The Journey of Creating Online Courses Part 2: 7 ways I promoted and sold my Initial Course
The first time I had the idea of creating an online course about writing I realized it was one worth following.
Perhaps this is because human beings have an inherent desire to give back to people around us. Being able to aid others through sharing my knowledge felt like an appropriate next step in my freelance writing career .
Starting with Authenticity
When I was writing materials for my very first online class, Your Inner Writer, seemed easy enough, but marketing and selling it was as a more daunting process. As someone who doesn't like advertising myself, I had to overcome the thoughts which arose within my mind -- thoughts like"What if people think that my actions are foolish? What if this course doesn't resonate with people like I believed that it should? Are people thinking they're being'salesy' or annoying talking about my class?
In this blog, I'm going to share with you -- the first time online course creatorthe way I promoted and sold my first course. This is the method that I did that worked for me. I'm sharing my tips to assist you in determining which strategies work for you. My experience has taught me that the best sales tactics are always based on a sense with authenticity. This article should encourage you to think about your own inner world and discover ways to make your business sell and promote your courses easily, and in a way that works for your needs!
Here's how I accomplished it:
I designed an achievable goal
A quote I continually return to from one of my favorite authors, Paula Coehlo, is the following:
"When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve that goal."
I decided that the initial step to selling and marketing my online class was to establish an objective of the number of students I would like to enroll. This means that the universe (and tactical marketing efforts) could conspire in helping me to make it happen.
My goal was simple and real-world; I wanted to enroll 10 people in my first launch of Your Inner Writer. This goal set for me helped to hold myself accountable and determine what action I needed to do to get that many people in the door. This also provided me with an irrational north star to help me stay on the right track, and contributed to an increased sense of certainty. If I was doing all in my power to make sure that these people were in the door, anything else was an added bonus.
As it turned out, I exceeded my goal by 12 students, enrolling a total of 22!
I designed an timeline
When I'd set my target for how many students I would like to bring into my class, I created an outline of all my advertising efforts. The creation of a timetable helped remove overwhelm about the process and keep things as straightforward and easy as it could be.
I also added a hyperlink to the landing page on my Instagram bio and website in order to drive organic traffic. After that, I created the essentials of what marketing and sales efforts I'd have to execute. I decided to follow the 'quality over quantity' strategy. I wanted to be extremely conscious of the content I posted to my audience, which is why I composed four emails, and three Instagram postsand left Instagram stories off of my schedule. I decided that I'd publish stories whenever I wanted to, as well as when it seemed most in sync with my values. As it turned out, Instagram stories are my primary method of generating leads, and how I converted the most followers into students.
I determined which platforms I'd choose to send my message
As I'd accumulated a tiny (but committed!) audience over the three years managing my writing freelance business I've decided to use two of my main platforms on which I already communicated with my followers via email as well as Instagram.
I shared only one Instagram post each week for the three weeks on my Instagram feed. My first post announced my online course, with a call to action to sign up through my bio link. The next post discussed the benefits of writing as an artistic outlet as well as a therapeutic tool, and again encouraged people to sign up through my bio. The last post showed the signups so far (at that point there were 12 students in the course) in order to build the impression of urgency. It also remind people that they had only one week left to enroll.
After that, I turned my Instagram posts into emails, which I had sent on the same day that I posted on Instagram. I sent the fourth email the day before enrollment closed to, once again, create a sense of urgency for my subscribers to join.
I've pushed the message
Instead of just relying on my email list and Instagram followers I chose to connect with the people within my personal network as well as those I had not met accounts on social networks -- that I felt would benefit from My Inner Writer.
I liked the personal aspect of this particular step. There were a few acquaintances and colleagues who I knew were interested in developing a creative writing practice. Every person I spoke to signed to the program.
The results show that the students who joined my course were also able to help me to spread the message. Without needing to ask (however, next course launch I'll insist on encouraging more) Many students posted their enthusiasm for Your Inner Writer by posting Instagram accounts. I'd share their posts, that helped build hype around my course and demonstrate that more people are taking the plunge.
My students talking about the course on social media was vital when it came to marketing and selling the course; not only did I get new followers through other users sharing about my work and course, but I also had two students sign up to my class after finding out about it via their network!
I discussed my class in a genuine way
In all my emails or Instagram posts as well as stories, I spoke about my personal experiences using writing as a powerful method for self-discovery, creativity and inspiration. Naturally, I spoke about what my students would get from your Inner Writer, but I utilized my own personal experiences as a way to lead into my course's learning outcomes.
Because I was determined to remain true to me throughout the sales and marketing process Sharing these experiences were essential for me. I wanted to make people emotionally feel connected to my beliefs and learn what inspired me to design this program, be encouraged by the concept of creating a writing routine and find out what they could gain from the work of Your Inner Writer.
I also used other people's quotations about writing and the creative process to inspire readers. Every time I shared an excerpt from my story , along with a written explanation of how it was related with Your Inner Writer, I had someone sign up shortly following.
I avoided being 'salesy'
If I'm being honest, I cringe when I'm constantly bombarded with tweets on social media as well as a plethora of emails in an event's launch. This is why I am a firm believer in being deliberate with marketing and sales efforts which is why I have the 'quality over quantity mentality.
Since I'm passionate about writing making high-quality, deliberate written content for my class was simpleI had a lot to talk about! Through all my sales copywriting, I presented my course in a way that showed my genuine love for the subject and how it could benefit people.
My experience has shown me that having a genuine attitude in all aspects of sales and marketing has changed me from being "salesy" to straight up excited about it. I was eager to help people get in the door, not to simply make money and earn a profit, but to ensure that I could help people develop an intimate relationship with their personal storyteller. I think this mindset proved itself since more than doubling the initial goal of enrollment!
I sold a transform but not the any information
In every single piece of content that I sent out for my readers (including messages on Instagram, emails, stories, and even the content on my landing pages -- I made sure that I conveyed a change rather than just information.
My personal experience with writing has helped me show the benefits writing has had on me, and also demonstrate the possibility of this change for my students too. I believe that my transformation-focused content appealed to my audience.
In the midst of just one week left of my course I've had incredible comments that speak to this change, for example:
"Carving this pockets to express your creativity is a nurturing thing to do." Bree C. Bree C.
"I find myself enthralled by the notion of embodying writing - and love all the ways you define and encourage us to investigate it." Alex W. Alex W.
"I'm so grateful for your course already and all the motivation it's bringing me. I want to thank you!" - Claudia H.
"Thank to you, thank you, for creating such a safe space for creatives. I'm in dire need to have this." Megan Z. Megan Z.
Get Started using
I hope that learning about how I sold and promoted my first course online has inspired you to imagine how you could accomplish the same thing for yourself. Be aware that there's no right or wrong way to share your gift with the world. You should be ready to experiment and explore the options that work for you and your customers.
If you're anything like me and aren't sure about putting your name out there, remember that when you share your story, you grant others permission to share theirs as well. Remember the power you have and do not be afraid to share your unique knowledge and experience with everyone!
Stay tuned to My Online Course Creation Journey Part 3 In this installment, I'll dive into everything I'd have to do differently for my next launch.
In the meantime, if I could create an online course then you can too. Don't wait! Get started with today.