The Ultimate Guide to Selecting an Attention-Grabbing Title for Your Course

You have put so much effort and passion into creating your online course, and now you are finally ready to start selling it or promoting it to your ideal learners. But have you also thought of the course title?

While you may be fretting about the content, it’s important to think of a title for your course that also reflects what you want learners will take away from each unit. It makes sense that you also want your course to speak to the heart of your potential customers. Regardless of whether it is a free or paid course, you still want it to be compelling for prospective learners to hit the “sign up” button, right?

But, what makes a great name for an online course? Is there a specific SEO strategy you can apply to decide on the best name? What elements should you be mindful of when assessing potential titles? Is there a way to ensure that your online course will appear on the search engine results when your audience searches for the online course topic? Are there keywords you should include that will increase the chances?

This article will be your go-to for everything you need to know about brainstorming great course titles. From what words are best, what makes a good name, and what makes the right name for a course – these tips can help come up with both creative names as well as unique names that are also memorable!

The Significance of an Exceptional Course Title

An irresistible and robust headline is undoubtedly the most crucial element of any marketing copy. Crafting a solid eLearning title might seem like a breeze, but it can actually be quite challenging. The disparity between a good and an exceptional course title holds immense power over your visitors and, ultimately, your sales.

Therefore, it is imperative for you to ensure that you create a descriptive and captivating title. Providing ample information and captivating readers with a concise and attention-grabbing title is the key to success.
For instance, a captivating online course title can also serve as an integral component of your online training business, giving concreteness to an abstract concept and setting your online training apart from the competition. A compelling training program name can truly make a difference.

Let's consider the online training business as an example and delve into the advantages of a popular training course name:
  • Brand Recognition - A compelling title that embodies your brand's characteristics will greatly contribute to establishing your business's brand.
  • Differentiation - A distinctive title has the power to set your training apart from the competition. Infuse your brand essence to differentiate your offerings.
  • Learning Objectives & Expectations - The course title can also establish the learner's expectations and encapsulate the learning objectives. Many individuals make decisions based solely on the title, even before delving into the course description, as long as they know what they require.

Awesome Tips on How To Write Catchy Names and Titles for Online Courses

Using Generative AI

In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, the applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) are vast and ever-expanding. One area where AI has shown great potential is in assisting with creative tasks, such as generating compelling and attention-grabbing titles for online courses.

Generative AI algorithms can analyse vast amounts of data, including existing course titles, best-selling book titles, and popular search queries, to identify patterns and generate new title ideas. These algorithms utilize machine learning techniques to understand the characteristics of successful titles and apply that knowledge to generate unique and engaging options.

By harnessing the power of Generative AI, course creators can access a wealth of creative possibilities and discover title ideas they may not have considered otherwise. This technology can provide inspiration, spark new ideas, and help course creators stand out in a crowded market.

When using Generative AI to suggest a course title, it's important to provide the algorithm with relevant input, such as the target audience, the course's main topics, and any specific keywords or themes that should be incorporated. This ensures that the generated titles align with the course's content and objectives.

While Generative AI can provide valuable suggestions, it's essential for course creators to review and refine the generated titles to ensure they accurately represent the course and resonate with the target audience. AI-generated titles should be seen as a starting point for further exploration and creativity, rather than a definitive solution.

Use Popular Search Queries

Search engines possess vast knowledge about our innermost thoughts, surpassing our own understanding. One area in which they excel is in deciphering how we label our thoughts. Begin by typing a few concepts into a search engine and observe as the autocomplete feature suggests potential search phrases. Google also provides related results, which gives us a good idea of what is trending at the moment.

Delving deeper, once you have compiled a list of potential titles, variations, and alternative keywords, consider assessing their search volume using the Google Keyword Planner. Input your title phrases and determine if any have a significant search volume, or explore related keywords based on them.

Prominent search queries such as "how-to" and "what" successfully capture people's attention. Individuals actively seek practical information, often turning to Google for answers!

Specify Your Audience

When embarking on the creation of a course, it is absolutely crucial to give careful consideration to the target audience. The success of your course hinges upon clearly defining and understanding who your intended audience is. Failing to do so can leave potential learners in a state of confusion, unsure of whether the course is the right fit for them.

In order to effectively reach a wide range of learners, it is important to use language that is inclusive and avoids overly narrowing down to one specific group. Strive to strike a balance that appeals to a broad age range, using common sense to convey your messages effectively while maintaining a consistent tone and style that resonates with all segments of your audience.

