How to market online courses in 2025: 70 top ways

After many a caffeine-fueled brainstorming session, you’ve finally decided: It’s time to put together that online course. Nice, I like the way your brain works—online learning is popular. By 2029, there will be over 1.1 billion online learners [1] looking for the right course.

But because it’s so popular, you’re not the only one trying to sell to those learners. So even though you have a great course idea, you may be wondering how to market online courses to potential buyers.

This guide outlines real ways to market your online course in 2025. I’ve included 70 practical actions you can take to reach the right students and grow your enrollments.

How to create an online course

Before you start brainstorming marketing ideas to promote online courses, pause to be sure the course itself is clear and well-structured. Creators I know say this saves a lot of headaches later. Spending a little time here means your digital marketing strategy later will land with the right people.

I’ve outlined eight steps to guide you through this phase.

💡Keep learning: How to create an online training course: a step-by-step guide

1. Choose a profitable course topic

Grab a notepad and write down ten real problems your audience is asking you. Yes ten—not enough to have you reaching for that second pot of coffee, but enough to be very, very thorough. Ask yourself which ones feel urgent, the kind they’d love to have solved yesterday? Circle those.

Now look for the topics where you can show proof—stories, examples or client wins. If you’re torn between two ideas pick the one you can teach with that kind of backup.

Bryan Sekine, CEO & Co-Founder at Fox & Owl Marketing, supports the idea of audience segmentation:

“As someone who has created and sold 3 different courses, I think it’s critical to adapt your marketing efforts towards speaking to a hyper specific demographic. It’s not just about ‘niching down’ anymore, you have to REALLY know your target audience. What has worked the best for me is picking a topic that someone can learn and then go generate or increase their income. That way, you can focus on a specific skill set, charge a higher price for the course, and once it’s launched, you can have money to devote to ongoing marketing.”

2. Define your audience and learning outcomes

Here’s my trick for this: Write one sentence that starts with: “By the end of this course, you’ll be able to…” Keep it specific and observable. For example: “By the end of this course, you’ll be able to design and publish a simple WordPress website that’s fully live and ready for visitors.”

3. Outline the course structure

Think about flow when designing your lessons. Start with context, move into key skills, then show how to apply them, and finish with a recap. To wrap things up, end each module with a small action step like a quiz or a real-world application so students see progress and stay motivated.

4. Select your course format and tools

Pick formats that fit how your people like to learn—short videos, worksheets, audio snippets, whatever helps them take action fast. People like it when they feel like they’re getting immediate value from a course.

Content that’s easy to digest and apply beats a marathon lecture every time. Simple as that.

💡Read more: The 17 best learning management systems for 2025

5. Record and edit your content

It can help to write short scripts or outlines first so you stay on track. After, record several lessons in a single block of time, then edit for clarity and flow. Add captions for accessibility and aim for lessons under about ten minutes to keep the attention of your learners.

6. Upload and organize your course

Arrange lessons in a logical sequence and label them clearly. Use progress indicators and a short “Start here” overview so students always know where they are and what’s next. I recommend using a learning management system (LMS) to host your course. They help so much with this step.

7. Set your pricing and publish

Always price according to the value and support you provide—self-paced courses can be lower, while coaching or live sessions justify higher price tags. If you’re unsure, it’s definitely ok to launch at a moderate price and adjust based on early feedback.

8. Market your course in the early stages

When you start talking about your course before it launches, you lay the groundwork for interested students. I know it can feel early, but it really pays off. Share behind-the-scenes content, invite a small beta group to test it so you can gather a few detailed testimonials for future marketing.

Why and when you should promote your online courses

I know course creators who start their digital marketing strategy the moment a new idea pops up, even while they’re still outlining lessons. They use this early promotion to round up feedback on what people want to learn.

By launch, they’ve created an audience that feels connected and ready to enroll, and they understand how to market online courses to their followers.

Early promotion builds curiosity and tests demand before you invest too much time. Split this digital marketing strategy into two phases: plant seeds once you’re confident in the idea, then step up promotion when you have proof, like a beta group or finished lessons. This steady build gives your course launch a ready base of students.

💡Keep learning: How to create a pre-launch marketing strategy for your online courses

Marketing for training courses vs. educational products

Training courses and consumer-focused educational products both aim to teach but the way people evaluate and buy them isn’t the same. Understanding those differences helps you tailor pricing, messaging and outreach so each type of buyer sees the value right away.

