If you're struggling to create an effective landing page for your online course, don't worry! Unicorn Platform has got you covered. Check out their guide on how to quickly build an effective landing page for your online course to learn about the key elements of a high-converting landing page and how to create one using their platform. In just a few simple steps, you'll have a professional landing page that will help you promote and sell your online course.
Why You Need a Dedicated Landing Page for Your Online Course
To convert interested visitors into enrolled students, you need an effective landing page dedicated to your online course. A landing page allows you to present all the details about your course in one place, making it easy for visitors to learn what you offer and sign up.
Focus on Your Offering
The primary goal of your landing page is to showcase your course. Provide an overview of the course content, topics covered, learning objectives, and outcomes. Highlight the key benefits and specific skills or knowledge students will gain. Use descriptive yet concise copy and visuals like images, graphics, or video to demonstrate the experience.
Outline the Details
Clearly state the course format (e.g., self-paced, live video lectures, cohort-based), duration, level (beginner, intermediate, advanced), and any prerequisites. Give an overview of modules, lessons or units. Provide details on any certifications or credentials earned upon completion. List the resources and materials provided to students.
Share Your Credentials
Build trust by highlighting your credentials, expertise, experience, and qualifications to teach this course. Provide details on any accreditations or partnerships. Feature testimonials and reviews from past students.
Emphasize the Value
Focus on the transformation and results your students can expect. Discuss career or business benefits, impact on skills or knowledge, doors that may open or advancements that may be possible. Provide specific examples and stories to make the benefits relatable and compelling.
Make it Easy to Enroll
Include clear calls-to-action like "Enroll Now" or "Get Started Today" buttons that link directly to your course registration or checkout page. Offer a special discount or bonus incentive exclusive to landing page visitors to encourage faster sign-ups.
Keep your landing page clean and concise while highlighting the most persuasive elements of your course. With the right focus, details, and call-to-action, you'll turn interested visitors into eager students.
Elements of a High-Converting Online Course Landing Page
To convert visitors into customers, your online course landing page needs to be persuasive and optimize the key elements that drive conversions.
Clear Headline and Subheading
Your headline should capture the main benefit of your course in an enticing way. The subheading should provide more details on what the course offers. These elements are the first things visitors see, so make them count.
Eye-Catching Hero Image
Place a large, high-quality image at the top of your page that builds excitement for your course. Images of people actively engaging with your course topic or a mock-up of your course interface are good options.
Concise and Benefit-Focused Copy
In 3 short paragraphs, describe your course, emphasize the key benefits and outcomes, and address any major objections. Use a friendly yet professional tone. Focus on how your course will transform your students and improve their lives.
Course Curriculum
Provide an overview of the course content, including the number of modules or lessons. List some of the topics and skills covered without giving away too much detail. This shows visitors the scope and depth of your course.
Instructor Bio and Photo
Include a photo of the instructor(s) and a 1 to 2 sentence bio for each highlighting their expertise and experience. This establishes authority and credibility.
Social Proof
Feature 3 to 5 short testimonials from past students highlighting the benefits and results they achieved from your course. Also, include the number of students who have taken your course. This social proof builds trust and confidence in your course.
Clear Call-to-Action
Have a prominent button or link that invites visitors to sign up or purchase your course. The CTA should stand out and use compelling copy like “Enroll Now” or “Get Started Today.” Place it strategically throughout your page, especially above the fold.
Choose the Right Landing Page Builder: Unicorn Platform vs. Competitors
When choosing an online course landing page builder, two of the top options are Unicorn Platform and its competitors. Below is a comparison of the key factors to consider when determining which solution is the best fit for your needs.
Ease of Use
Unicorn Platform is an intuitive drag and drop website and blog builder, making it very easy to use even for beginners. It provides pre-built templates and elements that you can simply drag, drop and customize. Competitors often have a steeper learning curve and may require some coding knowledge to build a landing page. For those without technical skills, Unicorn Platform is a more user-friendly option.
Integrations
Unicorn Platform offers native integrations with popular third-party services like email marketing platforms, payment processors, and analytics tools. These integrations allow you to easily connect the tools you already use to your landing page. Competitors typically offer fewer integrations, especially with niche tools, requiring you to manually connect some services. The additional integrations Unicorn Platform provides can save you valuable time.
