Hey there, digital course creator! Raise your hand if you’ve heard of YouTube Shorts—YouTube’s flashy new feature that lets you publish videos up to just 60 seconds long. Yes, 60 seconds to dazzle, engage, and connect with your dream customers. Now, you might be thinking, “how can I possibly say anything meaningful in just a minute?” Trust us, these bite-sized videos are gold mines for getting your message out there. So, are you ready to up your customer attraction game? Perfect, because we’ve got five can’t-miss strategies for using YouTube Shorts to grow your customer base like crazy. Let’s dive in!

1. Turn Course Highlights Into Bite-Sized Lessons

Ready to turn your YouTube Shorts into a student magnet? Listen up: Instead of just showcasing highlights from your course, think of them as mini-masterclasses. Yes, you can actually pack a whole lot of value into those short, snappy videos and grab your audience’s attention like never before.

Step one? Super simple. Put on your detective hat and identify those juicy, irresistible bits of your course. We’re talking about those topics that light a fire under people, making them think, “I’ve GOT to know more!” These could be must-know techniques, can’t-miss exercises, or even real-world examples that bring your course to life.

Now, roll up your sleeves. It’s time to miniaturize those golden nuggets. Keep your YouTube Shorts crisp and snappy—let’s aim for under a minute. The idea is to serve it up quickly and easily so your audience can devour it without feeling like they just ate a five-course meal.

Want to dial up the awesome factor? Sprinkle in some visuals or graphics to spice up your bite-sized lesson. On-screen text or captions? Yes, please! This will underline your key takeaways and give your viewers that “Ah-ha!” moment in just a quick glance.

Last but definitely not least, don’t let your viewers hang—give them the next step on a silver platter. Invite them to saunter over to your YouTube channel, hit that subscribe button, or mosey on down to your website for the full course experience. Because, let’s face it, once they’ve had a taste, they’re going to want the whole entirety.

So go ahead, turn your course highlights into mini-masterclasses on YouTube Shorts, and watch as eager learners flock your way.

2. Create Compelling ‘Behind-the-Scenes’ Content

Have you ever wondered how to take your YouTube Shorts to the next level? Let’s talk about something that feels like a little secret weapon: ‘Behind-the-Scenes’ content. Trust us, it’s like giving your audience VIP access to your creative world, and who doesn’t love a backstage pass?

Why is this golden? For starters, it peels back the curtain and shows the sweat, love, and, yes, even the occasional frustration that goes into creating your courses. It’s like inviting your audience into your living room, and suddenly, you’re not just a brand; you’re a human being they can relate to. Talk about building genuine connections!

Now, you might be thinking, “What should I actually show?” Good question! Capture those electric brainstorming sessions, the grind during your research and development stage, the magic of the editing room, or introduce the incredible team making it all happen. Whether it’s inspirational, a teachable moment, or a good old-fashioned blooper, these snippets let people connect with you on a whole different level.

But here’s the deal: brevity is your best friend. You’re working within the pleasant borders of short-form video, so let’s keep it snappy, shall we? Mix in jump cuts, time-lapses, or some visual wizardry to keep those eyeballs glued.

Oh, and don’t underestimate the power of storytelling. Was there an ‘aha!’ moment during course creation? A roadblock that felt like a mini-drama? Share it! You’ll create a storyline that people are genuinely eager to follow. It’s like your favorite binge-worthy show, but it’s your brand. How cool is that?

Before you hit that upload button, sprinkle in a call-to-action like the cherry on top. Ask viewers to smash that subscribe button, leave a comment, or better yet, check out your courses. Because, let’s get real, the ultimate goal is to turn those engaged eyes into excited learners (and customers!).

So, let’s make ‘behind-the-scenes’ your new content best friend. It’s not just entertaining; it’s a marketing dynamo.

3. Showcase Testimonials and Success Stories

Get ready to skyrocket your trust factor and convert those YouTube Shorts viewers into raving fans. Listen up!

First things first, let’s talk about the magic sauce: testimonials and success stories. Imagine giving your audience a VIP backstage pass to see real-life success stories from people who’ve rocked your courses. Now, that’s what we call building instant credibility!

So, how do you craft these little gems of social proof? Here’s our go-to strategy: Reach out to your course graduates (your biggest cheerleaders) and get them on camera. Let them spill the beans on how your course changed their life, business, or even just their weekend. Whether it’s a quick chat on Zoom or a text snippet popping up on-screen, hearing straight from the horse’s mouth is seriously priceless.