Use the table below to help guide your approach.

How to market an online course: 70 top ways

I’m happy to say these tried and tested methods cover every major channel for marketing an online course. There are strategies from content and email to partnerships and paid ads, so you get to choose the ones that fit your audience and budget best.

I know 70 can feel like a lot. So why not pick a handful to start with, and then develop from there?

1. Build an SEO-optimized blog around your course topic

Create a blog on your website and write posts that answer the exact questions you find in search engine results. By including those search phrases naturally in your titles and text, your articles can appear in search results and bring a steady stream of visitors who are already curious about what you teach.

2. Create a free lead magnet to collect emails

A lead magnet is a free resource like a checklist, short guide or mini lesson, that people get in exchange for their email address. Offering something helpful gives potential students a quick win and you can follow up with course details later via email.

3. Host a live webinar or masterclass

Webinars are live online classes you present in real time, usually with a slide deck or demo and space for Q&A. I’m guessing you’ve attended one before, for work or other training. Sharing a focused lesson this way shows your teaching style and gives attendees a reason to sign up for the full course.

4. Launch a YouTube channel with educational content

Start a YouTube channel and upload short tutorials or tips related to your course topic. Because YouTube videos are searchable and can be recommended to viewers for months, they keep introducing new learners to your work long after you’ve moved on to something else on this list.

5. Use Instagram Reels to preview course content

Promote your courses on social media using reels. Quick tips, quick clips in reels are like espresso shots for your marketing. You can share quick tips or behind the scenes clips pulled directly from your lessons to reach new viewers beyond your followers.

6. Offer a free mini-course as a teaser

More than once I’ve signed up for a mini course only to love it so much I went all in on the full course right after. Include a few small lessons that still provide value so students can sample your teaching style and content.

7. Create a value-packed email nurture sequence

Don’t underestimate the power of email lists. Some creators in my circle are actually ditching other marketing efforts in favor of email marketing. The best email marketing tools make creating your email sequence simple by automating your emails and giving you templates for different email types.

You can even sell courses using email marketing if you don’t want to deal with an online marketplace or create your own website.

8. Run Google Search ads for relevant keywords

Create Google ads that show up when people search for phrases like “learn watercolor painting online” or “beginner coding course”. Send the clicks to a focused landing page so visitors find exactly what they are looking for and can sign up quickly.

9. Partner with influencers in your niche

You’ll notice collaboration is a common thread throughout this list. That’s because it is a powerful and popular way to grow your audience and build authority. Focus on creators who already talk to your target students and offer them free access to your course. If they like it, they can share honest reviews or social posts that introduce you to a new audience.

10. Add testimonials and success stories to your sales page

You can talk all you want about how great your courses are but people want to hear from your students. Ask your current or past students if they’d be willing to share some of their results or if they’d be willing to give a testimonial.

11. Optimize your landing page for conversions

Your landing page is where people decide to buy. You can choose from several landing page types, just make sure you use a headline that states the course benefit and a clear sign-up button so visitors know how to enroll. If you’re struggling, this can be a good task to outsource to a pro.

12. Build a waitlist to drive urgency pre-launch

Build student anticipation with a waitlist. Create a simple sign-up form for people who want early access or a launch discount. A growing waitlist shows interest and gives you an email list to market to.

13. Use scarcity tactics (limited spots, countdowns)

Don’t get too crazy. Use scarcity tactics, not scare tactics. Experiment with limited enrollment or a special price that ends on a certain date. Be real and honest about it and offer incentives for early commitments.

14. Partner with affiliates or referral partners

Here’s another collab-focused tip: Invite bloggers or other educators to share your course link in exchange for a commission on each sale. It’s an easy way for them to earn a little extra and for you to connect to their already-built audiences.

15. Launch in relevant Facebook Groups

Join groups where your target students already hang out and share practical tips related to your topic. This can position you as an expert when you launch. Just read the group policies first. Admins have a sixth sense for stealth promotions so make sure you’re not breaking the rules.

16. Pitch yourself to podcasts as a guest expert

It’s important that your target audience sees you as an expert on your course topics, and being a guest expert on a podcast can help. Look for shows that your target students already listen to and offer a topic you can teach in a short segment.

17. Offer an early-bird discount or bonus

Reward the first group of sign-ups with a lower price or an extra resource, like a private Q&A. Limited-time offers make people join before they forget. Like great snacks at a party, people show up earlier to get at the good stuff before it’s gone.