Customization
While Unicorn Platform does provide templates, it also gives you full control to customize the design of your landing page. You have access to a wide selection of fonts, colors, images, and page elements that can be edited to match your brand. Competitors may lock you into a template with limited customization options. The flexibility to fully customize your landing page is important for creating a professional look that aligns with your brand.
Pricing
Unicorn Platform offers very affordable plans, starting at just $12 per month. Competitors often charge significantly more for similar features and tools. For small businesses and solopreneurs on a budget, Unicorn Platform provides a robust set of features at a lower cost. If pricing is a concern, Unicorn Platform would likely be the more budget-friendly choice.
In summary, while competitors may work well for some use cases, Unicorn Platform is an easy-to-use, customizable, and affordable landing page builder with useful integrations, making it an excellent solution for creating an online course landing page. For these reasons, Unicorn Platform receives my recommendation as the top choice.
Pick an Eye-Catching Course Landing Page Design
When designing your online course landing page, selecting an eye-catching yet professional design is key to converting visitors into students. Here are some tips for picking the right course landing page design:
Choose a clean, minimalist design.
A simple, uncluttered design helps your most important elements—like your course title, description, and call-to-action button—stand out. Too many fonts, colors, images or other embellishments can seem unprofessional and distracting. Focus on plenty of white space and a simple color palette.
Use an engaging hero image.
Select a high-quality, relevant image to serve as the hero image at the top of your page. This could be a stock photo or custom graphic representing your course topic or audience. The image should capture interest and visually represent what your course is about. Place your page headline and subheadline over the top of the image.
Include social proof.
Add authentic reviews, testimonials, ratings or student stories as social proof to build trust in your course. Quote a few satisfied students and include their name, photo and a 1-2 sentence review. You might also display a course rating, if available. Social proof shows visitors that others have found value in your course.
Highlight key course details.
Ensure you prominently feature important course details like the title, description, outcomes, cost, curriculum, and any certifications or credentials students will earn. Use eye-catching yet professional fonts and make this information concise and scannable. Your visitors should be able to quickly grasp what the course covers and whether it meets their needs.
Choose high conversion buttons.
Your call-to-action buttons, like "Enroll Now" or "Get Started", should stand out and encourage clicks. Use bright colors like green, red or orange and place the buttons prominently on your page, especially above the fold. The buttons should have compelling text that tells visitors exactly what action is required to purchase or sign up for your course. High-converting buttons can significantly impact your sales.
Following these best practices when designing your online course landing page will lend to an eye-catching yet professional design, optimized to convert interested visitors into paying students. An engaging yet minimal layout, social proof, concise course details and high-converting call-to-action buttons are the keys to an effective landing page.
For more information on how to build effective landing pages for specific industries, check out our article on The Ultimate No-Code Solution for Plumbing and HVAC Landing Pages.
Write Compelling Landing Page Copy That Sells
The copy on your landing page is one of the most important elements for capturing leads and selling your online course. Compelling copy that speaks to your target audience can make the difference between a high-converting landing page and one that falls flat. Here are some tips for writing landing page copy that sells:
Focus on benefits, not features
Highlight the key benefits of your course and how it will help students achieve their goals. For example, say “You’ll learn the strategies to launch your online course in under 30 days” rather than “This course includes 10 video lessons and workbooks.” Benefits sell, features inform.
Use a convincing headline
Your headline is the first thing visitors see, so make it count. A good headline clearly states the benefit of your course in an exciting way. For example, “The Fastest Way to Create and Sell Your Own Online Course” or “How I Built a Six-Figure Online Course Business in Less Than a Year.”
Share your story
Help visitors connect with you by sharing your story. Explain your background, experiences, and what led you to create the course. For example, “After struggling for years to find the right online course to sell, I developed a proven system for creating and launching a profitable online course in 30 days or less.” People buy from those they know, like and trust.
list the modules and topics covered
Give visitors an overview of exactly what they will learn in your course. For example:
- How to choose a profitable course topic
- The curriculum blueprint for a successful course
- How to record professional video lessons
- Marketing strategies to launch big and get your first students
Offer a guarantee
Remove risk by offering a money-back guarantee. For example, “30-day 100% money-back guarantee. If you're not satisfied with the course for any reason, just let us know and we'll refund your money.” A guarantee shows you stand behind your course.
