How to Market Your Course in 30 Days (Without Ads!)

Marketing your online course doesn’t have to mean spending thousands on ads. If you're a first-time course creator, you might be wondering: How do I get my course in front of the right audience without a big budget? The good news is that organic marketing strategies can generate real traction and long-term success.

I’ve worked with over 100 course creators, and trust me—ads are not a magic bullet. In fact, most course creators waste money on ads before they even validate their offer. Instead, let’s talk about how to market your course in 30 days using proven organic strategies. This is the exact process I follow when I launch or help my clients launch their courses.

Day 1-5: Build Your Foundation

1. Define Your Ideal Student

Before you start promoting, get clear on who your course is for. Ask yourself:

• What problem does my course solve?

• Who will benefit most from it?

• What transformation will they experience?

How I Do It:

I always start by talking to my audience. Whether that’s in DMs, emails, or comments, I listen to their struggles. For example, when I was creating a Kajabi training, I noticed many course creators kept saying, “I don’t know where to start.” That became my focus—helping them with a step-by-step approach. Use the same method for your course. Listen, take notes, and craft your messaging based on real pain points.

2. Optimize Your Course Sales Page

Your sales page should:

• Clearly communicate the problem your course solves.

• Showcase the transformation students will achieve.

• Include testimonials or case studies (if available).

• Feature a strong call-to-action (CTA) that makes enrolling easy.

How I Do It:

I make sure every sales page I create has a strong “hero section.” That’s the first thing people see, and it should answer: “Is this for me?” My formula:
✅ A bold headline that addresses a pain point
✅ A subheadline that highlights the transformation
✅ A short paragraph or bullet points on what’s inside
✅ A clear CTA button (“Enroll Now” or “Get Instant Access”)

You can use this same approach to ensure your sales page converts.

3. Set Up a Lead Magnet & Email Funnel

Offer a free resource (lead magnet) that aligns with your course, such as:

• A mini-course

• A checklist

• A free webinar

• A workbook

Set up an email sequence to nurture leads and introduce them to your course.

How I Do It:

I don’t just create a random lead magnet. I think, What’s the ONE small win my audience can get in 5-10 minutes? For example, if your course teaches productivity, a “30-Minute Productivity Planner” might work. Keep it simple, but valuable.

Day 6-10: Leverage Social Media & Content Marketing

4. Create a Content Plan

Choose two primary platforms where your audience hangs out (e.g., Instagram & YouTube). Plan content around:

• Educational posts that highlight key course topics.

• Storytelling posts about your journey.

• Behind-the-scenes content showing course creation.

How I Do It:

I batch my content ahead of time. For example, if I’m launching a course in 30 days, I create content around:

• “Why I created this course” (storytelling)

• “Common mistakes people make” (teaching)

• “What’s inside my course” (promotion)

You don’t need to post every day, but consistency is key!

5. Go Live & Engage With Your Audience

• Host Instagram/Facebook/YouTube Lives.

• Answer FAQs about your course.

• Share student success stories (or personal experiences if you're launching your first course).

How I Do It:

I treat lives like casual chats, not sales pitches. One of my best-performing lives was just me answering questions about launching. No fancy scripts—just me helping people in real time. If you’re nervous about going live, start with a simple Q&A on Instagram Stories.

Day 11-15: Tap Into Community & Collaboration

6. Leverage Facebook Groups & Online Communities

Find relevant groups where your ideal students hang out. Offer value by:

• Answering questions

• Sharing insights

• Providing helpful resources (without being salesy)

How I Do It:

I don’t drop links. Instead, I share personal stories and mini case studies. People naturally ask for more, and that’s when I mention my course.

7. Partner With Others in Your Niche

Collaborate with:

• Podcast hosts for guest interviews

• Bloggers for guest posts

• Other course creators for cross-promotions

How I Do It:

I reach out with a simple message: “Hey [Name], I love what you do and think my audience would love to hear from you. Would you be open to a collaboration?” Keep it personal and authentic.

Day 16-30: Keep the Momentum Going

8. Start a YouTube Channel or Podcast

If you’re comfortable on camera or with audio, create longer-form content that lives on platforms like YouTube or a podcast. These platforms help establish authority and attract organic traffic over time.

9. Use Limited-Time Offers & Bonuses

Encourage enrollments with:

• A fast-action bonus (extra resources for those who enroll early)

• A limited-time discount (without devaluing your course)

How I Do It:

I always add urgency in a way that feels natural. For example: “This bonus expires in 48 hours because I want action-takers to get rewarded.”

10. Keep Showing Up!

• Answer DMs & emails.

• Check in with students.

• Keep posting valuable content.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need ads to market your course successfully! With a clear plan, valuable content, and community engagement, you can attract the right students organically. Follow this 30-day strategy, and you’ll build a solid marketing foundation that continues to bring in students long after your launch.

By adding the How I Do It sections, you not only get strategies but also see exactly how to implement them. Ready to market your course? Start today!