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18/08/2023

Tune Into Feedback, Turn Up the Profits

Are you listening to the feedback provided by your quiz or survey respondents? Incorporating customer input into decision-making processes? Neglecting to acknowledge and act upon survey feedback can undermine customer trust. Course creators limit opportunities for improvement. And reduce the ability to meet customer needs effectively.

What Course Creators Miss

There's often a rift between our narrative and the audience's feedback.

Imagine we were buskers, street musicians playing on the corner. Spectators pass by, dropping money, notes of either admiration or constructive critique. But if we don't read the notes, what chance do we have to improve? This scenario mirrors the dilemma course creators often grapple with. We diligently build content. Deploy quizzes to connect with our tribes. We solicit feedback, and then sometimes, falter at the brink of integration. This pause isn't mere oversight; it's a potential pitfall.

While there's merit in trusting our creator instincts, we must remain receptive. Our professional evolution stalls when we sideline our audience's narrative. Here's the takeaway. Every comment, every note, is a gateway to understanding our audience. Their aspirations, challenges, wishes. Venturing without this compass means navigating uncharted waters without a guide.

Profitability through marketing is not just about the razzle-dazzle. It's about deep, attuned listening. Engaging with feedback. Reshape your strategies around it. Ensure you don't just launch a course - nurture a tailored experience.

In today's digital narrative, our courses are more than products. They represent transformative journeys. Our success hinges on evolving from mere producers to intuitive listeners.

17/08/2023

Online course creators: Struggling course enrollments?

Limited Promotion and Low Response Rates?

You probably aren't effectively promoting your surveys or questionnaires. That results in low response rates. Are you promoting it through the appropriate channels for your audience? Are you using email, social media, or website placement? Are you getting "enough" responses? Or are you limiting the reliability and usefulness of the data collected?

Every online course creator has to shine brighter than the rest of their competitors? Let's face it: quality content is half the battle; the other half? Making sure it's seen and heard.

Imagine crafting a TikTok video that's got all the elements of a viral hit. It's catchy, engaging, and oh-so-shareable. But what if you only showed it to a handful of friends? That potential global hit is now a whisper in the wind.

Having an outstanding questionnaire for your course won’t do wonders. Unless it’s promoted well. Email? Make it resonate. Craft it to touch the heart, not the inbox. Social media? That’s your global stage. From tweets to the visual tales of Instagram, each demands its unique script. And your website? Think of it as your storefront. It shouldn't just inform; it should invite.

In the world of online courses, every click counts. Remember: It's not about creating gold but ensuring it gleams in the right light. So, what's your next move? Will you let your masterpiece linger in the shadows or allow it to seize the spotlight?

16/08/2023

Are you guilty?

Of not following up on your survey?


Online course creators - admit it!

Lack of follow-up and action happens to our surveys. Admit it!

Many of us fail to follow up and take action based on the survey results. Do you conducting surveys without a plan to analyze and act upon the collected data? No plan leads to misplaced efforts. It is crucial to review the findings. You need to identify key insights from the data. Then put in place the necessary changes or improvements. All based on the feedback received.

Ever spent time filling out a survey, hoping it changes something? What if it’s left forgotten, like a piece of cake in the fridge?

Every survey, every response, is a golden opportunity to get feedback. Yet, many times, this treasure trove remains untouched.

Picture this: spending days mining, discovering a gem, and then... abandoning it. Many online course creators fail to realize the potency of their survey feedback. A survey isn’t merely a data tool. It's the voice of thousands. It's a critical channel to connect with your community.

Here’s the crux:

Overlooking these insights is akin to sidelining a major growth opportunity. But, why does this happen so often? It's the lack of a clear plan post-survey. The overwhelming volume or ambiguity in actioning data becomes obstacles.

You have to overcome these hurdles to make the magic happen. Such action doesn't just reshape course content. It builds bridges, fosters trust, loyalty, and a dynamic digital community. So, to all online course creators - listen. Listen to the silent call of your untouched data and let it shine. Plan out your post-survey analysis BEFORE you publish - and act on it.

