Created an online course? Deep down, the thought of dumping thousands into advertising might be making your stomach churn.
What if those ads don't convert?
What if you're just flushing your hard-earned cash down the drain?
I have a simple rule in advertising:
If you can't create organic content, don't push ads. Ads only make money for a proof-of-concept. If you do not have customers yet, you will burn money for a hypothesis.
Organic marketing will save you money.
And if done right, it will help you reach much bigger audience than advertising in the beginning.
And look: Here is the thing:
Top YouTube users are paying for Premium membership to avoid ads. Same on Facebook, Twitter and everywhere else.
It is becoming harder and harder to reach the best customers without organic marketing
But the question is, where to start?
I am going to share every possible strategy to sell your courses with organic marketing.
You can only get much information in a blog post. If you want a step-by-step execution plan, join the community here ($785 worth bonus)
It's fine even if you don't join in. You can implement all by yourself too. Let get in.
Content, Content, Content.
You've probably heard the phrase "content is king" a million times, but there's a reason it's such a cliché: it's true!
The only way people find out about anything online is through content. If you have created a course but no one is talking about it, how will people find it?
Creating valuable, shareable content is the foundation of any successful organic promotion strategy.
Now, you have an advantage here:
And as a course creator or coach, you've got a goldmine of premium content just waiting to be repurposed and promoted.
Here's how to make the most of it:
smart creators repurpose their content.
I have personally worked with many entrepreneurs who post tens of reels on social media every day and still see very little results.
But here is the fact:
Your course materials are a treasure trove of valuable information. It can be sliced and diced into all sorts of content formats.
Blog Posts
Turn those course modules into an epic blog post series and promote it on relevant sites and forums.
For example, if you've got a course on social media marketing, write a detailed guide on "Instagram Growth Hacks" based on one of your modules.
Videos
Extract tips, lessons or case studies and turn them into short, engaging videos perfect for social media. Bonus points if you add some personality and humor!
Think about picking a small part from your course and turning it into a YouTube video or an Instagram reel.
You can use a tool like Descript to create and edit videos quickly. It lets you edit your videos as you are editing a word-doc.
Podcasts
Recorded an amazing guest expert interview for your course? Boom - instant podcast episode material. Showcase that expertise!
Tip: Try Descript to streamline your content repurposing process without losing your mind. It can automatically transcribe your content. See the example above.
Partnership Strategy
Before you lose your attention, let me share the most powerful (and most overlooked) method to promote your course: Strategic Partnerships.
Strategic partnerships are a goldmine for organic promotion and audience growth. But you've got to approach 'em the right way:
Identify Potential Partners
Look for course creators, influencers or communities that complement what you offer (without being direct competitors). Do your research - tools like BuzzSumo can help pinpoint the key players.
Collaborate and Conquer (Again!)
Once you've identified those perfect partners, get creative with collaboration ideas! Co-host a value-packed webinar, swap in-depth guest posts, or create a limited-time bundle merging your offerings.
Leverage Affiliate Power
Setting up an affiliate program can be a major win-win.
You'll get partners motivated to promote your course, and they'll get a nice cut of the profits.
Promote that affiliate program through your network and relevant communities.
Tip: You can use a tool like ThriveCart for your checkout that comes with integrated affiliate program system. Within a few clicks you can turn your customers into your marketing engine.
Affiliate marketing and join partnerships can be great at any stage of your business. Word-of-mouth brings most customers than any other strategy. We often discuss this inside our community.
Creator Collaboration Strategy
You know what's better than one course creator or coach?
Two!
One of the things I do to promote a product is partnering up with someone who complements your offerings, but isn't a direct competitor.
Co-creating content, swaping guest posts, or hosting each other on your platforms is a win-win strategy. It's a win-win for both of you (and your audiences).
For example, you can start guest posting on a popular blog.
Scoring a guest post on a different website is like getting a backstage pass to their audience.
Do your research, identify the hottest blogs in your niche, and pitch guest post ideas that'll blow their readers' minds (while subtly promoting your course, of course).
Similar goes for podcasting and video collaboration.
that Boring Social Media (But little better)
I know you have heard it before but hear me out. Social media is a huge powerhouse for organic promotions, but only if you've got the right strategies.
Understand the game
Most social media strategy is about keeping people engaged with your content. If you are able to create content that is keeping people hooked, social media algorithms will push it and you will see more people following you.
And yes! don't just push out content - engage with your audience. Respond to comments, ask questions, and spark discussions.
Ghost craft is one great tool to discover trending content in your industry. You can latest content and publish to get most eyeballs this way.
Here is a demo of how it works
Leverage Social Proof
What's more convincing than a bunch of happy students raving about your course? Not much!
