3: PR Tips to Grow your Online Course Business (without spending a cent on advertising)
In this episode, KJ Blattenbauer, a business strategist and publicist for entrepreneurs and influencers shares tips and advice on how course creators can grow their online course business without spending a cent on advertising.
Resources and tips covered in the podcast:
#1 HARO (HELP A REPORTER OUT)
This free resource should be the first stop if you’re looking to get press in order to get your name out there and sell your course. It’s also the easiest..
HARO provides you with real-time media opportunities up to three times daily, straight from journalists on a deadline who need a source. You can filter opportunities by industry and start submitting your info immediately wherever it is relevant.
#2 BE A GUEST ON A PODCAST
The best and easiest way to promote your online course is by using other people’s audiences.
The key here is to focus on podcasts that your ideal customer listens to. How do you know what they are? Ask your ideal customer what influencers they follow and what podcasts they listen to on a regular basis.
You can also find podcast hosts that are looking for guests by signing up for Podcast Guests. You can join the directory, so podcast hosts can find you, or just sign up for their free email where they send out podcast guest opportunities on a regular basis.
#3 GUEST BLOGGING OPPORTUNITIES
Guest blogging in a publication that your ideal customer reads is a great way to get in front of potential clients. To do this, you will need to pitch the reporter on your proposal.
Just as you would strike up a conversation with any other human being, there’s no better way to catch a reporter’s attention than to engage them on a story they’ve just written. Their latest work is something they have a professional, and sometimes personal, interest in.
The best way to contact a reporter is to send him or her an email. This way, you can demonstrate thoughtful analysis and commentary on their piece.
How do you find the reporter’s content information? According to KJ Blattenbauer, don’t ever spend your hard-earned cash on a media list. They are generally outdated, and you can find the information you need by conducting a simple google search. Type in the name of the publication and right after type masthead. From here, for many publications, you can find the journalist covering the area or topic you are the expert in. You may need to do a little digging to get their email address, but it’s a great way to start your research process.