In today’s digital age, the internet has opened up numerous opportunities for individuals to share their knowledge and expertise with a global audience. One such avenue is through creating and selling online courses. Building an online course not only allows you to showcase your expertise but also provides a means to generate passive income. In this blog post, we will explore the steps involved in creating and monetizing an online course, helping you turn your knowledge into a profitable venture.
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1. Identify Your Expertise
The first step in creating an online course is to identify your area of expertise. What knowledge or skills do you possess that others would find valuable? Consider your professional background, hobbies, or any specialized knowledge you have acquired over the years. Identifying your expertise will help you create a course that stands out and appeals to a specific target audience.
2. Define Your Target Audience
Once you have identified your expertise, it is essential to define your target audience. Who would benefit the most from your course? Understanding the needs, aspirations, and pain points of your target audience will enable you to tailor your course content to meet their specific requirements. Conduct market research, engage with potential learners, and gather feedback to refine your course’s direction.
3. Plan Your Course Structure
A well-structured course is key to engaging and retaining learners. Break down your course into modules or lessons, each covering a specific topic or skill. Create a logical flow that takes learners from the basics to more advanced concepts. Consider incorporating different formats such as videos, presentations, quizzes, and practical exercises to keep the course engaging and interactive.
4. Develop High-Quality Content
The success of your online course largely depends on the quality of its content. Invest time in creating comprehensive and valuable material that delivers on the promises made to your learners. Leverage your expertise to provide unique insights, practical examples, and actionable tips. Use clear and concise language, and supplement the content with visual aids to enhance comprehension.
5. Choose a Learning Platform
Selecting the right learning platform is crucial for delivering your course effectively. Numerous online platforms provide tools and infrastructure to host, market, and sell your course. Consider factors such as ease of use, customization options, payment processing, and marketing capabilities when choosing a platform. Popular platforms include Udemy, Teachable, and Coursera, among others.
6. Engage with Your Learners
Building a strong connection with your learners is vital for course success. Encourage interaction through discussion forums, Q&A sessions, and assignments. Respond promptly to learner queries and provide constructive feedback. Consider hosting live webinars or virtual office hours to foster a sense of community and provide additional value to your learners.
7. Market Your Course
Creating a great course is just the first step; you also need to market it effectively. Leverage social media platforms, email marketing, content marketing, and search engine optimization to reach your target audience. Offer free previews or limited-time discounts to attract initial enrollments and generate positive reviews. Collaborate with influencers or industry experts to expand your course’s reach.
8. Continuously Update and Improve
To maintain the success and relevance of your course, it’s essential to stay updated with industry trends and learner feedback. Regularly update your course content to incorporate new information, technologies, or methodologies. Seek feedback from your learners and implement improvements based on their suggestions. This iterative process ensures your course remains valuable and in demand.
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Identify Your Expertise
Identifying your expertise is a crucial step in building an online course. Your expertise forms the foundation of your course content and determines the value you can provide to your learners. Here are a few steps to help you identify your area of expertise:
- Reflect on your professional experience: Consider your educational background, career trajectory, and any specialized knowledge you have acquired through your work. What skills, industry insights, or subject matter expertise do you possess that could benefit others?
- Assess your hobbies and passions: Think about your personal interests and hobbies outside of work. Do you have a particular skill or knowledge base that you have developed over the years? This could include areas such as photography, cooking, fitness, writing, or any other passion you excel in.
- Consider your unique perspective: Reflect on your life experiences, challenges you have overcome, or unique perspectives you bring to a particular subject. Your personal journey may provide valuable insights and make your course more relatable to learners.
- Evaluate your educational background: Look into your educational qualifications and areas of study. Do you have expertise in a specific academic discipline or subject? Your educational background can serve as a foundation for creating courses in fields like science, literature, history, or technology.
- Seek feedback from others: Reach out to colleagues, friends, or mentors who can provide an outside perspective on your strengths and areas of expertise. They may be able to identify skills or knowledge that you may have overlooked.
Remember that expertise doesn’t necessarily mean being a world-renowned authority on a subject. Even if you consider yourself an intermediate or advanced learner in a particular field, you can still create a valuable course for beginners or those seeking to improve their skills.
