48 Ways to Sell Online Courses in 2024 (Without Paid Ads)
You've poured your heart and soul into creating an online course.
Now, it's time to let the world know about it. Knowing how to market your online course is the key to driving sales, especially in the early stages of your business.
The exciting news? You don't have to rely on paid advertising, like running Google or Facebook ads, to attract clients to your online course. Today, we'll guide you through a roundup of free or low-cost marketing activities that can be the game-changer for your business.
But here's the catch—you don't need to use every single strategy on this list.
Pick one of two marketing strategies to get some sales to start rolling in. As your business grows, you can gradually expand your marketing strategy. While some of these tactics will only take a few minutes to execute, attempting to do it all at once might lead to burnout and spreading yourself too thin.
Let’s take a closer look at effective ways you can promote your online course.
How to Market and Sell Your Online Course
01 Choose one offer to market and sell.
Start by promoting one standout online course. If sales feel like an uphill battle, resist the urge to dilute your efforts with multiple offers or entertain the idea of launching a new course.
While it may seem like offering a smörgåsbord of courses will bring in more sales by giving your audience more options, this approach often backfires. It doesn’t give your first course a fair chance to succeed.
What typically happens is that customers get confused and end up not making any purchases. Sticking to a signature online course allows you to get known for that offer.
Consistency pays off. Those not ready to jump on board right away might return months or even years later, all because they've been consistently hearing about it. There is power in becoming known for one thing and doing it really well.
02 Create a course sales page.
Before you start marketing your course, you need a sales page so you can sell your course without trading your time to convince someone to sign up. Write a sales page that does the heavy lifting for you.
Also known as a landing page, it’s the page that describes your course, but more importantly, persuades someone to enroll in it. Potential clients will visit your sales page before deciding to sign up – or not sign up – for your course.
Every word on this page should be laser-focused on reaching the goal of a new student joining your course. It should answer the questions:
What is the course about? Who is it for?
What does it help them do? Why should someone join?
How is the course structured? Who is the instructor?
What is the time commitment?
Are there any student success stories?
Is there a trial period or refund policy?
What is the price? Are there payment options?
Are there any bonuses or extra perks?
On Marvelous, we offer Marvelous Magic Pages™ to help you write your sales pages. Our AI Page Generator whips up a sales page for your product automatically, with text for every section. Just give 2 to 3 sentences from your product description, and you’ll save hours on writing and designing your sales page.
Related: 5 Tips for a Simple and Beautiful Landing Page Design
03 Use search engine optimization (SEO).
When someone searches online for what you offer, search engines like Google want to show them the most helpful results. SEO is about tweaking your website to help it get found in search engines.
Think of it as using the right words (aka keywords) that people might type into their search engines, creating high-quality content, and making sure your website is easy to navigate.
For example, when someone searches “prenatal yoga course,” Google sifts through its library of websites and shows what it thinks is the best answer to that search. The better your SEO, the higher your website is likely to climb in search results, which brings more visitors and potential buyers to your online course.
Related: What is SEO and How Can it Help Your Wellness Blog?
04 Update your website title to improve SEO.
Boost your SEO with a quick website title update. It takes just a few minutes to sprinkle in relevant keywords, but this simple tweak can have a significant impact. It signals to search engines that your online course and content align with user searches. Plus, search engines favor websites that prioritize fresh and relevant information.
05 Create a sales video.
Once your sales page copy is polished, why not pair it with a sales video? By doing so, you cover all bases, ensuring your content resonates with a broader audience. People have different preferences in consuming content: some prefer reading, while others lean towards watching videos.
Beyond that, videos enhance the credibility of your online course. Seeing and hearing you discuss your course builds trust with potential students. It allows them to get to know you better, making them more comfortable about signing up.
Moreover, videos have a knack for going viral. Craft an engaging sales video, and there's a solid chance your potential students might share it with friends or on social media.
06 Offer a free webinar.
Webinars are a tried-and-true strategy for marketing your course for a reason: they're effective. A whopping 76% of marketers swear by them for reaching more leads.
