How to Successfully Promote your Online Course Joe Casabona // casabona.org/unleashed/ // @jcasabona

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@jcasabona @jcasabona

@jcasabona Build your audience before you build your product. Course

@jcasabona For people to buy your course, they need to: • Know you • Like you • Trust you

@jcasabona Start talking about your course topic.

@jcasabona @jcasabona Pick the medium that works for you. • Start a blog • Make YouTube videos • Podcast • Send out tips on social media

@jcasabona Build your mailing list!

@jcasabona Ways to build list: • Have a CTA at the end of every piece of content • Use social media • Have a free download, bonus content, video, or podcast • Popup Modals (they work)

@jcasabona @jcasabona Freebie ideas • A short ebook on the topic • a 5-9 step guide • a bonus podcast episode • Discounts • An email-drip course • A live webinar • Free feedback

@jcasabona Don’t just email the list when the course is launched!

@jcasabona Nurture that list. • Send good content (like quick wins). • Remind them of the value of your course (and the problem you’re solving). • Answer their questions. • Don’t be afraid to give away information.

@jcasabona –That lead you let go cold. “Who is this? I don’t remember signing up for this list.”

@jcasabona Involve your list in the process

@jcasabona @jcasabona Get feedback as you build your course • Beta Test with select users from your list • Let them take the course for free • Get feedback from them and make fixes • Get testimonials from them to use on the site and in social media

@jcasabona Build your launch plan

@jcasabona @jcasabona • Create the sales page with a newsletter opt-in • Build a priming sequence for your mailing list • Schedule webinars starting 6-8 weeks out. With your audience and others’ audiences • Reach out to places that cater to your target • Build a separate launch sequence for your mailing list

@jcasabona Social Media • Use social media to drive traffic and get newsletter sign ups. • Most people don’t just buy from a tweet unless they already know, like, and trust you. • It’s still super useful for audience building though!

@jcasabona Connecting with your audience

@jcasabona @jcasabona Social Media is great for: • Behind the scenes stuff • Tips and tricks related to your content • Answering specific questions students have • Doing giveaways to build your list • Sharing related content

@jcasabona A quick note about urgency...

@jcasabona @jcasabona Urgency helps people buy. • Closed Enrollment Courses • Limited time enrollment (doors open / close) • Urgency is specific dates you can register • Much clearer launch sequence • Evergreen Course • People can register any time they want. • Urgency through discounts and special offers • Schedule bigger launch times to increase enrollment

@jcasabona Incentives • Early-bird Discount • Access to you • Special community • Free downloads or lessons

@jcasabona Your Launch Checklist

@jcasabona @jcasabona Create your email sequence (3-5 emails) Schedule social media Write blog posts / press releases Ask your network to promote

@jcasabona You will think you’re promoting too much. You are not.

@jcasabona REMEMBER: Online Courses are NOT passive income.

@jcasabona Wrapping Up • Your main goal: CONNECT with your audience. • Get people to know, like, and trust you. • Build your mailing list. • Provide value and remind them of the problem you’re solving.

Joe Casabona Educator, Developer, Podcaster @jcasabona casabona.org/unleashed/