Once you have identified your expertise, you can proceed to define your target audience and begin structuring your course content accordingly.
Define Your Target Audience
Defining your target audience is a crucial step in creating an online course that effectively meets the needs of your learners. By understanding the characteristics, preferences, and goals of your target audience, you can tailor your course content and delivery to maximize its impact. Here are some steps to help you define your target audience:
- Conduct market research: Start by conducting market research to gain insights into your potential learners. Identify the demographics, interests, and behaviors of the audience you intend to reach. Use online surveys, interviews, or existing data to gather information about their educational backgrounds, skill levels, motivations, and learning preferences.
- Identify their pain points and goals: Consider the challenges or problems your target audience may face within your area of expertise. What specific pain points do they experience, and what goals do they aspire to achieve? Understanding their needs will help you create course content that addresses their concerns and provides tangible solutions.
- Analyze competitors and existing courses: Research other courses or educational resources available in your niche. Analyze their content, target audience, pricing, and customer reviews. This analysis will help you identify gaps or opportunities that you can leverage to differentiate your course and attract learners.
- Consider learning preferences: Think about how your target audience prefers to learn. Are they visual learners who benefit from video content, or do they prefer written materials and interactive exercises? Understanding their preferred learning styles will influence the format and delivery methods you choose for your course.
- Determine their level of expertise: Assess the skill levels and prior knowledge of your target audience. Are you targeting beginners who need a comprehensive introduction to the subject, or are you catering to intermediate or advanced learners who seek to enhance their existing skills? This understanding will help you structure your course content appropriately.
- Define the value proposition: Clarify the unique value proposition of your course. Determine what sets it apart from other courses in the market and how it addresses the specific needs of your target audience. Focus on the benefits and outcomes your learners can expect to achieve by taking your course.
- Refine your target audience: Based on the information you gather, narrow down and refine your target audience. Create learner personas, which are fictional representations of your ideal learners, to gain a deeper understanding of their characteristics, motivations, and pain points. This will guide your decision-making throughout the course creation process.
Remember that your target audience is not fixed and may evolve over time. As you receive feedback and engage with learners, you may need to make adjustments to better cater to their needs and preferences.
Defining your target audience is crucial for creating relevant and engaging course content, effectively marketing your course, and ultimately attracting the right learners who will benefit from your expertise.
Plan Your Course Structure
Planning the structure of your online course is essential for organizing your content in a logical and engaging manner. A well-designed course structure helps learners navigate through the material, grasp concepts effectively, and progress smoothly. Here are some steps to help you plan the structure of your course:
- Set clear learning objectives: Start by defining the learning objectives for your course. What specific knowledge, skills, or outcomes do you want your learners to achieve by the end of the course? Clear objectives will guide your course design and enable learners to understand what they can expect to gain from taking your course.
- Divide your course into modules or sections: Break down your course content into modules or sections that cover different topics or sub-topics. This division helps organize the material into manageable units, making it easier for learners to navigate and digest the information. Each module should have a clear focus and contribute to the overall learning goals of the course.
- Create an introductory module: Begin your course with an introductory module that provides an overview of the course objectives, outlines the structure, and sets the context for the learning journey ahead. This module should engage learners, establish their expectations, and motivate them to continue with the course.
- Arrange lessons within modules: Within each module, organize your lessons in a logical sequence. Consider a progression from foundational concepts to more advanced or complex topics. Build upon previously covered material and ensure a smooth flow of content. Use subheadings or titles to clearly indicate the focus of each lesson.
- Determine the content format: Decide on the most appropriate format for presenting your content. This may include video lectures, slide presentations, written materials, audio recordings, quizzes, interactive exercises, or a combination of these. Choose formats that align with the nature of your content and cater to the learning preferences of your target audience.
- Incorporate assessments and activities: To enhance learner engagement and reinforce learning, include assessments and activities throughout your course. These can take the form of quizzes, assignments, case studies, discussions, or hands-on exercises. Interactive elements promote active learning and help learners apply the concepts they have learned.
- Provide supplementary resources: Consider including additional resources to supplement the core course content. These may include recommended readings, links to relevant articles or videos, downloadable materials, or external references. Supplementary resources enrich the learning experience and allow learners to explore topics in more depth if they desire.
