The Thousand Solutions Blog

How do you create effective online Course Ads

Oct 11, 2024

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Online course ads that grab attention and resonate with the target market is an excellent way to increase conversions and stand out in an ever-growing e-learning marketplace

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With thousands of courses all competing for the same pool of potential students, advertising with the proper message will make all the important difference to ensure that the course is viewed by students.

If you've not yet considered course advertisements as an option for your online course business yet, we're here to persuade you with convincing reasons to consider it.

At the conclusion of this post, you'll have gained practical strategies to create appealing copy and visuals while optimizing your ads to increase efficiency.

Why Online Course Ads Are Important

Online Course Ads Benefits Infographic

The most important advantage is visibility. By paying for advertisements, you're making sure that your business is noticed by members of your target public.

Unlike other methods such as organic content search, there is a guarantee that your course ad will be seen.

It is an important advantage for the course's owners as well as Academies that are just beginning to start to establish themselves. It takes a considerable amount of time and energy to establish an organic audience.

Paid advertising, on the other hand will get your information visible to the people who are most likely to be a part of your class faster.

This increase in exposure also increases credibility. Repeated exposure builds recognition as well as trust among prospective students, which makes conversions more likely.

What's more, you can pinpoint your audience to ensure that only the right people will see your advertisement. It is also possible to make use of the retargeting technique to engage people that have expressed interest in the online course advertisement without enrolling.

But, the amount your campaign's success will depend on the strategy you choose and general strategy, which includes:

  • The place where you will publish your ads
  • What format for your ad you pick
  • The efficacy of your copy and message

These points will be discussed plus further in the sections that follow.

How to publish your ads

First, you must choose which platforms are best suited to your company's image. That is which is the place where your ideal group most likely to come across the online course advertisement?

Likewise, if the course you're promoting is about food from across the globe, using social media platforms such as Instagram as well as Facebook would be much preferable as that's where your intended customers would likely to be.

to get the most value out of your advertisements The most important feature of selecting a platform to publish your ads is that you have to know how to utilize all the tools available

This is a brief listing of the platforms they use and what capabilities they offer to help get your ads published in the best possible way

Instagram

  • Reels: Let's you do 90-second ads.
  • Stories lets you set up engaging and creative course ads for only 24 hours
  • Instagram Feed allows you to create a solid visual course ad that has the perfect caption to captivate your target users as they scroll

Facebook

  • Stories to create short, engaging video ads with a visual appeal which lasts up to 24 hours
  • Video Ads: For long-form video ad content
  • Messenger Advertisements: Users who see your ads on Messenger are asked to start conversations with your online business

YouTube

  • Skippable In-Stream Ads ads are embedded in user-generated videos. users may choose to not skip.
  • Non-skippable in-stream ads: Ads are included in user video content, which users must watch from start to finish
  • Discovery Ads  Ads that are Discovery appear on YouTube search results, related videos, and the homepage
  • Bumper Ads: Six-second non-skippable ads perfect for delivering a quick, impactful message

LinkedIn

  • Sponsored Content: Ads could be sponsored content that can be directly shown within the LinkedIn feed. This makes it an ad format that is native to LinkedIn.
  • Video ads: LinkedIn's advanced targeting guarantees that your ads are seen by the correct target audience.
  • Text Ads They are simple and targeted ads that are displayed on the sidebar of the LinkedIn interface. They are cost effective in driving people to your landing page for your course.
  • Sponsored Messaging (InMail): These advertisements are in the form of personalized messages sent directly to LinkedIn users' inboxes

Search Engines (Google)

  • Google Search Ads lets you target users who are actively searching for online courses or similar topics
  • Google Display Network The Google Display Network permits users to utilize videos or images to connect with users on millions of websites, apps as well as Google-owned properties such YouTube
  • Discovery ads: Discovery ads allow the user to be reached in times when they're interested in discovering new content, offering an extensive reach across multiple platforms
  • Ads Retargeting: Lets you re-engage visitors who have visited your website or engaged with your ads but haven't enrolled in your course

Bonus Point! Your Existing WordPress website

You can also add your course ads to your website.

It's a good option if your site is already attracting a large portion of your intended audience. But either way you can sell your course to current members.

If you're on WordPress it is easy to make an advertisement using a reusable Gutenberg block. It is free to create any kind of advertisement you like including images, video or text.

Ad Formats: Long/Short-Form Videos vs. Images

It is recommended to utilize the combination of these types, particularly if you're catering to a diverse audience across different formats.

