Marketing online courses on TikTok can be challenging for course creators who need help using the platform effectively. As TikTok gains popularity compared to other social media platforms like YouTube and Instagram, it's worth considering whether it could become the next big thing in social media. Course creators can use Tiktok to promote online courses. 

If you're interested in exploring TikTok as a marketing channel for your online course, continue reading to discover more about TikTok marketing and its potential benefits.

What is TikTok, and how can TikTok be used to promote an online course?

TikTok is a widely used social media platform where users can create and share short videos of themselves. Its popularity has increased, with over 1 billion monthly active users, particularly among millennials and Generation Z.

Utilizing TikTok can benefit online course creators as the short-form video format allows for easy and concise delivery of lessons without giving away too much detail. This can entice potential students to enroll in the complete course to understand the topic better.

In addition, TikTok's live video feature allows for longer sessions of up to 60 minutes. This can also build trust with your audience and showcase your expertise on a topic.

By establishing credibility and rapport with your TikTok followers, you may increase your chances of converting them into paying students for your online courses.

Moreover, you can also use TikTok to build trust and stand out by creating high-quality videos. This includes good lighting and sound, posting regularly to establish consistency, and focusing on relationships before transactions. Provide valuable content to your audience as if they are paying customers. 

Take advantage of TikTok's algorithm by posting content consistently around your course topics to reach the right audience and increase the likelihood of future course sales.

Once you have some following and can influence, you can promote your online course on TikTok.

8 Useful tips on how to use TikTok to promote your online course

After discovering the advantages of utilizing social media platforms to promote your business, let's explore how TikTok marketing can be employed to advertise your online courses.

Tip #1: Enhance Your TikTok Account for Better Reach

To market your online course effectively on TikTok, it's essential to fine-tune your account for the best visibility and interaction. Follow these steps to achieve optimal results:

1. Select a profile picture: Pick a striking, professional profile image that symbolizes your brand or course. This helps users recognize your account and enhances its visual appeal.
2. Write a brief bio: Compose an engaging, succinct bio (80 characters max) describing your course and the value it offers to users. Be sure to incorporate relevant keywords that appeal to your intended audience.
3. Add a URL: Insert a clickable link in your bio to direct users to your website or course landing page. This streamlines the process for potential customers to find your course and gather more information.
4. Think about a business account: Establishing a TikTok business account grants access to extra marketing tools and analytics. These resources assist in understanding your audience and monitoring your account's performance. Nevertheless, if you'd rather not use a business account, you can still boost your course organically with high-quality content and audience engagement.

By enhancing your TikTok account, you raise the likelihood of connecting with a broader audience, ultimately generating more interest in your online course.

Tip #2: Understanding your audience is very crucial

Creating compelling videos that resonate with your target audience is key to promoting your online course on TikTok. To achieve this, invest time in understanding your potential customers through market research. Here's how:

1. Conduct market research: Delve into your target audience's preferences, needs, and pain points. Analyze demographic information, popular trends, and interests related to your course topic. This insight will help you create content that appeals to your ideal clients.
2. Tailor content to your audience: Customize your videos to address the specific needs and interests of your target market. Ensure that your content is both informative and engaging, showcasing the value and benefits of your online course.
3. Cater to multiple audiences: If your online course serves various groups, consider developing separate videos for each audience segment. This approach ensures that each group receives tailored content that speaks to their unique needs and preferences. For instance, if your course targets new moms, create videos that specifically address their concerns and interests.

By understanding your audience and tailoring your TikTok content to their needs, you'll create a stronger connection with potential customers and increase the likelihood of them enrolling in your online course.

Tip #3: Create valuable plus entertaining TikTok videos

You will need more than creating a TikTok account to grow your online course business. Focus on one format based on your audience and try these TikTok video content ideas:

• Educational videos: Course creators can easily make educational videos on TikTok by sharing tips, how-tos, and strategies related to their online course topics. Offering some value to followers helps prove knowledge and establish expertise.

• New product launch videos: Create a video promoting your upcoming online course or product by discussing its benefits for students who enroll.

• Q&A videos: Course creators can generate content for TikTok by answering common questions from students or peers. This establishes authority and reduces support requests.

