Ready, Steady, Go!
Most SME e-learning projects don’t fail because the content is bad.
They stall because the groundwork was never done.
Someone says “We need training”, a tool gets chosen, and content starts being pulled together…
…and a few months later you’re left with half a course, stretched budgets, and a nagging feeling that it still won’t fix the problem you started with.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
Before you build anything, there are a few things worth slowing down to get right.
Doing this prep work doesn’t delay progress, it protects it.
Why preparation matters more than speed
Starting an e-learning project without clarity is a bit like saying “build me a house” and assuming everyone pictures the same thing.
“You said an orange tree”.
What usually follows:
misaligned expectations
scope creep
unexpected costs
a course that technically works… but doesn’t change performance
Time spent preparing upfront saves far more time, money, and frustration later.
With clients, this early thinking usually happens during structured discovery, before anyone commits to a solution or platform.
Because sometimes, the right answer isn’t building e-learning at all.
1. Get clear on the problem you’re trying to solve
Before tools, templates, or timelines, ask:
Why is this training needed?
What isn’t working right now?
What should people be able to do differently afterwards?
If you can’t clearly answer those questions, no amount of content will fix it.
Training should solve a performance problem, not just fill a knowledge gap.
2. Be realistic about the resources you actually have
E-learning isn’t just “someone uploads content”.
You’ll likely need:
People – subject matter input, reviewers, decision-makers
Time – to write, review, test, and refine
Tools – authoring software, visuals, hosting
Existing content – policies, guides, processes (often messier than expected)
Clarifying who owns what and how much time they really have available helps prevent projects from stalling halfway through.
3. Choose an approach that fits how your business works
You don’t need to know the names of learning methodologies, but you do need to know how change happens in your business.
Some organisations need:
a clear, linear plan because requirements won’t change
an iterative approach because priorities evolve
a hybrid because reality sits somewhere in between
The key is alignment, everyone knowing how decisions will be made and when feedback is expected.
Here are three popular approaches to consider:
Waterfall (ADDIE):
A traditional, linear model that works well for projects with clear, fixed requirements. The stages: Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation are completed in sequence. While thorough, it can be less flexible if changes are needed mid-project.
Agile (LLAMA):
The LLAMA (Lot Like Agile Management Approach) method, designed by Megan Torrance, blends Agile principles with e-learning development. It emphasises rapid iteration, collaboration, and regular feedback loops. This is ideal for projects where priorities might evolve or where stakeholder input is ongoing.
Hybrid:
A combination of Waterfall and Agile, this approach uses a structured start while allowing iterative development in later stages. It offers the best of both worlds for teams, balancing flexibility with structure.
Whichever method you choose, ensure your team and stakeholders understand the process to manage expectations effectively.
4. Set a budget that reflects impact, not just cost
Budgets usually need to cover:
internal or external support
software or licences
assets (images, video, voiceover)
hosting or access for learners
If the budget is tight, prioritise what actually drives performance.
Simple, well-designed learning almost always beats polished content that misses the point.
5. Map timelines that reflect real life
Without clear milestones, projects drift.
Useful things to agree upfront:
review points
decision gates
launch criteria
time buffers (because life happens)
Even a simple plan is better than vague optimism. And use a project management tool, whether it’s a simple Google Sheets or Excel worksheet or something like Asana. Keep yourself and others accountable and on track.
6. Don’t over-engineer the technology
You don’t need the “best” platform; you need the right one.
Ask:
Where will people access this?
Do we actually need completion tracking?
What devices will learners use?
Sometimes an LMS makes sense.
Sometimes it doesn’t.
Technology should support learning, not dictate it.
Authoring Tools:
Select one that matches your team’s skill level and course requirements. Popular options include Rise 360 for responsive courses or Storyline for more customisation. But there are many different authoring tools out there and you can create great e-learning using PowerPoint. It just depends on your learner and what you as a business need to track or use for hosting the course.
LMS:
If you don’t already have an LMS, explore options that suit your organisation’s size and needs, like Moodle, TalentLMS, or LearnUpon.
Compatibility: Ensure your course will work across devices and browsers your learners are likely to use.
You can deploy your content on your network or an external site like AWS for simple access for learners. When you don’t need to track completion or manage your learners, you may not need an LMS.
7. Create basic templates before you build
Templates save time and reduce rework.
Even simple ones help:
content outlines
page layouts
tone and language guidelines
This keeps things consistent, especially if more than one person is involved.
8. Decide how communication will work
E-learning projects generate a lot of documents, feedback, and assets.
Agree early:
how updates will be shared
where documents live
how feedback is given and approved
Good communication prevents confusion later.
9. Anticipate the things that usually go wrong
Common risks include:
scope creep
late stakeholder feedback
technical surprises
resistance to change
You don’t need a complex risk log, just honest conversations about what might derail things and how you’ll respond.
A final thought before you build anything
If you’re feeling overwhelmed at this stage, that’s often a sign you’re trying to jump to solutions too quickly.
Many SMEs benefit from stepping back and asking:
“Is training actually the right answer and if so, what kind?”
A helpful next step
Before committing time or budget to building e-learning, I often work with businesses through a Performance & Clarity session.
It’s designed to:
pinpoint where performance is really being lost
decide whether training is the right lever
clarify what kind of solution will actually help
If you want to avoid building the wrong thing (or building too early), that’s a sensible place to start.
You’re welcome to book a no-pressure conversation to explore it.
Because preparation isn’t slowing you down, it’s how you make sure your effort pays off.