Have you ever judged a book by its cover?
Well, the name of your online course works the same way.
Your course name is the first thing people see when they browse your content. It can make them curious, interested, and eager to learn more. Or it can make them bored, confused, and ready to move on.
In this article, you’ll learn why your course name matters and how to choose one that stands out.
You’ll discover how to use words, emotions, and benefits to create a name that connects with your audience and reflects your brand. You’ll also get some tips and examples to inspire you.
By the end of this post, you’ll be able to turn your course name from a dull label into a powerful magnet.
Let’s get started!
Why Your Online Course Name Matters
Choosing a good name for your online course is more than just a formality; it’s a critical aspect that can significantly impact the success of your educational offering. Here’s why having a strong online course name is important:
1. First Impression Matters:
Your course name is often the first interaction potential students have with your content. A compelling and well-thought-out name creates a positive first impression, capturing attention and generating interest from the start.
2. Brand Building:
A memorable course name contributes to building your brand as an educator. It sets the tone for your teaching style, expertise, and the unique value your course offers. Consistency in branding helps create recognition and trust among your audience.
3. Attracting the Right Audience:
The name of your course should convey its purpose and target audience. A clear and descriptive name helps attract the right learners who are genuinely interested in the content you’re offering, leading to higher engagement and satisfaction.
4. Differentiation in a Crowded Market:
In the vast landscape of online education, standing out is crucial. An effective course name helps your offering distinguish itself from similar courses, making it easier for potential students to choose yours among the myriad options available.
5. Motivation and Engagement:
A well-crafted name can inspire curiosity and motivation. It sets expectations for the learning experience, enticing students to enrol by hinting at the benefits and outcomes they can expect. This anticipation can boost engagement throughout the course.
6. Word-of-Mouth and Referrals:
A catchy and memorable course name is more likely to be shared through word-of-mouth or social media. Positive word-of-mouth can significantly impact enrollment numbers and the overall success of your course.
7. SEO and Discoverability:
A thoughtfully chosen course name can contribute to better search engine optimization (SEO). When potential students search for courses on a particular topic, a relevant and keyword-rich name increases the chances of your course being discovered.
8. Long-Term Recognition:
A good course name has lasting power. It can be a key factor in the long-term success of your course, as students who have had a positive experience are more likely to remember and recommend it to others.
The name of your online course serves as a gateway to your content, influencing how it is perceived, who it attracts, and its overall success.
Taking the time to select a meaningful and effective name is an investment in the overall impact and reach of your educational offering.
Now let’s dive into how to name your online course with the tools and strategies to craft a compelling and impactful name that attracts your ideal students and sets your course apart from the competition.
How to Name Your Online Course
Naming your online course is an art – not science.
It’s the first thing students see, the hook that grabs them, and the flag that shows your expertise. With many courses online, how do you make sure your name stands out?
Don’t worry!
Here are some steps you can follow to name your online course that gets attention, shows what your course is about, and helps you succeed:
Step 1: Know your audience.
You need to understand who your target market is, what their pain points are, and what they want to achieve. This will help you tailor your course name to their needs and interests.
Step 2: Target SEO keywords and phrases.
You need to research what words and phrases your audience is using to search for your topic online. You can use tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest to find relevant keywords and their search volume. You want to include these keywords in your course name, but avoid stuffing them or using them unnaturally.
Step 3: Go clear over clever.
You need to make sure your course name is easy to understand and not too vague or confusing. You want to avoid jargon, acronyms, or generic terms that do not convey any value or differentiation. You also want to avoid puns, jokes, or metaphors that might not resonate with your audience or might get lost in translation.
Step 4: Focus on the outcome.
You need to highlight the main benefit or result that your course will deliver to your students. You want to use words that evoke positive emotions and show how your course will solve their problems or improve their situation. You can also use numbers, brackets, or colons to add more specificity or detail to your course name.
Step 5: Use power words to get attention.
You need to use words that trigger curiosity, urgency, or excitement in your audience. You want to use words that make your course stand out from the crowd and show your authority and expertise. You can use words like “ultimate”, “master”, “secret”, “proven”, “guaranteed”, etc. to add more impact to your course name.
Step 6: Test and validate your name.
This will help you ensure that your name resonates with your audience and meets their expectations. You can use tools like Google Trends, Keyword Planner, SurveyMonkey, or PickFu or a simple audience survey to test and validate your name. Sometimes, the best way to test and validate your course name is to put it out there in the market.
Step 7: Make it memorable.
You need to make sure your course name is catchy and easy to recall. You want to use words that rhyme, alliterate, or create a rhythm or flow. You can also use words that create a contrast, a question, or a surprise. You can also use acronyms, abbreviations, or initials to make your course name shorter and snappier.
Step 8: Limit your title to 65 characters.
You need to make sure your course name is not too long or too short. You want to use the optimal length that Google will display in the search results, which is around 65 characters or 575 pixels. If your course name is too long, it might get cut off and lose its impact. If your course name is too short, it might not convey enough information or value.
It is recommended to have a 3 – 5 words course name supported by a sub title that further amplifies the course value.