Use scarcity and urgency
Scarcity and urgency motivate people to take action. For example, “Only 200 spots available at the launch price of $199. Price will increase to $299 next month.” Or “This special bonus package is only available for the first 50 students who enroll.” Scarcity works, so use it carefully and ethically.
Following these best practices will help you craft landing page copy that speaks to your readers, builds trust, and convinces them your course is the solution they need. Compelling copy combined with an attractive page design is the key to high conversion rates and sales success.
Include Engaging Visuals and Media
To effectively convey your online course offering, include visual media that engages your audience. Studies show that articles and pages with images receive 94% more views than those without.
Photos
Include photos of yourself, your team, your office or workspace, and any physical products related to your course. Photos help to establish credibility, build trust and connection, and give readers a glimpse into your brand. For the best results:
- Use high-quality, professional photos. Avoid low resolution, blurry or poorly-lit shots.
- Include captions that provide context for the photos. Briefly explain what or who is shown in the photo.
- Use a photo of yourself smiling and making eye contact with the camera. This helps to establish a personal connection with your audience.
- Keep your photos consistent in style and tone with your brand image.
Videos
Short videos, especially those under 2 minutes in length, are highly engaging and help to bring your online course to life. Some options to consider include:
- A welcome video where you introduce yourself, your experience, and your course offering. Discuss what students can expect to learn and achieve.
- Student testimonial or case study videos. Show potential students the real results and impacts of your course.
- Demo videos that provide an overview of your course content and materials. Walk through some sample lessons or modules.
- Behind-the-scenes or “day in the life” videos. Give students an inside look at what it's really like in your course. Share your teaching and communication style.
- Keep your videos short, to the point, and professionally produced. Focus on being authentic and personable. Viewers will appreciate your honesty and transparency.
- Include a video thumbnail and caption for each video. The thumbnail should capture the essence of the video, while the caption provides a quick explanation of the content.
Using a strategic combination of photos and short videos on your landing page will make a memorable first impression, build trust in your abilities and expertise, and get potential students excited about the possibilities your online course offers. Engaging visuals coupled with a persuasive headline and copy will compel visitors to learn more and ultimately enroll in your program.
Offer a Free Trial or Discount Incentive
To encourage visitors to sign up for your online course, offer a free trial period or discounted incentive. This gives potential students the opportunity to experience your course content and teaching style risk-free. If they enjoy the trial, they will be more inclined to purchase the full course.
Free Trial
Offer access to the first module or two of your course for free. This allows students to get a feel for your teaching methods and the topics that will be covered, without having to pay upfront. Be sure to collect their email address during signup so you can market the paid course to them once the trial period ends. Most course creators offer a 7 to 14 day free trial.
Limited Time Discount
Create a sense of urgency by offering a discount on your course fees for a limited time, such as 50% off for the first 10 students. The fear of missing out on a good deal will prompt visitors to act fast to claim their spot. You can then remove the discount once you have enough signups. This strategy works especially well when you first launch your course.
Coupon Code
Provide a coupon code on your landing page that visitors can enter at checkout to receive a percentage off or dollar amount off the course fees. For example, “Use code LAUNCH50 to get $50 off registration.” Coupon codes are easy to set up and give you flexibility in the types of discounts you want to offer. You can promote coupon codes through your website, email campaigns, and social media.
Whichever free trial or incentive option you choose, be sure to prominently display details on your landing page, including:
- The exact offer (e.g. 50% off or 14-day free trial)
- Any restrictions or limitations (e.g. offer expires April 30th or limited to first 10 students)
- Clear call-to-action buttons (e.g. Start My Free Trial or Redeem Discount Now)
- Fine print with full terms and conditions
An effective incentive, combined with a well-designed landing page, will convert visitors into students and help launch your online course successfully.
