A women working on a laptop while writing sales copy for her course

You may have seen online courses that are not particularly outstanding, yet they sell exceptionally well due to their positioning and how their copy is written.

Effective copywriting is one of the most important aspects of selling an online course. It can be frustrating when you create an online course and have a great product but struggle to sell it because you don't quite understand the nuances of writing compelling copy for the sales page of your course.

This blog will discuss five common copywriting mistakes to avoid when creating a sales page or a landing page for an online course.

5 Copywriting mistakes to avoid for selling online course

1. Don't be too vague or generic in your messaging

When writing copy for your online course, it's important to be specific and clear about what you're offering. Avoid using generic statements like "learn at your own pace" or "get access to quality content." Instead, use specific and compelling language to describe your course and its benefits. For example, "Discover how to increase your productivity by 50% in just 4 weeks" or "Get step-by-step guidance on building your first profitable online business."

2. Don't focus solely on features

Many online course creators make the mistake of emphasizing the features of their course, such as the number of modules, the length of the videos, or the number of worksheets included. While these details are important, it's essential to focus on the benefits your course provides. For instance, instead of just saying, "Our course has 10 modules," try saying, "Our course includes 10 modules that will take you from beginner to expert in just 30 days."

An infographic explanation of good copywriting for selling your online course

3. Don't use industry jargon or complicated language

Using complicated jargon or technical language can alienate potential customers and make it harder for them to understand the benefits of your course. Keep your language simple and easy to understand. Use everyday language and avoid overly complicated terms or acronyms. For example, instead of saying, "Our course teaches you how to optimize your SEO," try saying, "Our course shows you how to get your website to the top of Google search results."

4. Don't make it all about you

One of the biggest mistakes online course creators make in their copywriting is focusing too much on themselves, their credentials, or their accomplishments. While it's important to establish your authority and expertise in your field, it's equally important to keep your potential customer's needs and desires at the forefront of your messaging.

Instead of talking too much about yourself, focus on the benefits and transformation your course can offer to your potential customers. Use language that is inclusive and invites them to be a part of the journey. For example, instead of saying, "I created this course to help people like you achieve success," say, "Imagine how your life could change if you had the skills and knowledge to achieve your goals. Our course can help you get there."

An infographic image explaining how to write user-focused copy for your course landing page.

5. Don't forget to make it personal

One of the most important aspects of copywriting for online courses is making it personal and relatable to your target audience. This means using language and messaging that connects with your potential customers on an emotional level. Avoid using generic or impersonal language, such as "one size fits all" or "this course is for everyone." Instead, try to speak directly to your potential customer's specific needs and pain points. For example, "Are you a busy working mom who wants to start a side hustle and earn extra income?" or "Are you struggling to land your dream job because you lack a specific skillset?"

Use language that shows empathy and understanding of your audience's unique situation to make your copy more personal. Use real-life examples, stories, and anecdotes that your potential customers can relate to.

Conclusion

By avoiding these five common copywriting mistakes, you can significantly improve the chances of selling your course and reaching your target audience. However, we'd like to offer you one final piece of advice. To take your copywriting skills to the next level, invest time in understanding your target audience and their pain points, so you can create copy that speaks directly to their needs. Also, don't be afraid to experiment with different approaches to find out what works best for you.

If you're looking for a platform to host your online course idea and bring your vision to life, consider Miho. Miho offers a user-friendly course creation platform that makes it easy to design, build, and market your course to a global audience. With Miho, you have everything you need to turn your knowledge into a thriving online business.