Among a website’s many capabilities of communicating with the world, eLearning is one of the most underestimated tools being offered. When most people hear the word eLearning, they usually think only of human resources and employee training. However, there are other hats eLearning can don for different situations.

Let’s say you’re selling a new version of a dog crate. Most are made of plastic and come in two snap-together pieces, but yours is more Eco-friendly and made of wood, needing to be assembled after delivery. How can eLearning possibly come into play here? Couldn’t a basic web page with images explain your product? It could, but would it really sell your product like an interactive presentation can? One link leading to an eLearning presentation can display, in many different formats, how your product differs from the competition. Guided video, images, and detailed descriptions that encourage prospective clients to participate can be more demonstrative than a static image on a page.

Let’s not forget the issue of “assembly required.” Those two words are every parent’s nightmare on Christmas Eve. With an eLearning presentation, you can easily show dissections of the product, how each piece fits, and just how easy it is to assemble your product. There’s even a presentation offered for "Frequently Asked Questions" for easy access, and no scrolling down a web page.

Confident after viewing your presentation, a customer can place an order knowing that if there are any difficulties after delivery, he has access to your presentation. A simple click and he has the help he needs (yes, even on Christmas Eve). He can pause and view the assembly examples as many times as needed. There would be no translating a diagram, following the lines of screws and bolts, and trying to figure out which of two look-a-likes really is piece “A05b.” Neither would he have to dial a number to be placed on hold, find a live human, and then attempt to hold the phone to his ears (with his shoulders) while following directions.

Another feature eLearning can offer is the survey/poll tool. If you are successfully selling your product but want valuable feedback from your customers, then an e Learning survey can assist you. With one survey, you can find out if customers have suggestions for improvement on your product, assembly, ordering process, or even your demonstrations. Customers are more inclined to take a two-minute survey than to take the time to fill out a form or go through the hassle of typing an email.

By offering your potential and current customers variety and inviting their interaction, it is possible to open many more doors of opportunity. These are some of the great ways eLearning can help to open those doors.