However, if you have an ad budget that is limited or want to convey an extremely specific message it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each format to help to decide on the most effective.

Here are the pros and cons of every ad format to help you know which best suits your needs in advertising:

Long-Form Video

 Pros

  • Lets you tell a detailed story that engages your audience
  • Perfect for explaining complex items or services.
  • Creates more space for imagination allows for the mixing of storytelling techniques
  • Provides greater retention for viewers interested audiences
  • Develops emotional connections with the person you want to target
     audience and your brand

 Cons

  • Production costs are more expensive and take longer.
  • Not compatible with certain platforms such as Instagram
  • It is necessary to pay more attention span than most people have the capacity to devote to

Short-Form Video

 Pros

  • It's quick and engaging
  • Ideal for raising brand awareness in a short period of time
  • Requires less production time and resources
  • It's easily shareable, making it more effective for organic reach

 Cons

  • Limited message depth
  • There is a chance that it will not provide any emotional value

Pictures

 Pros

  • Simple to make for fast messages
  • Offers high visual appeal
  • Totally adaptable to many platforms
  • This is the most economical method for production
  • It is suitable for static platforms and is less disruptive

 Cons

  • It can be easily overlooked
  • Low engagement compared to videos

When you have considered the pros and cons of each of the ad styles above, you'll now know where to use the formats and when not choose. You should also know which one you should choose based on what you believe is best suited to the people you want to reach.

Crafting a Strong Message and Effective Copy

No matter what format you select whatever format, which ever platform you pick the message in your online course advertisement is paramount.

If your content is presented by way of scripts as an online video or written for an PPC advertisement the message should be clear, impactful and straight to the point.

The audience you are targeting must view the ad and then say "Wow! I'll have to check this out as soon as possible!"

That's what an online course advertisement featuring an engaging headline, clear and compelling body text, and an enticing call to action (CTA) can do.

This is how you can craft each component effectively:

Headlines: Attention-Grabbing, Clear, and benefit-driven

Your headline is probably the first thing your target readers will be looking at. You want to ensure you make a great first impression that will linger in their minds.

Make sure your headline is clear, concise, and directly describes what you can gain from the offer.

Do not try to appear too witty by using vague terms instead, opt for a simple approach and stick to a particular message that will resonate with the target market.

Tips for Online Course Advertising Headlines

Here are some other things to consider:

  • Use power words that evoke emotion and excitement, such as "free," "proven," "easy," "guaranteed"
  • Highlight advantages that are tangible and relatable. Define what audience members can expect to gain
  • Try to include the number. In our experience, ads with numbers lead to higher results. E.g. "Voted the #1 Class", "Get Fluent in 30 Days"
  • It should be usable. Provide an outcome or action for the public to accomplish.

Headlines that are effective examples

  1.   Learn Spanish Fast - Fluent in 3 Months!
  • Power words: Fast, Fluent.
  • The benefit is that you can learn Spanish within a brief time.
  1.   Make more sales with proven Marketing Strategies
  • Power words: Double, Proven.
  • Advantage: Higher sales.
  1.   Learn the Secrets to Unparalleled Weight Loss
  • Power words: Secret, Effortless.
  • Benefit: Simple weight loss.
  1.   Discover the power of mindfulness in Just 10 Minutes a Day
  • Power words: Power, Unlock.
  • Benefit: Gaining mindfulness through little time commitment.
  1.   Fitness at home - There is no equipment required!
  • Power words: No Equipment, Get Fit.
  • Benefit: Fitness is achievable even with no special equipment.

Make sure to tailor your headlines to the platforms on which the ads of your courses are posted. For instance, brief and sharp headlines are ideal for social media sites like Instagram so that users can easily grab them, given their limited attention spans.

The key, in the end, is to ensure that your headline is benefit-driven by defining why your intended readers should be interested and the benefits they'll get by engaging more.

Body Text: Short as well as persuasive and in line with the requirements of the reader.

After you've created an attention-grabbing headline, the next step is to create the body copy using a persuasive tone with simple and clear words.

Emphasize your target audience's pain areas and the way your program is able to address these issues, and other appealing benefits.

For example, you can mention that your course helps them progress within their field or offer them exclusive insights to improve a hobby that they are enthusiastic about.

Keep it short, keeping an eye on the limited space for ads as well as the short attention spans of people.

Call-to-Action: Clear, Action-Oriented, and Urgent

Your CTA should include action verbs like "Enroll now," "Get Started Today," or "Download Free Guide," as they're clear and inform your customers exactly what's next.

