To Survey or Not to Survey?
One of the biggest challenges when launching an online course is the feeling of leaping into the unknown. But what if I told you that you can mitigate this risk by gathering key data before you launch? This doesn’t mean you can predict the future, but you can make more informed decisions that will give you confidence in your launch.
The Limitations of Surveys
A common practice when trying to gauge the potential success of a course is to conduct surveys. While surveys might seem like an intuitive way to collect data, they often fall short in providing the insights you need. The reality is, people often don’t know what they want—especially when it comes to what they’re willing to pay for.
Surveys can still be valuable in specific circumstances. They’re useful when creating a new product, as they can help you understand your audience’s challenges and desires. Ryan Levesque’s ASK method is a great resource for conducting surveys that yield actionable data. Surveys can also serve as a marketing tactic, creating engagement and anticipation for your course. However, they are not a magic wand for predicting the success of your course.
Asking the Right Questions
To gather useful data, you must ask the right questions. These aren’t necessarily about your potential students’ preferences, but about your business strategy and goals. What do you really need to know before launching your course? How will you determine when you’ve collected enough data?
Remember, data is a tool to aid decision-making, not a crystal ball. Its purpose is not to eliminate all risk, but to provide a foundation on which to make informed decisions. You should approach data gathering with a clear understanding of why you’re asking particular questions and what you’ll do with the responses.
The Real Reasons Behind Data Collection
Consider why you’re collecting data in the first place. Are you genuinely seeking insights to shape your course, or are you hesitating and looking for reassurance? It’s normal to feel apprehensive about launching an online course, but don’t let data collection become a form of procrastination.
Once you have the data, are you prepared to pivot your strategy based on what it tells you? If the data suggests your original plan won’t work as expected, you need to be willing to adjust. This adaptability is a critical factor in the success of your course.
And finally, remember that tactics are not a substitute for valuable content. No amount of data or sophisticated marketing strategies can compensate for a course that doesn’t deliver what it promises. Your audience can tell if your course is shallow, no matter how well-packaged it is. Before you become absorbed in data collection, ensure your course provides substantial value.
In conclusion, getting data before you launch an online course can help you make informed decisions and reduce the risk of failure. However, it’s crucial to understand the limitations of data, to ask the right questions, and to use your findings effectively. Most importantly, always remember that no amount of data can replace the need for high-quality content. So, focus on delivering value and let data guide your path to a successful online course launch.