Regularly showcase student testimonials, success stories, and case studies across your profiles.
Heck, run a fun contest for user-generated content once you have some following - your audience will eat it up.
Platform-Specific Promotion Tips
Once you understand the universal game as I mentioned above, there are some platform specifc rules.
Twitter: Hop on relevant hashtags, participate in niche Twitter chats, and create scroll-stopping tweet threads packed with value. What works great here is engaging with other creators in your niche.
LinkedIn: If you are going for LinkedIn, share detailed, insights-packed content that showcases your expertise. Engage in industry groups and start conversation-driving discussions.
Facebook Groups:
Facebook groups are still big. People love hanging out with other like-minded people in these communities.
Find groups related to your topic, provide value through insightful comments, and build relationships. We have seen 100s of leads through offering free advice in Facebook group.
Get First Customer Online Course if you want to understand Organic Customer Attraction Method
Email Marketing Method
One of the biggest ROI generator in course business is email marketing. People who know you, like you, trust you will be the first ones to buy from you.
That email list is a direct line to your most engaged audience. Here are a few ideas if you want to start building your email list.
First, use a tool like ConvertKit.
It offers free landing pages and up to 300 free contacts. A great place to start building your email list.
But build your list the right way.
Shady list-buying tactics are so 2005...
You need to focus on ethical list building by creating irresistible lead magnets like checklists, cheat sheets or mini-courses.
Like the one you are reading here 😉
Example: Offer a free "30-Day Social Media Content Calendar" as a tantalizing opt-in incentive. Or something like "Free Meditation Audiobook."
Nurture Your List
Every email subscriber is a potential customer who trusts your advice.
Once you've got those hard-earned subscribers, don't let 'em go stale!
Send them useful information once or twice every week.
Value-packed content while subtly promoting your course can be a great way to build anticipation before the launch.
Launch Like a Pro
When it's time to launch or promote your course, it's email marketing time!
Write compelling emails that highlight the benefits, create urgency with limited-time offers, and make those calls-to-action impossible to ignore.
Tip: ConvertKit is a powerhouse email marketing platform. It can automate your campaigns and help you send emails on automation. This way, you can sell your course even when you sleep.
But what if you can do even better than building a community.
Community Engagement
Some creators are using this new method to promote their course organically.
They build Community on Skool and offer courses inside. Hamza, one of the creators who helps men with dating and fitness makes $100,000 per month by promoting his premium community and courses.
For doing it, He uses a platform called Skool.
Create Those Dedicated Spaces
Set up shop on platforms like Skool or Circle. Basically anywhere your audience can gather and connect. Be sure to foster a welcoming, judgment-free environment for your members. Facebook groups is also a great option but unfortunately, Facebook killed the entire reach so I would not recommend it.
Example: Create a private Skool community for your course where students can discuss lessons, share wins, and support each other.
Be an Active Host
Consistent engagement is key for any thriving community. Host regular live webinars, share insider tips and tricks, and celebrate your members' successes. The more value you provide, the more your community will flourish.
Leverage Word-of-Mouth
With a tight-knit, engaged community, word-of-mouth promotion will happen naturally.
Encourage members to share their journeys and stories. Better yet, incentivize referrals with rewards like discounts or exclusive extras.
Don't Forget Offline
While the online world is a goldmine for organic promo, don't underestimate the power of face-to-face:
Attend and Speak at Events
Identify relevant local/regional conferences, workshops or meetups and get yourself on that guest speaker list!
It's the perfect chance to connect with potential customers and showcase your expertise.
Network and Build Relationships
Whether at events or through local networking groups, focus on building real connections.
Provide value, share your knowledge freely, and let those organic promotion opportunities arise organically.
Bonus Tips
SEO Optimization
While organic promo is way more than just SEO, optimizing your course pages and content for relevant keywords can definitely boost your traffic from search engines.
User-Generated Goodness
All those glowing testimonials and success stories from happy students? That's pure social proof gold! You can feature that user-generated content everywhere for a credibility boost.
Create FOMO and Urgency
Limited-time offers and deadline-driven promotions can light a fire under potential customers and encourage them to take action now.
You can use scarcity tactics sparingly and authentically though - you don't want to be that shady marketer. No need to lie about it.
You can be truthful and successful
And there you have it - a comprehensive guide to organic promotion that'll have students flocking to your online course without burning cash on ads.
The key?
Consistency, providing value, building relationships, and leveraging the power of content, social, partnerships and community.
Now, I understand it is easier said than done. Right now, this is just some information. But you do not need information. You need right environment to execute and you need a proven strategy.
If you are willing to get your first customer online for free, join us today.