For example, imagine you are a small business operating in the fitness industry. You have developed an engaging and dynamic 4-week online course centered around a high-intensity fitness training program. This program is specifically designed for individuals who are eager to shed unwanted pounds and achieve a level of fitness that is both impressive and sustainable. In this case, it is paramount that your course title leaves no room for doubt or confusion. Be bold and direct, proudly proclaiming the benefits and outcomes of your course with a title like: "The Ultimate 4-Week Bodyweight Workout: Your Path to Getting Fit, Strong, and Lean."

Focus on the Key Benefits

In today's fast-paced world, where attention spans are notoriously short, it is crucial to go beyond simply presenting facts. Instead, you should craft a captivating narrative that weaves those facts into an engaging story for your audience. This is especially true when it comes to setting up the digital marketing strategy for your online course, including choosing the perfect course title.

Don't be afraid to boldly and confidently tell people exactly what they will learn from your course. By grabbing their attention right from the start, you can compel them to read the rest of your compelling marketing copy!

Keep It Concise and Unforgettable

Make sure your title is memorable and shareable, allowing people to easily remember and share it on social media. While there is no specific length requirement for a title, it is recommended to include the most captivating part at the beginning. Keep in mind the goals of your students and ensure they are reflected in the title.

Additionally, consider that Google typically displays about 50-60 characters in search results. If you are aiming for SEO, convey your message within the first displayable characters. You can use larger, more descriptive subtitles to further convey your message. Use ":" or "-" to separate the main part and add a subtitle.

Make Sure It's Accurate

In order to attract a larger audience to your online course, it is essential to take the necessary steps to set the right expectations. Take the time to understand what your target audience is truly looking for and make use of specific and impactful language, such as using words like "teaching" or "lesson" instead of simply referring to it as a "course."

For example, let's say you are running a business education enterprise and your online course focuses on teaching business skills, such as marketing training or sales training. It is not enough to just teach your audience how to perform certain tasks; it is equally important to explain the underlying principles and demonstrate the expected learning outcomes. By doing so, you can ensure that your learners have a truly rewarding experience.

There may be instances where you need to generalize, especially if you are teaching a broad topic to a wide demographic. In such cases, you might want to consider breaking down your course into smaller, more manageable pieces or even creating a comprehensive course bundle that covers the broader topic.

Always remember to set clear and attainable expectations. While it's important to aim high, setting expectations that are too lofty and cannot be fulfilled may end up backfiring.

Make a Reasonable Promise

In the quest to create a captivating and irresistible title for your online course, it's crucial to understand that your audience, just like you and everyone else in the world, is looking for something of immense value. They want to know that their investment of time and energy into learning will be rewarded. That's why your course title should not only convey the steps to success but also underscore the reasons why they deserve to experience the incredible benefits that await them.

By incorporating "your promise" right at the beginning of your title, you not only grab attention but also remind people of the compelling reasons why enrolling in this online course could be worth their while. It serves as a powerful reminder of the value they will receive and the transformation they can achieve by embarking on this learning journey.

So, as you brainstorm and craft your course title, remember to infuse it with the essence of your promise. Make it clear, captivating, and compelling, so that your audience is instantly drawn in and motivated to take action. Let your title be a beacon of hope, a testament to the incredible value that awaits them, and a promise of the rewarding experience that lies ahead.

Add Context

When determining the title for your eLearning course, it's crucial to think about the target audience and their level of expertise in your field. Are you designing a course for beginners who are just starting out, or are you focusing on a specialized niche with experienced learners seeking to enhance their skills?

If your course is geared towards beginners, you might consider a title like "Juniors' Training to Public Speaking Mastery: Building Confidence and Communication Skills from the Ground Up." This title clearly communicates that the course is designed for individuals who are new to public speaking and want to develop a strong foundation.

On the other hand, if you are catering to experienced speakers who are looking to take their skills to the next level, you could create a title like "Expert Speaker Training: Unlocking the Secrets to Dazzle Your Audience and Leave a Lasting Impression." This title conveys that the course is tailored for individuals who already have a solid understanding of public speaking and want to refine their techniques to create a memorable impact.

By choosing a title that accurately reflects the target audience and their level of expertise, you can attract the right learners and ensure that your course meets their needs and expectations.

