How do you create effective online Course Adverts

Oct 11, 2024

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Adverts for online courses which grab the attention of and resonate with the target market is an effective way to improve conversions and stand out in an ever-growing e-learning marketplace

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With thousands of different courses competing for the same limited pool of potential students, the right ad will make all the impact in making sure your program is noticed by students.

If you haven't explored the possibility of advertising on courses to promote your online courses but, we're here to convince you with solid reasons why you should.

By the end of this article, you'll have gained practical strategies to create compelling visuals and copy, and optimizing your ads to increase efficiency.

The reason why online course advertisements are Important

Online Course Ads Benefits Infographic

The most important reason is exposure. By paying for advertising, you'll ensure that your company's name is seen by members of your target public.

In contrast to other strategies, such as organic search content There is a 100% guarantee that the course advertisement will get noticed.

It is an important advantage for the course's owners as well as Academies that are just beginning to start out. It requires a lot of effort and time to create an audience naturally.

Paid ads however will get your information visible to those who are the likely to sign up to your course quicker.

This increase in visibility also leads to credibility. Repeated exposure builds recognition and confidence among students making conversions more likely.

Additionally, you can pinpoint the exact demographic that is exposed to your ad. It is also possible to make use of retargeting to reengage people who are interested in your online course ads even without having to sign up.

But, the amount your campaign's success is contingent on the planning you have made and your overall strategy including:

  • The place where you will publish your ads
  • Which ad format you choose
  • The efficacy of your copy and message

The following points will be covered and additional points in the sections below.

How to publish your ads

The first thing to do is decide which channels are the best suited to your company's image. Also what is the location where your intended people most likely to see the online course advertisement?

Also, if the program that you're advertising is centered around international cuisine, then websites such as Instagram as well as Facebook will be more appropriate because that's where your target customers would likely to be.

to get the most value out of your advertisements The most important thing about picking the platform on which to run your ads on is you must know how to utilize all the features present

Here's a simple list of platforms and the capabilities they offer to help ensure that your advertisements are published the most efficient way:

Instagram

  • Reels Let's make 90-second ads.
  • Stories let you set your creative and captivating advertising for courses within 24 hours
  • Instagram Feed allows you to create a solid visual course ad that has the perfect caption to draw the attention of your audience when they scroll

Facebook

  • Stories to create short, appealing video ad content lasting for 24 hours
  • Video Ads: For long-form video ad content
  • Messenger Ads customers who see your advertisements on Messenger are prompted to initiate a conversation with your online business

YouTube

  • Skippable in-stream ads ads are embedded in user videos, which users can skip
  • Ads that are not skippable ads are embedded in user-generated videos that users must watch from start to finish
  • Discover Ads  The ads are displayed in YouTube results for searches, the related videos and on 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 in the LinkedIn feed. This makes it a native format for ad formats
  • Video Ads: LinkedIn's advanced targeting guarantees that your ads reach the right audience
  • Text Ads They are simple and targeted ads that are displayed in the sidebar of the LinkedIn interface and are cost-effective for driving traffic to the landing page of your course.
  • Sponsored Messaging (InMail): These ads come in the form of personalized messages sent directly to LinkedIn users' inboxes

Search Engines (Google)

  • Google Search Ads allows you to reach those who are currently searching for online classes or related topics
  • Google Display Network: The Google Display Network lets the use of advertisements that use video or image to connect with users on millions of websites, apps as well as Google-owned properties such YouTube
  • Discovery ads: Discovery ads allow you to reach users in moments when they're open to finding new content. They also provide broad visibility across multiple platforms
  • ads retargeting lets you engage visitors who have visited your website or engaged with your ads but aren't yet enrolled in your program

Bonus Point! Your Existing WordPress Website

Additionally, you can add course ads to your website.

It's a good alternative if your website has already attracted a significant portion of the people you want to reach. In any case you can sell your course to current customers.

If you're using WordPress it is easy to build an ad with a reused Gutenberg block. The user is free to make any type of advert you'd like to: video, image texts, images, etc.

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

It's best to use an amalgamation of these forms, especially in cases where you're serving a diverse audience across different formats.

But, if you've got an ad budget that is limited or you want to send the message in a specific way it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages for each option to help to decide on the most effective.