But wait, there’s more! Variety is the spice of life, so make sure your testimonials are as diverse as a buffet dinner. We’re talking about different industries, backgrounds, and skill levels. Show your students that your course is a one-size-fits-all kind of deal—except it actually fits.

Now, let’s add a cherry on top. Spice up those testimonials with some eye-catching visuals. Think screenshots of your students’ amazing results or even before-and-after snapshots that’ll make your viewers do a double-take. Throw in some text highlights, to sum up those success stories, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for unforgettable content.

Testimonials are your bestie when it comes to dialing up the emotional connection and giving your audience that little nudge they need. Trust us, blend these elements into your YouTube Shorts, and you won’t just attract customers—you’ll be creating raving fans.

So go ahead, give it a whirl, and watch your course business soar to new heights!

4. Leverage User-Generated Content

Let’s get real for a minute: We all know how game-changing YouTube Shorts can be for your online courses, right? But what if we told you there’s a secret sauce that makes them even more irresistible? Drumroll, please… It’s User-Generated Content (UGC)! Yes, that’s the golden ticket!

Imagine this: instead of you singing your own praises, what if your raving fans could do the talking for you? UGC is like a virtual standing ovation from your audience. We’re talking about testimonials, killer reviews, or even your students showing off what they’ve mastered in your courses.

Here’s the lowdown: By sprinkling UGC throughout your YouTube Shorts, you’re doing more than just showing off happy students. You’re adding a layer of authenticity and trust that only your community can provide. When someone’s on the fence about joining your course, seeing real-life success stories could be the nudge they need to hit that “Enroll Now” button. Trust us: social proof is the fairy dust of online marketing.

So, how can you make UGC work for you? First off, don’t be shy. Ask your students to spill the tea on what they love about your courses. You can shoot out an email, message them directly on social media, or even include a shoutout for reviews at the end of your courses. Then, let those rave reviews take center stage in your YouTube Shorts. Picture it: punchy text graphics featuring your students’ own words, lighting up the screen.

But wait, there’s more! You can also showcase your students flexing their newfound skills. For instance, if you’ve got a photography course, why not feature some of your students’ jaw-dropping shots in your Shorts? It’s a double win—you highlight the results your course delivers and give your community a moment to shine.

But let’s not wing it, people. A killer UGC strategy doesn’t happen by accident. Set some guidelines, give examples of what makes the cut, and why not create a hashtag that your community can use. That way, you can easily bring up all that goodness to feature in future Shorts.

So, what are you waiting for? Incorporate UGC into your YouTube Shorts and watch your connection with potential students skyrocket. You’ll humanize your brand, showcase real-world success, and turn your audience into an engaged community. And remember, your students don’t just want to learn from you—they want to be heard. So, let’s leverage the power of user-generated content and take your course business to the next level!

5. Utilize CTAs to Direct Traffic to Your Main Course

Want to turn your YouTube Shorts into a customer-converting machine? Well, we’ve got you! Your secret sauce? Drum roll, please… Calls to Action! These little prompts are your golden ticket to driving traffic straight to the heart of your business: your main course.

Ready for the game-changer? Here are our top 5 call to action tactics that are as easy to implement as they are effective.

The Description Dynamo

First things first, don’t underestimate the power of your video description. This is where you can drop a killer CTA that points directly to your course landing page. Make it irresistible; you want your audience to think, “They need this course in their life, like yesterday!”

The Eye-Candy Overlay

Let’s get visual! On-screen text overlays aren’t just for decoration; they’re your flashy billboards. Use bold fonts and colors to showcase the URL of your course or landing page. Want to make your viewers click faster than you can say “Limited Time Offer”? Well, then say it! Create a sense of urgency that gets them moving.

The End Screen Extravaganza

YouTube Shorts lets you add end-screen annotations, so use it! This is your final act, your last chance to make them click. Make sure your CTA sticks around long enough for them to take action—no one likes to feel rushed, right?

Speak Their Language

Don’t just show; tell! A verbal nudge can be incredibly persuasive. Near the end of your video, kindly (but firmly) invite your viewers to click on that tempting link below or head over to your site. Believe it or not, your voice has power; use it to guide your viewers home to your main course.