18. Create a drip email campaign using your LMS

Many learning management systems have marketing automations that let you send automated emails as students progress. Use these messages to share practical tips or promote related courses they might enjoy.

19. Run a giveaway to promote your course

People love a good contest, and it can be a fun way to get them interested in your course. Giveaways create buzz and grow your audience before launch. When the winner finishes the course, you can ask them to share their experience as a testimonial.

20. Turn your course into a paid newsletter teaser

Offer a low-cost newsletter that includes small lessons or case studies from your course. Subscribers who enjoy the content are more likely to buy the course when they want more. A good market for this would be people who are already subscribed to your free email list, so I suggest starting there to market it.

21. Answer niche questions on Quora or Reddit

AI overviews are often the first things people see after a search, but in spite of this, people are also turning to human-led answers on platforms like Quora or Reddit. Search for threads where people are asking about your subject and give thoughtful answers. Add a link to your course or a free resource so people who value your answers know where to find more.

22. Add your course to online directories

Places like Udemy and Skillshare are great places to start. These listings can boost visibility and provide steady referral traffic and increase your credibility with prospective students.

23. Repurpose blog content into LinkedIn posts

I love LinkedIn for connecting with other professionals and if your course content relates to a specific industry, it can do wonders for promoting online courses.

Do it by breaking key points from your blog into short, shareable updates for LinkedIn. To save time and stay consistent, schedule these posts with AI marketing tools, which can help you track engagement and even rewrite long blog sections into bite-sized social content.

24. Host a challenge (eg 5-day bootcamp)

Challenges are great for promoting online courses to people who are unsure about committing to a full course. A free challenge like a 5-day skill-building bootcamp that is focused on a specific result from your course can give them quick wins and motivate them to sign up for more.

25. Record Instagram Stories explaining course outcomes

Use Stories to show what students will achieve by the end of your course. Think quick wins or transformation examples. Highlight real results (with permission from students) to make the benefits easy to imagine.

26. Embed social proof and badges on your website

I don’t know about you, but if I’m deciding between two products or services, reviews and badges can be the deciding factor. Showing student quotes or badges right on the course page helps visitors feel confident that your course is worth it.

27. Offer a money-back guarantee

Risk-free course? Sign me up. A clear guarantee lowers risk for buyers and can increase sign-ups from people who might hesitate. Promise a full refund within a set period if students aren’t happy.

28. Retarget website visitors with Facebook Ads

Facebook can help you promote through more than just its groups. These reminders keep your course top of mind and often convert warm leads better than cold advertising. Show ads to people who visited your course page but didn’t enroll.

29. Add exit-intent popups on your site

Use a pop-up that appears when someone is about to leave your page to offer a discount or a free resource. It gives visitors one more reason to stay or at the very least, join your email list. Think of it as a polite tap on the shoulder before someone slips out the door.

30. Use testimonials in your email signature

This is simple, but hugely powerful. Imagine that every time a reader finishes one of your emails, they are reminded of how positively your students view your courses. A short student quote or a link to a success story right below your email sign-off builds trust and authority over time.

31. Write guest posts on niche blogs

I’m a massive fan of guest posting for three reasons. It lets you reach an already curated audience that you might not have tapped into yet. Second, you get more backlinks for your site, which helps with your SEO strategy. And lastly, it’s one more way to keep building that authority and trust with your audience.

32. Submit your course to newsletter roundups

Many popular newsletters feature curated resources. Reach out to editors with a short description and link so your course can be highlighted to a targeted audience. You don’t need a million subscribers of your own, just a few well-placed cheerleaders with good Wi-Fi.

33. Create a comparison post (your course vs. others)

Write an honest article comparing your course to similar options. While you might hesitate to discuss a competitor’s course, it helps potential students understand why your course fits their needs and can weed out potential course takers who aren’t a good fit—and may just end up disappointed.

34. Join communities like Indie Hackers or Product Hunt

Indie Hackers is an online forum where entrepreneurs share projects and advice, while Product Hunt is a site where new tools and courses get discovered and voted on by a large tech-savvy audience.

Contributing helpful posts or launching your course there puts it in front of motivated creators and early adopters who are actively looking for fresh learning resources.

35. Build in public on X/Twitter (share your journey)

Poke around online and you’ll see the “build in public” trend is popular—and effective—for a reason. Regular post updates on your course creation process creates transparency that attracts followers who feel invested and are more likely to enroll when you launch. It makes you seem more human and people connect to that.

