![Online Learning Platform: how to post engaging content [content idea list]](http://onlineyougrow.com/cdn/shop/articles/cov-marketing-plan-2_043c7c9e-aa9a-4d9f-b933-a87c25db3cdc.png?v=1715865593&width=1100)
Facebook and Instagram are not just for likes and fun—they're powerful tools that the best online learning platforms use strategically to attract students.
We know you're busy developing courses and the thought of managing social media might feel like another burden.
But here's the deal: you don't need to be a marketing expert or spend a fortune to make it work. Just a few minutes a day can bring a couple of new students to your platform.
To help you out, we have built a free list of content ideas - also, for a full action plan, please check our strategy pack for online educators.
Get the content idea list made for learning platform owners
A lot of learning platforms manage to post engaging content on social media. Here is a free tool to to get you started.
Content that always work well for an online learning platform
We have analyzed numerous online learning platforms' social media strategies while developing our strategy pack for online learning platforms - here is what consistently drives engagement and growth.
| Content Type | Why It Works to Attract New Learners to Your Platform |
|---|---|
| High-Quality Course Previews | Visually engaging previews of courses can spark interest and motivate potential learners to enroll. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Videos | Showcasing the course creation process, instructors, and platform features builds trust and creates a connection with the audience. |
| Student Testimonials | Positive reviews and testimonials from real students provide social proof and encourage others to join the platform. |
| Special Offers and Discounts | Announcing limited-time offers, discounts, and free trials can attract new learners looking for deals. |
| User-Generated Content | Sharing content created by students (course reviews, success stories) engages the community and adds authenticity. |
| Collaborations with Influencers | Partnering with educational influencers or industry experts can introduce the platform to a broader, relevant audience. |
| Webinar Announcements | Promoting upcoming webinars, live Q&A sessions, or special workshops can attract new learners interested in unique learning experiences. |
| Seasonal and Holiday Posts | Highlighting seasonal courses or holiday-themed content can attract learners looking for special learning opportunities during those times. |
| Interactive Content | Polls, quizzes, and Q&A sessions engage followers and create a sense of community, encouraging them to explore the platform. |
| Free Resource Shares | Sharing free resources like eBooks, templates, or mini-courses can intrigue potential learners and motivate them to explore more. |
| Daily Learning Tips | Regularly updating followers with daily learning tips keeps the platform top-of-mind and encourages continuous engagement. |
| Instructor Spotlights | Featuring stories about the instructors creates a personal connection and humanizes the brand. |
| Study Hacks and Tips | Sharing study hacks and tips can engage followers who are keen on improving their learning efficiency. |
| Sustainability Initiatives | Highlighting sustainable practices or community contributions appeals to socially conscious learners. |
| Student Spotlights | Featuring successful students creates a sense of community and makes others want to be part of that group. |
| Contests and Giveaways | Running contests and giveaways can increase engagement and attract new followers, many of whom may convert into learners. |
Some learning platforms make 5x more profit than you!
We have studied the strategies of the best learning platforms in the world. Replicate them now!
How can learning platform owners make great content on social media?
What to Prioritize
You probably know it already, but high-quality course materials and engaging videos are essential.
People learn with their eyes first. Make sure the lighting is good, the content is clear, and the presentation is inviting.
Also, post regularly to keep your learners engaged. It doesn’t have to be daily, but find a schedule that works for you and stick to it. We have prepared a free content planner for you.
Of course, respond to comments and messages quickly. Learners appreciate interaction and it makes them feel valued. Don’t just be another “bland” platform.
Show the real side of your online learning platform. Behind-the-scenes videos, instructor stories, and student shoutouts can create a personal connection with your audience.
If you want to keep your learners excited, highlight any special courses, webinars, or seasonal content. Make sure your followers know what’s new and exciting.
Finally, share positive reviews and testimonials. Social proof is powerful and can help attract new learners.
What Doesn’t Matter as Much
Overly polished content does not really matter. Your posts don’t need to be perfect. Authenticity can be more engaging than highly produced content.
Also, don’t feel pressured to jump on every social media trend. Focus on what fits your platform’s “image” and what your audience likes.
If you have a low budget to conduct marketing for your online learning platform, don’t immediately go for paid Ads. Organic reach can still be effective with good content and engagement. You will find tons of tactics and strategies in our strategy pack for online educators.
How to Do It Fast and Efficient
First, spend a few hours once a week creating course materials, recording videos, and drafting posts. This way, you’re not scrambling daily.
Use Scheduling Tools - tools like Buffer or Hootsuite can schedule posts in advance, saving you time.
Repurpose and use the same content across different platforms. A video on YouTube can be a post on Facebook or a tweet on Twitter.
