Creative tips and tricks

How To Create A Promo Video For Your Online Course

Jun 6, 2024

The campaign for marketing that is the best for your program is largely dependent on the subject of your course as well as your intended audience but no matter who you're trying to enrol in the course, there's a marketing truth that can boost your efforts: video marketing is one of the best methods to connect and interact people on the internet.

If you're new to videography, it may seem out of reach--but don't fret! With the right tools, and a bit of direction it is possible to create videos that accurately represent your strategy and catch the interest of your targeted viewers. First, though, let's examine what exactly video marketing is and the reasons why it's been deemed an effective instrument.

  What is video marketing?

Videos are used for video marketing. They can be utilized to promote your business. That's it! It's extremely simple and successful. A promotional video is a specific video made for the purpose of marketing a specific event, product such as an offer or event, or in your case online courses. The majority of promo videos are shorter (ours typically last around 15 seconds) and focus on one main focus on registering prospective students for instance.

In all honesty it's not a new concept to use video in marketing. The use of video has been around for a long time. What makes today's marketing landscape different isn't necessarily new technology for video, but it's the social media. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Snapchat--these are all social media platforms that give an (relatively) innovative means for people to exchange ideas and remain connected. Because all of these social sites are available as apps on smartphones and tablets, people have access to them at any time at any time and anywhere. So, your course has the potential to be connected continuously with your targeted audience.

  How has social media impacted the world of marketing via video?

Alongside revolutionizing the way individuals interact and with each other, social media has altered how you communicate with members of the audience you're trying to reach. Contrary to radio and television the social media channel is never completely off. Furthermore, the amount of users that video advertising via social media has the capacity to be able to reach is astounding. Consider this:

  Does the value video marketing brings is worth the effort it takes to produce it?

The short answer to this question is an unquestionable yes. If you want to know the answer in a longer way we'll first consider why your course's target audience could be a good fit for your video marketing efforts:

  • When you make videos with high-quality content it is possible to build a connection that is emotional with your course's target viewers. Videos may bring out the brand attributes that really resonate with your target audience, those who view your video may think that they have a better understanding of your brand than they would if they read the same information presented in written form. This is particularly important when your course is an extension of your company.
  • It is much easier for viewers to consume than text. Through providing visuals which people are able to concentrate upon, videos marketing can present your message in an easily comprehendible manner that combines sight and sound--making it memorable.
  • Video marketing may boost the likelihood of audience members to buy whatever is promoted. This means those who watch videos are more likely enrol for your online training.

Although engagement with your target audience members is certainly the ultimate goal of video marketing campaigns but it's also essential to examine the technical aspect of video marketing to see the best way to achieve participation. After all, you can't make a lasting impression on people when they aren't seeing your video content. Below are a few methods that video marketing can bring even more value to your course's promotional campaign to get your message to a greater quantity of individuals:

  • People enjoy sharing posts that resonate with them on social media, and video content is a simple means for them to spread your message. If you make video content for marketing which is valuable to your target audience members, they will be excited to share your content with their family, friends and professional networks. They are more likely to enroll in the online courses you offer.
  • Because video marketing doesn't require expensive equipment or extensive editing It can also be used to promote your business in real time (it's much faster to make videos than blog posts!). It's true that it's possible to create a promotional video that you can post within minutes (not hours) This implies that you are able to continuously make video marketing content that is relevant, interesting, and engaging. This results in content users will want to take to social media and share.
How to create a promo video for your online course | Julie Ball |

  Can video marketing keep your course relevant?

Aside from all of the benefits of video marketing we've discussed, there's one quite fundamental reason why adding videos to your school's promotional strategy is a great idea: relevance.

Since technology has evolved in the past, businesses have had to keep up to remain relevant in the eyes of their target audience members. Video marketing is one more stage in the long line of technology advancements and marketing tactics. In actual fact, Cisco predicts that video traffic will make up 69% of the total consumer internet traffic by 2017. Nielsen believes that 64% of marketers experts expect video to be a fundamental aspect of marketing strategies.

  Here are the steps I follow when putting together promotional videos:  

  STEP 1: PLAN  

It's important to have a clear plan before spending any time producing your video.

  • Decide the goal for your film. What is the action you would like your audience to take when they watch your video? Write it down! Make sure you are clear before proceeding more
  • What content do you need for your video? Include specific photos or video videos you'd like to incorporate.
  • What are you looking to add? List specific promotions events, details about the event, coupon codes, or calls to action.

  STEP TWO STEP TWO: PRODUCE  

The majority of people get stuck because of lack of tech skills. But you don't really need tech skills anymore! We create all of our promo videos on smartphones.

  • Choose where you will make your video. Use one of our favorite apps and you'll have a stunning video in 5 minutes flat. The top five iPhone video games are Quik, Legend, Stop Motion, Flipagram, Ripl and Boomerang. Some are paid, some are completely free. Most even have templates which means you do not have to "design" any thing. If you are tech-challenged, try Flipagram at first, as it's simple slideshow.
  • Drop in your images as well as text into your application of choice. Make sure to use only your own pictures or images that you own the right to use. Do not steal images from Google!
  • Want music? There are apps that have built-in musical beds which can help make your video sound amazing. However, keep in mind that the majority of the music in the iTunes library are protected by copyright. You could be subject to penalties if you use these songs for your videos, without a permit to use the clip. (i.e. it is possible to be sued, your audio may be blocked, or your post could be removed from social media - gaaaahhh!) My preferred place to buy audio or sound effects is the Audio Jungle.
  • After you've finished you can save the video on your camera roll or share directly from the application.

Remember that, if you plan to post your video to Instagram the video must be between 3 and 60 seconds long. Keep in mind that attention spans can be short... so make sure your videos are brief.

Also, if you want your video to look good across all devices, go with a square crop. That way, no one has to turn their phone to watch it.

Here is an example of a course promo video that I shared on Instagram (about fifteen seconds long):

Course Promo Video Example

  STEP THREE STEP THREE: PROMOTE  

  • Upload your video to your social media platforms by adding a brief text message and a link. Inform your followers what to do. (i.e. increase the impact of your video's call-to action)
  • Include the video on your YouTube channel. You can embed it in blog posts, guest posts for other websites, or in guest posts.
  • Make use of the video when you are email marketing.

  Do you have the skills to create an advertisement video to promote your online course?  

Promo videos have been proven to be a successful way to grow course enrolment. If you use the tools that are listed above, they are easier than you think. Give it a try and see your social media engagement skyrocket!

If you have questions about creating a promo video for your online class, send them to the section of comments below. You can also download my Video Planner Worksheet that will aid you in planning your future video!

Julie Ball is the Founder of Grow Web Marketing, a marketing firm that aids women entrepreneurs expand their businesses, their brand, and their brand. For tips on how to make video content of high-quality to promote your company without spending money, you can take her course Easy Video Marketing for Small Businesses.