New Online Classes - What type of developers to target?
Hi everyone!
I am software developer specialized in Javascript (fullstack even-though I don't like this word and I'm more experienced in frontend development) and I have around 10 years of experience.
I already gave development classes, but not online, with real physical student, and now I want to start online classes on Skillshare/Udemy (still hesitate between those two).
I'm thinking on what type of developers should I target?
Here are my thoughts on the subject:
new developers who wants to learn how to code?
good point:
- larger audience
- simpler classes
- already done it with real physical student
- more willing to pay (are they, though ?)
bad point:
- already a lot of those type of classes
- already a lot of resources on the internet, even without online classes
junior developers who wants to perfect their skills in some areas?
good point:
- more interesting subjects
- better on the resume
- probably less classes available
bad point:
- smaller audience
- less willing to pay ? (based on the premise that they are used to search for code/documentation/tutorials on google...)
target a niche like 'How To Create a SaaS App with X,Y and Z'?
good point:
- more specific class (the course will be simpler to made? because the focus is on a process rather than a language/framework etc...)
- probably less classes available
bad point:
- smaller audience
- will it be still relevant in 2-3-4 years ?
so if someone has gone over the same decision process, or have a feedback on what is the best field to start with, I am more then willing to read it :D
I don't think you can find a topic for which the audience is too small, especially in tech/software development. No matter how niche you get with your topic, you'll find lots of people are interested in it.
I personally like your third option, because the market feels less saturated, it's hands-on practical learning, and you have a super clear objective.
Would it still be relevant in 2–3–4 years? Probably not, but when is that ever the case in tech? Even if you taught vanilla JavaScript, you'd need to update it regularly to stay relevant as newer versions of ECMAScript are released.
That's just my opinion though.
I suggest trying to run small live classes (e.g. webinars) for each topic that you have in mind, and see what you enjoy the most/gets the most interest.
Hi Merott!
Thanks for you feedback!
Targeting people who wants to learn programming or junior programmers is hard because of a competition. There are so many courses exactly for this niche.
I think targeting senior developers makes more sense. It’s totally harder, because the contents shall bring value. This isn’t easy since senior developers are experienced, smart. However, if you manage, you can ask for a high paycheck. Much higher than a market cap, because senior programmers are payed well and can afford to buy expensive course without an issue.
I'd niche it down. If there's a course on it on egghead.io, that's a good sign (they've done the market validation for you! And competition is good). If there's no course there then you've probably gone too niche unless the tech is v. new.
Hi Christopher!
Thanks for the feedback! I'm definitely going to check that 🤓!
I also a develpor myself but never taught coding. I did recently launch a course on design with a friend. I'm handling more of the operational side of things.
We generally targeted beginners. But even within beginner there were a lot of variation as we learned. Some beginner wasn't even fluent with their OS.
So just a heads up if you are going after beginners.
hi Kevin, and thanks for the feedback!
Yep, I guess when targeting beginners, everything should be explain in detailed!