time job. That’s when I knew this was the future.”
Key Takeaways:
- Many successful instructors start by leveraging existing expertise.
- Early validation helps confirm product-market fit.
- Udemy offers creators the freedom to scale beyond geography.
The Course Creation Process — Idea to Launch
What’s your typical course creation workflow?
John:
“It all starts with research. I analyze course demand using Udemy Marketplace Insights, look at competitor reviews, and validate topics on Google Trends. Then I script, record, edit, and publish.”
Step-by-Step Process:
- Research course demand
- Outline lessons & modules
- Script and storyboard videos
- Batch record video content
- Edit using tools like Camtasia or Final Cut Pro
- Upload to Udemy with titles, quizzes & resources
- Launch and promote to email list & social media
Recommended Tools:
- Video editing: Camtasia, Final Cut Pro
- Screen recording: OBS Studio
- Microphones: Blue Yeti, Rode NT-USB
- Planning: Trello, Notion
Student Engagement — Keeping Learners Hooked
What strategies help maintain student engagement?
John:
“I design my courses with micro-learning principles. Each video is under 10 minutes. I use real-world projects and interactive quizzes to keep things engaging.”
Tips for Engagement:
- Keep lessons short and goal-oriented
- Add practice projects or assignments
- Include quizzes every 3–4 lectures
- Respond to student Q&A regularly
Marketing the Course — Beyond Udemy’s Algorithm
How do you promote your courses outside Udemy?
John:
“I use a mix of email marketing, blogging, and YouTube videos. Building a personal brand is essential. I also run occasional discounts for my mailing list.”
John’s Favorite Promotion Channels:
- Email list: via ConvertKit or Mailchimp
- YouTube tutorials linking to courses
- LinkedIn articles to establish authority
- Medium posts and guest blogs
- Udemy promotional emails
Income and Growth — Realistic Expectations
Can you really make a living teaching online?
John:
“Absolutely — but it’s not instant. My first course made $200 the first month. Now I average $8,000/month across my course catalog. The key is consistency.”
Revenue Breakdown:
| Revenue Source | % Contribution |
|---|---|
| Udemy organic sales | 40% |
| Udemy promotions | 30% |
| Direct sales (email) | 20% |
| Affiliate referrals | 10% |
Common Mistakes New Instructors Make
What should new instructors avoid?
John:
“Don’t try to be perfect. Just get started. Too many people get stuck in perfectionism and never launch. Also, don’t ignore student feedback.”
Common Pitfalls:
- Over-editing and never launching
- Poor audio quality (a major turn-off)
- Ignoring reviews and Q&A
- Choosing topics with zero demand
Advice to Aspiring Course Creators
John’s Top 5 Tips:
- Start with one course — Don’t spread yourself too thin.
- Prioritize audio quality — Clear sound > fancy video.
- Build an email list — Even before launching.
- Listen to student feedback — Update your course regularly.
- Be patient — Compounding is real in course creation.
What’s Next for John?
John is working on a new certification prep series and plans to launch a membership site for advanced learners. He’s also mentoring new instructors and offering a free course planning worksheet on his site.
FAQ — Everything You Wanted to Know About Teaching on Udemy
Final Thoughts — The Future of Online Teaching
Online learning is more than a trend — it’s a movement. As instructors like John Matthews show, sharing your knowledge online can be both impactful and profitable. With the right tools, strategy, and mindset, anyone can start building a course that changes lives.
Whether you’re dreaming of quitting your day job, scaling your brand, or just helping others learn — this is your time.
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- At Learners View, we're passionate about helping learners make informed decisions. Our team dives deep into online course platforms and individual courses to bring you honest, detailed reviews. Whether you're a beginner or a lifelong learner, our insights aim to guide you toward the best educational resources available online.
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