Getting into the eLearning zone is like setting a footprint in today’s digital world. After all, eLearning is reigning high with widened arms across both the education and corporate sectors. You can find a direct implementation of eLearning in different sections of content modules. It is no longer an alternative or supplementary tool but a go-to choice for most companies. However, you need eLearning Content Providers to help your company streamline eLearning solutions into your business.

Outsourcing eLearning solutions are a more effective, convenient and considerably cheaper option than in-house solutions. Asking why the reason is rather simple. Developing an eLearning infrastructure is not easy or cheap. That brings you to the best choice i.e. outsourcing. 

So, why does this blog exist when everything is clear? Well, you need tips to find the best eLearning Content Development company, don’t you?

7 Proven Tips to help you find the best eLearning Content Providers 

Time has rendered the question of eLearning can ever be a primary priority for organizations. Once a sector-specific niche product, digital learning rose to a staggering $100+ billion industry. Of that, corporate and vocational training have secured their positions at the top of the pyramidal market share. And why not when there are so many advancements that add only convenience to your company?

The eLearning market is flooding with service providers and vendors today. Of them, different companies have different approaches in their business agenda. What you need to look out for is what you will read in this blog. It all starts right below –

1. Is eLearning Content Developing their Core Business?

Not all companies who are in the industry are eLearning Content Providers. Try to avoid every eLearning vendor who does not take content development as their core business. That’s because they will be less likely to dedicate themselves fully to your business projects. That also summarizes that they might not be able to deploy specialist teams if needed.

On the contrary, look for a vendor that focuses primarily on this industry before anything else. They are more likely to provide your company with a complete eLearning experience. So, delve into the website of prospective eLearning vendors to check out their business.

2. Do they have a Definite eLearning Strategy?

The right eLearning company will have a definite business strategy. By leveraging that, they should be able to deliver exactly what your company is looking for. Besides that, having a clearly defined strategy is also vital for integrating eLearning solutions flawlessly into your business module.

For that, your company needs to focus on the following things –

• The main business objective for which they are looking for eLearning Content Providers.
• What’s your average timeline to implement the eLearning solutions that you are looking for?
• Prepare a detailed list of the most crucial components that your eLearning module must-have. 
• Do you need any performance and support resources to assist the eLearning module?
• Decide a definite time frame at which you need maintenance, updating and revision of the components.
• What tools are you actually looking for in your eLearning program?
• Do you have any preference for performance evaluation?

The company should be able to provide whatever requirements you have based on these above points.

3. Enquire about their Industry Experience

Sometimes, it is just the relevant experience in the industry that matters. A simple rule of thumb is – the longer in the eLearning business, the better the expertise. Well, this theory works mostly most of the time for eLearning Content Providers as well. The reason behind that is also quite simple and straightforward. 

eLearning vendors who have been in the industry for several years have seen the journey. They know about past and present market trends. Moreover, they have specialized skillets that merge perfectly with their experience. What can be any better than hiring such a service provider or, to say, veteran companies?

4. Do they tick in all the Boxes?

Once your company ventures out of the ‘amateur’ zone, it’s tough to predict the last skill set required. To work on the implementation of your project, you need a whole team of professionals. We have jotted down some of them, the ones that are indispensable for any eLearning project. 

Here they are –

• Instructional Designers
• Graphic Designers
• Content Writers
• Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)
• Programmers and Developers
• SEO Executives
• Quality Analysts
• Project Managers

Professional eLearning Content Providers will have these people in their team. The experience of this team will also reflect the track record of services provided by the company.

5. What about their Pricing Structure?

Indeed, it is important to know about the pricing structure and costs beforehand. Because every department in your business has a budget to abide by. That’s why even the most experienced eLearning Content Development companies might fail to appeal if they have massive rates.

Also, ensure that the company you are shortlisting has a transparent pricing structure or not. It is something crucial for all companies. Why? Well, you would never like to see hidden charges creeping out in the middle of a project. However, hiring professional companies will never make you face such bittersweet situations.

6. Have you seen their previous work samples?

So, you are probably wondering why that is at all important, right? Well, actually it is important because you have no idea how the company does in practice.

Asking for previous work samples is therefore what you should do with eLearning Content Providers. Check out their sample works or ask for previous work samples. Experienced service providers will always have something to show you. They will always have capable content to prove why they are the best choice.

Nevertheless, your company has the judgment key. So, only after checking in all the parameters of the sample content, take the decision. 

7. Asking for an eLearning Course Prototype

So, now that they have delivered some sample works to you, here comes a new question. How can you be sure that the vendor can deliver what they have showcased? Can you guarantee that they can develop a similar project if your company asks them to?

That is why asking for a course prototype is the best development practice to follow. Provide the vendor with what your company is looking for in the eLearning course. Great eLearning courses are not only good for your company but also for your employees. It should meet all the requirements and meet the expectations of what you are looking for.

Why should you outsource eLearning Content Providers?

Before we elaborate on why outsourcing is the best solution, let’s take a quick recap. Here’s what we have discussed so far in the blog –

• Is content development the main business domain of the eLearning service provider?
• Does the company have a particular eLearning strategy for developing your courses?
• How many years of industry experience does the company have in eLearning?
• Does the company have a team of all the required specialists?
• What about the company’s service rates and other charges?
• Are you satisfied with their previous work samples?
• Can the vendor provide a dummy course based on your company’s requirements?

So, as you find answers to all these questions, you will have the right service provider. Coming back to outsourcing, well, it is definitely the better option. Firstly, it saves your company’s money and time. Secondly, it is always the better option if you hire a company that has the best industry solutions.

If you are looking for one of the best eLearning Content Providers around, check out Acadecraft. They are one of the most popular service providers around. Being there in the industry for more than five years, they know what makes an eLearning course ‘complete’.