How to Attract Students to Your Online Course: 7 Key Ways

So here we are.

You’ve put in the hard work and dedication to build your online course. From those initial brainstorming sessions to getting everything set up with the MemberPress Courses add-on, you’ve been on top of it all.

Every lesson, every piece of material has had your full attention, ensuring every detail is just right.

But now, there’s a hiccup.

The digital hallways of your course are echoing with silence rather than buzzing with students.

In the digital education world, simply putting up your course isn’t enough to fill the seats, unlike a blockbuster movie or a sold-out Broadway show.

Your online course, no matter how brilliant, needs a spotlight to shine and attract learners.

It’s not just about building it; it’s about strategically showcasing it.

In the bustling world of online learning, attracting students to your course requires more than just great content – it demands smart promotion through the most effective marketing channels.

In this guide, we’re diving into 7 dynamic methods to draw students to your online courses.

It’s time to turn your course into a magnet for learners.

Let’s roll up our sleeves and transform your digital classroom into a bustling hub of eager students.

The stage is set – let’s bring in the crowd!

1. Build a Strong Online Presence

Your online presence is not just about being visible; it’s about creating a brand that resonates with your target audience.

Content marketing and search engines are a go-to for the long-haul. But if you’re after quicker results, you’ll want to dial up the intensity with some bolder moves.

And when we talk about bold moves, let’s not forget the powerhouse that is social media.

To make your course the main attraction, here’s your action plan:

• Start by setting up profiles on the key social platforms where your potential audience likes to hang out.
  
• Post content that’s not just engaging but also directly speaks to what your students are curious about.
  
• Be active in conversations with your followers – think of it as mingling in the lobby before the show starts.
  
• Keep your presence consistent, even if the applause isn’t immediate.

Now, if you’ve dabbled in social media for your personal use (and who hasn’t?), you know that starting from scratch can feel like a slow climb.

But here’s the cool part: once you’ve got a solid group of followers, things start to snowball. Your followers begin to interact more with what you post, and that’s when the magic happens.

But hey, let’s be real – growing a social media presence for your business? That’s a whole different game. It’s not just about posting what you had for lunch.

It’s crucial to nail this down early because a strong social media presence lays the groundwork for all the other savvy marketing tactics we’re about to dive into.

What About Social Ads?

Social media isn’t just for posting and chatting – it’s a powerhouse for promoting your courses, especially if you’ve got some budget for ads.

Here’s the cool part about social media ads, like on Facebook: they’re pretty budget-friendly.

Plus, they let you zero in on exactly the kind of audience you want. Imagine being able to pick who sees your ads with laser precision.

With a well-crafted ad campaign, you can see some pretty impressive conversion rates.

And the best part? You don’t have to break the bank. Even a small budget can make a big splash on platforms like Facebook.

Typically, you’re paying per click with these ads. Let’s say Facebook charges around $0.92 per click.

So, if 100 people click on your ad, that’s $92 out of your pocket. From those 100 clicks, maybe you’ll get a couple of sign-ups. To make your money back, each sign-up might need to be around $50.

Now, that might sound steep at first glance. But here’s where you need to think about the bigger picture – the customer lifetime value (CLV). It’s all about how much each student is worth to your business over time.

Investing in Facebook ads isn’t just about getting a quick signup. It’s about building a base of students who will…

• Spread the word;
• refer new customers; and
• keep coming back for more of your courses.

The real trick is nailing that best course experience they can’t resist talking about.

2. Craft Compelling Course Descriptions

Attracting students to your online course begins with the art of creating irresistible course descriptions.

Your course description is the first impression potential students get, and it’s crucial to make it count. Think of it as a window display for your course – it should be inviting, clear, and compelling.

Start by understanding your target audience’s needs and desires. What are they looking to achieve? How can your course help them reach their goals?

Use this understanding to craft a narrative that resonates with them. Highlight the unique benefits of your course, and don’t shy away from showcasing your expertise and experience in the field.

Remember, clarity is key.

Avoid jargon and overly technical language that might alienate beginners.

