7 Facebook and Instagram Ads for Online Courses

Introduction

Today’s online learners are swamped with info. As online education keeps booming, it’s important for educators to think outside the box and find fresh ways to stand out in the market.

Use Facebook and Instagram ads to share short, eye-catching content that grabs their attention and quickly shows off what makes your course worth it.

MUSTS for Ad Every Format

Storytelling

Storytelling in social media ads is always changing. With platforms like Facebook and Instagram, the algorithms and how people use them are constantly shifting. An ad that’s a hit today might not be tomorrow.

You’ve got to stay on top of the latest music trends, video effects, and challenges that your audience vibes with. This is the only thing that helps keep your ads fresh and engaging!

Emotional Resonance

Your ads need to pack an emotional punch with quick, powerful stories. For online educators, this is a chance to highlight how education can change lives.

Share real success stories from your students who’ve reached their dreams thanks to your programs. These heartfelt stories create a strong connection, showing learners that they’re not alone in their journey to improve themselves.

Inspiration Done Right

It’s important to walk the line between inspiration and exaggeration. Your authenticity as an educator is a key asset.

Open up about your own journey, including the bumps in the road you’ve faced. When you share your story honestly, your audience will be more likely to connect with your message.

Content Sourcing

Even if you’re a knowledgeable educator, finding fresh content and ideas can be a constant struggle. Share quick tips or insights from your courses and stay on top of trending topics to weave into your content.

Encourage your students to share their experiences and successes too! User-generated content not only lightens your content load but also helps build a strong sense of community.

Evoking Curiosity

With your extensive experience as an educator, you have a unique chance to spark curiosity in potential students. Use your knowledge to ask thought-provoking questions that showcase why your courses matter.

Share interesting stats or stories from your field to get your audience’s curiosity flowing. Tease the valuable insights your courses offer to encourage viewers to dive deeper and explore more!

Grabbing the Attention of YOUR Audience

Targeting

Take advantage of the precise targeting options on Facebook and Instagram. Get a clear picture of your audience.

Think about their age, interests, behaviors, and demographics — you’ve got all that info at your fingertips. This way, your ads hit the right people who are genuinely interested in your courses, boosting your chances of converting them!

Relevance

Make sure your message is clear and relevant. Be upfront about what your courses offer and who they’re meant for.

Misleading headlines or over-the-top promises can backfire, damaging your brand and bringing in the wrong crowd. That can lead to disappointment and negative reviews, so keep it honest!

1. The Reel Style Ad

The human brain loves visuals and stories, which makes reel-style ads perfect for sharing quick and engaging content.

Mix educational highlights with entertaining formats so that you can tap into edutainment to make learning fun and memorable.

If you already have a following on social media, reels become even more powerful. They’re super shareable, so your followers can help spread the word about your ads naturally!

Reel-style Ad BREAKDOWN

What makes this ad really compelling is its storytelling. It kicks off with a relatable struggle, showing a nutritionist facing a challenge that potential customers can easily connect with.

By using a real-life scenario, it creates an instant connection and pulls the audience into the story.

Enter Solution

As the ad goes on, there’s a key moment marked by a beat drop right when the solution is introduced.

This sound cue grabs attention, highlighting just how transformative the solution is. The beat drop shifts the vibe, signaling a turning point in the narrative.

Enter Impact of Solution

After introducing the solution, the ad shows how the person’s mood improves right away. Viewers see a visual change that clearly shows her feeling happier and more content.

This visual joy subtly conveys the positive effects of finding the solution, making an emotional connection with the audience.

The ad’s copy is short but powerful. It paints a clear picture of the struggle, outlining the challenges she faced and how they affected her life.

Introducing the solution is the central moment, showing how it helps her overcome both her struggles and her old coping methods.

Ad Formula: From Struggle to Solution

This formula lays out the journey step by step:

– Starting with the relatable struggle
– Vividly illustrating the impact of that struggle
– Introducing the life-changing solution
– Showcasing the freedom from previous coping methods
– Revealing a life free from that initial struggle

It’s a great storytelling approach for educators looking to connect authentically with their audience!