- Create a summary or concluding module: End your course with a summary or concluding module that recaps the key takeaways, reinforces the learning objectives, and provides closure to the learning experience. This module can also include suggestions for further learning or next steps that learners can take to continue their educational journey.
Remember to keep the course structure organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Use headings, subheadings, bullet points, and other formatting techniques to improve readability. Consider seeking feedback from peers or beta testers to ensure the course structure is intuitive and meets the needs of your learners.
By carefully planning the structure of your online course, you can create a cohesive and effective learning experience that enables your learners to achieve their desired outcomes.
Develop High-Quality Content
Developing high-quality content is a crucial aspect of building an online course that engages learners and provides them with valuable knowledge and skills. Here are some key steps to help you develop content of the highest caliber:
- Organize your content logically: Structure your content in a clear and logical manner, following the course outline you created during the planning phase. Present the information in a progressive sequence, ensuring that each topic builds upon the previous one. This logical organization will help learners grasp concepts effectively and create a smooth learning experience.
- Create clear and concise content: Use clear and concise language to convey your ideas and concepts. Avoid jargon or overly complex terminology unless necessary, and explain any technical terms you do use. Break down complex concepts into understandable components and provide real-life examples or analogies to enhance comprehension.
- Provide comprehensive coverage: Ensure that your content covers all the necessary aspects of the topic. Take a holistic approach, offering a well-rounded understanding of the subject matter. Consider addressing common questions or misconceptions related to the topic and provide explanations or clarifications to eliminate confusion.
- Use a variety of multimedia: Incorporate different types of media, such as videos, slide presentations, infographics, images, or interactive elements, to engage learners and cater to various learning styles. Visual aids can enhance understanding and make the content more interesting and memorable. Create or curate multimedia that adds value to the learning experience.
- Include practical examples and case studies: Help learners apply the concepts by providing practical examples and real-life case studies. Show how the knowledge or skills they acquire can be implemented in practical situations. This practical application will deepen their understanding and make the content more relevant and actionable.
- Offer opportunities for practice and feedback: Include exercises, quizzes, or assignments that allow learners to practice what they have learned. Provide feedback on their work to help them improve and reinforce their understanding. Interactive elements and opportunities for self-assessment promote active learning and increase learner engagement.
- Update and improve your content: Stay up to date with the latest developments in your field and update your content accordingly. Technology, research, or industry practices may change over time, so it’s important to provide the most current and relevant information. Continuously seek feedback from learners and make improvements based on their suggestions or needs.
- Ensure visual appeal and readability: Pay attention to the visual appeal of your course materials. Use a consistent and visually appealing design, employ a suitable font and size for readability, and incorporate headings, subheadings, and bullet points to enhance the organization and readability of the content. Visuals, such as graphs or diagrams, can also help convey complex information more effectively.
- Be engaging and personable: Inject your personality and enthusiasm into the course content. Be engaging and connect with learners by using a conversational tone, sharing personal anecdotes or stories, and showing your passion for the subject. Create a sense of rapport with your learners, making them feel comfortable and motivated throughout the course.
- Review and edit your content: Before finalizing your course, review and edit your content thoroughly. Check for any grammatical errors, inconsistencies, or factual inaccuracies. Ensure that the content flows smoothly and maintains a consistent style. Consider enlisting the help of a proofreader or editor to ensure the highest quality of your course content.
By focusing on these steps, you can develop high-quality content that provides a valuable learning experience for your audience. Remember, the quality of your content plays a significant role in establishing your credibility as an instructor and ensuring the success of your online course.
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Choose a Learning Platform
When it comes to choosing a learning platform for hosting and delivering your online course, there are several factors to consider. Each platform offers different features, pricing models, and target audiences. Here are some key considerations to help you make an informed decision:
- Ease of use: Choose a platform that is user-friendly and intuitive, both for you as the course creator and for your learners. The platform should make it easy for you to upload and organize your course content, customize the course layout, and manage learner interactions. Similarly, the platform should provide a seamless and user-friendly experience for your learners to navigate through the course.
- Course customization options: Look for a platform that offers flexibility in customizing the appearance and branding of your course. This allows you to maintain a consistent look and feel with your branding and create a personalized learning environment for your learners. Consider whether you can customize colors, logos, banners, and other visual elements to match your brand identity.