You're welcome!

15/08/2023

Lost in Translation?

Mistake: Insufficient Consideration of Target Audience

Explanation: You did not tailor your surveys and questionnaires to your target audience. Did you neglect to consider their language, knowledge level, or cultural context? This can lead to misunderstandings, disengagement, and inaccurate responses.

The Unseen Pitfall of Online Courses (And How to Avoid It)

There's a silent killer lurking in the world of online courses. And no, it's not about content quality or platform glitches.

Scenario: A friend, an aspiring course creator, spent weeks curating an excellent curriculum. As launch day approached, he blasted emails and surveys to his potential students. Baffling reality: enrollments drop and feedback that barely made sense.

Why? The problem was not what he asked but how he communicated.

Every Misstep Counts

In digital learning, every misaligned question or email comes with a cost. Measured not just in money but potential enrollments. Imagine being an excited learner who receives promotional content in a jargon-heavy dialect. It's off-putting and breeds skepticism.

Embracing Diversity, The Right Way

Today, your audience is global, diverse, and discerning. Crafting generic, one-size-fits-all content is a recipe for disaster. Don't overlook cultural nuances or linguistic subtleties. You're risking more than misunderstandings. You're on a fast track to eroding essential trust.

Think about it: If a student feels, "They don't get me. How can they teach me?", you've lost them.

Crafting Authentic Connections

The path forward? Dive deep. Understand their pain, fears, and motivations. Don't just talk; engage in a two-way dialogue.

Before your next content push, pause and think. Are you genuinely connecting, or are you shouting into the void?

14/08/2023

Are you 'leading' or 'listening' in your survey?

Mistake: Biased Question Wording

Explanation: The wording of the survey questions may unintentionally introduce bias. Biased questions can lead respondents to provide skewed or inaccurate responses. This compromises the validity of the collected data. It is essential to use neutral and unbiased language to gather reliable insights.

We've all been there. Imagine being at a lively party. Your confidence soaring. The conversations are meaningful. But you later discover a conspicuous piece of spinach wedged in your teeth. Now, imagine a parallel in the online course world – biased questioning. A tiny, insignificant error, but its impact? Comparable to that cringe-worthy spinach moment.

I recall a survey I once conducted: "Don't we all like interactive quizzes?" Lots of agreement. But in time, I realized the truth. I had unintentionally steered the response. Sort of like a dancer leading, but out of sync with, their partner.

Subtle biases can morph into glaring gaps in content development.
Especially for online course creators. A single misphrased question might send us off on a costly tangent. Investing hours and resources reviewing content that misses the mark. The antidote? Neutral, unbiased questions. Instead of "Do you love video lessons?", how about "What’s your preferred method of learning?" It's simple, open, and unbiased.

Creating a successful online course is like a choreographed dance. Both the instructor and students move in tandem. They understand and anticipate each other's steps. Understanding our audience paves the path for more fruitful, and profitable, endeavours.

11/08/2023

Is digging into your survey/quiz data like finding a needle in a haystack?

Mistake: Lack of Clear Objectives

Explanation: You may not have clearly defined objectives for your surveys and questionnaires. Without specific goals in mind, the questions asked may lack focus. they may fail to generate actionable insights. This mistake can lead to vague or irrelevant data. Data that does not effectively address your needs.

I recently clicked in to an online course ad I found on social media. The course promised a journey from amateur to ace in "just six weeks". Clicking the ad, I was presented a quiz, part of the enrollment process. But the questions were disjointed and thrown together with little thought. My interest dropped with every vague question I encountered.

This isn't an isolated issue but a prevalent pitfall many online course creators face. They build quizzes and surveys without precise objectives. Did they adopt this tactic merely because it's the norm. What does this result in? Data that offers no clear insights.

