Why customers are happy to pay
Lynda started when there wasn’t much competition.
A lot of Lynda’s early traction came from teaching software that students couldn’t learn elsewhere. Her early classes were done offline about programs that were so new that students were willing to fly to her class from across the country.
Lynda had a reputation before starting her business.
Before there was Lynda the company, there was Lynda the author. She wrote the very first industry book on Web design, Designing Web Graphics, in 1995. Each of her books included an incentive for readers to go to Lynda.com, where she built an audience that became her company’s first customers.
Marketing happened organically, through word of mouth.
Lynda said many times in the interview that marketing isn’t her forte, teaching is. So until recently, she focused heavily on class quality, and let the marketing happen mostly through word of mouth.
The offline competition is more expensive and less convenient.
Lynda doesn’t see her competition as the free videos on sites like YouTube. For her customers, the real alternative is expensive, offline classes at local schools. Compared to them, Lynda.com offers a reasonably-priced and more convenient option.
Lessons are taught by leaders at the tops of their fields.
For professional subjects, students want to know that they’re learning from credible teachers, something they can’t always be sure of with free content online.
Students can learn on their own time and repeat lessons.
In a traditional setting, students can’t repeat a class over and over until they get what they need. By using the Lynda.com videos, they’re free to move through each lesson at their own pace.
Lynda offers lots of free samples.
Free may not be the company’s business model, but it is one of Lynda.com’s best marketing strategies. Students can sample classes and get a feel for the quality of the teachers and materials before
Full program includes
– You’ll hear the biography of Lynda.com.
– You’ll learn many tips that you can use to build your subscription-based business.
– You’ll see how Lynda.com develops its classes.