Below are the advantages and disadvantages of each advertising format so that you determine which one is best suited to the needs of your business:

Long-Form Video

 Pros

  • Tell a compelling narrative that draws your audience in.
  • Perfect for explaining complex products or services
  • Provides more room for creativity and allows for a variety of storytelling strategies
  • Increases the retention of viewers for interested audiences
  • Creates more emotional bonds between your target
     Your brand and its audience

 Cons

  • Production costs are more expensive and take longer.
  • Not compatible with some platforms like Instagram
  • You demand a longer attention period than most people are able to commit to

Short-Form Video

 Pros

  • It's fast and fun.
  • Ideal for raising branding awareness within a relatively short period of time
  • Reduces production time and resources
  • It's shareable and easy, which makes it better for organic reach

 Cons

  • Limited message depth
  • It may not offer an emotional impact

Images

 Pros

  • Simple to make for fast messages
  • Provides a stunning visual appeal
  • Incredibly versatile for different platforms
  • It's the most cost-effective for manufacturing
  • It is suitable for static platforms and is less disruptive

 Cons

  • It can be easily overlooked
  • Engagement is low compared to videos

When you have considered the pros and cons of each of these ad designs above, you'll be aware of where you can use the formats and when not and which of them you will choose according to which you think is best suited to your target audience.

Writing a strong message and a powerful copy

No matter what format you select, whichever platform you choose the content on your online course ad is crucial.

No matter if your message is written as a script on a web-based video or written as a PPC ad campaign, it mist be strong engaging, powerful and to the point.

The people you want to reach must see your advertisement and think "Wow! I need to go through this as soon as possible!"

That's what an online course advertisement featuring an engaging headline, clear and compelling body of text, as well as an action-oriented call to take action (CTA) will do.

This is how you can craft the components effectively:

Headlines are: Clear, Attention-Grabbing and Benefit-Driven

The headline you choose to use is likely the first thing that your intended audience will notice. Make sure you make a great first impression that will linger in their minds.

Make sure your headline is simple, succinct, and directly describes the benefits of the offer.

Try not to get too witty by using vague words instead opt for simplicity and stick to a particular message that will resonate with the people you want to reach.

Tips for Online Course Ad Headlines

There are other aspects to consider:

  • Make use of words that invoke emotion and excitement like "free," "proven," "easy," "guaranteed"
  • Highlight the benefits that are real and relatable. Clearly state what the audience can expect to gain
  • Make sure to add the number. We have found that advertisements that include numbers have higher conversions. E.g. "Voted # 1 course", "Get Fluent in 30 days"
  • Create an usable. Provide an outcome or action that your audience could accomplish.

Examples of Headlines That Work

  1.   Learn Spanish Fast - Fluent in just 3 months!
  • Power words: Fast, Fluent.
  • The benefit is that you can learn Spanish over a shorter time.
  1.   Increase Sales by doubling your sales using proven Marketing Strategies
  • Power words: Double, Proven.
  • Benefit: Increased sales.
  1.   Discover the Secret to Effortless Weight Loss
  • Power words: Secret, Effortless.
  • Benefit: Simple weight loss.
  1.   Learn to harness the power of Mindfulness for just 10 minutes per Day
  • Power words: Power, Unlock.
  • Benefit: Gaining mindfulness through minimal time investment.
  1.   You can get fit at home. No Equipment Needed!
  • Power words: No Equipment, Get Fit.
  • Benefit: Fitness can be achieved with no special equipment.

Remember to optimize your headlines for the platform where your ads for courses will be displayed. For example, short and enticing headlines work best on social media platforms like Instagram to ensure that people can effortlessly read them given their limited attention spans.

The key, in the end, is to ensure that your headlines are benefit-driven and explains why your readership should pay attention and what they'll gain when they engage more.

Body Text: Short, Persuasive, and Aligned with the Audience's Needs

Once you've come up with an eye-catching headline, the next step is to write your body copy in an appealing tone using an easy and simple language.

Emphasize your target audience's pain points and how your course easily addresses them, along with the other benefits that are irresistible.

You could, for instance, mention that your course can help them grow within their field or give them unique tips to enhance a sport they're interested in.

Be concise and keep in mind limited ad space and people's short attention spans.

Call-to-Action: Clear and urgent, and action-oriented

Your CTA should use action verbs like "Enroll now," "Get Started Today," or "Download Free Guide," as they're explicit and will tell the reader exactly what's next.