Encourage learners to share their own experiences and tag your platform. This is what we call “User-Generated Content”. Reposting these can save you time and build community.
Use apps like Canva for quick and easy graphic design, or Lightroom for photo editing. These tools can make your content look professional with minimal effort.
Low-budget content ideas for learning platforms on social media
Our team has curated a list of highly specific, budget-friendly content ideas tailored for online learning platforms, complete with practical tips to keep costs low and maximize social media engagement.
You might want to incorporate some of these ideas in the marketing plan of your online learning platform.
| Content Type | Tips to Make It More Affordable |
|---|---|
| Smartphone Course Previews | Use natural light by filming near windows during the day. Enhance videos with free apps like Snapseed or VSCO. |
| Student Testimonials | Ask satisfied students to leave a quick video testimonial on their phone. Offer a free course module or e-book as a thank-you. |
| User-Generated Content | Encourage students to share their learning experiences by offering a monthly raffle for those who tag your platform on Instagram. |
| DIY Tutorial Videos | Film short, simple tutorials of popular topics using a smartphone and a basic tripod. Use free editing software like iMovie or OpenShot. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Stories | Use Instagram Stories or Facebook Live to give a real-time look at course creation or introduce the team during slow hours. |
| Daily Learning Tips | Design simple, eye-catching graphics for daily learning tips using free tools like Canva. Include a brief description and a relevant image. |
| Instructor Spotlights | Feature instructors with a casual photo and fun facts about them. Use your smartphone and a natural setting in their workspace. |
| Simple Polls and Questions | Engage followers with free Instagram or Facebook polls about their favorite courses or suggestions for new topics. |
| Webinar Promotions | Collaborate with industry experts by offering a small discount or free access to a webinar. Cross-promote each other's content to reach a wider audience. |
| Community Involvement Posts | Post photos and short stories about your participation in educational charity events or partnerships with community organizations. |
| Student Spotlights | Highlight dedicated students with their favorite courses. Take a quick photo and share a short story about their learning journey on your platform. |
| Home Study Setups | Create attractive study setups using inexpensive items like desk organizers, plants, and props from dollar stores. |
| Sustainability Tips | Share eco-friendly practices such as digital note-taking or using local resources. Create simple infographics with free tools like Canva. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Prep | Record short clips of course preparation, such as scriptwriting or video editing. Compile them into a quick video using free tools. |
| Simple Contests and Giveaways | Run social media contests where participants like, share, or tag friends to win a free course. Use prizes that are cost-effective like a free e-book. |
| Seasonal Course Highlights | Highlight seasonal topics and courses using natural light and your smartphone camera. Share the story behind the course to add interest. |
Copy the tactics of the best learning platforms in the world!
There are learning platforms that make way more money than you do. We have studied their tactics. Get them now!
Exceptionally creative and innovative content ideas specifically for learning platforms
Investing in high-quality social media content for your online learning platform can be incredibly beneficial. Many other platforms might not put in the effort, giving you a unique opportunity to stand out, capture attention, and build a dedicated user base.
| Content Type | Why It Could Attract a LOT of Learners |
|---|---|
| Live Webinars | Hosting live webinars where experts discuss trending topics can create a sense of community and attract a global audience eager to learn in real-time. |
| Interactive Course Previews | Offering interactive previews of your courses, including sample lessons and instructor introductions, can provide a unique behind-the-scenes experience and entice people to enroll. |
| Limited-Time Course Discounts | Creating buzz with limited-time discounts or seasonal offers can generate excitement and urgency, attracting new and repeat learners. |
| Exclusive Q&A Sessions | Offering exclusive Q&A sessions where learners can interact directly with instructors can create a memorable experience and encourage word-of-mouth referrals. |
| AR Learning Tools | Implementing augmented reality (AR) technology in your courses where learners can interact with 3D models can enhance the learning experience and attract tech-savvy students. |
| Themed Learning Events | Hosting themed learning events, such as coding hackathons or virtual book clubs, can provide a unique and immersive experience, attracting groups and special interest learners. |
| Learning Challenges | Organizing learning challenges (e.g., completing a course in a week) can create viral moments, attracting competitive learners and spectators. |
| Collaborative Workshops | Partnering with other educators or platforms to host collaborative workshops can introduce your platform to new audiences and create a buzz in the learning community. |
| Story-Driven Social Media Posts | Sharing in-depth stories about the origins of your courses, the journey of your instructors, or success stories of your learners can create an emotional connection with your audience. |
| Interactive Course Development | Allowing learners to vote on upcoming course topics via social media polls can make them feel involved and eager to enroll in the courses they helped design. |
| Eco-Friendly Initiatives | Launching and promoting eco-friendly initiatives, such as digital-only materials or sustainable practices, can attract environmentally conscious learners and media attention. |
| Pop-Up Learning Sessions | Operating pop-up learning sessions in different virtual locations or at local events can expand your reach and attract new learners who may join your platform later. |
| Subscription-Based Learning | Offering a subscription service where learners receive monthly access to new courses and materials can create a loyal customer base. |
| Immersive Skill Workshops | Hosting workshops where learners can master advanced skills from your instructors can attract enthusiasts and create a sense of exclusivity. |
| Flash Learning Events | Organizing flash learning events in unexpected virtual locations can create viral content and attract adventurous learners looking for unique experiences. |
Content that never works well for learning platforms on social media
Don't waste your time and resources on these strategies. We've seen many online learning platforms make these mistakes, and they won't help you stand out from the competition or attract new students to your courses.
