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Leveraging Your Assets: Repackaging and Selling In-House Online Learning for Revenue Generation

Updated: 08/06/2024
First Published: 11/04/2024
Consulting - Elizabeth Asbury

One of the issues facing organisations keen to embrace the power of online training, education and upskilling is the initial expenditure required to create really good eLearning. What many people overlook however, is the potential to use those custom-made modules to generate additional revenue and help recover the initial cost. Content developed for your own learners may also be suitable for external customers. This article covers the practical benefits of repackaging custom online learning as a product.

Reach New Customers

Selling in-house learning externally can help you reach individuals, businesses and education providers beyond your organisation. The realistic market will depend on the subject, demand and how well the content meets customer needs.

Monetise Existing Investments

Developing in-house online learning content requires significant investments of time, resources, and expertise. Repackaging and selling this content externally allow organisations to monetise their existing investments and generate additional revenue streams without the need for substantial new expenditures.

Diversify Revenue Streams

Relying solely on core business operations for revenue can leave organisations vulnerable to market fluctuations and economic uncertainties. Repackaging and selling in-house online learning provide an opportunity to diversify revenue streams, reducing dependence on traditional sources of income and enhancing overall financial stability.

Scalable Revenue Potential

Unlike physical products or services that may have limited scalability, online learning content can be easily replicated and distributed to a large number of customers without significant additional costs. This scalability allows organisations to capitalise on the exponential revenue potential of digital products and reach a wide audience with minimal overhead.

Create Ongoing Income Opportunities

Once packaged, online learning can earn ongoing revenue through course purchases, subscriptions or licensing. It still needs support, marketing and periodic updates, but the core content can continue working after its initial development.

Enhance Brand Visibility and Reputation

Selling in-house online learning externally can also serve as a powerful branding and marketing tool. By showcasing expertise, thought leadership, and commitment to education, organisations can enhance their brand visibility and reputation within their industry and beyond, attracting new customers and strengthening existing relationships. 

Adapt to Market Demands

The dynamic nature of the digital learning landscape presents numerous opportunities for organisations to adapt and evolve their offerings in response to market demands. By analysing customer feedback, tracking industry trends, and monitoring competitor activities, organisations can continuously refine and update their online learning content to remain relevant and competitive in the market.

Create Value-Added Services

In addition to core online learning content, organisations can create value-added services such as certification programs, coaching sessions, or supplementary resources to enhance the overall learning experience and provide additional revenue streams. These value-added services not only generate additional income but also increase the perceived value of the learning offering to customers.

Forge Strategic Partnerships

Collaborating with strategic partners such as industry associations, training providers, or technology platforms can further expand the reach and revenue potential of repackaged in-house online learning. By leveraging existing networks and resources, organisations can access new customer segments, amplify marketing efforts, and unlock mutually beneficial revenue-sharing opportunities.

Future-Proof Your Organisation

Repackaging in-house learning can extend the useful life of your investment. It may also strengthen your organisation’s position in digital education, provided the content remains relevant and well supported.

Repackaging custom in-house learning can help recover development costs, diversify revenue and reach new customers. Success depends on validating demand, keeping the material current and choosing a sales model that fits the audience. Existing content is an asset, but it still needs a sound product and marketing plan.

About the Author:

Elizabeth Asbury (PhD, MSc, BSc Hons)

Elizabeth has been working in online learning for so long that the vacant stares and looks of pity from ‘traditional’ educators have become a distant memory. Thanks to the early adopters and revolutionary thinkers who understood that online learning was about equity and accessibility, no longer is mentioning eLearning akin to screaming into the void. Her Ph.D in Psychology, post-doc research, and years of working in tertiary and vocational education certainly helped prepare Elizabeth for the fight to bring the amazing opportunities online learning can offer to the widest possible audience.

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