Searching for meaningful data in a mass of unfocused surveys is daunting. Like seeking a needle in a haystack. If your questions lack clear goals, they become a maze of ambiguity. We put time, energy, and resources into these surveys and quizzes. Does it amount to a string of unclear answers leading us astray from our primary objectives? Sometimes. Actually, often.

It's easy to dismiss this issue as insignificant. It doesn't send off immediate warning signals. Not like a course with zero enrollments or plummeting profits. But it's a slow leak in your ship. It will gradually fill the hull with water, unnoticeable until it's too late. It creates a chasm between course creators and prospective students. It obstructs the path to a foolproof marketing strategy and profitable courses.

So, what's the way out of this conundrum? Treat your quizzes and surveys with the same seriousness as your course development. Each question should have a distinct purpose. Each question should help guide your marketing strategy and enhance your course profitability.

Before you plunge into crafting your next survey or quiz, stop and think. What are you hoping to learn from the responses? How can this information help shape your approach? Remember, specificity isn't just helpful - it's essential. Meaningful engagement arises from purposeful conversations. So, let's ensure our surveys and quizzes serve as a bridge for such dialogues.

10/08/2023

Less is more: reimagining surveys

Mistake: Lengthy and Overwhelming Surveys

Explanation: You may be making the mistake of creating surveys that are too long or complex. Overwhelming respondents and leading to survey fatigue. Lengthy surveys can discourage participation and result in incomplete or rushed responses. They can compromise the quality of data collected.

I'm a quiz funnel and email marketing consultant. , I often stumble upon a common, detrimental marketing strategy: extensive, convoluted surveys. Let me share a real-life incident that illustrates this point.

An entrepreneur approached me with a survey designed for his upcoming online course. I counted fifty questions, each more elaborate than the last. He started circulating it, only to meet with lacklustre responses.

In-depth surveys, while useful in theory, can be like thick novels. We all have them on our shelves, intending to read, but always delaying. For your survey respondents, the 'I'll do it tomorrow' might never arrive.

Digital fatigue is a real phenomenon, especially when it comes to intimidating surveys. They can make potential respondents back out. They also encourage rushed, low-quality responses from those who do participate. In a world where we rely on data-driven marketing, poor data is your enemy.

Consider every question on your survey as an investment that the respondent makes. Is the investment (i.e., time and mental energy) perceived to be too high and the return too low? They're likely to abandon the venture. All your well-designed questions, your thoughtful choices, will go down the drain.

But, imagine if we switched our lens? What if each question was an opportunity for engagement and a way to make the respondent feel valued? This transformation in approach can completely redefine our surveys.

In the online course sphere, we're interacting with real humans, not data points on a graph. A shorter, more engaging questionnaire can hold more power than a lengthy one. Why not ask 5 stellar questions instead of 20 good ones? Don't overwhelm the audience, but invite them into a meaningful conversation.

In my career, I've seen the magic of concise, engaging surveys. They are not just tools for gathering data. They are potent instruments to foster trust, engagement, and eventually, profitability. Brainstorming a survey for your online course? Remember, less is more.

09/08/2023

Myth: Surveys and questionnaires are outdated in the age of big data and analytics.

Reality: Surveys and questionnaires are valuable tools. You can gather specific and targeted information straight from the target audience. Big data and analytics can offer valuable insights. Surveys allow the capture of opinions, preferences, and qualitative feedback. These may not be readily available through other data sources.

A colleague of mine recently dropped a bombshell. He claimed that "surveys and questionnaires are obsolete in our big data era." Surprising? Yeah! But here's a more shocking revelation: he's not alone. Many of my fellow online course creators harbour the same misconception. But are they right? Do we abandon these traditional tools? Give up the one-to-one connection with our audience?

Let's put it this way: Data analytics is the cool, flashy thing that takes us places quickly. It paints an impressive, grand picture of trends and patterns. But surveys and questionnaires can take us on insightful, memorable journeys.

