Whether you need to show a client how to do something or if you want to host a group training session, the internet has made it super easy for us. With the ability to share your screen, host your own webinar and create a classroom environment, giving instructions and/or training online is easily within your grasp with these webinar and training software options.
Webinar Software
Webinar software apps allow you to train and give instruction to a live audience. Some also have the ability to record training and even host automated and paid-for training sessions.
Gotowebinar (£69+VAT)
At VACT HQ, we tend to use Gotowebinar / Gotmeeting for our training calls. You do have to pay to use it but you can pay just for the months you use. Prices start at £69 per month – so not cheap but you have the ability for their software to take control of the registration prior to the event, video conferencing, recordings converted and archived , webcams on, emails post the event – the list is endless and definitely one to check out.
Google+ Hangouts and Skype
Google+ Hangouts and Skype both offer the option to have up to 10 people on a video call, but both come with a down side. You cannot sell products during a Google+ Hangout and you cannot sell the video afterwards which could be a problem if you want to fully utilise your training sessions, but you can upload the video straight to YouTube and your website.
To have 10 people on a Skype video call, you need to have a premium account (which isn’t free). Skype also doesn’t give you the option to record, so you’ll need separate software for that, but it does give you the ability to share your screen, making it super valuable for your training sessions.
Zoom (Free and paid)
Zoom is another free option – again, with an upgradable paid-for package. The free option allows you to have up to 25 participants on a call, but the call itself cannot exceed 40 minutes. If you need your calls to last longer and want to host up to 200 participants, you’re better opting for one of their paid-for packages. Zoom also gives you the option to record both video and audio versions of your call, as well as the ability to share your screen.
Webinars On Air (From $19.97 a month)
This software option is built on top of Google+ Hangouts. It enables you to sell from within the video and you have the option to charge for attendance too. You can also make your videos automated and recurring – great if you want to get recurring income from your training videos and share your desktop with the audience. The basic package allows you up to 25 attendees, but they have options for up to 5,000 people.
Online Course Content
If you’re looking to create more of an online, reusable training program that you can drip feed to attendees and charge a training fee, take a look at these three different options.
Simplero ($100 a month)
Simplero is the software I now use to deliver all of the online training course elements. I also use it for Customer Relationship Management and for sending out my newsletters each week. It is not the cheapest, but I am loving the personalised support and attention to detail that comes with being part of their family!
Udemy
Udemy is one of the most popular platforms for online training. You can create both free and paid-for courses. Your course is entirely hosted on Udemy’s site (from opt-in page and payment gateway to course content), so you don’t have to worry about EU VAT regulations, and Udemy take a percentage of every sale – so no upfront fees.
JigsawBox ($67 a month)
JigsawBox on the other hand, is a monthly paid-for service. They host your course for you but, unlike Udemy, they only provide the course content, so you need to take payment via a payment provider AND deal with EU VAT yourself. However, you get to keep all of the payments collected.
Hosting a training event and giving instructions online can vary widely. It really does depend on who you’re training, what you’re providing and how much control you want. If you’re offering impromptu training, you’ll do well to stick to the free and low cost webinar options. However, on the other hand, if you’re looking to consistently provide training and want to best utilise that content, look to go for either a platform that lets you record your event or one that allows you to charge for it.
What training options do you use in your business? Do you provide training or have the wide variety of available options put you off doing so? What options could you trial and what action steps can you implement to start utilising your training? Why not share your thoughts and opinions in the comments box below!
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