Consider hosting a free webinar or live class. It’s a chance to showcase what you know in your field and establish yourself as the go-to expert. But here's the kicker—it's not just a one-way street. Webinars create a space for real-time engagement and interaction with your audience.
Attendees can ask questions, join discussions, and get instant feedback from you. In the webinar, offer them a sneak peek into your course content. While a sales pitch at the end of a webinar is common, that's entirely your call.
For example, suppose you're offering a 3-week course on how to overcome anxiety and negative self-talk. In that case, your webinar topic might focus on a 4-step framework from your online course that attendees could apply to their lives immediately.
If you're a yoga teacher doing a livestream class, focus on what you teach in your course. For example, suppose your course is about eliminating lower back pain. In that case, your livestream class could focus on just a few yoga asanas that build core strength.
The beauty of webinars is that you draw in an audience genuinely interested in your online course. Even if they don't make a purchase immediately, they provide their contact information, giving you a valuable list of potential customers.
07 Craft an ebook, workbook, or guide.
Creating an ebook is one of the best marketing tools in your toolkit, whether you want to share it for free or put a price on it. Canva's free templates make it a breeze to create a downloadable PDF without starting from scratch.
It serves as an accessible starting point for people who might be a bit hesitant about jumping into a full course right away. Share it as a free download, and your ebook becomes a magnet for new leads.
Just like with webinars, those interested in getting their hands on your ebook (or workbook or guide) willingly hand over their contact info. It's like building your own contact list for future marketing efforts.
Related: How to Create a Lead Magnet and Grow Your Email List
08 Collect testimonials and feature them everywhere.
Nothing speaks louder than the experiences of others who have worked with you in any of your online courses. In marketing, this is called social proof.
While testimonials specifically related to the course you're offering are ideal, don't underestimate the impact of general testimonials from past clients or students who've experienced success with your work.
Spread these testimonials far and wide: on your sales page, social media, emails—anywhere your audience might see them. Let these success stories speak for themselves. By showcasing them everywhere, you strengthen your credibility and show potential clients what great things your course could help them achieve.
Related: Looking for some pointers on how to ask for a testimonial? Check out this fab template over at the Luminous Shop.
09 Create a lead magnet
One way to generate more leads and build your mailing list is to repurpose content you’ve already made into a downloadable asset. While webinars and ebooks are effective lead magnets, you can simplify things even further.
Experiment with different types of lead magnets to find out what resonates with your audience. Your lead magnet might be as straightforward as a checklist or template or as comprehensive as a free guide—essentially, any valuable digital download exchanged for their email address. You can easily create these assets using free tools like Canva.
10 Send emails to your list.
Considering an online course is a big call, and not everyone understands all the benefits your course offers at first glance. That's where an email sequence steps in. It's your way of gently guiding potential students through the decision-making process and encouraging them to take the next step.
Think of it as a conversation, not just a one-time pitch. Email marketing is your opportunity to build a relationship, not just make a quick sale.
Every email is a chance to highlight why your course is worth it. Share success stories, offer insights, and demonstrate how your course can genuinely make a difference. It's also the perfect opportunity to address objections or concerns upfront, making it easier for someone to say 'yes' to your course.
Related:5 of the Best Email Marketing Tools for Creators
11 Offer a payment plan.
Introducing payment plans in your online course marketing adds flexibility for your clients. It provides a stress-free option for students who want to learn from you, but may not have the funds right now to make the full payment—they can invest over time.
In a crowded market, these flexible payment options set your course apart. It signals that you’re ready to meet your client's needs. Bonus: it helps create a steady cash flow for your business. Instead of relying on one-time payments, creators get a consistent revenue stream throughout the payment plan.
On Marvelous, payment plans are currently possible for fixed-priced products and studios using Stripe and require a Solo account and Up.
12 Offer a satisfaction guarantee.
A satisfaction guarantee is a powerful trust-builder. It shows you’re confident in your course and signals to potential clients that you truly believe in what you offer.
It's natural for people to have doubts before enrolling in a course because they’re worried it might not meet their expectations. But with a guarantee, you minimize that risk and encourage them to take the leap.