| Content Type | Why It Never Works for Online Learning Platforms | Do This Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Generic Stock Photos | They lack authenticity and can make the platform appear unoriginal or untrustworthy. | Use real photos of your instructors, students, and learning environment to create a genuine connection with your audience. |
| Overly Promotional Posts | Constantly pushing promotions can feel spammy and turn off potential students. | Mix in engaging content like behind-the-scenes stories, student testimonials, and interactive posts to keep your audience interested. |
| Unrelated Content | Posting content that has nothing to do with education or your platform confuses followers and dilutes your brand. | Keep your content focused on your courses, educational tips, events, and related topics to maintain relevance and interest. |
| Low-Quality Videos | Poorly shot or edited videos can reflect badly on your platform's quality and professionalism. | Invest in basic video equipment or hire a local videographer to produce high-quality videos that showcase your platform positively. |
| Political or Controversial Posts | These can alienate parts of your audience and lead to negative backlash. | Stick to neutral, positive content that focuses on education, community, and your platform's unique offerings. |
| Too Many Hashtags | Overusing hashtags can look desperate and reduce engagement by making posts look cluttered. | Use a few relevant, targeted hashtags to increase visibility without overwhelming your audience. |
| Automated Replies and Messages | They can come off as impersonal and frustrate students looking for genuine interaction. | Respond personally to comments and messages to show that you care about your students and value their feedback. |
| Overly Staged Photos | Photos that look too perfect can seem inauthentic and less relatable. | Use natural lighting and casual settings to make your photos feel more genuine and inviting. |
| Constant Self-Promotion | Only talking about your platform can bore followers and reduce engagement. | Share user-generated content, collaborate with educational influencers, and highlight community involvement to diversify your content. |
| Negative or Defensive Responses | Responding poorly to criticism can damage your reputation and discourage potential students. | Address negative feedback calmly and constructively, showing that you are willing to improve and value student input. |
| Ignoring Social Media Trends | Being out of touch with current trends can make your platform seem outdated and unappealing. | Stay updated with social media trends and incorporate them creatively into your content strategy to keep your audience engaged and excited. |
| Excessive Posting | Posting too frequently can overwhelm your followers and lead to unfollows. | Maintain a consistent but moderate posting schedule, ensuring each post adds value and keeps your audience looking forward to your updates. |
| Complex or Confusing Promotions | Promotions that are hard to understand can frustrate students and deter participation. | Offer simple, clear, and straightforward promotions that are easy for students to grasp and engage with. |
| Ignoring Comments and Messages | Not engaging with your audience can make them feel undervalued and reduce their loyalty. | Regularly respond to comments and messages to build a strong, interactive community around your platform. |
Make your online learning platform more profitable
We have studied the strategies of the best learning platforms in the world. All their tactics are explained in our pack!
Why social media can be a big pay-off for your online learning platform
We understand that as a small business owner, you might feel hesitant about diving into social media marketing.
The world of social media can seem foreign and filled with confusing jargon. You might believe that it's more suited for big corporations rather than small businesses like yours.
The day-to-day demands of running your business are already overwhelming, leaving little time for additional tasks like social media.
It's common to think that social media marketing is an expensive endeavor, one that your tight profit margins can't support. Plus, the sheer number of social media platforms can lead to indecision and skepticism, especially if previous efforts haven't yielded the results you hoped for.
That's why we've created a "marketing pack" specifically designed for small business owners like you.
Our pack addresses all the issues you might face, offering simple, cost-effective strategies that don't require a marketing expert or a big budget for your business. These documents are straightforward and easy to understand, cutting through the jargon and focusing on what really works for small businesses on social media.
We provide clear, actionable steps for creating engaging posts, building a loyal following, and boosting your business's visibility online.
With our social media marketing pack, you can invest in your business's growth without feeling overwhelmed or uncertain.
Your online learning platform could make more money!
Most learning platform owners don't know how to grow their business. Let us teach you the right strategies.
