Have you ever wondered what makes you feel at home when you enter a new place? Some may say it’s comfort, peace, or love. But we believe it’s information. We, as humans, are wired to seek knowledge and learn. After all, you’re here reading this article to discover something new, aren’t you? And if this article didn’t fulfill your needs, you might feel like you’ve wasted your time. Well, the same goes for your end-users, whether they’re employees or customers. If you don’t onboard them properly, they’ll feel lost and frustrated. So, it’s crucial to train them effectively and smoothly.
In this article, we’ll explore how to conduct user training, provide examples of user training, and discuss the top business training software. But before we dive into that, let’s first understand what end-user training is.
What is End-User Training?
End-User Training ensures that your target audience, mostly employees, is aligned with your company and its needs. There are various ways to conduct end-user training, but the most common approach in 2023 is to use interactive on-screen guidance or similar methods. End-user training can take place at various stages of the user journey, with employee onboarding and user onboarding being the most typical examples.
In a world where remote onboarding is becoming the new norm, virtual end-user training is gaining greater importance. Why? Because it offers several advantages.
Why is end-user training important?
Imagine hiring a writer who doesn’t know how to write or a mechanic who has never seen a car. The same principle applies to end-user training. It is essential for several reasons:
- Improved productivity: Well-trained end-users work in sync, leading to increased productivity rates.
- Added value: Training your end-users helps build a better profile for your organization and achieve better results.
- Enhanced accuracy: Well-trained end-users bring value quickly, benefiting both them and your organization. This leads to improved accuracy levels.
Now that we understand why end-user training is crucial, let’s explore the different types of user training.
Types of User Training
User training can be categorized into three main types:
Self-Instruction Training 📚
This method requires users to learn independently, without active assistance. However, it is the least successful approach because it doesn’t ensure users’ success.
Face-to-Face Training 🗣
In face-to-face training, an instructor guides the end-users individually or in groups. This method is less harsh than self-instruction training and allows for personalized assistance.
Automated Online (Virtual) Training ✊
Online end-user training is the most popular method in 2023. It doesn’t require one-on-one instruction and can be easily implemented using online training software. This approach simplifies the training process and ensures a seamless user experience.
How to Conduct User Training the Right Way (5 Crucial Steps)
To ensure a successful user training program, follow these five crucial steps:
1. List Out Why Your End-Users Need to Be Trained
Determine the reasons why your end-users require training. Are you introducing something new, going through changes, or onboarding new employees? Each scenario may require a slightly different approach to achieve the best results.
For example, when introducing a new feature to existing end-users, you can focus solely on the new aspect without overwhelming them with all the details. Utilize a resource center and interactive feature walkthroughs to provide an easy virtual end-user experience.
2. Make a List of What The End-User Needs
Before diving into training, list out what your end-users will require. Consider material necessities like platform access, necessary accounts, and equipment. Additionally, identify what should be included in the training program, such as detailed feature explanations, working virtual tools, progress tracking, and access to further help.
3. Ensure a Detailed Training Program
Details are key to creating a perfect end-user training program. Put yourself in the shoes of a new end-user and consider what they need to know. Test the training process and gather feedback from users to refine and improve it. If needed, seek assistance from onboarding or change management specialists, or consider using a third-party tool that offers comprehensive training solutions.
4. Provide Clear Instructions for Further Help
Make it easy for end-users to seek assistance when they encounter problems. Adding a “further help” button or similar options enhances user experience and makes you more reliable.
5. Collect Feedback from End-Users
To continuously improve your training program, gather feedback from end-users. Ask them about their experience during the training process, any issues they faced, and suggestions for improvement. Valuing the end-user’s voice not only reassures them but also enhances your credibility.
User Training Example – How RAM Succeeded in New Software Implementation
RAM, a South African courier service, faced the challenge of training over 1000 employees when migrating to a modern IT system. Face-to-face training was not feasible, and self-learning could lead to chaos. To tackle this, RAM adopted UserGuiding, an all-in-one user onboarding software.
UserGuiding allowed RAM to guide users through their new platform, provide assistance during daily tasks, certify users upon completing guides and experiences, and more. With interactive guides, checklists, tooltips, and further help options, RAM ensured their end-users received proper training and support.
Top Business Training Software in 2023
To simplify virtual end-user training, consider utilizing the following software solutions:
- UserGuiding
- WalkMe
- Iorad
- Dokit
Among these options, UserGuiding stands out as an affordable, customer-oriented tool that offers all essential features for end-user training. It allows you to create paths, collect data, include videos, and create actionable checklists, resource centers, and NPS surveys.
WalkMe specializes in digital walkthroughs and user guidance but requires technical knowledge or developer assistance. Furthermore, it is a more expensive option compared to UserGuiding.
Iorad is suitable for personal usage, offering step-by-step tutorials with video and audio recording. However, its pricing might be too high for a product with limited use.
Dokit excels in simplicity and intuitiveness, allowing easy creation of interactive tutorials. It offers the most affordable option, starting at under €5 per month.
Conclusion
End-user training is vital for the success of your organization. By investing in proper training, you align your employees and users with your company’s values and systems. Tools like UserGuiding make the training process easier, affordable, and more effective.
Remember to gather feedback from end-users, as their experiences and suggestions will help you refine and improve your training program. By valuing their voice, you enhance the user experience and establish yourself as a credible source.
To learn more about end-user training and other topics, visit Zenith City News and stay informed!