Of course, you want to make sure the guarantee is used fairly. That's why it’s important to have clear conditions and timelines in place. In reality, most participants won't need to request a refund, and those who do probably weren’t the best fit for your offers anyway.
13 Update your Instagram bio.
Is your online course mentioned in your Instagram bio? It's often the first thing people see, so a well-crafted bio can spark interest in what you're offering.
Instagram isn’t just for sharing pretty photos or videos anymore—they’ve also integrated SEO. The words in your bio matter, so adding relevant keywords related to your online course can help the right people find you.
Don't forget a solid Call-to-Action (CTA) in your bio. Whether it's guiding visitors to your website, encouraging course enrollment, or suggesting they check out your latest content, a clear CTA can prompt the next action you want them to take. Take a look at Marvelous.bio for a free link-in-bio alternative you can use with sleek, professionally-designed templates!
14 Update your TikTok bio.
Your TikTok bio is prime real estate on your profile, but it’s limited to just 80 characters—even shorter than your Instagram bio. Keep it short and sweet.
For instance, if you're a nutrition coach, go for something concise like: "Nutrition expert. Crafting healthy lifestyles, let's eat well together!" Just like Instagram, you’re allowed only one link in your TikTok bio, so make sure your course is on there.
Make that single link count with your Marvelous.bio. Bonus: fans can even tip you on your Marvelous.bio page!
Related: Getting Started with Instagram Reels and TikTok Videos (even if you don't want to be on camera)
15 Update your email signature.
A quick and easy marketing tactic to promote your online course is to add a link to it in your email signature.
After all, you’re probably sending and receiving tons of emails every day. Even if the recipient of your email isn’t the target audience, it’s a subtle way to build brand awareness and get your course noticed.
16 Reach out with personalized video.
Want to elevate your communication with potential students? Add a personal touch by opting for video responses in your social media or email interactions. It puts a face and voice to your message, which makes your communication more memorable and meaningful.
With a video message, you can tailor your message specifically to the person you’re talking to. You can mention their name, address their concerns, and it shows you’ve taken the time to connect on a more personal level. For email interactions, tools like Loom offer a free and easy way to incorporate video messages.
17 Offer a free course module.
Give a sneak preview of your online course by providing a free module for potential students to explore. It’s a teaser you can offer for a limited time to give them a feel for what being in your course is like.
If they find the free content valuable and high-quality, it’s a taste of what they can expect from the full course, which helps to build trust and get them excited about your program.
18 Answer FAQs before they ask them.
You can write the world’s most informative sales page, but your clients will still have questions, and it’s on you to provide them with the answers. Forget about steering them to a separate FAQ page, though.
Insert an FAQ section to your sales page instead. Why risk distracting potential clients by sending them off to another page when you can keep them right where they are?
Potential students might be on the fence, wondering about things like the course structure, their own abilities, or other details. By addressing FAQs right then and there, you’re easing those concerns and nudging them closer to hitting that enroll button.
19 Use a mobile-friendly website.
A mobile-friendly design ensures your website looks great on any device, whether it's your trusty iPhone, Android, iPad, or even a massive 46" LCD screen.
Given that over half of online traffic now comes from mobile devices and apps, having a mobile-friendly website is non-negotiable. This rings especially true if you're running a movement-based program. Did you know that over 40% of people use health and fitness apps more than 10 times a week? And that number’s only climbing.
With online course platforms like Marvelous, you can add the mobile version of your course to your home screen on iOS and Android devices, complete with your very own custom branded icon. This means you can sell ALL of your courses via a mobile app without handing over a percentage of your sales and profits to Apple or Google.
20 Partner with influencers or creators in similar niches.
Influencers wield a loyal fanbase, and teaming up with them opens doors for course creators to get in front of a wider audience of potential students.
You could give influencers access to your course, and offer them an affiliate link for a sales cut. Or another option is to team up with another creator for a joint venture webinar.
In this tag team approach, both creators host a webinar, each promoting it to their audience. It's a great way to boost visibility and attract a larger audience while offering a chance for both partners to expand their email lists and connect with new leads.
