Fixing the digital learning fears

Digital learning sounds just great on paper; cost savings, flexibility and scalable training. Despite the clear benefits, many businesses still hesitate to fully invest. So why isn’t everyone jumping on board?

For many companies, the hesitation comes down to a mix of financial, tech and engagement uncertainty. It’s not that they don’t see the potential – it’s that they’re not sure it’s worth the leap.

But the truth is, the longer you wait, the more you risk falling behind.

So let’s take a look at some of those fears businesses (just like you) may be wrestling with:

Eggu team brainstorm

Intimidating upfront costs

Even though digital learning saves money in the long run, the initial investment in platforms, content development, or new tools can be a tough sell. This is especially true for smaller companies or those watching budgets closely.

A common mindset: “Why spend thousands now when our current training kinda works?”

Change feels risky

Switching from traditional, in-person training to digital methods means overhauling systems, retraining staff, and sometimes rethinking company culture.

That’s scary for leadership who’ve done things the same way for years.

Tech phobia

Let’s be honest – not everyone’s confident with tech.

Some decision-makers worry that digital learning is too complicated, too technical, or too prone to glitches. If a platform is clunky or poorly implemented, it reflects badly.

But with the right approach, we not only ease these concerns – we turn skeptics into champions.

Eggu and partners working together

Uncertainty around ROI

Even though the stats are there, some leaders still worry: “What if it doesn’t pay off?”

They might not fully understand how to track ROI from learning initiatives, making it feel like a gamble.

In truth – the ROI of digital learning isn’t just calculated in pounds – it’s in better performance, happier people, and a future-ready workforce.

Lack of internal expertise

Rolling out a proper digital learning strategy takes time, planning, and the right team. If a business doesn’t have a Learning & Development lead or digital learning experts, it can feel overwhelming.

That’s why Eggu is a great team to bring on board. We’ll work as an extension of your team to deliver fantastic online training that suits the needs and culture of your workforce, without the stress.

Summing up

Fear often comes from a lack of understanding or previous bad experiences. But with the right strategy, tools and external team to support you, digital learning is one of the smartest investments a business can make.

Looking for a help in hand to start your digital journey, get in touch with Eggu for friendly, zero-pressure advice.

Learning that pays off: The real ROI of digital learning

Let’s be real – digital learning can sound like one of those buzz words companies throw money at just to look modern. But when done right, it’s not just flashy – it actually works.

When you look at the ROI, digital learning isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s a no-brainer.

We’ve pulled together some of the key returns to your investment that happen off the back of taking that leap into digital training:

Moodle theme designs

Saving money

Think about traditional training—booking venues, printing manuals, hiring instructors, flying in team members. It adds up fast. Digital learning eliminates most of these costs.

Elearning can be easily shaped to accommodate a growing workforce without incurring significant additional costs, which is crucial for organisations experiencing growth.

Once you’ve built a solid elearning module or online course, it’s reusable, scalable, and way cheaper to maintain.

In fact, elearning courses can be significantly more economical, with costs as low as £2.69 per user, compared to £49 per person for face-to-face sessions.

Saving time

Employees don’t need to block off entire days for training anymore. They can learn in snackable chunks, on their own time, at their own pace.

In fact, online training requires 40–60% less employee time than classroom training, allowing employees to return to their tasks more quickly.

Whether it’s during a commute or over a lunch break, learning fits into the flow of their day. Less downtime, more productivity..

Consistency = Quality

With in-person training, the experience can vary depending on who’s teaching. But with digital learning – Everyone gets the same high-quality content.

It’s consistent, accurate, and updated easily when things change. That consistency leads to better knowledge retention and fewer mistakes on the job.

Moodle completion progress bar

Data doesn’t lie

Digital platforms come with analytics. You can see who’s taking the training, how they’re performing, and where they might need help.

That kind of insight is gold. It helps L&D teams improve the material and target support where it’s really needed.

In fact, implementing a Learning Management System (LMS) can lead to a reduction in training costs by an average of 25% to 40%.

Happier, Smarter Teams

Employees actually like learning when it’s done right. Interactive modules, gamification, videos – there’s so much variety now.

When people feel supported and challenged, they stay engaged. And engaged employees? They stick around longer and do better work. Win win!