Step 9: Check Availability
Confirm that the chosen name is not already in use by another course or brand. This helps prevent confusion and ensures that your course can establish a unique identity.
A simple Google search and social media search will help you discover this.
Now equipped with these naming tips and a better grasp of your audience, you’re prepared to discover the ideal name for your course. Keep in mind that the perfect title should blend clarity, intrigue, and benefit, connecting with what your audience seeks.
Now let’s explore some formulas for naming your online course
Formulas For Naming Your Online Course
While there’s no one-size-fits-all formula for naming your online course, there are some tried-and-tested frameworks you can use as a starting point:
1. The “Outcome + Benefit” Formula:
- [Outcome] + [Benefit]
Examples:
- “Beginner to Pro Creator”
- “Data Analysis for Informed Decision-Making”
- “Course Launch Blueprint”
This formula focuses on the transformation your course offers, making it clear what students will achieve and how it will benefit them.
2. The “Problem + Solution” Formula:
- [Problem] Solved: [Solution]
Examples:
- “From Procrastination to Productivity Mastery: Overcoming Obstacles and Achieving Your Goals”
- “Ink to Page: Crafting Your Debut from Idea to Print”
This formula highlights the pain point your course addresses and emphasises its effectiveness in solving it.
3. The “Intrigue + Specificity” Formula:
- [Intriguing phrase] + [Specific topic]
Examples:
- “24 hours is Enough: Unlock the Secrets to Maximum Productivity”
- “Mastering Coding: Transform Your Design Visions into Reality”
This formula piques curiosity while still conveying the core focus of your course.
4. The “Power Words + Niche” Formula:
- [Power words] + [Niche keyword]
Examples:
- “The Instagram Blueprint: Building Your Brand with the Ultimate Growth Strategy”
- “From Novice to Python Pro: Your Data Science Crash Course for Analytics Mastery”
This formula uses strong verbs and relevant keywords to grab attention and appeal to a specific audience.
Remember:
- These are just starting points, feel free to adapt and mix them to create a unique title.
- Focus on clarity, benefits, and target audience appeal.
- Keep it concise and memorable, ideally under 60 characters.
- Use subtitles with really short catchy course titles.
E.G. Title: Course Launch Blueprint. Subtitle: 3X your course launch sales with the BPLP framework.
- Test different options with potential students to see what resonates best.
By using these formulas and tips as a guide, you can craft a compelling online course name that will attract students and help your business thrive.
Now, let’s look at some examples and analysis of course names.
Examples of Course Names:
You want to find a good name for your online course.
In this section, we’ll look at some examples of course names that are effective and some that are not. These are from my courses and my friend’s courses.
We’ll analyze why some names work well and why some don’t. We’ll also see how they capture attention, communicate with their audience, and convey what the course is about.
Let’s learn from these examples to get ideas for your own course name.
Course name: Course Launch Blueprint
Subtitle: 3X your course launch sales with the BPLP framework.
Why it works: This name is effective for several reasons. Firstly, it is concise and to the point, immediately conveying the course’s focus on launching something. The term “Blueprint” shows a structured and comprehensive plan, appealing to individuals seeking a step-by-step guide. It’s broad enough to cover various types of courses or products, making it versatile and attractive to a wide audience.
Course name: Lucrative Launch Roadmap
Subtitle: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Launch Content That Sells
Why it works: This name is comprehensive and provides a wealth of information. It begins with the enticing word “Lucrative,” immediately signalling potential financial benefits. The inclusion of “Roadmap” implies a clear path to success. The detailed description, including “Step-by-Step Guide” and “Creating Launch Content That Sells,” communicates the course’s content and value proposition effectively. It appeals to those specifically interested in creating content that drives sales.
Course name: DIY Sales Page Mini-Course
Why it works: This name is straightforward and targeted. The use of “DIY” (Do It Yourself) suggests a hands-on, practical approach, appealing to individuals who prefer a self-paced learning experience. “Sales Page” specifies the content focus, indicating that participants will learn about creating effective sales pages. The term “Mini-Course” suggests a short and focused learning experience, making it attractive to those seeking quick, actionable insights.
Examples of Course Names that Don’t Work
Course name: Advanced Techniques
Why it doesn’t work: While the name suggests a focus on advanced techniques, it lacks specificity. Without details about the subject matter or the skills being taught, potential students are left in the dark. A more descriptive name would provide a clearer picture of what the course entails.
Course name: “Get Fit”
Why it doesn’t work: This name is too broad and lacks specificity. “Get Fit” could refer to a variety of fitness-related topics, making it unclear what the course actually covers. A more detailed and targeted name would attract a specific audience interested in a particular aspect of fitness.
Course name: Novel Writing 101.
Why it doesn’t work: This course name is vague, boring, and generic. It does not tell the reader anything about the content, level, or benefit of the course. It also uses a common term like “101” that does not stand out or differentiate the course from others.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – the naming formula for your online course success!
Now, look at your amazing online course name and see how it attracts your students. Your name is a signal that stands out among many online courses, so go ahead and make it appealing, and let your students follow the light of your knowledge
If you want to learn more about how to create a wildly successful online course, check out this post here: How to Create a Wildly Successful Online Course — and Free Tools Needed