Imagine this scenario. Big data tells you that your learners are spending significantly more time on Module 3. Great, right? But what if a quick survey reveals that the extended time is due to confusion rather than engagement? It's the candid responses, the unexpected revelations, the 'Aha!' moments that surveys provide - insights that are often lost in the world of data analytics.

Let's remember this: in our pursuit of fast, flashy data, let's not lose touch with our audience's voice. After all, isn't that connection what profitable marketing is all about? So, tell me, what's your take on this? Share your thoughts below, and let's get the conversation started.

08/08/2023

Myth: Surveys and questionnaires are only for academic or research purposes.

Reality: Surveys and questionnaires have practical applications in various industries, including marketing. They are powerful tools for understanding customer preferences. For gathering feedback on products or services. And for identifying pain points and shaping marketing strategies. Surveys can be tailored to the specific needs of the prospect's business. To drive actionable insights and decision-making.

Many see surveys and questionnaires as tools for academia and research institutions. Experience shows this viewpoint is misleading.

For online course creators, surveys and questionnaires are power-packed strategic instruments. Let's debunk this myth together.

Some online course creators struggle to boost profitability through savvy marketing. Surveys and questionnaires can be an important tool on the path to profitability.

A well-crafted survey serves as radar, detecting the subtle shifts in customer preferences. They can pinpoint the pain points, and shine a light on how your course solves that pain.

Let me share a story. Once, a coding boot camp instructor found himself lost in the online marketing maze. He implemented a tailored survey. He pinpointed exactly why his potential students were struggling. He refined his course content and communication strategy. His sign-ups soared!

Surveys aren't just about collecting data. They are about converting that data into something your prospects understand. Something they and connect with. This creates meaningful conversations. It enables you to persuade your potential students that your course is the answer they've been seeking.

Remember, design your surveys to suit your specific needs. No matter the type of course you're offering - entrepreneurship or creative writing, . They convert data into actionable insights. They drive client decisions and transform your online course from an option to the choice.

Let's give surveys and questionnaires the credit they deserve. They are powerful tools. Not just for understanding but for empowering your marketing strategies. Are you ready to harness their power for your online course?

07/08/2023

Myth: Survey results don't accurately represent the entire audience.

Reality: Use proper sampling techniques and a representative sample size. Survey results then provide statistically significant insights that generalize to the broader audience. Use random sampling, stratified sampling, or quota sampling as well. These ensure that the survey captures a diverse range of opinions. That results in more accurate representation.

We live in the era of social media soundbites. Many believe survey results fall short in capturing the full scope of an audience. This is more a result of the fear of unchartered statistical territories or the breathtaking speed of our digital age than concrete fact.

Every online course creator strives to unlock a deeper understanding of their audience. They want to know demographics, tastes, and behaviours. These hold the key to increased profitability. Yet, the very tool that could provide such insights, the survey, often goes unnoticed.

Still skeptical? I was too until a campaign I ran for an online course on quiz funnels. The launch was decent, but the profit margins were thin. So I sent out a survey to the subscribers. I used stratified sampling, ensuring a balanced representation of my audience. The results were intriguing. The insights shaped my next campaign, resulting in a 25% increase in revenue.

Inferential statistics extrapolates broader trends from smaller samples. This can act as a trustworthy guide when facing uncertainty. Techniques, such as random sampling, ensure every voice in your audience has a fair shot to be heard. This creates a more detailed and accurate portrait of your market.

Stratified sampling gives each subgroup in your audience a chance to shine. This technique can echo the richness and diversity of your audience. And adds precision and depth to your understanding.

Quota sampling ensures no significant segment of your audience is overlooked. Use this technique to align your results with your audience's true distribution. This is a valuable approach when you can't reach perfect randomness.

Use these survey techniques to deliver a comprehensive, detailed picture of your audience. Each survey response is a valuable bit of market understanding.

Online course creators should consider surveys to increase profitability. They have a lot of potential. Surveys can uncover patterns that are the secret to your next successful campaign.

Banish the myth. Welcome the reality: surveys do represent your audience. They're eager to narrate your story. If only you'd listen.