Summing up

The ROI of digital learning isn’t calculated just in pounds — it’s in better performance, happier people, and a future-ready workforce.

So if you’re still debating whether it’s worth the investment, here’s your sign: it totally is!

If you’re considering digitising your staff training, get in touch with Eggu to chat about the next steps.

How pre-learning online can boost the impact of live training

Eggu have had the pleasure of working in partnership with the fabulous and leading marketing trainers, LockSmith.

Their goal? – To successfully unlock the potential in people behind the brands.

Together, we developed an introductory online module on the Fundamentals of Shopper Realities for the marketing teams at PZ Cussons – A real master class on how to turn shoppers into buyers.

The digital package provided learners with valuable lessons to interact with and complete before applying their new found knowledge in more in-depth and in-person live sessions.

This exciting project included:

  • An Introduction to Shopper Marketing – Presenting background information and key terminology to be used in the live sessions.
  • An interactive journey through The 7 Fundamental Shopper Realities – Planting the seeds of key learning points before the big event.
  • A summative animation – Brining all key learning points together into a vibrant and memorable format to boost knowledge retention and recall.

“The digital learning looks fantastic. Everyone completed it with no issues raised. There was clear evidence in the training that some of the principles covered had started to land with people. From our side, we were super happy with the process and the output.”.

– Chris Lock, Co-founder at LockSmith

Locksmith animation being played to room of marketing executives

So, how can pre-learning online work to really boost the impact of live training in any organisation?

Building foundational knowledge

Interactive online modules, videos or animations are a great way to introduce key concepts before in-person training.

They work to ensure all participants have a baseline understanding, making classroom discussions much more meaningful.

Saving time for practical application

Instead of spending valuable face-to-face time on theory, trainers can focus on those hands-on activities, discussions, and real-world application.

Delivering a portion of the training in advance online maximizes the value of in-person interactions.

Identifying learning gaps early

Any data from online quizzes or feedback forms incorporated within digital learning can really help to gauge learners’ understanding before the in-person session.

Trainers then have the advantage to tailor their face-to-face sessions to specific learner needs and actively address any knowledge gaps.

Increasing engagement and participation

When learners have already started their journey and delved into the topic, they arrive at live sessions even more prepared, motivated and excited.

This can boost their confidence and make them ready to contribute in interactive discussions rather than simply passive listening.

Encouraging self-paced learning

Face-to-face learning can for some seem like information overload. All learners learn in different ways, so by kicking off their experience with digital content that they can digest at their own pace, this can reduce cognitive overload during in-person training.

Importantly, it also allows learners to revisit any materials as needed before attending.

Reducing training costs and time

    Pulling people out of their busy day-to-day role for face-to-face training can present some challenges with competing work deadlines and responsibilities. It can also come with additional travel and accommodation costs for staff.

    So, by reducing live training hours to be focussed on the necessary practical elements of learning, we can make learning and personal development more achievable and easier to fit into those busy work-life demands.

    Summing up

    So, by using pre-training online, any organisation can ensure that their face-to-face training is more efficient, engaging, and results-driven.

    It really transforms that in-person time from information delivery into a dynamic, hands-on learning experience. Winners all round!

    If you’re interested in incorporating a blended solution to your live training, get in touch with Eggu to chat through your needs.

    BBC Bedtime Stories: A blueprint for effective digital learning

    The BBC Bedtime Stories format has evolved into a delightful model for learning that is both engaging and educational.

    Since 2017, the series initially gained popularity with its charming and soothing approach to storytelling, aimed at helping both children and adults calmly wind down before bed.

    Over time, it has expanded its reach, with well-known personalities and celebrities lending their voices to the narration, making it even more engaging for listeners.

    But what can we take from this clever, simplistic format to inspire our leaning styles and techniques to engage audiences of any age?

    Here’s why BBC Bedtime Stories is a great structure for bite-sized learning:

    BBC Bedtime Stories Steve Carrell

    Concise and digestible

    Each episode of BBC Bedtime Stories typically runs between 10 to 20 minutes, offering a perfect length for digestible content.

    In a world where attention spans are shrinking, the short yet impactful duration of the stories ensures that listeners can focus without feeling overwhelmed. This bite-sized approach mirrors the needs of modern learners who want quick, meaningful insights without committing to long hours of content.