21 Tag people and brands on social media.
This marketing activity is so simple, it’s easy to forget. When you tag a brand or person, your course could show up on their page or in related searches, which reaches more user feeds.
If influencers or brands engage with (or even share!) your content, it introduces your course to a whole new group of potential students. Tagging can also open doors to cross-promotion if brands reciprocate by sharing your content to their audience.
22 Jump on trends and holidays.
No need to twiddle your thumbs waiting for a major holiday. Social media loves a good "hashtag holiday" – think Siblings Day or Pet Day — just as much as the traditional ones. And there are the lesser-known gems that fit every niche (hello, Take the Stairs Day or Day of Unplugging).
If you decide to celebrate an obscure holiday, make it worth it for your followers. It’d probably be pretty overwhelming to flood their feeds with every hashtag holiday out there.
Whether it's a mindful tip or a special promotion tied to the day, make it interesting and useful. These posts should add some fun and fill in the gaps in your social media calendar.
23 Create a bundle.
Bundles let clients explore several products at once, which means more opportunities for them to find items they love. It could be pairing a coaching session with an online course or offering a library of digital downloads as a special course bonus. Marvelous allows you to seamlessly create bundles to sell your offer.
Beyond the added value, it creates a sense of getting more for their money. However, bundles are a more advanced strategy. While we usually advise starting with marketing a signature offer, bundles become a savvy move as your content library and offerings grow with resources like lead magnets, ebooks, and other content.
24 Write a blog.
No, blogging isn’t dead. Search engines love fresh, relevant content. Keeping your blog regularly updated with high-quality posts can boost your search engine rankings, making it easier for potential students to stumble upon your course through online searches.
Get creative with your blog! You can use blog posts to show success stories, dive into specific topics covered in your courses, and answer audience questions. Even just posting a blog post once a month can keep your website active.
25 Be a podcast guest.
Landing guest spots on podcasts puts your expertise front and center for an audience hungry for your insights on your course topic. It not only establishes you as the go-to expert but also serves as a smart marketing and PR tool for selling an online course in any niche.
Starting your own podcast is an option, but why not test the waters first as a guest on other shows? It’s a free way to leverage existing audiences. Just reach out to podcast hosts and pitch why you’d be a great fit for their show.
Another bonus is that podcast appearances offer content that you can repurpose across your marketing channels. For example, you can use snippets, quotes, or the entire episode to transform your interviews into social media posts, blog articles, or videos.
26 Invite students to share their success stories.
Sharing success stories is a great way to inspire potential students. These narratives inject a personal touch to your marketing, emphasizing real-world benefits and results achieved with your support. Feature these as user-generated content on your website and social media to amplify their impact.
Let’s say someone shares their course journey with you via email or message and you’re talking with them about the experience. This could be the perfect time to ask if they’d be open to hopping on a call or recording a video to share their story.
Crafting a good success story begins with asking the right questions. You can develop templates or prompts that make it easy for students to share their stories. This could include questions about their initial goals, challenges faced, and the positive outcomes they've experienced. Just always get their permission to feature their story in your marketing!
27 Share your story.
Sharing your story is a powerful way to connect with your audience. Start by introducing yourself and sharing your journey. From the motivations behind creating your course to the qualifications you bring, you’d be surprised at how much your story can resonate with people on a deeper level.
Make sure to spread your story everywhere: across your website, social media, and any media appearances you make. Stories tend to stick because they're relatable, emotional, and provide context. By sharing your own, you give people a glimpse into who you are and what you stand for.
Here are some questions you might consider answering in your marketing, whether it's on your "About Us" page, website, sales page, or social media channels:
What inspired you to create this course?
Why did you choose to become a creator?
What qualifications or expertise do you bring?
What are your values?
28 Offer seasonal or promotional discount for a limited time.
Discounts lower the barrier to entry, making it easier for those sitting on the fence to decide to enroll in your course. However, the key is to use discounts or promotions sparingly.
For one thing, you want to spark excitement with promotions. Short-lived discounts let you align them with seasonal themes, holidays, or events. Most importantly, limiting the availability of a discount prevents the perception of devaluing your offer or setting an ongoing expectation of endless discounts.