36. Launch a free podcast related to your course

While being a guest on one never hurts, you can always start your podcast. Cover topics connected to your course, where each episode can showcase your expertise and guide listeners toward your paid content.

37. Add an FAQ section to handle objections

FAQ sections address people’s concerns right away and make the difference between someone clicking away or clicking “sign me up”. Include a frequently asked questions section on your sales page that addresses price, time commitment and course outcomes.

38. Create a pre-recorded workshop and gate it

Film a focused training session and make it available only after someone enters their email. This gives visitors immediate value while growing a list of people interested in your full course.

39. Use Calendly to offer discovery calls

Set up a Calendly link so potential students can book short chats to ask questions. Personal conversations can build trust and help you understand what prospects need before they enroll.

You can make these free or hold them for a small fee that will later be discounted from the full course price.

40. Host a virtual summit with other creators

I love virtual summits. They’re another way for you to connect with untapped audiences and other creators alike. Partner with experts in related fields and have open discussions on your key topics.

41. Set up a referral program with rewards

Give current students or fans a unique link and a reward like a discount or cash when someone signs up through them. Referrals tap into trusted word-of-mouth and can grow enrollments quickly.

42. Offer a course completion certificate

Course certificates give an added layer of value to your courses, especially if your students can present them to their employers or feature them on professional sites like LinkedIn. Your LMS might auto-generate them for you, but if they don’t, I find Canva to be a good tool too.

43. Create bonus content for students who refer others

Offer a free course or a 1:1 session to students who bring in friends. Added perks like these encourage sharing, plus, they build community and connection between you and your more enthusiastic learners.

44. Bundle your course with coaching or templates

Don’t leave your audience with just your course. Try pairing it with personal coaching sessions or ready-made resources. Bundles can justify a higher price and meet different learning styles. Plus, everyone loves to get more stuff for less.

45. Build a community for your students (Slack, Discord, Circle)

Circling back to community, why not build one for your students? Online communities on Slack or Discord create a private online space where students can ask questions and network with each other. A supportive group can keep learners engaged and add value beyond the lessons.

46. Use Typeform quizzes to segment leads

Create a short quiz that helps people identify their skill level or goals. Typeform is pretty clever: It collects their answers and tags them so you can send emails that fit their specific needs.

47. Record a course walkthrough video

Film a quick screen-share tour of your course platform and lessons. Use it to familiarize your potential students with what to expect from your courses. Students who might be anxious about the actual course-taking experience might feel more confident after getting this inside view.

48. Create a “Start here” guide or blog post

Show your students where to start by writing an introduction that explains who the course is for and how to begin. A simple guide helps new visitors understand your offer right away and directs them to that oh-so-important “sign up” button.

49. Send re-engagement emails to cold leads

Sometimes people lose track of or simply forget about your course. Don’t take it personally: just get back in touch. Reach out to subscribers who haven’t opened recent emails with a friendly message or a special offer. Remind them of the course and share a quick tip and they’ll come back into your funnel.

50. Offer flash sales to your email list

Your email list is a total power tool in your course marketing toolkit. Another way to use it? Send a limited-time discount to your subscribers for a day or two. Short sales create urgency and reward people who already follow your updates.

51. Include your course in your social media bios

Don’t forget social media optimization for course creators like yourself. Add a direct link to your course in the bio section of platforms so anyone who visits your profile can easily find and click it.

52. Add CTAs to your blog posts and YouTube videos

Have clear calls-to-action in and around all of your content. Simple prompts like “Enroll here to start learning today” guide readers and viewers to your course page. Make it easy for learners to find and keep that actionable step front and center as much as possible.

53. Run TikTok ads targeting specific interest groups

Similar to Facebook ads, set up paid TikTok campaigns and use the platform’s interest and behavior targeting to reach people already searching or engaging with topics like yours.

54. Ask past students for referrals or shoutouts

If students loved your course, ask them to share it. Invite satisfied students to share their experience with friends or promote your online courses on social media and offer a small reward if they bring in new sign-ups. Personal recommendations often convert better than paid ads.

55. A/B test subject lines and landing page copy

You can learn a lot from this one and it’s pretty simple. Send two versions of an email subject line or landing page headline to see which gets more opens or clicks. Use the results to improve future campaigns and increase enrollments.

56. Send a “why I built this course” email

I’m sure there’s a nice story behind why you decided to start your course. Share your process, the problem you saw and how you solved it, with your audience. A genuine explanation builds connection and helps readers see the value you offer.