- Course marketing and sales features: Evaluate the marketing and sales capabilities of the platform. Consider whether it provides built-in tools for promoting your course, such as landing page creation, email marketing integration, affiliate programs, or coupon code generation. A platform that supports effective marketing strategies can help you reach a wider audience and increase course sales.
- Payment and pricing options: Look for a platform that offers flexible payment options for both you and your learners. Check if the platform supports multiple currencies, payment gateways, and recurring billing. Consider whether the platform allows you to set your own pricing structure, create tiered pricing models, or offer discounts and promotions.
- Support for multimedia and interactivity: Ensure that the platform supports the multimedia and interactive elements you plan to include in your course. This may include video hosting, slide presentations, quizzes, discussion boards, or assignment submission features. A platform that enables interactive learning experiences can enhance engagement and improve learner outcomes.
- Scalability and reliability: Consider the scalability and reliability of the platform. If you anticipate a large number of learners or expect your course to grow over time, ensure that the platform can handle increased traffic and accommodate a growing learner base without compromising performance. Look for reviews or testimonials to gauge the platform’s reliability and uptime.
- Analytics and reporting: Analytical data can provide valuable insights into learner behavior, course performance, and areas for improvement. Check if the platform offers robust analytics and reporting features, such as learner progress tracking, assessment results, engagement metrics, and completion rates. Access to such data can help you refine your course and provide a better learning experience.
- Community and support: Consider the community and support options provided by the platform. Look for platforms that offer active user communities, discussion forums, or support groups where you can connect with other course creators and learners. Additionally, ensure that the platform provides reliable customer support, including documentation, tutorials, or responsive customer service channels.
Some popular learning platforms to explore include Udemy, Teachable, Coursera, Thinkific, and LearnWorlds. Take the time to compare their features, pricing, and suitability for your specific needs. You may also consider reaching out to other course creators or reading reviews to gather firsthand experiences and insights.
Ultimately, choose a learning platform that aligns with your course goals, budget, and technical requirements. It should provide a seamless and user-friendly experience for both you and your learners, while offering the necessary features to deliver and monetize your course effectively.
Engage with Your Learners
Engaging with your learners is crucial for fostering a positive and interactive learning experience. It helps build a sense of community, motivates learners to stay committed to the course, and enhances their overall satisfaction. Here are some effective strategies to engage with your learners:
- Establish clear communication channels: Provide multiple channels for communication, such as discussion forums, email, or social media groups, where learners can ask questions, seek clarifications, or share their thoughts. Be responsive and proactive in addressing their queries and providing timely feedback.
- Encourage active participation: Design activities, assignments, or discussions that require active participation from learners. This can include group projects, case studies, debates, or online polls. Actively participate in these discussions yourself, offering insights, guidance, and constructive feedback to foster engagement.
- Personalize the learning experience: Make an effort to personalize your interactions with learners. Use their names when addressing them, acknowledge their achievements or contributions, and show genuine interest in their progress. Personalized messages or emails can make learners feel valued and create a more supportive learning environment.
- Provide timely and constructive feedback: Regularly provide feedback on assignments, quizzes, or discussions. Offer specific and constructive feedback that highlights strengths and suggests areas for improvement. Timely feedback not only helps learners gauge their progress but also demonstrates your commitment to their success.
- Foster peer-to-peer interactions: Encourage learners to connect with and learn from each other. Create opportunities for peer-to-peer interactions through group projects, discussion boards, or online meetups. Facilitate meaningful discussions, ask thought-provoking questions, and encourage learners to share their experiences and insights.
- Offer additional resources and opportunities for growth: Share supplementary resources, articles, videos, or recommended readings related to the course content. Provide opportunities for learners to delve deeper into the subject matter and explore related topics. This encourages continuous learning and demonstrates your commitment to their ongoing development.
- Host live webinars or Q&A sessions: Organize live webinars or question-and-answer sessions where learners can interact with you in real-time. This allows for immediate clarification of doubts, in-depth discussions, and a more personal connection with learners. Record these sessions and make them available for those who couldn’t attend live.
