Online courses are becoming more popular because they allow anybody to change careers, seek promotion and land a new job while having other commitments. No longer do people have to hand in their notice, relocate or stop earning while they acquire new skills, making personal development open for all. Even employers are reaping the benefits and believe distant learners are filling a gap left by some university grads.
These are just some of the reasons why teens, mums, dads and even grandparents are choosing to complete an online course. The market is boiling up, and this is attracting interest from entrepreneurs who want to offer these services and make a business from them. Yet, not all savvy business minds are getting it right. If you plan on starting your own online course hub, consider these crucial points.
Make sure you are accredited
Investing in an online course is a decision made with the promise of a better future. Although no online course provider can guarantee a new job or promotion after the course, they can give learners the best possible chance by making sure their courses are accredited and recognised.
The most successful online course providers to date, such as New Skills Academy, only offer courses that have been verified by the accreditation body CPD. This means their courses are industry approved and welcomed by employers and bosses – which also means they attract more customers.
Be diverse
Not only do you have to offer valuable courses that people can benefit from, but you also need to offer a range of courses to attract a wider market. If you only offer business or administration courses, then you can only tap into a segment of the market. Cut yourself a bigger slice of the market by offering everything from pet grooming to big data courses.
Offer flexible courses
The main reason people choose to complete an online course is that they do not have the time or freedom to attend an in-person course or a regular university course. Many people who choose these services do so because they have families to feed and need to retrain around their current commitments.
For these reasons, your courses will be more successful if they offer a greater degree of flexibility and can be completed from anywhere with an internet connection and offer flexible deadlines (within reason).
On hand tutors
Sometimes learning can be tough without a physical teacher standing in front of us to simplify things and make it easier. Your courses should be digestible and made to make learning achievable. In instances where learners are struggling, they require further support through online tutors or email support. This can be a deciding factor for learners who lack confidence or need additional help.
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These four factors can impact the success of your online course business. Cater to the market by making sure your courses are accredited, diverse, flexible and come with support.