The upside of promotions lies in their ability to drive revenue quickly. When done right, promotions can become a helpful tool for giving your cash flow a timely boost and reaching specific financial goals.
29 Participate in forums relevant to your niche.
Compile a list of forums related to your course, sign up as a member, and actively participate by answering questions. Make sure to focus on specific forums that align with your course topic.
But steer clear of promoting your course directly on forums. Most groups have rules against this! Instead, start responding to people’s questions or stories to establish yourself as an expert and subtly build your brand through valuable contributions.
It doesn’t have to be a traditional message board forum either—think Facebook Groups, Reddit, Quora, LinkedIn Groups, or other online spaces where your audience hangs out online.
30 Find local networking events.
Despite your course being online, don’t overlook the local crowd. While online interactions matter, face-to-face connections can be even more memorable. Networking events create opportunities for course creators to build stronger relationships with potential students, collaborators, or partners.
Even if someone you meet isn’t the right fit for your course, they likely know someone else who is. And nothing is more powerful than word-of-mouth marketing.
Active involvement in local events can also catch the eye of local media outlets, potentially leading to features in community newsletters, newspapers, or online platforms.
31 Create a marketing plan of daily and weekly marketing activities.
For entrepreneurs, especially those running solo or with a small team, resources can be tight. It's all too easy for marketing efforts to slip through the cracks. However, consistency is crucial, even if it means dedicating just 10 minutes each day.
Here’s a snapshot of tasks that only take a few minutes:
Set aside 10 minutes to reach out to your students and ask them for a testimonial.
Take a quick dive into your website and social media analytics to get insights on engagement and what type of content is resonating with your audience.
Carve out weekly time to stay up-to-date on industry trends. Whether it's articles, podcasts, or webinars, this short investment pays off.
Spend 15 minutes to connect on social media with other course creators and influencers in your niche.
32 Offer access to a private community.
In a private community, students connect with kindred spirits who share their interests and goals, creating a ready-made support system. Here, they can seek advice, share challenges, and celebrate victories with both you and their peers.
While Facebook provides free community-building tools, Marvelous takes things a step further with Community Groups. You can add these private discussion forums to your Marvelous site, and student access depends on which products your students own and how you set the groups up.
For example, you could create a general Community Group that anyone who owns one of your courses can access and a private Community Group just for participants of a particular course.
Related: How to Build an Online Community
33 Share with your personal network.
Your network serves as a vital source of positive support and encouragement. Even if you’re not making direct sales from the people you know, they can celebrate your achievements, share your successes, and offer emotional support through your entrepreneurial journey (which is invaluable!).
Both personal and professional networks have their networks, creating a ripple effect. By sharing your course with those in your immediate circle, you indirectly reach a wider audience as they pass along information within their networks.
Although not everyone in your network may be the ideal fit for your course, others may pleasantly surprise you by expressing interest or recognizing the potential impact of your course.
34 Repurpose your content.
When we share the same message with our audience, we might worry they'd get tired of it. However, just because you're an expert in your niche doesn't mean everyone else is. Repurposing your content is a win-win for both you and your audience!
If you're putting in the effort to create content, why not maximize its use? Repurposing content not only helps you fill in your marketing calendar, but also ensures that your message sticks.
For instance, you can break down longer videos—whether from a course lesson, podcast appearance, or YouTube video—into bite-sized snippets perfect for sharing as teasers on social media.
Or perhaps you compile various course materials, such as templates, checklists, or guides, into a resource library. You could take key quotes or concepts from your course and turn them into visually appealing graphics for social media, or compile related course content into ebooks or downloadable guides.
35 Create online challenges related to your course.
Think of a free challenge as a sneak peek into the transformation waiting for participants in your course. When you design and lead a challenge, it's your moment to show off your expertise in a hands-on, practical way.
Challenges double as a lead generation tool because they require participants to sign up and share their email addresses. Plus, if your students enjoy the challenge and see results, they’re more likely to continue their journey with your complete course.
And let's not forget the potential for social media exposure: challenges often prompt participants to share their progress on social media.
