Why is buying elearning content still so complicated?
If you buy elearning, you’ve likely faced overwhelming choices, confusing pricing, and unclear value.
The likelihood is that you are a Head of, or L&D Director responsible for putting together the business case amongst all of this mess.
You are looking for high quality content that aligns with your organisation, that you can integrate quickly.
What you often see is a process of selecting, purchasing, and integrating it into your LMS can feel like an uphill battle.
Selecting elearning content selection should be simple, and you should be able to do this without compromising quality,
Focus on understanding employee needs, leveraging existing resources, and implementing effective content curation practices.
The data supports this approach:
- 71% of L&D professionals indicate that understanding their employees is the most critical practice for effective content curation. (elearningindustry.com)
- 81% of surveyed respondents report adopting content curation as part of their learning strategy. (elearningindustry.com)
- Nearly 80% of organisations providing elearning content have reported a 20% increase in productivity. (userway.org)
The Biggest Issue? Complexity.
Too many elearning vendors make elearning content selection too hard.
Pricing is complex , the purchasing process is clunky, and differentiating between content providers feels like solving a puzzle without all the pieces.
Are L&D teams limiting their own choices?
Scott Hewitt asks: “Why do L&D Directors often limit their search to just two or three vendors? If they aren’t building a structured review process, how do they know they’re getting the best value or discovering the right content options?”
So, what’s the solution?
Imagine if selecting elearning content was as straightforward as choosing a tv or filmshow,clear options, easy comparisons, and a pricing model that makes sense. That’s exactly what L&D teams need:
Streamlined sales and marketing that simplify content buying.
What’s stopping this from happening?
Many content providers get lost in the complexity of their own offer.
They focus too much on features and not enough on what L&D teams actually need, clarity, flexibility, and value.
Instead of making elearning content selection seamless, they complicate it with rigid pricing, excessive sales steps, and an overwhelming amount of steps in the sales process.
This doesn’t help decision making.
Scott Hewitt asks: “How often do L&D teams map content selection back to their business goals? If the content doesn’t directly link to what the organisation needs, does it really add value?”
L&D teams don’t need more confusion. They need clarity.
- Clearer pricing models: No hidden fees, no complicated tiers, just straightforward costs that make sense.
- Smarter marketing approaches: Instead of overwhelming buyers with excessive sales materials, providers should focus on demonstrating value simply and effectively.
- Strategic content selection: Understanding what L&D teams actually need and making content easy to access.
Scott Hewitt asks: “Should L&D teams rely solely on their own selection criteria, or should they actively speak to stakeholders across the business to ensure alignment?”
What’s next?
Selling Elearning? Make it simple.
Buying? Demand transparency.
Content demand is here to stay, complexity shouldn’t be.
Scott Hewitt asks: “Are L&D teams testing content with employees and gathering feedback? If the goal is engagement and impact, how can they be sure the courses they choose won’t just sit unused in the library?”
Is the elearning purchasing process too complicated in your experience? What would make it easier?
Questions
Why is buying elearning content so complicated for L&D Directors?
L&D Directors navigate too many choices, unclear pricing, and vague value. Buying content feels like solving a puzzle with missing pieces.
Vendors don’t help. Rigid pricing, long sales cycles, and cluttered marketing make it worse.
How can L&D teams simplify selection without limiting options?
Focus on employee needs, maximise existing resources, and curate content effectively. A structured review process helps assess more vendors, while aligning content with business goals ensures real value.
Why does clear pricing matter?
Complex pricing slows decisions. L&D teams need straightforward costs—no hidden fees, no confusing tiers. Transparent pricing makes it easier to compare, assess value, and buy with confidence.
How can L&D teams align content with business goals?
Mapping content to business goals keeps it relevant. Engaging stakeholders strengthens alignment, while testing content and gathering feedback improves engagement and impact.