- Gamify the learning experience: Incorporate gamification elements to make the learning experience more engaging and enjoyable. This can include quizzes with leaderboards, badges or certificates for achievements, or challenges that encourage friendly competition. Gamification elements add an element of fun and motivate learners to actively participate.
- Seek and act on learner feedback: Regularly seek feedback from learners on the course content, structure, and overall learning experience. Use surveys, polls, or feedback forms to gather insights. Act on the feedback received by making improvements or adjustments to the course based on their suggestions, thereby showing learners that their opinions are valued.
- Continuously improve your teaching approach: Reflect on your teaching methods and adapt them based on learner feedback and evolving needs. Experiment with different instructional techniques, media formats, or assessment methods to keep the learning experience fresh and engaging.
Remember, engaging with your learners is an ongoing process. Stay connected throughout the duration of the course, nurture a positive and supportive learning environment, and adapt your engagement strategies based on the specific needs and preferences of your learners. Engaged learners are more likely to complete the course, recommend it to others, and become advocates for your future courses.
Market Your Course
Marketing your online course is crucial to attract potential learners and generate enrollments. Here are some effective strategies to market your course and reach your target audience:
- Define your target audience: Clearly identify your target audience and understand their needs, preferences, and pain points. This will help you tailor your marketing messages and strategies to resonate with your ideal learners.
- Build a compelling course landing page: Create a dedicated landing page for your course that highlights the key benefits, learning outcomes, and features. Use persuasive copywriting techniques to communicate the value of your course and include captivating visuals or testimonials to build trust.
- Leverage social media platforms: Utilize social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn to promote your course. Create engaging posts, share informative content, and interact with your audience. Join relevant groups or communities to connect with potential learners and share valuable insights.
- Content marketing: Develop a content marketing strategy to showcase your expertise and attract learners. Create blog posts, videos, or podcasts on topics related to your course, providing valuable insights and tips. Optimize your content for search engines to increase visibility and drive organic traffic to your course.
- Email marketing: Build an email list of interested prospects and regularly communicate with them through newsletters or targeted email campaigns. Provide valuable content, updates, and exclusive offers to nurture your email subscribers and encourage course enrollment.
- Collaborate with influencers or affiliates: Partner with influencers or industry experts who have a relevant audience. Collaborate on joint content, guest blog posts, or promotions to leverage their reach and credibility. Consider implementing an affiliate program where affiliates promote your course in exchange for a commission on sales.
- Offer limited-time promotions or discounts: Create a sense of urgency and incentivize enrollment by offering limited-time promotions, early bird discounts, or bundle packages. Communicate the value of the offer and emphasize the benefits learners will gain by taking advantage of the promotion.
- Leverage testimonials and social proof: Collect testimonials and reviews from satisfied learners and prominently display them on your website or landing page. Social proof is a powerful marketing tool that builds trust and credibility, encouraging potential learners to enroll in your course.
- Guest appearances and collaborations: Seek opportunities to appear as a guest on podcasts, webinars, or virtual events relevant to your course topic. Share valuable insights and promote your course during these appearances. Collaborate with other course creators or industry experts for joint promotions or cross-promotion opportunities.
- Engage with online communities: Join online communities, forums, or discussion boards related to your course topic. Share your expertise, answer questions, and provide valuable insights. Avoid direct promotion but include a link to your course in your bio or signature, allowing interested learners to find out more about your offering.
- Offer a free or introductory version: Consider creating a free or introductory version of your course as a lead magnet. This allows potential learners to get a taste of your content and teaching style, increasing the likelihood of them enrolling in the full course.
- Continuously evaluate and optimize: Track the effectiveness of your marketing efforts by monitoring metrics such as website traffic, conversion rates, or email open rates. Analyze the data and make data-driven decisions to optimize your marketing strategies over time.
Remember to communicate the unique value proposition of your course and highlight what sets it apart from other offerings in the market. Consistency, authenticity, and providing valuable content will help you establish yourself as an authority in your field and attract learners to your course.
By implementing a well-rounded marketing strategy and using a combination of online channels, you can effectively promote your online course, connect with your target audience, and drive enrollments.
