In today’s constantly-evolving business landscape, standing still is akin to falling behind. As executives and business owners face new demands, conquer new roadblocks and explore new opportunities, online learning has become an important addition to their continuing education toolboxes. 

What started out as a few organizations experimenting with short videos and coursework on the web has blossomed into an entire industry focused on virtual learning. And it’s not just for high school or college students either: whether someone wants to take a deeper dive into Microsoft Excel, polish their leadership skills or start a profitable side hustle, there are plenty of virtual learning opportunities for them to tap into.

The beauty of online learning is that it happens on your own time and meets you where you are:  be it in the office, hunkered down at a café or sitting on your couch. This convenience and accessibility are helping to drive the virtual learning space to new heights. The market projections vary, but Grandview Research estimates that the global e-learning market is currently valued at about $300 billion and posting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19%. 

 “This rapid growth is driven by increased adoption of digital learning platforms across educational institutions and corporate sectors, fueled by demand for remote learning and upskilling opportunities,” the research firm says. “Advancements in technology, including artificial intelligence, virtual classrooms, and gamification, further enhance user engagement, driving market expansion.”

People are also drawn to virtual learning for its various formats, self-paced options and interactive modules. As the sector has evolved, the course creators themselves have also stepped up their games and now have an array of advanced tools to work with when developing and publishing their handiwork. 

Ultimately, Technavio says “demand for flexible and convenient education options” is pushing more students to explore and use online courses. That momentum isn’t expected to ease anytime soon. “The edtech industry is continuously innovating to meet the evolving needs of learners, offering a wide range of subjects and certifications,” it adds. “The future of education is digital, and online learning platforms are at the forefront of this transformation.”

Want to increase engagement, improve brand awareness and build relationships with your customers (and prospects)? Of course you do. But to get there you need content that actually connects with your readers.

Skip this step and you’ll just wind up wasting time, money and effort on marketing campaigns that don’t produce results.  

In Crafting content that connects, Jennifer Daniel reminds us that content marketing is part-art and part-science, and that it takes a good helping of both to develop campaigns that resonate with readers. Here are some of Daniel’s tips for creating content that connects: 

1. Don’t bury the lead. Respect your readers’ time and grab their attention from the get-go.    
2. Ditch the jargon. And, never use a 5-dollar word when a 50-cent word will do. 
3. An anecdote is the antidote. Share case studies, statistics, and testimonials to build trust and credibility.
4. Skip the buzzwords. Say goodbye to cliches like “innovate,” “disrupt,” and “unprecedented.”   
5. Avoid platitudes and hedging. If it goes without saying, don’t say it.  
6. Practice the rule of thirds. When you finish your initial draft, shorten it by one-third.