After launching your eLearning course, it’s time to recoup your expenses by reaching more users with your eLearning platform. Marketing is very critical to the success of an online course. eLearning course creators should know some clever marketing techniques to ensure that their objective of reaching more users with their eLearning platform is achieved as soon as possible.
Why eLearning is important
Up to the early part of the 2000s, one had to be physically present in a classroom to receive an education. So if you’re already working and want to continue your education, you need to divide your time between working and studying. But since the corporate world today is highly competitive, it is difficult to share your attention between two critical things. You have to give priority to what is more vital to you.
That is the situation before the eLearning became a very effective alternative to classroom education. You can take an online course at your own pace, in your own time.
eLearning makes learning more accessible and affordable since the use of the Internet and computers is now widespread. Moreover, computer and Internet technology keep on getting better, ensuring smoother and faster deployment of eLearning programs. Geographical location is no longer a problem since many educational institutions are now providing different degree courses online. There are also short courses for people who want to pursue continuing education or wish to enhance their qualifications for career advancement.
For example, the Southeastern Louisiana University offers certification programs as well as undergraduate and graduate programs for selected courses that are 100% online.
Various eLearning tools and different eLearning systems allow for the delivery of online courses in different ways. Some even simulate classroom environments. Sharing of educational materials in different formats is possible. Moreover, some online classes, called webinars, are available live. Message forums and online chat capability allow students to communicate with their instructors or professors.
Learners taking online courses are not shortchanged. The deployment of the online course is usually automatic and systematic. Some learning management systems (LMS) are programmed to provide an exam after each learning module. This method encourages the student to monitor his or her learning progress before moving on to the next set of lessons.
One main advantage of eLearning is that the course is more focused and comprehensive. A team of educators prepares the courses. The learning materials are carefully selected to conform to the mandatory requirements of the program. You benefit from learning from the combined efforts of several instructors who are experts on a particular course.
With most people busy with work, eLearning is an affordable solution that enables learners to accommodate learning within their lifestyles, giving them the chance to earn new qualifications and the possibility of career advancement.
Now that you have learned the importance of eLearning and why it is a better alternative, let’s move on to how you can reach more users with your eLearning platform.
Reaching more user with your eLearning platform
While you are developing your eLearning course, you should be developing your marketing strategy as well. A well-thought out marketing plan is essential so you can reach as many users as possible, whether you are aiming for specific users or you are expanding your reach to other countries.
1. Know your eLearning consumer
Does this sound silly? Of course not. You have to treat your eLearning course as a product that you need to market. And before you can sell your product, you must know who would be your potential consumers. Therefore, you need to spend more time for focus groups, surveys, interviews and market research. It is critical to know everything about the cultural and educational background of your target users. You need to identify if your users are going to be beginners or advanced students. Their knowledge base is essential. Likewise, you have to know the specific information your potential users will need while taking your online course.
The research work will help you tailor-fit your marketing plans to your target consumers. Conversely, it will attract learners who are looking for an online course such as the one you are offering. You’ll be able to write your marketing message that directly addresses their desires and needs.
2. Let them know that your eLearning solution meets their specific needs
You’ll be able to reach more users with your eLearning platform by telling them that your eLearning program is the right solution they are looking for. Your marketing message should outline their problems and how your eLearning program can help them. Whether the consumers need to earn a degree, improve their current skill set or enhance their personal lives, you have to succinctly state the benefits that your online program can give them after they have completed the course. If your program caters to a particular industry, it is vital to outline all the benefits of your eLearning course versus traditional learning. Show clients the specific benefits their employees and workers will get from using your online learning program.
3. Show proof of the time and cost-effectiveness of your eLearning course
Whether the individual or the company the person works for is paying for the eLearning course, it is vital to outline how your own course gives them value for their money. People may know that traditional learning takes time and costs much more than alternative forms of learning, but some of them are not easily convinced that they will be able to earn a degree, enhance their work performance or improve their chances for career advancement by taking a course online.
Give them a comparative analysis of traditional and online learning. You can show potential users studies done by experts in the industry. Moreover, you have to show them that an eLearning program can provide them the skills they need for their job at a much shorter time period and lower cost than attending a regular classroom training.
4. Show them a sample of your eLearning program
Reach more users with your eLearning platform by showing a preview of your online course. For sure, you have a website for your company and product or probably a dedicated page on social media. Keep in mind that most people have to be convinced and satisfied with the information they gather before they purchase a product. It is the same with eLearning. Therefore, you can convince users to give your course a try by teasing them with a preview. It should be something that will provide them with the initial information immediately and show them how your eLearning course works. Not everyone is open to eLearning but if you give them the right user experience that will convince them to take the course, they you’re in for a win.
Do not forget to include all your contact information at the end of the preview to make it easy for them to get in touch with you or link to your full-length course. Be sure to respond immediately to all inquiries and provide enough information to convince them to enroll in your eLearning course.
5. Be active on social media sites
One very efficient and effective ways to market your eLearning program is to be omnipresent online. It is already a given the most people, young and old, are glued to social media sites. You can create a blog page and write about eLearning in general and your course in particular. Promote your product in your blog and your other social media accounts. Use each site’s analytics so you can effectively reach your specific target users. Drum up information about your particular online course, describe the advantages of online learning and keep up their interest by giving them a sneak peek of your online course. Maybe you can show them a sample lesson and the test for that particular lesson. When you know your target users, you’ll know what information to share with them to perk their interest.
6. Send out reminders
Email marketing is still very useful and it is one way to reach more users with your eLearning platform. Customize your email signature with a link to your eLearning course page. Build a mailing list and send your subscribers emails to remind them about your eLearning course. Invite them to an eLearning event or offer them new courses or special short courses that might interest them.
These are just some of the marketing ideas you can implement to reach more customers and increase your sales. You’ve spent time and money to produce your eLearning course, so it is time to market it using these marketing tips. Learn more about eLearning by reading our eLearning guide.
Increase your market reach with translation and localization
One of the most effective ways to increase your market share is to ensure that you are properly talking to your consumers in their own language. The is the reason why business owners require the help of translation services providers for the right translation and localization solutions. To reach more users with your eLearning platform, your marketing strategies should include translation and localization. Day Translations, Inc. has native speaking translators who are experts in localization. They are located worldwide, ready to help you with your eLearning localization needs. Don’t wait for the next business day. We are available 24/7, every day of the year, so you can call 1-800-969-6853 anytime or email us at Contact us