Instead, use simple, engaging language that speaks directly to the learner‘s aspirations.

Include practical details such as:

• Course duration
• Structure
• Prerequisites

However, remember to keep the focus on how the course will transform the student’s knowledge or skills.

Lastly, a compelling course description should end with a strong call to action.

Encourage potential students to take the next step, whether it’s signing up for more information or enrolling in the course. This is your chance to convert their interest into action.

3. Utilize Effective Pricing Strategies

Pricing is a critical factor, and it’s important to find the right balance.

Price your course too high, and you might scare away potential students; too low, and you could give your materials a low-quality vibe.

Consider offering tiered pricing options. This approach caters to different budgets and needs, allowing more students to access your course. For example, many DACA students might face financial challenges, so providing a lower-priced tier could help them pursue their education without added stress.

➡️ Ready to take your online course to the next level but need the right tools?

MemberPress is your answer.

With its straightforward tiered pricing, it takes the guesswork out of course management. Ideal for creators who want to focus more on content and less on complications. ⬅️

For instance, you could have a basic version for those who just want the core content.

Then premium tiers might include additional resources, one-on-one coaching, or access to an exclusive community.

Discounts and promotions can also be effective, especially during launch periods or special occasions. Limited-time offers promote a sense of urgency and can encourage fence-sitters to enroll.

Use them wisely though – you don’t want to undersell your course.

As for how you can offer these discounts, it depends on what system you use to manage your online courses.

MemberPress Courses makes it super straightforward and efficient.

The real advantage? MemberPress allows you to provide discounts selectively by way of drilled-down coupon settings and fine-grained customization.

These features ensure your standard pricing remains for those who are willing to pay the full amount.

Risk-Free Learning: The Guarantee Impact

Another strategy is to offer a money-back guarantee.

Offering a money-back guarantee isn’t just a safety net for your customers – it’s a powerful marketing magnet and revenue booster.

For example, a study by the marketing department at UC Davis showed that satisfaction-based money-back guarantees increase consumer trust in a seller.

When you build a bridge of confidence, potential students feel empowered and secure, knowing they have a safety valve. This confidence translates into higher conversion rates and repeat business.

4. Leverage Social Proof

It’s human nature to be influenced by the actions and opinions of others, especially when making decisions about education and personal development.

Social proof is a powerful tool in attracting students to your online courses. Start by gathering testimonials from past students who have benefited from your course.

These testimonials should be authentic and reflect a range of experiences.

Another form of social proof is showcasing the success stories of your students.

Did someone land a dream job or significantly improve their skills after taking your course?

Sharing these stories not only provides social proof but also inspires potential students to envision what they could achieve.

Don’t forget to leverage the power of ratings and reviews.

Fortunately, there are all kinds of WordPress plugins and tools out there to help you build up your social proof. Here are two of our faves:

• Easy Video Reviews – a unique tool that makes it super easy for customers to create and share video reviews right from your website.
  
• TrustPulse – a next-level social proof tool that showcases real-time customer activity notifications on your site.

However you do it, you want to encourage your students to leave feedback on your course platform or website. Positive reviews will boost the credibility of your course and help attract more students.

5. Pay for Student Referrals

Paying your students to bring in more classmates? It seems a bit crazy, right – giving out cash to earn more?

But here’s the thing, this approach has really taken off in the online world.

It’s all about tapping into the power of affiliate marketing.

When your students share their positive experiences, it can be a huge boost to your course’s visibility and credibility.

Let’s dive into how you can make this work for you. You’ve got a couple of solid options:

• How about offering a sweet deal to your current students for every new learner they bring on board?
  
• Or, you could team up with influencers and everyday folks who can help spread the word, offering them a referral fee for every lead they convert.

You’ll find that many successful online programs go with a flat fee for new sign-ups.

It’s simple – the more you offer, the more enticing your program becomes, and that usually means more students for you.

Now, if you’re in the MemberPress club, setting up a referral program is a breeze with the Easy Affiliate plugin.