• Day in the life videos: Share your current projects and daily life on TikTok when you're out of video ideas. It gives insight into your work and interests and is attractive to your audience.

• User-generated content: Use user-generated content as a powerful marketing tool. Customers can also share their thoughts about your online courses in TikTok videos. Share reviews and testimonials received from students to improve trust and social proof.

• Before and after videos: Share the achievements of your students and their before-and-after transformation after completing your online courses to promote your business and add social proof.

• Repurposed content videos: You can repurpose content from other social media platforms by turning them into TikTok videos. This involves reusing already-made content and posting it on different platforms, such as cutting a YouTube video into smaller clips for TikTok.

Tip #4: Harness the Power of TikTok Hashtags

TikTok hashtags play a crucial role in extending your reach to new users and making your content more discoverable. By strategically employing hashtags, you can significantly boost your online course's visibility. Here's how to make the most of TikTok hashtags:

First, conduct research to identify popular hashtags within your niche. Incorporate these related tags in your posts to increase the chances of appearing on users' feeds and explore pages. This will help you tap into a broader audience interested in your course's subject matter.

Additionally, consider launching a hashtag challenge featuring a unique keyword associated with your brand or course. This interactive approach encourages other users to create content using your branded hashtag, effectively promoting your course to their followers. Hashtag challenges often go viral, garnering a significant amount of attention and engagement, which can lead to increased enrollment in your online course.

By utilizing TikTok hashtags wisely and engaging your audience through creative challenges, you can effectively promote your online course and reach a larger audience interested in what you have to offer.

Tip #5: Stay on Top of TikTok Trends for Enhanced Engagement

Keeping up with the latest trends on TikTok is essential for boosting your account's engagement and expanding your reach. By creating entertaining videos that incorporate popular sounds or challenges with your unique twist, you can capture the attention of your audience and foster a connection with them. While these trendy videos might not be the main focus of your content, they play a vital role in strengthening the relationship with your followers.

Embracing TikTok trends allows you to showcase your brand's personality and demonstrate that you are in tune with the platform's culture. This approach helps you stand out from the competition and makes your content more relatable to your audience. Moreover, participating in trends can increase the likelihood of your videos being featured on users' "For You" pages, ultimately exposing your online course to a wider audience.

By staying up-to-date with TikTok trends and incorporating them into your content strategy, you can enhance engagement on your account, build rapport with your followers, and effectively promote your online course.

Tip #6: Collaborate with influencers in your niche on TikTok 

Collaborating with TikTok influencers is an effective way to enhance your marketing efforts. These influential users possess a vast following and a high level of engagement on the platform, making them ideal promoters for your brand.

Your influencer marketing plan on TikTok can be as straightforward as having an influencer mention your brand in one of their videos.

To effectively leverage TikTok influencer marketing, it's crucial to identify the appropriate influencers. The number of followers shouldn't be the sole consideration when selecting a collaborator. Look for individuals who discuss similar topics and have the right audience for your online course.

Tip #7: Use TikTok ads to promote an online course

Our last tip on our list to swiftly enhance your business is paid advertising on TikTok. To run in-feed ads, you need expertise.

This includes setting up and managing TikTok ads to ensure favorable outcomes since it requires a financial investment. This involves defining clear, achievable goals and thoroughly comprehending your intended audience.

Final thoughts on using TikTok to promote an online course

TikTok has emerged as a powerful platform for promoting online courses, offering unparalleled opportunities to connect with a vast, engaged audience. To make the most of this platform, keep the following tips in mind:

1. Optimize your account for better visibility and engagement.
2. Understand your target audience and tailor content to their needs.
3. Harness the power of TikTok hashtags to increase discoverability.
4. Stay on top of TikTok trends to boost engagement and foster a connection with your followers.

By implementing these strategies, you can effectively promote your online course, attract potential customers, and increase enrollment. Remember that consistency, creativity, and authenticity are essential for success on TikTok. Continuously engage with your audience, analyze the performance of your content, and refine your strategy as needed to achieve your marketing goals and grow your online course business.

Learn more: 14 Best Ways to Market Your Online Course in 2023

‍