Why it's Important to Choose the Right LMS?
Choosing the right LMS is critical for the success of your e-learning program. An LMS helps you manage your training and development programs, track learner progress, and provide analytics to help you measure the effectiveness of your courses. With the right LMS, you can create engaging and effective courses that help your learners achieve their goals. However, choosing the wrong LMS can lead to poor learner engagement, low completion rates, and a poor return on investment.
Common Mistakes While Choosing an LMS
Not Considering the Needs of the Organization and Learners
Ask what industries they serve!
One of the most common mistakes people make when choosing an LMS is not considering the needs of the organization and learners. It's essential to choose an LMS that meets the specific needs of your organization and your learners. Consider your organization's size, the number of learners, the type of courses you want to offer, and the level of customization you need. Also, consider your learners' needs, including their background, skills, and learning preferences. My recommendation is to set your own standard for what % of their customers are in the industry you serve. Then chase after that metric.
Not Testing the LMS Before Purchasing
Ask for a trial!
If an LMS provider isn't willing to offer a free (or even paid) trial - raise a red flag. It means that they are not proud of their product or it's not user friendly enough to be self-serve. Another common mistake people make when choosing an LMS is not testing it before purchasing. It's crucial to test the LMS to ensure that it meets your organization's needs and your learners' expectations. When you do get into trial, involve your learners in the testing process to get their feedback and ensure that the LMS meets their needs.
Ignoring Scalability and Future Requirements
Ask for a product roadmap!
Are they innovating? Do they listen to their customers and co-create with them? Ignoring scalability and future requirements is another common mistake people make when choosing an LMS. Your organization's needs may change over time, and you don't want to be stuck with an LMS that can't grow with you. It's essential to consider the LMS's scalability and future requirements, such as the ability to add new courses, users, and features.
Not Considering the Support and Maintenance
Ask to speak with customer success!
Not considering the support and maintenance is another common mistake people make when choosing an LMS. It's essential to choose an LMS that comes with reliable support and maintenance. The LMS vendor should provide technical support and training to help you get the most out of the LMS. Also, consider the cost of maintenance and support when choosing an LMS.
Not Analyzing the Cost-Benefit Ratio
Ask for case studies!
Not analyzing the cost-benefit ratio is another common mistake people make when choosing an LMS. It's crucial to consider the LMS's cost and the benefits it provides. Consider the cost of purchasing and implementing the LMS, the cost of maintenance and support, and the potential return on investment. Also, consider the cost of not choosing the right LMS and the potential loss of revenue and productivity.
Not Considering the Security and Data Privacy
Ask if they are SOC2 compliant!
Not considering the security and data privacy is another common mistake people make when choosing an LMS. It's essential to choose an LMS that provides robust security and data privacy features. Ensure that the LMS complies with industry standards for data security and privacy, such as GDPR (good for UK) and SOC2 (great for California). Also, consider the LMS's security features, such access control and what personal data they collect. This should be listed in their privacy policy at the very least.