The Thumbnail Thrill

Customizable thumbnails are like the icing on the cake. Don’t settle for the ordinary when you can make it extraordinary! Use flashy graphics or text that screams “Click me!” to point the way. Imagine it as a neon sign leading straight to your course—you want it to be unmissable.

By weaving these CTAs into your YouTube Shorts, you’re not just asking for attention; you’re commanding it. And remember, a good CTA isn’t just clear and concise; it’s also irresistibly clickable. So go ahead, give your viewers a direction they can’t wait to follow, and turn those casual clicks into committed customers. You got this!

FAQs About Ways Course Creators Can Use YouTube Shorts to Get More Customers

What are YouTube Shorts, and how can they benefit course creators?

YouTube Shorts are short-form videos, up to 60 seconds in length, designed for mobile viewing and quick engagement. For course creators, Shorts offer an excellent opportunity to showcase expertise, give quick tips, and build brand awareness in a format that is more accessible and shareable. Because they’re easy to produce and consume, Shorts can be a fast and effective way to reach a new audience and funnel them toward your full-length course content.

What kind of content should you include in YouTube Shorts for course promotion?

For course promotion, your YouTube Shorts should provide value while teasing more in-depth content. You might consider quick tips, how-tos, or insights that relate to your course material. Show viewers what they can expect to learn and how your course can solve a specific problem they have. The aim is to make viewers curious enough to seek out your full course for a more comprehensive understanding.

How often should you post YouTube Shorts to get more customers?

Posting frequency can vary depending on your content strategy, but a good rule of thumb is to post at least once or twice a week. Regular posting helps you stay top-of-mind for your audience and boosts the likelihood of your type of content being shown in YouTube’s algorithm. However, quality should never be sacrificed for quantity; make sure each Short adds value and aligns with your course topics.

Can YouTube Shorts be monetized, and how does that affect my online course sales?

As of our last update in September 2021, YouTube Shorts themselves are not directly monetizable through the standard AdSense program. However, they can indirectly contribute to monetization by attracting new subscribers and directing traffic to your monetizable long-form content. In terms of online course sales, consider Shorts as a lead generation tool rather than a direct revenue stream, working to funnel viewers toward your course landing page.

How can YouTube Shorts drive traffic to my course landing page?

To drive traffic to your course landing page, include a clear call-to-action (CTA) in each Short. This could be a verbal mention, a text overlay, or a link in the video description. Encourage viewers to visit your landing page for more valuable resources and freebies or to enroll in your full course. Strategically designed Shorts can act as teasers that prompt viewers to seek out the complete content you offer, thereby driving traffic.

Can YouTube Shorts replace traditional video marketing for course creators?

While YouTube Shorts offer a fresh and efficient way to engage the target audience, they shouldn’t entirely replace traditional video marketing. Long-form videos allow for a deeper dive into topics and are better suited for complex material, which is often what courses offer. Shorts can complement your existing video marketing strategy by serving as quick, digestible pieces that pique interest and lead viewers to your more comprehensive, monetizable content.

How do you engage with potential customers through YouTube Shorts?

Engagement through YouTube Shorts can be achieved by encouraging viewer interaction. Ask questions, prompt for comments, or hold mini-contests to spur engagement. Responding to comments can also build a sense of community and trust. Because Shorts are brief, make sure every second counts in delivering both value and personality. A well-crafted Short can serve as an introductory handshake to new viewers, inviting them into a long-term relationship with your brand and courses.

How can course creators leverage YouTube Shorts to gain more customers using short-form video content?

Course creators can utilize YouTube Shorts to offer valuable, bite-sized educational content related to their course material. These short videos can be easily created and managed using YouTube Studio. By optimizing the content for sharing on various social media platforms, creators can significantly extend their reach. High-quality Shorts can lead to increased video views and act as teasers, directing potential customers to the full-length courses. It’s a win-win situation where the audience gains useful insights, and creators gain more visibility and prospective customers.

How can using a thumbnail image for my YouTube Shorts help attract more customers across social media channels?

A compelling thumbnail image can make your YouTube Short stand out, encouraging clicks and drawing a wider audience to your channel. Think of the thumbnail as your video’s “channel trailer” that offers a quick preview of what to expect. High-quality thumbnails are more shareable on social media channels like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, effectively widening your customer base. Furthermore, since YouTube Shorts are designed for mobile app consumption, a striking thumbnail image can have a significant impact on attracting viewers who are scrolling through their phones.