Continuously Update and Improve
Continuously updating and improving your online course is essential for keeping it relevant, valuable, and engaging for your learners. Here are some key steps to ensure ongoing enhancements:
- Gather learner feedback: Actively seek feedback from your learners through surveys, course evaluations, or direct communication channels. Ask for their input on course content, delivery methods, and overall learning experience. Use this feedback to identify areas for improvement and understand learner needs and preferences.
- Analyze course metrics: Regularly review course metrics such as completion rates, engagement levels, or assessment results. Analyzing these data points can provide insights into learner behavior and highlight areas where learners may be struggling or losing interest. Use the data to identify potential improvements or adjustments to the course.
- Stay updated in your field: Continuously stay up to date with the latest developments, research, and trends in your field of expertise. This will ensure that your course content remains current and reflects the most relevant information and practices. Subscribe to industry newsletters, attend conferences, or participate in professional development activities to stay informed.
- Incorporate new examples and case studies: As new examples or case studies emerge in your field, consider integrating them into your course. Real-world examples and up-to-date case studies make the content more relevant and applicable to learners’ current circumstances. Showcasing recent success stories or innovations can also inspire and motivate learners.
- Add supplementary resources: Continuously curate or create supplementary resources to enhance the learning experience. This could include additional readings, articles, videos, or external links that provide further insights or alternative perspectives. By expanding the range of resources available, you enrich the learning journey for your learners.
- Update multimedia content: If you use multimedia elements such as videos, slide presentations, or infographics in your course, periodically review and update them as needed. Replace outdated visuals, improve video or audio quality, or incorporate new media formats to keep the content fresh and engaging. Ensure that multimedia elements are accessible and compatible with various devices.
- Revise assessments and quizzes: Regularly review and revise your assessments and quizzes to ensure they accurately assess learner understanding and mastery of the course material. Make adjustments based on learner performance, feedback, and any updates or changes to the content. Consider adding new types of assessments or incorporating interactive elements to make them more engaging.
- Incorporate new teaching techniques: Explore new teaching techniques or instructional methods that can enhance learner engagement and outcomes. This could involve incorporating interactive activities, gamification elements, virtual simulations, or collaborative learning experiences. Experiment with different approaches and evaluate their effectiveness based on learner feedback and performance.
- Provide ongoing support and updates: Establish a system for providing ongoing support to learners even after they have completed the course. Offer updates or additional resources to keep them informed about the latest developments in the field. This helps maintain a connection with your learners and reinforces the value they received from the course.
- Monitor industry trends and learner needs: Stay attuned to industry trends, emerging technologies, or changing learner needs. This allows you to anticipate future demands and adapt your course content accordingly. Conduct market research, participate in relevant discussions, and seek input from professionals in your field to stay ahead of the curve.
Remember, continuous improvement is an iterative process. Embrace feedback, be open to change, and remain proactive in enhancing your course. By regularly updating and improving your online course, you demonstrate your commitment to providing the best possible learning experience and ensure its long-term success.
Conclusion
Building an online course can be a rewarding endeavor that not only allows you to share your expertise but also generates passive income. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can create a high-quality online course and establish yourself as an authority in your field. Let’s recap the key points discussed:
- Identify Your Expertise: Determine the subject or area in which you have deep knowledge and expertise.
- Define Your Target Audience: Understand who your course is for and tailor your content to meet their specific needs.
- Plan Your Course Structure: Organize your content into logical modules and lessons, ensuring a clear and sequential learning path.
- Develop High-Quality Content: Create engaging and informative content that delivers value and keeps learners motivated.
- Choose a Learning Platform: Select a suitable platform that provides the features and functionality you need to deliver and monetize your course effectively.
- Engage with Your Learners: Foster a sense of community, provide timely feedback, and encourage active participation to enhance the learning experience.
- Market Your Course: Implement marketing strategies such as social media promotion, content marketing, email campaigns, and collaborations to reach your target audience.
- Continuously Update and Improve: Gather feedback, analyze metrics, stay updated in your field, and make ongoing improvements to keep your course relevant and valuable.
Building an online course requires dedication, creativity, and ongoing effort. However, with the right approach, it can be a lucrative and fulfilling way to share your expertise while earning passive income. So, take the first step, embrace the process, and start building your online course today. Happy teaching!
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Thank you for taking the time to read my article “Building an Online Course: How to Earn Passive Income from Your Expertise”, hope it helps!