If you’re an entrepreneur and serious about your professional development, a high-quality online course is worth its weight in gold.
If that sounds like you, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top online courses for entrepreneurs wanting to develop their skills and enhance their business.
There’s a lot to cover, so let’s dive in!
Disclaimer: Before we get into this post, we want to make it clear that we have taken some but not every single course mentioned in this article.
That said, all of these courses are considered some of the best in the industry, they’re created by experts in their respective fields, and their content is valuable. That’s why we’re rounding them up into this post and recommending them.
In a crowded marketplace, we hope this roundup makes finding online courses worth taking easier for new entrepreneurs.
Let’s explore the courses in a little more detail.
The Best Online Courses for Entrepreneurs
Create a Profitable Online Store by Steve Chou
Here are a few facts about Steve Chou’s Create a Profitable Online Store course:
How long has this course been around?
The foundations of this course were laid in 2011 when Steve noticed his blog followers were interested in the “how-to” aspect of running a business.
Who is Steve Chou?
Steve Chou graduated from Stanford University with a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in electrical engineering, where he also studied entrepreneurship. Fast forward to today, Steve and his wife run a highly profitable and successful ecommerce wedding linens store, as well as a top business blog, MyWifeQuitHerJob, and Steve also has a day job as an engineering manager for a Silicon Valley startup.
What does this course have to offer?
Throughout its 15 lessons, this course walks new entrepreneurs through the process of starting a successful ecommerce business.
Here’s a quick taster of each lesson and what students can expect to learn:
- Find Your Niche: How to find profitable goods to sell. Steve personally reviews all of his students’ niches upon request.
- Find Your Suppliers: How to make low-cost products, find dropshippers, avoid middlemen, and getting scammed.
- How to Sell on Amazon: How to launch products on Amazon and validate your niche. Steve says he’s had students make seven figures “on this step alone!”
- How to Create Sales Funnels: So customers return and buy more, choose you over competitors, and increase website traffic.
- Build Your Own Branded Shop: How to build a lasting brand and attract and retain an audience long-term.
- Make Your Business Legal: This module demystifies the legal aspects of running a small business, including trademarking, business insurance, intellectual property, taxes, and much more.
- Market Your Online Store for Free: How to generate website traffic, run word of mouth campaigns, market to existing customers, upsell and cross-sell products, and generate traffic using free marketing techniques.
- Email Marketing: How to build email lists, send automated emails, write compelling sales copy, and harness emails to build effective sales funnels.
- Google AdWords & Google Shopping: How to launch profitable Google ad campaigns, optimize Google AdWords, boost ad visibility and SEO, and bring customers back to your store.
- Facebook Advertising: How to launch a profitable Facebook ad campaign and develop sales funnels using this social media network.
- Facebook Messenger Marketing: How to leverage Facebook Messenger to build subscriber lists, run automated campaigns, and achieve high open and click-through campaigns.
- Optimize Your Store for Search Engines: How to achieve top positions in Google searches using SEO.
- Price Your Products: How to achieve maximum profits, test different pricing strategies, deal with competitors, and more.
- Advanced Website Optimization: How to design your website to maximize sales.
- Customer Service and Managing Online Reputation: How to anticipate customer needs fast, reduce product returns, deal with chargebacks, handle customer service disasters, and so on.
There are also bonus lessons on testing the market before launching, running a business while working a full-time job, and picking the right products to sell.
Plus, students get access to 300 in-depth video tutorials, weekly live office hours, webinars with industry experts, and exclusive member forums.
What do students have to say about the course?
“Your course was a phenomenal help. Just hearing from others who were going through the same thing was amazing.” –Abby Walker, www.vivianlou.com
“It’s invaluable to have a mentor who has been there before and willing to share his knowledge with you.” –Sean Aquino, www.fineleatherworking.com
“The knowledge and guidance that I received from this course has been invaluable, and I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking to start an online business.” –Ron Eiger, www.sunnydecals.com
Check out The Profitable Online Store Course Here
ADmission
Here are a few quick facts about the ADmission course:
How long has ADmission been around?
