Making thousands from Bubble courses

Kieran Bell is a founder specializing in teaching people how to use the no-code software Bubble. In this interview Kieran shares why he is so passionate about founders using Bubble to make SaaS apps and his tips for making a successful course.

So why is it worth learning Bubble?

I spent a decade of my life immersed in startup and indiehacking content - books, podcasts, YouTube, Indiehackers - you name it, I was consuming it. Obviously I desperately wanted to be able to code and tried learning numerous times but could never make it stick.

When I discovered Bubble in late 2019 it instantly clicked. I was able to build a pretty complete SaaS product within my first couple of months using it, which is insane when you think about it!

To go from not being able to build anything beyond a simple HTML landing page to building a fully functional software product was huge.

Since then I’ve been obsessed with building SaaS products with Bubble. Partly because I enjoy it, partly because I’m a slave to that sweet MRR, but also because I want to show others what’s possible.

Although building with no-code comes with platform risk, I believe the benefits in terms of shipping fast outweigh it, at least in the early stages. And if I ever get to a point where my SaaS is successful enough that the risk becomes too great, at least I’ll have a crystal clear scope to give to a dev agency!

What’s your tips and tricks for Bubble?

Find an app idea you’re passionate about, or offer to make one for someone you don’t want to let down, and then learn as you build. Use the Bubble forum and Bubble manual. Google is your friend.

What makes a good course? What advice can you give to course makers?

1. ALWAYS do a pre-sale. Making a course is a lot of work and it’s easy to quit. Pre-selling gives you that added motivation and confidence you need to push you to the finish line. It’s scary to ask for money for something that doesn’t exist but it’s so worth it. Customers are forgiving - if you miss your deadline they won’t mind, and if they do you can always refund them. It also gives you the opportunity to launch twice, which means two bumps in sales.
2. Get a good microphone. I bought a Shure MV7 for these two courses and it makes a massive difference in audio quality. Don’t buy a Blue Yeti. The higher the production value of your course, the more perceived value it will have, which means the more you can charge.
3. Teach how you like to be taught. Don’t make a boring text-based slideshow. Use visuals, analogies, examples, live demos and every other trick to keep your topic interesting and engaging.
4. Use quizzes or assignments to keep your students motivated. Course completion rate is generally low for online courses, but the more completing your course, the more word-of-mouth referrals you’ll get. Having interactive challenges throughout your course, even if they’re just small quizzes, will improve your completion rates.
5. Do marketing.