By Training Course Material FZE ·
Originally published: 30 July 2021 ·
Last updated: 14 August 2025
There’s still plenty of room for new eLearning businesses. You don’t need a giant team. You do need clear choices, a repeatable offer, and steady marketing. Here’s a simple path to get moving.
1) Nail a narrow problem (your USP)
Pick one audience and one outcome you can deliver in weeks, not months. Write it like this:
“For [role] who struggle with [problem], this course helps you [do X] so [metric Y] improves.”
If you’re unsure where to aim, run a quick Training Needs Assessment and map your modules with this 4‑step design.
2) Productize as short courses
Short, focused modules sell faster and finish stronger. Start with a 60–120 minute core skill, then offer the next two levels as a path.
- One clear objective per module.
- Include a job aid and a 7‑day follow‑up.
- Bundle 3 modules with a small discount.
More on structuring levels: Short Courses.
3) Keep the tech stack simple
- Host: choose one platform you can run without help (LMS or community + video + payments).
- Mobile first: short videos with captions; PDFs sized for phones.
- Backups: slides printed or saved offline; a no‑tech plan—see tech failure tips.
4) Seed demand with free value
- Run a 30–45 minute Lunch & Learn on one quick win.
- Offer a useful freebie—our PowerPoint review game converts well.
- Post a steady social loop—playbook here: Social Media 101.
- Point everything to one page that sells—see how to market your courses.
5) Pilot fast, then iterate
Run a small paid beta (8–12 learners). Keep feedback light but useful:
- Quick checks each module—ideas in assessing participants and tools in Free Assessment Tools.
- Watch drop‑off and fix friction—boost completion rates.
- Collect 2–3 short stories you can turn into mini case studies.
6) Design for transfer (after class)
- End with a 10‑minute review—grab the free game and see the forgetting curve guide.
- Send a 5‑touch follow‑up across 30 days—outline in Transfer of Learning.
- Share a one‑page job aid with each module.
7) Know your numbers
- Track weekly: leads, sign‑ups, show‑ups, completions, testimonials.
- Keep a simple P&L and 3‑month cash buffer—see Essential Skills.
- Reinvest in what works: the channel or offer that gives you the lowest cost per enrollment.
60‑day starter plan
| Weeks | Focus | Output |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Audience + outcome + outline | One‑line offer; module map (4‑step design) |
| 3–4 | Build + job aids | Slides, workbook, 1‑page job aid per module |
| 5–6 | Marketing sprint | Announce a Lunch & Learn; run the weekly social cadence |
| 7–8 | Pilot + iterate | Run beta; fix one friction per module; add two testimonials |
Free tool: Jeopardy‑style review game
Use it in webinars or in‑person to boost recall and end on a high note.