ADmission isn’t really a training course in the traditional sense—it’s less of a digital course and more of an online membership community for business owners and marketers.
Here you’ll find lots of resources for growing your online business, including plenty of online training. Created in 2018 by digital growth agency, Common Thread Collective, it focuses on ecommerce and running profitable Facebook ads.
Who is the instructor?
There’s no one specific instructor. Instead, members get access to support, coaching, and training from a team of industry experts.
What does ADmission have to offer?
With your monthly membership you’ll get:
- Access to the latest ecommerce growth and Facebook ad strategies, including the Facebook Ads 101 course for absolute beginners
- Access to live group webinars, which cover topics like: How to Determine Your Success Metrics, How to Create Higher Ad Converting Copy, Breaking Down Dynamic Reports, and so on
- Tools and training like live member ad account audits (with members’ permission), Building Your Holiday Offer, Ad Creative Inspiration, and so on
- Access to members-only community groups like their private Facebook Group and Slack Workspace
- The opportunity to upgrade for one-to-one coaching support with an industry expert—an experienced media buyer—who works with people from launching their business to scaling it
ADmission’s overall purpose is to help entrepreneurs understand the following equation:
(V x CR x LTV) – VC = $
Visitors x Conversion Rate x Lifetime Value – Variable Costs = Profit
For more information, head to ADmission’s website where you’ll find a useful video explainer that goes into more detail about what you get with your membership.
What do students have to say?
“Before ADmission, Tuck and Bundle was just making ad creative, throwing it at the wall, and seeing if it worked……you need people who do this every day with lots of businesses, lots of types of ads, have seen results and can help you tailor your strategy to your unique product.” –Miranda Tripp, Founder Tuck & Bundle
“The support of the ADmission training has really given our marketing team a thirst to learn more and finally get excited about Facebook Ads. So much so that we decided to leave our ad agency and bring it back in-house. With the support of ADmission, we were able to hit our goal of 3X ROAS while scaling to 6-figure spends.” –James Pointer, Founder, Melon Optics
Check out the ADmission Course Here
Analytics Course by Jeff Sauer
Here are a few quick facts about Jeff Sauer’s Analytics Course:
How many students have enrolled?
There are currently 7,434 paid students.
Who is Jeff Sauer?
Jeff Sauer has been a Google Analytics expert since 2005 and has taught the topic for the last 5+ years. He’s also known as “Jeffalytics” and is a Google Analytics Certified Partner. In fact, back in 2005, he was one of the first people to beta test Google Analytics, and interestingly, he’s the creator behind the Google Analytics Periodic Table!
What does this course offer?
The course promises students they’ll become Google Analytics certified within 30 days.
The content is aimed at:
- New Google users who have never tracked data before
- Entrepreneurs and business owners who want to do their own website marketing
- Consultants and freelancers who need to evidence their work with data
- Experienced marketers that want to harness the full potential of Google
Students get a seven-stage Google Analytics “mastery” plan:
- Beginner Google Analytics: This covers Google analytics technology, navigating Google Analytics interface, conversion reports, behavior reports, and acquisition reports.
- Intermediate Google Analytics: This covers SEO reports, getting clean data, social media reports, Google Ads and tracking conversions.
- Advanced Google Analytics: How to extract data, handle Google Analytics tracking code, an explanation of how data collection works, etc.
- Advanced Reporting Techniques: How to use Google Analytics SEO dashboard, custom reports for ecommerce, and competitive analysis and budgeting.
- Google Analytics Consulting: How to start as a consultant and become a Google Analytics freelancer.
- Google Tag Manager Tutorial: How Google Tag Manager works, tag migration, value proposition, and mistakes to avoid.
- GDPR and Google Analytics: How to prepare your account for GDPR, IP addresses, and personal details in Google Analytics, and the role of IP tracking in Google Analytics.