Related: Learn how to create an online challenge here
36 Create quizzes related to your course content.
Everyone loves taking quizzes—they add a fun, interactive touch to your marketing. One way that you can use quizzes is as a lead magnet to grow your email list.
Use the quiz as a lead magnet to grow your email list. Respondents who want their quiz results or extra goodies might drop their emails, giving you a chance for more targeted marketing.
Plus, quizzes help you spot hot leads. Folks who dive into and finish the quiz are probably more interested in your course content, so you can focus your promotional efforts where they'll really count.
37 Market your course on TikTok.
TikTok reigns supreme among younger audiences, with over 80% of users falling under the age of 34, making it the ultimate platform for reaching this demographic.
While TikTok appeals to younger generations, it's also showing promise in retaining its audience as they age. Unlike other social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok values authentic content from its creators. Users appreciate genuine content they can relate to, fostering a sense of connection and trust.
On TikTok, users prefer entertaining content over overt advertisements. Even if you're not actively creating on the platform, it's a goldmine for staying ahead of the curve with emerging trends. Thanks to TikTok's algorithm, anyone can easily spot the latest trends and create relevant content.
Related: Effective Ways to Make Money on TikTok as a Creator
38 Market your course on YouTube.
When users are looking for information or tutorials, they often turn to YouTube as their go-to source. It’s not just a platform, but it’s the second biggest search engine worldwide, right after Google. Having your own YouTube channel not only boosts your visibility but also showcases your expertise and authority.
Think about how we all love sharing videos that have made us laugh, teach us something new, or simply capture our attention in a unique way. By leveraging video content, you have the power to deliver genuine value to your audience.
But here’s the thing, use video content not just for self-promotion but to provide genuine value. Skip the one-sided talk about your courses and focus on delivering content that truly matters.
However, don't forget to guide your viewers towards action. Whether it's subscribing for more, snagging a free download, exploring exclusive content on your website, or enrolling in your course, every video should lead them towards a meaningful next step.
Related:9 Quick Tips for YouTube Channel Optimization
39 Market your course on Instagram.
You don't need a massive following on Instagram to boost your course sales. Even with just a few hundred followers, you can make an impact. It's not all about pushing sales but rather building connections.
Let’s say you’re a sobriety coach. You can build your brand on Instagram by sharing useful posts about sobriety and regularly posting sobriety videos. When your courses are ready on your website, use Instagram to promote them.
Avoid the constant "buy, buy, buy" approach on Instagram. Striking the right balance between promotional content and other valuable posts is key, but you can also guide your audience to your courses through a bio link or Instagram Stories if they want to learn more.
Related: How to add a Link to Instagram Stories (and why you should!)
40 Collaborate with other course creators for cross-promotion.
Collaborating with other content creators introduces you to their audience, exposing your content to new viewers who may not have discovered you otherwise. Cross-promoting each other's work lets you tap into a more diverse audience, leading to more visibility and potential growth for both parties.
Collaborative projects, whether they involve joint videos, podcasts, or live streams, encourage innovation and help you explore new formats or topics. Look for creators whose style or expertise complements your own.
For example, a nutrition coach on Instagram could collaborate with a fitness trainer to offer a holistic approach to health, combining nutrition and exercise advice for overall well-being. A sobriety coach could collaborate with a mindfulness coach to help people develop coping mechanisms and stress management skills.
41 Create an affiliate or referral program.
An affiliate marketing program leverages the efforts of others. This approach means you only foot the bill for actual sales, making it a cost-effective strategy to bring in new customers.
In an online course affiliate program, you provide a commission to anyone promoting your course. Every successful sale they generate earns them a share of your earnings.
Your affiliate partners get a referral link or promo code for your course. Any sales made through their special link entitle them to a commission. The entire sales process is transparent because it’s tracked seamlessly through your affiliate link.
What’s even better is affiliate programs are an opportunity to reward those who have taken your course and recommend it to others!
42 Use Instagram Live.
Instagram Live is your ticket to unfiltered, interactive engagement with current and potential customers. It humanizes your brand, allowing you to have real-time interactions with your audience.