Course Naming Checklist

Before you finalise the course title, make sure it checks these boxes:
  • It is specific to the level of learners, skill, and field
  • It explains the benefits or the learning objective
  • It is easy to read and remember It is grammatically correct
  • It sets the right expectations
  • It is less than 60 characters


Crafting compelling and attention-grabbing titles is indeed an art that requires skill and finesse. It may seem like a daunting task, but fear not! With the expert guidance and practical advice provided in this comprehensive guide, you will gain the confidence and expertise needed to excel in the realm of title writing. Whether you are creating titles for online courses, training programs, or any other form of content, these tips and strategies will empower you to captivate your audience, establish your brand, and achieve the results you desire. So, embrace the challenge, unleash your creativity, and let the power of impactful titles propel you to new heights of success!

Formulas for Online Course Titles (+ Examples)

Content Sparks provides some great formulas and examples of writing a great course title.
Three work like a charm
Since people are easily drawn to things that come in 3’s, you can make your title be in 3 key points as well as easy to remember. Simply choose 3 key elements of your course and see how you can combine them.
Formula
A, B, and C
Examples
- Smarter, Faster, Better
- Eat, Pray, Love
- The Good, the Bad & the Ugly

Two can do the trick
If it makes sense for your online course, having two strongly connected or seemingly contradicting arguments can make the trick.
Formula
A and B
Examples
- Pride and Prejudice
- The birds and the bees
- Less work, more productivity

The gist of something
This one is greatly used and it is a good opportunity to get some interesting adjectives there. You simply have to extract the essence of your course and include it in your title.
Formula
The A of B
Examples
- The Pursuit of Happiness
- The Psychology of Success
- The Secrets of a Great Podcast

Do This to Get That
You can break down your content into one main thing you can give to your learners along with the great benefit that comes with it.
Formula
[Do something] and [Benefit]
Examples
- Think and Get Rich
- Work and You’ll Reach The Top
- Laugh and Be Happy

Complete Guides
If your course’s route of action is a how-to guide then this one is for you.
Formula
The/Your [Adjective] Guide to [Doing Something or Getting a Result]
Examples
- The Dummies Guide to [Just about everything]
- The Expert’s Guide to Unique Business Name Ideas
- The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Start-up Funding

From here to there
While this looks like the “Do This to Get That”, you can also use it to underline the transformation learners will go through or the journey they will go on if they enroll in your course.
Formula
[Starting point] to [Benefit]
Examples
- From Here to Eternity
- From Broke to Financially Confident
- From Failure to Success

Easy-peasy, lemon squeezy!
Well, anything made easy and simple is an attraction all on its own.
Formula
- [Your Topic] Made easy
- [Result/Goal] in [amount of time/steps]
- [Your Topic] 101
Examples
- Setting up your domain name made easy
- Play the piano in 6 months
- Workplace hygiene 101

Reveal everything
People love words like ‘secret’, ‘revealed’, ‘exposed’, ‘truth’, ‘myths’, etc. Make sure you do not over-hype the title with tricks and hacks since it may lead to misleading promises. Avoid promises about sharing something no one’s ever heard before if you cannot fully address those promises. Instead, stick to things that a large portion of your own target audience is unlikely to know about.
Formula
- The Secrets of [Your Topic]
- Top Myths about [Your Topic] exposed
- [Your Topic] revealed
Examples
- The Secrets of Successful Marketers
- Top 5 Myths about Buying a New Car Exposed
- Easy Productivity Accelerators Revealed

Winning Title Templates that Work

If you are looking for attention-grabbing course title templates to help you write your own, here is a list of some winning templates to get you started:
- How To ____ in
- How To Rock ____
- How To Make A Strong ____
- How To Completely Change ____
- How To Create ____ That Gets ____
- How To Get More ____
- How To Generate More ____
- How To Use ____ To Stand Out
- How ____ Boost Your ____
- How ____ Can Inspire Your ____
- What To Do With ____
- Where To Find ____
- Guide:
- A Complete Guide To ____
- Ultimate Guide: ____
- Advanced Guide: ____
- Beginners Guide: ____
- Hack: ____
- DIY ____
- Practical Guide: ____
- Full Guide: ____
- How To Unlock ____
- Tips For _____
- Smart Strategies To ____
- Most Effective Tactics To ____
- Essential Steps To ____

Conclusion

Do you happen to possess an extraordinary and ingenious idea for the perfect title? I encourage you to expand your thinking beyond the confines of your mind and explore a vast array of innovative possibilities.

Dare to think outside the box, as it is through this unconventional approach that you may be able to conjure up a title that is not only witty but also meets the high standards set by today's online landscape. It may come as a revelation to some, but book titles actually share a surprising similarity with online courses. In fact, book titles can function as keywords, appearing prominently in search results when individuals search for specific terms or topics on Google Search.

Finally, enjoy your search for the ultimate attention-grabbing title for your course!