Students also get:
- Lifetime access to 20 hours of training across 70+ videos
- Three bonus lessons: Google Analytics in Action, Data-Driven Library of Google Analytics Resources, and Data Tools Discounts
- Access to a private discussion forum and Facebook Group
- Weekly resources that enable you to stay up-to-date with any changes to Google Analytics
What do students have to say?
“Very thorough and useful course. This course was not just the technical details, but the ‘why’ and ‘how’ behind using Google Analytics. What I’ve learned should be very helpful moving forward with SEO services for my web design clients.”–Debbie Campbell
“So much knowledge! A really interesting and complete course, I would recommend it without doubt. Jeff gives a lot of information, tips, and knowledge. If you are a beginner or more advanced user, I think there’s a lot of things you can learn as analytics is such a big tool. I had so much fun! Now, to keep on learning! Thanks, Jeff!” –Maite Beltran
“I find Jeff extremely innovative, he is constantly brainstorming creative ideas to drive efficiencies… He always has the client’s best interest in mind. Jeff truly is an expert, even becoming a Google Analytics Authorized Consultant. His extensive experience and tireless work ethic aside, Jeff is a joy to work with. I appreciate his straightforward and open communication style and see him as a valued partner to my team.” –Susan Minniear, Team Lead at Google
Check out the Analytics Course Here
Conversion Machine
Here are a few quick facts about the Conversion Machine course:
How long has it been around?
Conversion Machine was set up in 2014 when Giles Thomas, its founder, launched his company AcquireConvert. This six-week online video and text-based course consists of five lessons. As you go through them, you’ll get an in-depth look at how to boost conversion rates. You should expect to spend ten hours per week on each lesson.
Who is the instructor?
Giles Thomas, the founder of AquireConvert and Whole Design Studios, left his agency job in 2012 to teach A/B testing and web optimization to agencies and freelancers worldwide. He’s one of only 35 others chosen by Google to join their Google Expert program!
What does Conversion Machine have to offer?
The course describes itself as a “data-driven marketing course” that covers the following ground:
- Module 1 Profit Optimization: Lessons covering conversions, the CRO process, terminology, and Google Analytics setup and audit.
- Module 2 Data Collection: Lessons on mouse tracking, user testing, live chat, welcome emails, and customer surveys.
- Module 3 Data Analysis and Hypothesis: Lessons on shopping cart abandonment, on-page SEO, exit polls, and form testing.
- Module 4 Execution: Lessons about customer theory, the customer journey, copywriting, wireframing, and persuasive design.
- Module 5 Testing: Lessons covering the rules of testing, planning tests, and business objectives.
There’s also a bonus advanced video training masterclass from industry experts in conversion. You’ll also get access to special discounts on software created by Conversion Machine’s partners.
What do students have to say?
“I’d be happy to recommend Giles’ methodologies to anyone with an online business looking to increase their conversion rates and their profits.” –Best Egg
“As a venture-funded startup that had raised 1+ million euro to date, we needed explosive growth. The conversion processes in Conversion Machine helped increase our conversion rate and grow our monthly revenue by over 400%. I’d highly recommend the course for any startup company that wants more sales.” –Raffaela, CEO, Careerfoundry
Check out the Conversion Machine Course Here
instaRise
Here are a few quick facts about the instaRise course:
instaRise is a five-week online video and text-based training course. It teaches you step-by-step how to grow your Instagram following and secure ecommerce sales in its five lessons.
Who’s the instructor?
The course is run by Giles Thomas (who also runs Conversion Machine) and Angelo Lo Presti—co-founders of RisePro and instaRISE. Angelo is also the founder of Superzen and describes himself as an “expert course creator.”
What does this course offer?
There are five lessons:
- Brand Awareness: Here you’ll learn Instagram 101, how to find your ideal customer, and set up a business Instagram account.
- Marketing & Strategy Plan: This lesson covers brand style guidelines, how to create a marketing plan, and apps to automate that marketing plan.