2. The Student Process Style Ad

A Look into the Learning Journey

Ads that show the learning journey can be really captivating. Sharing how educators create courses and how students interact with the material adds a level of transparency that cannot be fabricated.

This openness builds trust, allowing potential students to see the thought and effort that goes into their education. Plus, it helps ease worries about the impersonal vibe of online learning by showcasing the human side of the experience.

The Impact on Student Progress

Highlight the practical impact of your courses to boost your sign-ups. Students are usually on the lookout for courses they can apply right away.

To make your case, mention specific skills or knowledge that your courses offer, showing how they can help with career advancement or personal growth. If you have any numbers to back it up, share those too— they really emphasize how effective your courses can be!

Leverage Learner Paths

Make sure your ads match the actual experience students can expect. When you exceed the promises you make in your ads, it builds satisfaction and loyalty among your students, which leads to more word-of-mouth referrals.

What students really appreciate is a clear roadmap to success. Highlight milestones like assessments, project completions, and certification achievements.

Show how students progress through your courses and feel that sense of accomplishment at each step. Using visual aids and flowcharts can make this journey even more engaging!

The Student Process Style Ad BREAKDOWN

The brilliance of this student process-style ad comes from the powerful combo of engaging copy and a visually appealing selfie.

The copy kicks off by introducing Rebecca as an author, instantly establishing her credibility and grabbing the attention of aspiring writers.

Her selfie and book cover act as a visual story, showing Rebecca’s journey from an aspiring writer to a published author.

The simplicity of the visuals stands out —i t’s focused, straightforward, and clearly communicates that success is within reach if you follow her path.

The Ad Copy

The ad copy unfolds Rebecca’s story with a personal touch.

It highlights her experience with an online writing school, starting from when she joined to her achievement of becoming a published author.

Using star ratings and a direct quote reinforces how positively the online writing program impacted Rebecca’s journey.

The call to action is clear and urgent, encouraging potential writers not to wait to start their best work and inviting them to check out the courses that helped her get there.

Connection and Trust Building

The copy includes a testimonial from Rebecca, giving a genuine and relatable voice for potential students to connect with.

Her personal rating, along with a glowing review, serves as a powerful trust-builder.

By sharing her experience and the positive impact of the course she completed, Rebecca becomes a credible figure in the eyes of the audience.

3. The Founder Story Style Ad

Authentic Connection

Think about the power of relatability. Online learners are drawn to educators who truly understand their struggles, hopes, and doubts. Share your own journey, including the challenges and setbacks you’ve faced.

The more your audience can connect with your experiences, the more they’ll trust you and what you’re offering.

A great way to do this is by sharing your Aha! moments — those times when you overcame obstacles or found inspiration. This shows your humanity and your commitment to helping learners on their own path to success.

Don’t forget to include a call to action that encourages potential learners to take the next step, whether that’s signing up for a free webinar or downloading a helpful resource. This way, you’re using your authenticity to turn leads into students!

Trust and Loyalty

Your founder story can kick off the trust-building process. Use industry-specific data and stats to back up your expertise and talk about your qualifications and experience to show you know your stuff.

Also, highlight the real results your courses have delivered. Share before-and-after stories, case studies, or testimonials from students to show how your courses have changed lives.

To inspire loyalty, create a sense of community. Share how your courses help learners connect and grow together.

Mention the resources and ongoing support you offer, like webinars, discussion forums, or one-on-one consultations.

Use your founder story to show your deep commitment to their progress and well-being. This helps solidify your image as a caring educator who truly invests in their success!

Sell the Transformation

Use industry trends and data to highlight the real impact your courses can have on learners’ lives.

Focus on the skills, knowledge, or career advancements they can gain through your programs. Share concrete success stories from past students who have seen major changes after completing your courses.

Also, use aspirational language that highlights the potential benefits while tapping into emotions and sparking the desire for personal growth. Show how your courses provide a clear path to reaching their goals.

Reinforce the transformative journey you’re offering, positioning your courses as the key to a brighter future!

The Founder Story Style Ad BREAKDOWN

The founder speaks directly to the audience, creating an immediate and personal connection.