This tool, crafted by our own team, lets you build your referral program from scratch, and you can do it quickly.

You get to decide how you want to structure your commissions, add different tiers, and even pick which transactions earn commissions.

The best part? Easy Affiliate offers some really insightful reports, so you can track your program’s success and see who’s bringing in the most referrals.

And don’t worry about tech headaches – Easy Affiliate and MemberPress are like two peas in a pod; they work seamlessly together.

So, your main focus is just on shaping up your affiliate strategy.

⭐ PRO TIP – Include an invite to join your referral program as part of your new-student onboarding.

6. Offer a Sample or Trial

Offering a sample or trial is an effective tactic in attracting students to your online course.

A sneak peek into your course allows potential students to experience the quality and style of your content before committing.

Consider offering a free module or a short trial period. This gives prospects a taste of what to expect and helps them make an informed decision.

Make sure the sample or trial accurately represent the quality and benefits of the full course. As a certified paywalling powerhouse, this is another area where MemberPress shines.

You can also host webinars or live Q&A sessions.

These events not only showcase your expertise but also allow you to interact directly with potential students, answering their questions and addressing their concerns.

5. Collaborate with Social Media-Savvy Guest Instructors

Alright, let’s talk about another cool way to use social media beyond just ads: getting influencers on board. Think of it as having a popular friend who tells everyone how great your course is.

Here’s the deal with influencer marketing: you usually reach out to these social media stars, hash out a deal, and figure out what they’ll say about your course.

Some influencers work with agencies that handle all the nitty-gritty for you.

If you’re thinking of jumping into influencer marketing, keep a couple of things in mind:

1. Find influencers who are big in your niche. You want someone who speaks directly to the crowd you’re trying to attract.

2. Be cautious with accounts that have tons of followers but not much real engagement. It’s all about quality, not just quantity.

You might find someone with a huge following, but if they’re not in your niche, your efforts might not hit the mark.

Influencer marketing isn’t exactly the new kid on the block, but it’s still uncharted waters for many.

So, make sure you’re teaming up with folks you feel good about and who genuinely resonate with your audience.

A NOTE ON INFLUENCERS

The toughest part of reaching out to influencers is finding them. They’re a bit like celebrities, and they don’t typically provide their contact info for the whole world to see.

That said, there are a lot of free and paid online tools to help you get your hands on influencer contact details.

This great article from Afluencer is a great place to start: 8 Tools You Can Use to Find Influencers to Promote Products or Content.

Conclusion

So, you’ve set the stage with your online course – it’s crafted, curated, and ready to dazzle.

But here’s where the plot thickens: it’s time to fill those virtual seats with students. Think of it as opening night, and your course is the star of the show.

The great part? There’s no limit to your audience size. It’s your moment to shine in the vast online world, reaching out to every corner where your future students might be hiding.

To wrap things up, attracting students to your online course is like putting on a hit performance. It’s a 7-part mix of:

1. Build a Strong Online Presence
2. Craft Compelling Course Descriptions
3. Utilize Effective Pricing Strategies
4. Leverage Social Proof
5. Pay for Student Referrals
6. Offer a Sample or Free Trial
7. Collaborate with Social Media-Savvy Guest Instructors

These steps are like your roadmap, helping you pack your course with students and really make a difference in their learning.

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Got questions or need some backstage tips on promoting your course? We’re here to help!

Drop a line in the comments below.

Let’s collaborate to make your course the main event everyone’s talking about!

Rizza Del Castillo

Born and raised in the vibrant tropics of Cebu, Philippines, Rizza is a passionate enthusiast of all things geeky. Her profession is a creative tapestry, from weaving words into livelihood. With an impressive 15-year tenure in the industry, she's explored various facets of writing and design. Her journey includes blogging, crafting scripts for stop-motion animation content on the Stikbot Channel and Zing Toys, delving into social media and content marketing, and expressing herself through graphic design. Beyond her professional endeavors, Rizza is an avid tabletop war gamer, an enthusiastic student of mixed martial arts, and occasionally indulges in existential musings at 3 in the morning.

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