Turning Content Creation Into A Profitable DTC Course

Industry Segment: Online Educational Content

Project Summary

After establishing a powerful online video content presence, GANI's client was eager to explore new ways to boost their revenue. Using proven product development methods we led them through a dynamic evaluation process to decide between building a custom training management system or utilizing a third-party hosting service. When we identified the long-term revenue potential of creating their own software still provided a strong ROI, the GANI team worked side by side with the client to bring their vision to life and successfully launch an exciting new paid course service. develop the system and launch the paid course successfully.

The Goal

As an independent content creator, this client didn’t have the in-house resources to pland and develop a cohesive product development and launch strategy. This client engaged the GANI team to evaluate the short/long-term effectiveness and costs of two different development paths for their new online educational course service.

The client used the results of our analysis to inform the decision to build their own software, rather than engaging a third-party hosting service that would result in revenue loss. Our team then guided the client through the product development process to create a solid product with strong brand ownership.

Our Process

We utilized the base principles of the product development life cycle (PDLC) to thoroughly review the different solutions available to the client based on their defined requirements for user engagement, pricing, and simple user experience. Additionally, we brought in our marketing experts to provide insight on the value of improved brand and SEO performance if an internal solution was built.

After all this research GANI presented the findings and a recommendation to build a custom solution. We then partnered with the client to scope, design, build, and plan the launch of a new software system that would host the paid course service, including a successful beta phase with top customers for finalizing the software.

The Results

This client experienced a strong product launch. Selling more than 20 courses in the first 10 days, and having 80% of those customers complete the course within the first month. All in all, 12% of visitors to the client’s site signed up for the course, which is well above the industry average of 8%. During the first month, this successful launch of a new software service generated $1,400 in revenue for our client ensuring the development ROI was less than 12 months.