---
title: "Finding the Right Course Topic"
source: "https://docs.nexcess.com/software/learndash/academy/finding-the-right-course-topic/"
description: "Download the slidesDownload When designing an online course, the common question “What should my course be about?” is the wrong question. Instead, the right que…"
vertical: "Software"
area: "Academy"
topics: ["Courses", "Crafting Your Course", "Getting Started", "LearnDash Core"]
date: "2022-01-05"
last_modified: "2026-07-02"
---

# Finding the Right Course Topic

[Download the slides](https://academy.learndash.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/FindingTheRightCourseTopic.pdf)[Download](https://academy.learndash.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/FindingTheRightCourseTopic.pdf)

When designing an online course, the common question *“What should my course be about?”* is the **wrong question**. Instead, the right question to ask is:

**“Which gap in what market can I serve best?”**

This framework helps course creators identify topics that are not only impactful for learners but also profitable and sustainable.

---

#### 1. Understanding the Four Gaps

Before choosing your course topic, determine which type of gap you are best at solving:

- **Knowledge Gaps**: Learners lack specific information.
- **Skill Gaps**: Learners need to practice and develop a new capacity.
- **Context Gaps**: Learners struggle to transfer knowledge into a new situation.
- **Motivation Gaps**: Learners know what to do but lack the internal drive to act.

Every course creator has “sweet spots.” For example, Chris identifies **knowledge** and **motivation** as his strengths, while skill and context gaps aren’t his focus.

---

#### 2. Identifying a Market

Even if you’re excellent at teaching, your course won’t succeed without the right audience. Key considerations:

- Choose **large, growing markets** with real demand.
- Avoid small or stagnant niches that are hard to reach or monetize.

---

#### 3. Determining the “Why” (Motivation to Buy)

Once you’ve identified your market and the gap you serve, ask:

**“Why would someone buy this course?”**

Here are 10 key motivations:

1. **Core Needs** – Meeting basic human needs (food, safety, self-protection).
2. **Pain Reduction** – Reducing physical or emotional pain (e.g., back pain relief).
3. **Risk Reduction** – Avoiding negative outcomes (e.g., IRS interactions).
4. **Life Improvements** – Enhancing daily life, health, or hobbies.
5. **Goal Acceleration** – Helping learners reach their goals faster.
6. **Long-Term Savings** – Offering upfront investment for ongoing benefits.
7. **Upside and ROI** – Promising financial return or income growth.
8. **Shared Memories** – Creating experiences with friends or teams.
9. **Entertainment** – Providing enjoyable or engaging learning experiences.
10. **Exclusivity, Power, Prestige** – Offering insider access or status.

---

### The Framework in Action

To identify the right course topic:

1. **Pinpoint a growing market.**
2. **Choose the gap** (knowledge, skill, context, or motivation) you are best suited to close.
3. **Align with a clear motivation to buy.**

Courses that address both a **gap** and a **buying motivation** stand out—even in competitive markets—because they meet learners’ real needs while making the purchase decision easy. Some of the strongest course topics even combine multiple motivations, like **risk reduction** and **ROI**, for added impact.

---

### Why This Matters

This approach goes deeper than simply “picking a topic.” It ensures your course is designed for impact, resonates with learners, and has the best chance of generating revenue.

> **Tip:** Always step back and ask: *“Which gap am I closing, for which market, and why will learners be motivated to buy?”*