- How to Create Killer Content: This lesson covers topics like hashtags, geotags, images, videos, Instagram Stories, and Instagram Live.
- Influencer & Viral Marketing Hacks: Including cross-promotions and influencer outreach.
- Driving Sales & Instagram Analytics: How to use Google Analytics and create sales funnels.
There are also two bonus pieces of content: A lesson on how to create a shoppable feed and access to interviews with Instagram marketing experts.
What do instaRise’s students have to say?
instaRise highlights the before and after results of a few businesses on their website:
- Strapmeister grew from 1K to 24K followers
- Paolo Costagli Fine Jewelry grew from 3K to 15K followers
- Sebby Clothing grew from 1K to 13K followers
- By Charlotte By Charlotte Jewelry grew from 40K to 100K+ followers
E-commerce-Platforms evaluated this course in a lengthy review and gave it 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Check Out the instaRise Course Here
ClickMinded
Here are a few quick facts about the ClickMinded course:
How many students have enrolled?
At the time of writing, 8,702 students—consisting of entrepreneurs, agencies, startups, and knowledge-seekers—have signed up for this course.
Who is the instructor?
Run by two self-described “digital marketing nerds” who say “only the nerds are using ClickMinded,” the course was created by Tommy Griffith, former managing SEO at PayPal and Airbnb, and Eduardo Yi, who’s worked in digital marketing for New York and San Francisco-based startups.
What does ClickMinded SEO offer?
ClickMinded is a slightly different operation to the others on this list, as it sells numerous three to six-hour-long courses that cover the following topics:
- SEO Training: How to increase traffic to your website, boost sales, keyword research, and organic search.
- Paid Advertising: Lessons on AdWord optimization, paid search platforms, keyword bidding, and creating a campaign.
- Content Marketing: Modules on creating customer personas, simplifying your message, copywriting, selecting channels, and creating long-form content.
- Email Marketing: How to create email campaigns, including automated campaigns, email tools and services, and chatbots.
- Social Media Marketing: Modules on social channel selection, social media content, social media monitoring, and social media marketing.
- Sales Funnels: Lessons on conversion funnel frameworks, a top of the funnel blueprint, middle of the funnel tactics, and related tools and services.
- Google Analytics: Learn how to increase conversions with the fundamentals of web analytics. As well as mapping Google Analytics to your business, setting up Google Analytics, and using its reporting. Learn how to implement Google Analytics and troubleshoot related issues.
- SOP Library: This isn’t a course per se, instead it’s a library of digital marketing strategy templates. These are accompanied by step-by-step instructions on how to use them. ClickMinded calls these SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) and they include topics like how to launch A/B testing on your site, creating UTM URLs to track your campaigns, keyword research, YouTube video optimization, how to create an on-page optimized blog post and many more.
All course participants gain a ClickMinded SEO qualification at the end of each course.
Plus, there’s also a series of Local SEO Mini-Courses for anyone running a local business or freelancers/consultants who have clients who do. The topics focus-in on Pinterest SEO, YouTube SEO, Amazon SEO, and even more specifically, Local SEO.
What do students have to say?
“My agency’s organic traffic grew by 232%” –Camino Bernal, DesignPlus Agency Owner
“I was able to land a job doing freelance SEO, which eventually led to a full-time job. ClickMinded gave me a skill set that allowed me to impress my company and become a bigger asset for the team.”–Lindsay A Bull, Marketing Coordinator, Vantage Controls
“I used this information to launch my business in the USA and have so far doubled my income in a few months. The market is much larger, so I expect to surpass my Canadian income with the US income.” –Mike Grossman, Founder PPE HQ
Check Out the ClickMinded Course Here
Ready to Start Learning?
We hope that this roundup of the best online courses for entrepreneurs has given you a better idea of where to go to learn skills that will benefit you as an ecommerce merchant. There are so many courses out there, but these ones are some of the best.