Do I Need a Website to Launch an Online Course?
I am often asked, “Do I need a website to launch an online course?”
To answer this question, we need to talk first about the difference between branding and how you actually make money in your business.
There is a big difference between long-term branding strategy and short-term revenue generation.
Many coaches, consultants and experts I meet have received advice that confuses these two strategies. Long-term branding strategy is about building your brand story and generating awareness. Short-term marketing strategy is about building your list and generating revenue.
Confusing the two can put you out of business quick because:
1. Generating revenue is the first priority in your business.
2. Launching an online course or product to your ideal clients will help you understand what your tribe responds to AND influence how you will ultimately develop the copy and images on your website.
The risk in building a beautiful website before you know exactly what your people respond to is that you can spend a lot of money and/or time on something that generates no revenue for your business.
Beautiful websites do not guarantee revenue. Click To Tweet
The Difference Between a Website and a Landing Page
A landing page is a single page with one call to action. Your prospective customer lands on the page and is asked to do one thing: take an action.
Their action typically falls into these categories:
1. Give you their email address
2. Download something they just opted-in for
3. Register for something like a free webinar
4. Buy something such as an online course or product
A website is a more robust online branding presence. Think of this as your digital space to tell your tribe more about you, the courses/services you offer, the story behind your brand and share ways for them to to stay connected to you. Your site is typically more complex than the landing pages where your prospects take action in buying from you (giving you an email address to download a free tool, registering for a webinar, buying).
The most effective online courses use a one-page landing page to market their course. This is a well-designed sales page that is typically longer than a regular website page.
When I first launched my online course, I used 3 simple pages to launch my online course without a website. That launch generated over 6-figures with just 3 pages using the launching methods we teach.
There are many do-it-yourself landing page building tools you can use to create these first 3 pages.
I love hearing about what you are creating! Share your thoughts, ideas and questions in the comments below. I’m listening!