57. Track your courses in Google Analytics or Mixpanel

Google Analytics and Mixpanel are free or low-cost analytics platforms that show how people use your site. Connect them to your course pages and you’ll see which marketing channels bring in the most signups and where people drop off, so you can focus on what actually drives enrollments.

58. Offer alumni-only discounts for future products

Reward students who have already completed your course with special pricing on your next one. They’ll appreciate you’re rewarding their loyalty with special price considerations and will be more likely to buy again and share positive reviews.

59. Feature student spotlights on your blog or socials

Highlight individual students and their results in posts or short videos. Showcasing real results builds trust and inspires potential students to enroll, plus shows past students how much you appreciate them. Just ask first.

60. Launch a pop-up course on a trending topic

If a trending topic aligns with your expertise, why not offer a mini course? Acting fast lets you capture interest while it’s hot and attract new students who may later buy your main course.

61. Offer your course as a team training package

Companies see the value in online courses so much so that 90% of them offer some sort of online training to their employees. Adapt your material for companies that need to train groups of employees.

62. Connect with B2B buyers via LinkedIn

Once you’ve adapted your content for businesses, use LinkedIn to reach managers and decision-makers who purchase training for their teams. Share helpful posts that position you as an expert and join relevant groups to make connections.

63. Add retargeting pixels to your course funnel

Install small pieces of code from ad platforms like Facebook or Google Ads on the key pages of your course funnel. These pixels track visitors so you can later show ads to people who viewed your course but didn’t enroll, giving you another chance to convert warm leads.

64. Use a timer during cart open periods

Placing a visible timer on your sales page when enrollment is closing or a special price is ending creates urgency. When have you ever seen an emptying hourglass and not felt compelled to take some sort of action? Seeing the deadline encourages visitors to sign up before the window closes.

65. Add a bonus lesson for limited-time enrollments

A small exclusive bonus can motivate hesitant buyers to act sooner. Try offering an extra module or resource to anyone who enrolls during a launch week or promotion.

66. Make a mobile-friendly landing page

If a site doesn’t work on someone’s phone, they’ll click away—fast. Most visitors will check your course on their phones, so design the page to load quickly and keep checkout steps simple. A smooth mobile experience reduces drop-offs and can increase sign-ups by a lot.

67. Create a personal welcome video for leads

People like to feel seen, so record a short video greeting them. Give thanks to your new subscribers by name or mentioning their interest. This personal touch builds trust and helps potential students feel connected before you ever ask for a sale.

68. Localize your content for non-English audiences

You want to reach as many learners as possible. Clear, native-language communication makes your course accessible to a wider audience and shows respect for their learning experience. A good LMS can set all of this up so you don’t have to outsource to a translator.

69. Share behind-the-scenes content from your course build

Show the process—planning notes, recording setups or a quick clip of a lesson in progress. Letting people see the effort and care you put in creates anticipation and strengthens their connection to the finished course. Social media is a great place for this.

70. Bundle with other creators’ products as a value stack

All those other creators you’ve been networking with? Suggest selling online courses together at a combined price. Bundles provide more learning options for students and introduce each creator’s audience to the others.

Marketing a course is easier with built-in tools from LearnWorlds

I’m sure you thought my caffeine-fueled quips were over, but let me use just one more: LearnWorlds is the all-in-one espresso shot for your marketing routine. It’s strong enough to keep every piece of your launch going without the jittery scramble of juggling a dozen apps.

LearnWorlds can host videos for your courses, give you drip lessons, issue coupons, and offer you a nice spot to build a student community. When launch day comes, you can also track sign-ups, send emails and manage affiliates from one dashboard.

Start a free trial today and see how LearnWorlds can help you market your course from day one.

Sources

Rosemary Georgarakou

Rosemary is LearnWorlds’ Content Marketing Manager. She has over 2 decades of experience in omnichannel marketing and content writing for the IT and SaaS industry. Her expertise lies in crafting effective content marketing strategies that attract, engage, and nurture customers, enabling LearnWorlds to reach its target audiences with precision.

Ciera Lamb

Ciera is a freelance content writer and editor connecting companies with their ideal audiences through blog articles and other online content. She approaches her writing with curiosity and research and enjoys the ever-present learning that comes with being a content writer. She is also an avid scuba diver, an aspiring Dutch speaker, and lover of all things nature.