By forexlibrary 
Many colleges, universities and training providers embrace the transformation to digital. The internet has allowed educators to reach people worldwide and market their institutions in ways that were impossible in the past.
One key area that has benefited greatly from customers’ online behavior is course promotion and sales. Smart marketers can reach their target audience and fill courses like never before, regardless of whether the course is virtual. Video has become a powerful tool for selling courses online as online marketing evolves and grows.
Video offers benefits to your institution that are not easily achieved using other methods. However, it is important to follow proven strategies to maximize your efforts to engage current and future students.
Why use video to sell courses?
To understand the “how”, it is important first to explore the “why” to get a solid grasp of all the reasons to utilize video to promote courses.
Videos are searchable in today’s market and can be indexed and ranked just like web pages. Videos can be described using keywords and detailed descriptions so they can be found as easily as blog posts or web pages. Advertising with video is becoming a popular way to market, so you risk being left behind by your competitors if you don’t follow their lead.
Another reason people love videos is that they can make deeper psychological connections with students. Video adds another dimension to your institution’s credibility and gives it a more human face. Videos can inform and educate, but they can also entertain in ways written messages cannot.
The best reason to use video for marketing your courses online is that it works. YouTube has more than 30,000,000 users daily, and more than 5 billion videos are viewed daily. It makes sense to join the video revolution as it grows.
There are many types of videos that produce great results.
It’s just like any other type of selling; you shouldn’t post a video pitching a course and expect positive results. There are many types of videos you can make.
Although it is easy to say that these videos are sales videos because the ultimate goal of sales videos is to sell, this type uses traditional sales techniques to appeal to emotions such as fear and desire. Your institution can explain the course and inform people about the benefits of studying. They also need to let them know the potential consequences if they miss the chance. You should include a call to action at the end, so they know what you want them to do next.
This video will show you are a thought leader within your industry. You can relay news and comment on recent events. They can review products or services and offer their opinions to let your prospects know that you support them and are there to help. Videos that provide commentary and news help build trust in your institution and make it an authority in the industry. This will increase your chances of students buying your course.
Prospects will appreciate the tips and tricks you share about your field. This will make them feel more knowledgeable, which can help them to purchase. Give teasers and tips on solving problems in science courses. You might want to introduce some common problems and tips for solving them if you’re selling a plumbing course.
It is possible that you don’t want to sell your course through videos. If this is the case, a “behind-the-scenes” format might work. It will help people better understand your college and university by showing what they do daily. This allows you to show your personality and provide insight into the values, beliefs and principles of your institution. This is how you can show your personality and give insight into your values and beliefs.
A testimonial from someone who has completed the course is a great way to secure a sale. Social proof is a great way to get people to recommend a course. This type of video should not be made with actors. It’s important that the videos are authentic and that the participants have taken the course.
Useful Tips and Techniques
Inbound marketers often create detailed personas before creating videos to promote your courses online. Your buyer’s persona represents your ideal customer. It should include information such as gender, age and profession. It will be easier to decide the type and language of video and information to use.
Modern online marketing demands transparency. People want to buy from genuine people and companies. Don’t be too salesy and talk like you would in real life. This will allow your prospects to relate and feel at ease. Many program directors and educators choose to appear in videos. Even if they aren’t interested in being there, ensure that the person you are watching is authentic.