If I had to make a list of the top ten questions I get asked about teaching online, marketing would definitely be on that list. Or, people ask how to get more visibility. They want to know, “How will people find me class?” This should absolutely be a question you ask and consider. You can have an amazing class, but you won’t make any money if nobody knows about it.
I have not yet paid for an ad, but I plan on venturing into the world of paid ads now that I have other teachers offering my classes. I want to increase their visibility too. One of the best parts about teaching on a platform is NOT having to market as that is included in the cost of listing a course. Does this mean there is increased visibility? Not really, because there is an algorithm, and you have to wait your turn for your class to be “seen.” I have been fortunate because a lot of my families talk about my classes. Word of mouth has been my biggest advantage in getting enrollments…until word of mouth became publications via those words!
How did I make that happen?
I didn’t. I had families that loved my classes because I delivered exactly what was in my course description and I did it with the passion I have for the subject I teach. Then, they told a friend, and they told a friend, and then there was a blog, and an article, a DM to be a guest speaker on a podcast, an email asking if I would be willing to interview for a magazine, and the list kept growing. This isn’t going to happen for everyone, so I put together a real short list of ways to increasing visibility without having to come out of pocket or beg parents to tell their friends about your classes.
Now, keep in mind, I am NOT an expert in this area. These are tips that have worked for me. I would recommend taking a course on digital marketing. I took a course through EdX (for FREE) about digital marketing. Even though I haven’t implemented all the strategies, it did help me learn about the tips, tricks and terminology. That is going to help when I hire someone to do advertising for me because I’ll know what I am looking for and I’ll understand what they are talking about.
Quick list for free marketing:
- Email List (send updates and newsletters)
- Social Media (list new classes and engage with families)
- Podcasts
- Online Articles
- Conferences/Speaking Events
- Blogging
You will need to put forth some legwork. Don’t expect people to reach out to you if you or your class is completely unknown. You will have to do the reaching out. If you have a website, have a space where people can subscribe to a newsletter, and then send out newsletters. Let them know about upcoming classes, let them know about YOU! Post on social media and join pages that are related to what your courses are offering. Get in those comments and tell people about your classes. Share those links! Join Facebook pages. Reach out to podcasts and magazines. They need to cover stories; they need stories to tell. What makes YOU unique? What can you share? While you are sharing, drop those links!
Make sure you follow pages and join groups related to the topic you are teaching. You don’t always have to make direct advertisements about your classes. Someone may post that they are looking for an art class with acrylics. If you teach those types of classes, include a link to your class. You are able to directly connect with the parent and share information about what you have to offer.
Finally, make sure you are paying attention to your industry.
If you are ready to start teaching online, I have my final webinar of the year coming up.
I will have a new encouragement circle starting in September as well (stay tuned)!