In addition, you must create a sense of urgency by using your CTA for a better conversion rate.

By using phrases such as "Limited Time Offer" or "Join by the time registration closes" you persuade your audience to make a quick decision or forfeit access to the class.

If the audience you want to reach is already captivated by the course you've created, guarantee that they'll click the register button much faster than the speed of light!

Then, you must strategically position your CTA in your advertisements, be it an button placed on the landing page or hyperlink on your social media advertisement, to make it stand out and easily drive clicks.

Example of Successful Online Course Ads

We've discussed how to create powerful online course advertising for your online course business. It's now time to give you an example of online course advertisements that have been successful and the elements that make their ads shine.

Here they are below:

Google Search Course Ad

Below is an easy and effective Google ad for Amazon's AWS available on Google's search results when you enter the phrase "online courses."

Looking at the image above you can see that the advert clearly features a catchy headline that's attractive and benefits-driven. The terms used are clear and simple, with the absence of ambiguity or confusion.

The CTA advises that people take action through two key action verbs "Become" as well as "Learn," encouraging learners to follow their next steps for success.

Instagram Course Ad

Screenshot of instagram online course ad

This Instagram course ad from @cfshealth is another fantastic instance of an effective online course advertisement. The person in the picture advertises a course of four weeks designed to assist people with chronic fatigue syndrome in managing their symptoms.

He begins with an introductory hook that speaks directly to the audience he intends to appeal to "What I'd like to know concerning chronic the fatigue disorder".

He then proceeds to share the personal struggles he has faced with healthcare systems and then explains how his program can enhance recovery results.

YouTube Course Ad

Example of an online course ad on YouTube.

This video provides a great example of a YouTube course ad that promotes coding courses from Devslopes.com.

The presenter begins with a distinctive storytelling, before focusing on the course and the timeframe for you to begin earning extra income with the new information you've accumulated.

The language used is straightforward and simple to comprehend as well as an actionable CTA that is in the form of the button at the end of the film can be found to lead viewers to the site for the course.

Surprise Your Visitors With Your Landing Page

Optimize course landing page

You've developed an online course ad that's successful and attracting attention. It doesn't end here.

Consider what you'll do next once you've captivated your target audience's attention and that's where the creation of an attractive landing page in.

If a potential student is able to click the link in your ad about your course, and gets directed to your landing page, it should carry on the momentum to make them sign up.

The landing page you create should be created with clean and crisp designs, compelling headlines, and a convincing body of text that speaks to your audience.

By doing this by doing this, you'll reap advantages like more conversions, reduced rate of bounces, competitive advantages in the marketplace, and much more.

The book covers the most important strategies for crafting compelling headlines, creating compelling calls to action as well as ensuring an easy user experience. It's all made to turn users into learners.

Utilize Your Website to Cross-Sell Other Courses

Once your audience is active on your website, think about including ads that upsell or cross sell courses to drive more revenue.

For example, if students are enrolled in a course titled "Beginner Web Development," suggest related courses like "Advanced JavaScript" or "UI/UX Design" to assist them in continuing to enhance their skills.

For example, if customers are enrolled for a photography class an order bump could provide an online guide to advanced editing techniques in photography.

The fun part is that it's easy to set up! Just pick the products or services you wish to showcase, and set the price options. It is also possible to add a message designed for your audience to encourage them to purchase, and you're done! Your checkout page is all set!

Conclusion

Advertising is a fantastic way to give your online course more exposure, particularly when you're trying to establish your reputation.

Remember to:

  •   Pick the best platforms to maximize the ROI  
  •   Make use of a variety of ad formats to engage various segments of your target audience.  
  •   Create a powerful message that is resonant and drives to take action  
  •   Continue the momentum with websites that can be converted  

Take a look at the blogs included in this blog to optimize the effect of your advertising and increase the number of conversions and increase your course's value.

What tactics have you found effective in creating advertising for your online courses? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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Thank you for your time and have a great time being a teacher!

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Henry       Henry is a talented wordsmith for Caseproof and , dedicated to providing fresh insights into diverse topics ranging from WordPress plugins, digital products and technical services with the might that his writing. He is able to bring words to life, and takes satisfaction in providing useful guides that meet the demands of the target audience in order to help them achieve their objectives. In addition to his work, Henry loves to watch films as well as play video games as well as play chess. He is also a people enthusiast who is passionate about building and maintaining relationships. Follow his updates the ultimate resource for WordPress as well as the success of content marketing.