This approach adds a sense of intimacy, breaking down the digital barrier and helping potential students feel a genuine connection with the person behind the course.

B-roll Footage

Including B-roll footage in the video is super important.

This footage shows the founder in his educational environment, where his skills can shine.

For online educators, this makes them more relatable and recognizable. Whether it’s clips of him teaching, creating content, or interacting with students, the B-roll visually reinforces his expertise and commitment to the educational journey.

Supporting Story

The ad copy supports the founder’s spoken words by highlighting key information.

The structure is strategically designed:

I am… – a quick intro to the founder
I do… – a brief overview of their role and expertise as an online educator
I have [a following]… – a way to show their influence and impact.

Quantifying the founder’s influence weighs heavily in these types of ads.

Mentioning millions of subscribers and billions of views adds a fact-based layer to the story, emphasizing how far-reaching and impactful their content is.

For online educators, this kind of quantification not only shows their scale of influence but also highlights the value they bring to their audience.

4.The Guarantee Style Ad

To get the most out of the high-quality courses you’re offering, you need to clearly communicate their value to potential customers.

At the heart of a guarantee-style ad is the promise to minimize the perceived risk for prospective students to convince them to invest in your online courses.

Make sure your guarantee is super clear and specific so it’s easy to understand. Your potential students should know exactly what they’re getting, how the guarantee works, and what to do if they’re not satisfied.

Also, get to know the key concerns of your potential students. Is it about the quality of the content, the level of support, or the possible outcomes?

Address these worries directly in your ad and show how your guarantee eases them. Present the problem and position your guarantee as the solution!

Guarantee-Style Ad BREAKDOWN

Guarantee Takes Center Stage

Notice how the word “guarantee” stands out in all the major parts of the ad.

From the headline to the description and the visuals, it’s the main focus that instantly grabs attention. In situations where trust matters the most, these clear assurances are super valuable.

Personal Reassurance

To really amp up the impact of the guarantee, use first-person language. This way, prospective learners feel a personal connection and get direct reassurance from the course creator.

Crafting the guarantee in the first person adds authenticity, turning it from a generic statement into a personal promise from the educator.

The visuals should work as a canvas for building trust. The goal here? To introduce the tutor as a credible figure. Make sure the visual representation matches the course promise, reinforcing the guarantee in a relatable way!

5. The Direct Response Camera Style Ad

This approach lets you, the instructor, talk directly to your potential learners, addressing their concerns and fears in a personal and authentic way.

When viewers see you answering their questions, they realize you’re not just some faceless course provider. You’re a real expert who’s invested in their learning journey.

This kind of ad is a powerful credibility booster. By directly engaging with your audience and showing off your expertise, you’re not just selling your courses — you’re also building your reputation.

Think about using this type of ad in the final stages of your campaign when prospects are most interested but might still have a few questions lingering.

The Direct Response Camera Style Ad BREAKDOWN

The charm of a direct-response camera-style ad is that it lets the educator speak directly to the camera with a clear and impactful message.

By asking specific questions and giving insightful answers, they instantly connect with the audience.

Minimal Copy, Maximum Impact

Check out how much info the ad packs into minimal copy.

The educator effectively shares program features, highlights what learners will get out of it, and even includes reviews and details about bonus access — all in a short amount of time.

This technique is super effective because it lets educators convey the essence of their course without bombarding viewers with long explanations.

Info on Rhythm

The educator keeps a fast pace throughout the ad, making sure the audience stays engaged and attentive.

This quick rhythm is important for online educators, reflecting the energetic and dynamic nature of their teaching styles to keep viewers captivated.

The strategic use of brief B-roll adds dynamic visuals that support the spoken content without slowing down the flow.

More with Less

The educator efficiently goes over the deliverables, desired outcomes, snippets of positive reviews, and bonus program access, giving a well-rounded overview in a short time.

This approach delivers quick and impactful info, just like any great educator would!

6. The UGC Testimonial Style Ad

Ads for Micro-Moments

Potential learners often find themselves in what we call micro-moments — those quick windows of time when they’re looking for fast solutions to their questions.

