Ask HN: What are some creative ways to promote an online course

#1

Post by rbonhardt » Wed, Apr 09, 2014, 8:51 PM UTC

I've been working on my "Learn to build your first website in 1 week with HTML5 and CSS3” course for a couple months now, testing and refining it and launched it on Udemy yesterday

I’m very excited for this course and have received great feedback so far.

“So freaking awesome. Amazing job man. This is better than codeacademy!” - Josh Hagler, Founder of RoomScapeU.com

"First 7 lessons done and I can actually build something and understand it! First million I make will because you came at the right time! Timing couldn't of been better." - Tony Berardi

What I'm asking for is if you know any creative ways to promote digital (specifically online learning) products. I'm offering it for free as of now because I want to get as many people signed up as possible to get feedback and because quite frankly I think it is a kick ass course and I don't mind giving value away to people right now to prove that to them.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated

Also links here if you want to see what I have in terms of copy or course content: https://www.udemy.com/build-your-first-website-in-1-week/

Re: Ask HN: What are some creative ways to promote an online course

#2

Post by robge28 » Wed, Apr 09, 2014, 9:00 PM UTC

Today's best marketing is content driven, so try to get blog writers and the like to write about you. Tap into your current network for help, introductions, social likes/shares, etc. Best of luck

Re: Ask HN: What are some creative ways to promote an online course

#3

Post by aswin8728 » Wed, Apr 09, 2014, 9:50 PM UTC

YouTube is one of the best mediums for promotion. Go on a related video, such as "How to build websites", and link your Udemy course in the comments section. Chances are, at least a few people from each video that you post under will check it out. Good luck!

Re: Ask HN: What are some creative ways to promote an online course

#4

Post by taphangum » Wed, Apr 09, 2014, 10:03 PM UTC

I've had a lot of success sharing my course (for free) on reddit: https://www.udemy.com/building-and-selling-a-niche-website-f....

If your goal is to make sales though, i would just do a lot of podcast interviews/ads within your niche.

Re: Ask HN: What are some creative ways to promote an online course

#5

Post by wturner » Wed, Apr 09, 2014, 10:51 PM UTC

'Theme' them to promote to people in completely different industries.

Are you a fashion fanatic that would like to learn to build your own website... [ show website themed with fashion stuff ]

Are you an automobile expert that would like to share what you know by building your own website [ show website with cars]

etc..

Then find 'reddits' for fasion buffs, car buffs or any other 'buffs' and slip it in in a few threads. Don't say your selling anything, saying your giving away a few exclusive lessons to the respective 'buffs'. It would be better if you did this with authentic personal likes. This way you can honestly say you have an affinity for the respective theme.