04/08/2023

Myth: Surveys and questionnaires provide limited depth of information.

Reality: Surveys and questionnaires can collect both quantitative and qualitative data. This provides a rich and comprehensive understanding of the target audience. Open-ended questions and comment boxes allow respondents to provide detailed feedback. Closed-ended questions enable efficient data analysis and comparison across responses.

Consider the humble survey. It might seem like a basic, impersonal tool for collecting straightforward facts. But it can serve as a prism, refracting light onto the many facets of your audience's desires and needs.

Surveys can capture more than numbers and statistics. They have the power to collect emotions, stories, and sentiments. A well-crafted survey fits your unique business needs. It can have open-ended questions for in-depth, rich feedback. And closed-ended ones for quick, efficient data analysis.

Why does this matter for you? As the creator of online courses aiming to increase profitability? As an quiz funnel implementor, I have seen the power of surveys first hand.

Let me share a quick story. I worked with a client who had a compelling course offering. But he was struggling with stagnant sales. He believed his pricing was the problem. We decided to deploy a well-designed survey to his audience. The results were enlightening. It wasn't the price that was the issue; it was the way he communicated the value of his course.

Surveys allowed him to listen to his audience. To understand their needs, and tweak his marketing strategy. He started selling his course not as a source of knowledge, but as an investment towards a better future. His sales increased. The power of a well-structured questionnaire.

Surveys are far from being shallow. Surveys are treasure maps to understanding the online course market better. But remember, the true value of a survey is not in its creation but its ex*****on. Now, how about using a survey in your business?

03/08/2023

Myth: People are reluctant to take part in surveys and questionnaires.

Reality: Some individuals may be hesitant to participate. Many people are willing to share their opinions. Especially when they perceive the survey as relevant, interesting, and beneficial. Communicate the purpose and potential benefits of participating clearly. Offer incentives. Allow anonymity. These increase participation rates and gather valuable insights.

As for the myth: "People are reluctant to take part in surveys and questionnaires."

That's far from the truth. People will share their opinions when a survey appeals to their interests. It has to be relevant and provide some form of reward. Especially for online course creators, this is a golden opportunity.

Let's talk about relevance and benefit. A survey that doesn't matter to the respondent is like a lamp in the daytime - insignificant. So, make your surveys relevant to the course material. Then sweeten the deal with benefits - an offer they can't refuse. Think discounts, early access to new material, or exclusive bonuses.

Now add anonymity. Privacy is precious. Offer your audience the security of being anonymous. It will make some feel safer and more inclined to provide honest feedback.

If you're an online course creator, you have the power to use surveys to boost profitability. Give your audience the right reasons to take part in your surveys. You have a fantastic opportunity to refine your offerings, deepen relationships, and make your mark. Your audience is more than willing. They are waiting for you to ask them the right questions.

02/08/2023

Myth: Surveys and questionnaires yield unreliable or biased data.

Reality: Biased data can be a concern. Proper survey design and implementation can mitigate bias and ensure reliable results. Use techniques such as randomization, neutral wording, and diverse sampling. Gather data that reflects the target audience's opinions and preferences.

How can we increase profitability for online course creators? How do we know what our target audience really wants?

One idea often batted around is using surveys and questionnaires.

But a common myth pegs these tools as producers of unreliable or biased data. So, let's tackle this head-on and find a new way to increase profits.

Surveys are a bit like mirrors. They don't create bias. They reflect what's already there. So it's not the tool's fault if a survey is biased. It's how we designed or used it. Good news - we can actually turn this around with the right technique.

Imagine a chef who doesn't blame his knife for a poorly chopped onion but instead learns to cut better. Online course creators, should treat surveys the same way. They are not blunt instruments, but as precise tools. We can use them to bring us closer to our audience's true preferences.

There are three key things to remember: randomization, neutral wording, and diverse sampling.

Randomization means choosing your survey participants randomly. It's like throwing darts blindfolded at a board that represents your audience. This way, you get an honest snapshot of what your audience thinks. Not just hearing from the loudest voices.