UGC (user-generated content) style ads are perfect for these moments. They offer bite-sized testimonials or success stories that deliver instant value. A short video of a learner mastering a skill in just minutes can grab the attention of busy professionals.

Make sure to tailor your UGC ads for the specific platform you’re using so they blend seamlessly into users’ feeds and get the most engagement.

Key Moments to Use UGC Testimonials in Your Advertising Strategy:

Awareness Phase
Use UGC content to introduce your brand and build credibility. Consider sharing authentic reviews from early adopters to establish trust.

Consideration Phase
As potential learners dig deeper into your offerings, focus on success stories that relate directly to the specific courses they’re checking out.

Highlight the achievements of learners who’ve followed a similar path to help them envision their own success.

Conversion Phase
Use powerful UGC testimonials, especially those showcasing the immediate benefits or transformations your courses provide. You want your ads to be the final nudge that turns potential learners into actual students!

This Could Be You POV

This ad features a learner’s personal story.

Instead of using polished B-roll footage, it captures the screen as she scrolls through the website and course interface. This gives viewers a raw, unfiltered look that mirrors a real learning experience.

Stick to a no-talking approach so that your ad becomes a visually-driven journey, letting potential learners dive into the content naturally.

The copy highlights tangible moments and outcomes, like signing up and successfully finishing an assignment. These moments serve as emotional triggers that engage and motivate future students.

Authenticity Over Perfection

UGC-style ads shine when they’re authentic.

Embrace the imperfections — let the screen recording capture the clicks and scrolls, and let viewers see the real learning experience. This builds credibility and relatability, which are key when you want to connect with a diverse audience.

By aligning the content with different learning stages and focusing on real outcomes, you can create compelling ads that resonate with your target audience and drive enrollment in your programs.

7. The iPhone Image Style Ad

Using Contextual iPhone Images

A simple, unedited iPhone image can often do better than a fancy promo video that took weeks to make. Why? Authenticity.

Today’s learners are hit with tons of slick, overproduced ads from big-budget companies, which can lead to banner blindness. They’ve learned to tune out anything that looks too polished, brushing it off as just another sales pitch.

In contrast, a straightforward iPhone image — untouched and unfiltered — can feel like a breath of fresh air. It grabs attention and resonates with people because it’s real.

Cost-Effectiveness: Balancing Quality and Quantity

One major perk of using iPhone images to promote your online programs is how cost-effective it is.

Instead of shelling out big bucks for fancy video productions, you can go with iPhone images that still look great without breaking the bank.

As an online educator, this means you can whip up a ton of engaging visuals at a fraction of the cost of high-production videos, giving you a more dynamic and sustainable promotional strategy.

Strategic Quantity Over Extravagant Quality

While quality is still of value, the focus shifts to quantity when you use iPhone images.

Instead of pouring all your resources into one big, high-production piece, you can create a steady stream of authentic, unedited visuals that keep your audience engaged over time.

This approach matches what today’s learners want — they appreciate regular, relatable content more than occasional polished releases.

iPhone Image Style Ad BREAKDOWN

Here’s a standout iPhone image ad that tells a story in just one frame. The moment captured feels more like a personal milestone than a traditional ad.

Behind the Scenes Content

The photo shows the tutorial creator in his educational space, surrounded by items that represent his expertise and success in the field.

To grab the attention of potential learners scrolling through their feeds, include recognizable elements that resonate with your audience.

These could be tools, props, or symbols related to the subject area. They not only catch the eye but also signal that this content is made just for them, creating a sense of connection and relevance.

No Filter

The lack of heavy editing keeps the photo real and emphasizes substance over style. This is especially effective in online education, where trust and credibility are everything.

A photo that shows the actual environment and conditions the course creator works in builds that trust, making the learning journey feel attainable and relatable.

The Caption

The caption is direct and clear, addressing the learner’s needs right away. It captures the essence of the course while also serving as a selling point. The goal isn’t to overload the viewer with info but to spark enough interest to encourage them to learn more.

Conclusion

Mix these 7 ad styles and tailor them to fit your unique educational approach so that you can seriously amp up your advertising and marketing game.