When you hit that "Live" button, your video gets pushed to the top of the screen, with notifications alerting your audience. It's prime visibility, making Instagram Live an excellent tool for staying top of mind with your audience.
Your live stream can run for up to an hour, but there's no pressure to fill every minute if it's not needed. Keep in mind, a valuable Instagram Live will be less polished than your planned out content, and that’s perfectly fine! Live video lets you present yourself as a relatable leader.
43 Use TikTok Live.
To access TikTok's Live feature, you’ll need to have built a following of at least 1,000. Going Live offers a prime opportunity for your posts to grace the coveted For You Page and attract potential new viewers to explore your live stream. It's an effective strategy to broaden your reach and grow your follower count.
Another reason why you should go live on TikTok is that it gives you the chance to create much longer content on the platform. Like Instagram Live, you can live stream on TikTok for up to 60 minutes! Not only does live streaming give you the ability to post longer videos, but you can potentially repurpose the live video to use for content in the future.
44 Partner with brands that sell related products.
Once you’ve built a following, you can partner with brands to promote your course. For example, let’s say you’re a holistic health coach. Look for brands that align with your philosophy—health products, organic food, fitness gear, or sustainability.
Partnerships start with crafting a compelling pitch emphasizing the course's benefits to its audience and how it aligns with the brand's values.
Shake hands (virtually or in person) with key players at the brands you're eyeing. Be where the action is—industry events, social media—and find opportunities to make connections that matter.
If you create special offers or packages exclusive to the brand's audience, This doesn’t just motivate the brand to promote your course but also enhances value for their customers. You also want to make it simple for them to promote your course by supplying top-notch marketing materials, like banners, graphics, or videos.
45 Get speaking engagements.
Speaking at events or conferences is one of the best ways to establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry. These gatherings are central hubs for industry professionals, and being a speaker lets you connect with potential brand partners, clients, and collaborators.
There are typically two paths to secure speaking engagements: applying online through a speaker platform and reaching out directly to the organization to pitch your appearance.
Beyond the immediate benefits, speaking engagements contribute to building name recognition. When you position yourself as a thought leader, especially within a specific market or niche, you increase your opportunities for receiving referrals. Referral sources will see you as an expert and solidify your status as the go-to person for your course.
46 Host workshops or partner with local businesses.
Hosting local workshops or seminars is a great way to engage with your local community. Being present physically is another way to build trust, as people tend to feel more connected when they can meet face-to-face.
Collaborating with local businesses or organizations can create mutually beneficial relationships. Local businesses might be open to cross-promoting your course to their customer base, using channels such as email newsletters, social media, or in-store promotions.
47 Reach out to local newspapers, magazines, or radio stations.
Securing a spot in local publications is much easier than getting into the national giants, but that doesn't make it less valuable. Online marketing is essential, but people are more likely to take notice and show interest when they see you featured in reputable local publications or on radio shows.
Media coverage can also improve your online visibility. Articles or interviews published online by local media outlets that mention your name or link to your website will contribute to your search engine optimization (SEO) efforts.
And as a perk, media features can be repurposed as content for your marketing efforts—you can share quotes, interviews, or articles on your website, and social media.
48 Publish a book on Amazon.
No doubt about it, writing a book is a big undertaking, which is why we’ve saved it for last. But it’s a powerful marketing tool because a published book sets you apart from competitors who may not have taken this step.
Being a published author can attract media attention. Journalists, podcast hosts, or event organizers are often drawn to authors, giving you additional chances to feature or be interviewed and further promote your courses. Besides, a book also opens avenues for cross-promotion because you can promote your courses within the book and vice versa.
Let’s Start Marketing Your Course
To effectively market your online course without relying on paid ads, start by laying down a solid plan of action. Take a moment to outline your strategy and ensure it lines up with both your goals and the interests of your audience.
Keep in mind, there's no need to juggle every tactic at once. This is especially true when establishing your presence on social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok. Go all in one social media platform before you introduce others.
Next, take the time to implement a few tactics. Measure the results, and only then decide whether to introduce more strategies. Identify which strategies align best with your course content and resonate with your target audience, and go all on on those.
