You’ve already put in the work to create your first online course(s). That means it is now time to sell it and get some students into your course. Otherwise, it would be a waste of your energy, right? It is time for you to find new customers in the form of students willing to learn what you have to offer. Selling isn’t for everyone, so we can imagine that you could use some help with it. That’s exactly why we wrote this article! So let’s get going.
It could well be the case that you’ve put blood, sweat and tears into making your course, but that it just isn’t selling. A lot of companies that have only been around for a short time have this problem. There can be multiple factors that decide if something sells or not. The main factor for companies that just started? Not having any credibility. If you have some proof of credibility, in the form of testimonials and reviews, it will make it was easier to make a sale. But there could be other reasons why your course isn’t selling right now.
So there could be multiple reasons why your online course isn’t selling. The five main reasons your course isn’t selling:
1. Your target audience is unaware of your brand and courses.
2. They don’t know the benefits of following your online course.
3. They don’t see the added value of following your course.
4. The course isn’t exactly what they are looking for.
5. They can’t find or buy your online course, so they can’t buy it either.
We will go more in-depth on these subjects below!
1. Your target audience is unaware
Which obviously means that they won’t even see or recognize your course as one of the options. There are a few simple solutions of which a few will cost you money, while other solutions will be free in terms of money (not time). Advertising and paid PR being very effective ways to let other people discover your brand. Writing blogs (for SEO purposes) and creating a social media following being two free options you can explore.
2. They don’t know the benefits
Not listing the benefits of following your online course is a good way to turn people away. When a customer is shopping online and stumbles upon your online course, he or she wants to read why they should buy it. Even better, convince them in a short video or with some free samples. Be sure to list or talk about all the benefits they will experience while following the course. You wouldn’t buy new pants without knowing if they fit, right?
3. They don’t see the added value of your course
Big chance that you will compete with other instructors on your chosen topic. Why would a customer opt for your course and not for your competitor’s course? Successfully selling is mainly depended on convincing your customer. That’s why you need to list things that make you stand out from the crowd and that make your course one of a kind.
4. The course isn’t exactly what they are looking for
It is always nice to have visitors and potential customers on your course website. Especially when they are actually looking for what you have to offer. You cannot sell anything to a person that isn’t looking for what you have to offer. Make sure the customers you’re attracting, are interested in exactly what you’re offering. Make sure you advertise to the right people and use relevant keywords in your texts.
5. They can’t find or buy your course
Knowing about a website, but not being able to find it, is one of the worst experiences. It could also be the case that they cannot use the website on their preferred device or are unable to use their favourite payment method. These are all important factors to keep in mind when you are trying to sell your online course.
How to make selling your course easier
Fixing one or all of the problems listed above would at least make it easier to sell your course. Over the years we have accumulated lots of strategies that are useful to people trying to sell their stuff online. We like to think we’re nice people, so we are going to share them with you.
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Free marketing isn’t necessarily worse than paid marketing. There are loads of different ways of finding new customers. You can spring your course into life by having it open to a select group of people. These can be friends, colleagues or family. Why does this work? They can leave reviews which make your course stand out more and they can advocate for you on several social media channels. Word-of-mouth is still one of the most effective and reliable ways of finding customers.
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People like to interact, even if they act stingy at first. Share-and-win promotions are still effective if you use the right channel. Make the price worthwhile and it can easily get momentum. Getting your name out there is important, especially when you’ve just started your platform.
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It’s possible to find other business, especially startups, in a similar field to your own which you can collaborate with. For instance, it’s possible to make a package deal that includes your course and the other business’ product. The value proposition will make it worthwhile for a new customer, who is now enrolled in your course.
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You probably have some targets in mind when you start out with your own course platform. Being flexible in your targets and goals is important, especially when you’ve just started. Don’t be scared to have more free content or to have to lower the price of your course. It will all work out better in the end.
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Start with your own online course
These tips are what a lot of our brands used in order to get their first students in their learning environment. So don’t be scared to use them to your own advantage! Keep an eye on our blog to stay up-to-date with relevant news, trends and tips about online education and courses.
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