Neutral wording is about asking questions without leading the respondent. Let the interviewee share their genuine thoughts. Don't nudge them to say what you want to hear.

And finally, diverse sampling. Make sure your participants are as varied as your whole audience. It’s like inviting guests to a party - you don't want all the guests to be just like you. You want a good mix. And in that mix, you might discover insights you never expected.

So, it's true that surveys can reflect bias. It's also true that they can be a powerful tool to capture what our audience wants. As online course creators, using surveys wisely can set us on a more certain path to profitability.

02/08/2023

A surprising tool for course creators: surveys

We live in a digitally fueled, ever-connected world. There's a strategy that often falls under the radar for online course creators like yourself. The underutilized, yet incredibly potent tool, the humble survey.

You might see surveys as time-consuming or burdensome. Maybe as enticing as watching paint dry. Let's look at surveys with a fresh perspective - leveraging them as an opportunity rather than a chore.

Visualize a concise, well-planned questionnaire that’s respectful of your respondents' time. Not a nuisance, but a well-crafted bridge, encouraging dialogue with your students. A platform for them to express their needs and desires. Something that enhances their sense of community. Your course transforms from a mere product to a journey, an experience.

Gather insights through targeted, thoughtfully composed surveys to drive your marketing strategies. They can act as your compass in the wilderness of the digital market. This can lead to a leap in your course design and increase student engagement. And foster marketing messages that deeply resonate with your audience.

Let me share an example to bring this to life. A course creator used short, periodic surveys to understand his students' pain points. He learned that his content was comprehensive but lacked engagement. He acted on this feedback and incorporated more interactive modules. He saw an immediate boost in student participation and course completion rates.

To turn the tide in your favor, start viewing surveys as a means to insightful conversations, not a burden. So, ready to explore the potential of surveys in boosting your profitability? Share your thoughts below and let's start a discussion. If you need help creating effective surveys, drop me a message.

Let's change the narrative about surveys together - ok?

09/06/2022

Personalization increases effectiveness of email campaigns

Increase the effectiveness of your marketing emails with personalization and segmentation.

Personalization isn’t just adding a customer’s name to an email. Some say that might be the worst form of personalization.

Use the information you have about your customers. Make your emails more relevant to their needs. That could be a cross-sell for related products to their recent purchase. Or a members-only club invite based on sales history.

Segmentation is personalization at scale. Group your customers through different criteria and send emails relevant to those groups.

At a high level, the main pillars of segmentation for most organizations are:
· geographics - city, language, climate, etc.
· demographics - age, gender, occupation, etc.
· psychographics - lifestyle, interests, values, etc.
· behavior - purchase history, buyer state, receptiveness to cross-sells, etc.

BUT you need to have the data In order to personalize and/or segment your emails.

Existing customers are easy. You have the data from their purchases. You probably have geographic info for your customers. You also have their purchase history.

You might only have an email address for subscribers to your mailing list or newsletter. Offer to send them a lead magnet or to take a quiz to get a more information about them.

The better the lead magnet, the more you can get away with asking for more information.

There’s more to personalization than just showing off the info you know about a customer. You don’t always need to personalize with a name. There’s a chance your customers will be turned off if you use their name.

Start to ‘personalize’ by using a customer’s purchase history: “It’s been six weeks since you bought our XYZ. Do you need a refill?” Or target your emails about the products they purchased. Provide them with complimentary information. “Did you know that Team ABC in the Tour de France uses the same Look pedals that you bought? Check out this video about the team training in for this year’s Tour. I would love to ride those hills like those guys! How about you? Let me know what you think about the video”

Use your segmentation “buckets” to send more targeted, personalized emails at scale.

Use quizzes to get more info on your subscribers and customers, to create those ‘buckets’. I'll talk more about those in an upcoming post.

If you want to dive deeper into this, send me an email or message me. Happy to discuss.

cheers

des

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