Additionally, it is important to make people feel a sense of urgency through your CTA for a better conversion rate.

For example, by making use of phrases such as "Limited Time Offer" or "Join before Registration Ends" your target audience will be enticed to make a quick decision or lose access to the course.

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

Then, you must strategically position your CTA in your ads whether it's an button on your landing page or a link in your social media advertisement for it to be noticed and to easily generate clicks.

Exemples of Online Courses that have been Successful Advertisements

In the past, we've talked about how to make powerful online course advertising for the online courses you run. It's now time to show you examples of successful online course ads and the factors that help them stick out.

Below are the details:

Google Search Course Ad

This is a short and powerful Google ad for Amazon's AWS that you can find on Google's search results if you type in the search term "online classes."

Looking at the image above it is clear that the advertisement has an appealing headline that is attention-grabbing and benefit-driven. The terms used are clear and simple, with no vagueness or ambiguity.

The CTA recommends users take action by using two important action verbs "Become" and "Learn," encouraging learners to take their next steps to achieve success.

Instagram Course Ad

Screenshot of instagram online course ad

This Instagram course advertisement by CFS Health is another fantastic illustration of an online course advertisement. The guy in the real is promoting a 4-week course to help people with chronic fatigue syndrome in managing their symptoms.

The video begins with an introduction catchy hook that addresses the people he is targeting "What I'd like to know concerning chronic the fatigue disorder".

He continues to discuss his own experience of struggling through the system of healthcare and explain that his course can help improve recovery outcomes.

YouTube Course Ad

Example of an online course ad on YouTube.

The video is a solid example of a YouTube advertisement for courses that advertises coding courses from Devslopes.com.

The instructor begins by telling a story that is an original story before diving into the subject and establishing the timeline for you to begin earning extra income with the new information you've accumulated.

The language used is straightforward and understandable as well as an effective CTA in the form of an link by the side of the film is provided to direct users to the website for the course.

Impress them with your landing Page

Optimize course landing page

You've created an online course advertisement that is working and drawing interest. It doesn't end here.

It is important to think about what happens next after you've captivated your target audience's attention and that's where the creation of an attractive landing page into.

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

Your landing page must be designed with clear and clean layouts with compelling headlines and an engaging body of content which speaks directly to your target audience.

By doing this it will give you a number of benefits such as increased conversions, decreased percentage of bounces and competitive advantage in the marketplace, and much more.

It provides essential tips for writing compelling headlines, generating compelling calls to action as well as ensuring an easy user experience. All created to assist you in turning users into learners.

Use Your Website to Cross-Sell other classes

Once your audience is visiting your website, you should consider adding ads to upsell or cross-sell other classes to increase revenue.

If, for instance, a student is enrolling in a course titled "Beginner Web Development," recommend related courses such as "Advanced JavaScript" or "UI/UX Design" to help them further develop their capabilities.

For example, if a customer is enrolling in a photography course, the order bump might include an online guide to advanced editing techniques in photography.

The best part is that it's simple to set up! Simply select the items or services you want to highlight, and then choose the pricing option. Additionally, you can add an optional message optimized to motivate your customers to buy, and you're done! Your checkout page is now ready!

Conclusion

Advertisements are an excellent method to provide your online course more exposure, particularly when you're trying to establish your reputation.

Remember to:

  •   Choose the right platforms for maximum the ROI  
  •   Utilize a mixture of different ad formats in order to appeal to different segments of your audience.  
  •   Make a compelling message that resonates, and motivate to take action  
  •   Continue the momentum with the landing pages that are converted  

Check out the blog posts included in this blog to optimize the effect of your advertising, drive more conversions, and increase your course's value.

What tactics have you found effective in creating advertising for your online courses? Comment on your experiences by leaving a comment below.

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Henry       Henry is a talented wordsmith at Caseproof and  is committed to providing fresh insights into various topics, from WordPress plugins, digital products and technical services with the might the pen. He is able to bring words to life, and takes delight in delivering helpful information which meet the requirements of his readers in order to help them achieve their goals. Apart from his profession, Henry loves to watch films as well as play video games and also play the game of chess. Henry is also a person lover who enjoys creating and keeping relationships. Keep an eye out for his blog posts - your one-stop resource to WordPress as well as the success of content marketing.