4 Phases to Take You through an Epic LMS Launch and Beyond

So you’ve just invested in a learning management system (LMS), an exciting step for the future of your company. But, now that you have the tool to optimize learning and employee training, how can you be sure to take the right steps to implement the system to get the most out of your new investment?

We’re here to help! We’ve broken down the implementation and launch preparation process into three phases. Follow along step by step, through each stage to help you integrate your new LMS. Get ready to be a master at creating content and troubleshooting a training program, making big waves for your all-star team!

Phase 1: You have a new LMS, now what?

Before you can launch your new LMS training program we suggest you take these five steps to set you up for a successful launch:

1.       Conduct a training needs analysis

Using a qualified HR professional or training manager, conduct a training needs analysis that is centered on accurately identifying what, or who needs training. If you need help asking the right questions, consider the questions posed by XpertHR to help get you started.

Importantly, with your business goals in mind, ask what outcomes you would like to see from your LMS training initiatives. This is at the heart of your “how,” and your “why,” and will function as a great directive to guide your training analysis and give you the best result. From there you can begin to link your desired outcomes with the behaviors and results from your training program.

2.       Define Your Overall Learning Goal

Now that you know what you would like to see from a business standpoint, it’s time to identify some specific learning goals to measure your success throughout the project. Clear goals will help you to continue moving in the right direction.

3.       Create a Learning Map

Goals are identified, now how are you going to map the route to get learners to your desired outcomes? Map out a learning journey with your new LMS that gives you a basic structure to start your training program off with some direction and shapes your training program to deliver opportunities for further development.

4.       Develop stellar content

After identifying some of your goals, you should have a pretty good idea of the content you will need to prepare to launch. Spend time preparing plenty of content with quality training objectives to set your future employees or learners up for a successful future.

5.       Become an LMS expert

You should be a master at your new LMS. Take time to get to know your new system backward and forward so you can utilize the many benefits that it brings to your organization. You have the opportunity to create massive increases in functionality, organization, and effective learning—but it starts with you. Sink your teeth in and get the most out of it.

Phase 2: Prepare for an epic launch

This stage will help you create a seamless launch process:

1.       Delegate training

Now that you’ve mastered the LMS, it’s time to pass on the in-depth knowledge, in a lively current, to the masses. Strategize. It might work best for your organization to take the time to train managers in each department and have them conduct training with their team. Delegating training efforts might be the best way to go.

2.       Plan a killer campaign

Even before your main campaign hits the stage, spark interest with teaser content, alluding to things to come. Without giving too much away, you can create excitement about your new platform release with hints around the office, worksites, emails, and internal communications. This will drive excitement and give you a chance for some minor testing of your launch ideas, driving engagement before your project goes live.

3.       Create a clear brand for your platform

Take the opportunity when you launch your platform to have a fully realized, fleshed out brand. You want your clients and employees to have a memorable experience right off the bat, familiarizing them for future training, and keeping them coming back.

4.       Get high-level staff members onboard

The health of your launch campaign will increase if you can gather endorsements on a high level. If the hype is supported from the top in the heads of departments and among C-suite executives, implementation should be taken seriously by other staff members. Changing the way you train is a big deal and driving importance from management will help you to achieve seamless assimilation.

5.       Launch a pilot region in preparation

Even during a well-planned launch, unexpected problems can arise. Planning a launch to a selected pilot region before your grand launch can help you achieve valuable user testing. It gives you an opportunity to identify any issues that could potentially cause problems during your main launch.

Phase 3: Get ready to Launch Party!!

You made it. You planned the perfect LMS Launch:

1.       Provide your learners the tools they need

Before your clients and employees can engage, send instructions on exactly how to use the new platform. Include detailed instructions for exciting features and integral tools, so they can be successful immediately. Use clear, concise language and include graphics if helpful so they can download, access, and get learning!

2.       Prepare an introductory video tour

One exceptionally helpful tool to provide at first encounter with your LMS is a standout tour video. Engage your learners immediately with just enough content to orient and familiarize them with the platform and make them feel welcome.

3.       Provide the “why” for learners

Learners should know immediately how the platform will benefit them individually. Taking time to create quality content will not only fulfill the requirements of higher-ups but makes them feel like they are spending their time in a valuable pursuit.

4.       Trigger ongoing learning with welcome badges

If your new LMS has gamification capabilities, encourage your users upon first learning session. The small reward will leave them wanting to continue to explore.

Phase 4: Set Yourself up for Ongoing Success

Create ongoing engagement for post-launch success:

So, you’ve pulled off a successful launch. You managed to drive interest and you are officially up and running. Now, on to running your new LMS and setting up your future for success. But how are you going to continue to drive users and keep them happy, creating a reputation that will provide ongoing business?

1.       Plan regular updates for your LMS

Provide regular updates to ride on the momentum of your launch. A great way to consistently create buzz around your LMS is through the release of new content. You’ve got a healthy base, and people will want more!

2.       Recognize your super learners

Even after you’ve got healthy traffic to your LMS, there will naturally be some users that visit more frequently. Take the time to recognize your top learners publicly. Those users who are already enthusiastic about your platform might likely be willing to boost your LMS by their own social feedback as well as through engagement on your social outlets.

3.       Create an ongoing email campaign

Regular emails help to keep your community engaged. Boast any emerging developments, new content, and programs, information about online learning, and continue to call out your super learners.

4.       Drive continued engagement

Find ways to continue to promote your brand. With users taking up speed, you might consider running a competition with prizes on your platform to get them to keep coming back.

5.       Get the most out of your reporting feature

One of the great features of any LMS is the ability to stream information into an effective reporting suite. Easily view scores and information on your users and employees with an overview function—this will only help you continue to improve content. Data is effective for improving your system moving forward.

6.       Take social learning farther with social discussions

Take the time to engage with learners and employees with the built-in tools of your LMS. If it allows for social engagement through your LMS, take the time to generate discussions and create communities on your platform.

Congratulations on your success!

These steps should take you successfully from planning, to launch, and beyond with your new LMS. If you’ve followed along, you should be fully set up to continue growth and engagement well into the coming years.