Make Your Call-to-Action Button Pop
Your call-to-action (CTA) button is one of the most important elements on your landing page. It prompts visitors to take the next step in the conversion process, whether that’s signing up for your email list, purchasing a product, or enrolling in your online course. To maximize the effectiveness of your CTA button, follow these best practices:
Ensure your CTA button stands out visually on the page. Use a high-contrast color that is different from the other buttons and links. For example, if you have a blue and white color scheme, use a bright red or orange for your CTA button. You can also make the button larger in size or use attention-grabbing animations like a subtle pulse or glow effect when the user hovers their mouse over it.
Place your CTA button in a prominent position on the page, such as at the top or centered content sections. Studies show buttons placed at the top of the page, above the fold, tend to have higher click-through rates. A centered position also draws the eye. Avoid putting the CTA at the very bottom of long pages where users may not scroll.
Use compelling copy on your CTA button that motivates users to take action. Phrases like “Enroll Now,” “Get Started Today,” or “Sign Up for Free” work well for an online course. Keep the copy short and concise, around 3 words. You can also include a supporting subheading below the button with a brief value proposition.
Ensure your CTA button takes the user to the logical next step in the conversion funnel. For an online course, this is typically the checkout/enrollment page. The CTA should link directly to this page. Avoid linking to an intermediate page, as this can confuse users and reduce conversions.
A/B test different variations of your CTA button to optimize performance. Try different colors, sizes, placements, and wording. Even small changes can lead to significant improvements in click-through and conversion rates. Review analytics to determine which variation is most effective and make that your default.
Continuously re-evaluate and refine your CTA strategy to match changes in user behavior and your business objectives. An effective CTA button is a key part of maximizing the ROI from your landing page and driving more enrollments for your online course.
FAQs About Creating Best Online Course Landing Page
Creating an effective online course landing page is key to converting visitors into students. Here are some frequently asked questions about designing a high-converting course landing page:
What elements should be included on the landing page?
The landing page should include:
- An eye-catching headline that conveys the key benefit of your course. For example, “Master Data Analytics in Just 6 Weeks.”
- Bulleted points highlighting the major topics or skills covered in your course. For example:
- Introduction to Data Analysis with Python
- Data Visualization with Matplotlib
- Machine Learning Models and Algorithms
- The course curriculum or a sample video lesson to demonstrate your teaching style and expertise.
- Student testimonials discussing the impact and results of your course. Social proof builds trust and credibility.
- A clear call-to-action, such as an “Enroll Now” or “Start Your Free Trial” button. The CTA should link directly to your course registration or checkout page.
- FAQs to address common questions and concerns about your course. This helps build confidence in your offering and can improve conversion rates.
How can I optimize my landing page for search engines?
Use important keywords related to your course topic in your page content, page title, page URL, image alt text, and meta description. This will help search engines determine what your page is about and rank it higher in search results. You should also include internal links to other relevant pages on your website. Finally, a fast page load speed and mobile-friendly design are essential for good SEO.
What tools can I use to build my landing page?
Some highly-rated landing page builders include:
- Unicorn Platform - Drag and drop builder with designer templates. Easy to use with no coding required.
- Leadpages - Intuitive builder with A/B testing and conversion optimization tools. Over 150 mobile-friendly templates.
- Instapage - Powerful builder with advanced personalization and segmentation features. Analytics provide insights into visitor behavior and conversion rates.
- Carrd - Simple, minimalistic builder for one-page websites and landing pages. Very affordable paid plans with no commissions.
Using a dedicated landing page builder will allow you to create a professional, high-converting course landing page without needing web design or development skills. The right tools and optimization techniques can help turn visitors into enrolled students.
Conclusion
You now have all the tools and knowledge to build an effective landing page for your online course. By focusing on a clean design, compelling copy, strong calls-to-action, and social proof through reviews and testimonials, you'll create an optimized page that converts visitors into students. Keep testing and optimizing to improve your results over time. With a well-designed landing page and a valuable course, you'll be able to start turning your expertise and passion into an impactful online education business. The key is simply taking that first step to get started. Now go build your landing page, launch your course, and start teaching. You've got this!