    Engaging and immersive

    Storytelling is one of the oldest and most effective ways to convey information.

    Narrative-driven learning creates an emotional connection, making the content not only memorable but also enjoyable. This engagement factor makes learning more appealing and helps keep the learner invested.

    It’s about sparking curiosity and motivating the listener to continue learning, even after the session ends.

    Tone and pace

    The tone of the narrators is consistently soft, warm, and calming ensuring that the listener is enveloped in a comforting and familiar atmosphere.

    The narrators often employ a slow, deliberate pace, with strategic pauses that give the listener time to absorb the story.

    BBC Bedtime Stories Dolly Parton

    Design and delivery

    The visuals in BBC Bedtime Stories are deliberately simple, aligning with the core objective of creating a tranquil, peaceful atmosphere for the listener.

    This minimalist approach avoids overstimulation, allowing the audience to focus solely on the content and engage with the experience without unnecessary distractions.

    One of the key features of the visual style is how it effectively integrates real pages from storybooks. The illustrations are often the focal Pages are often scanned and displayed to give a sense of authenticity and immersion, reinforcing the traditional bedtime reading ritual.

    Consistency and routine

    BBC Bedtime Stories are typically delivered as a regular feature, creating a sense of routine. Consistency is a key factor in any effective learning strategy.

    When bite-sized lessons are incorporated into a daily or weekly habit, learners are more likely to form lasting connections with the material. Regular short learning sessions help to reinforce concepts over time and prevent the overload of information that often accompanies longer, more traditional learning formats.

    Just as we can easily incorporate a nightly bedtime story into our routine, integrating bite-sized learning sessions into a daily or weekly schedule can create a similar positive, reinforcing habit. Over time, this structured repetition can improve long-term retention.

    Summing up

    In an era where digital learning is evolving at a rapid pace, finding formats that make learning engaging, accessible, and effective is crucial.

    BBC Bedtime Stories offers an inspiring model of bite-sized learning that sets a standard for how digital learning can be more than just information delivery — it can be an experience.

    If you’re interested in bringing creativity and design to your next digital learning project, get in touch with Eggu to chat through your needs.

    The role of 3D animation in video tutorials

    3D animation is transforming the way video tutorials educate and engage audiences.

    By adding depth, realism, and interactivity, it enhances learning experiences across industries.

    Here’s our five reasons how:

    1. Simplifying complex concepts

    3D animations can break down intricate subjects into digestible visuals. Whether explaining medical procedures, engineering mechanics, or software interfaces, 3D visuals provide clear, step-by-step demonstrations that improve learner understanding.

    2. Increasing engagement and retention

    Dynamic animations capture the viewer’s attention better than static images or traditional videos. Studies show that learners retain more information when visuals are engaging and interactive, making 3D animation a valuable tool for educational content.

    3. Enhancing brand identity and aesthetics

    For businesses creating tutorials, 3D animation helps maintain a unique, high-quality and professional delivery. Custom animations work to align with a client’s brand guidelines and aesthetics, ensuring a polished and recognisable visual identity.

    4. Supporting interactive and immersive learning

    With the rise of VR (Virtual Reality) and AR (Augmented Reality), 3D animations enable immersive learning experiences. Users can interact with animated objects, explore 360-degree views, and engage with content in an interactive manner.

    5. Enabling global accessibility

    Since 3D animations rely on visuals rather than text-heavy explanations, they help bridge language barriers. Tutorials with animated explanations can reach a broader audience worldwide without extensive localisation.

    Summing up

    3D animation is revolutionising video tutorials by making learning more engaging, accessible, and effective. From corporate training to educational courses and product demonstrations, it plays a crucial role in enhancing comprehension and retention. As technology evolves, its role in digital learning will only continue to grow.

    If you’re interested in using 3D animation to bring your next digital learning project to life, get in touch with Eggu to chat through your needs.

    Why bespoke illustrations are replacing stock imagery in digital learning

    We’ve all heard the saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” In today’s digital age, this couldn’t be more relevant.

    According to Neilson, 70% of social media prefer to engage with visuals rather than text-heavy content.

    However, the nature of these visuals is changing. More brands are moving away from generic stock imagery and embracing bespoke illustrations to enhance their visual identity and create stronger, more authentic connections with their audience.

    The decline of stock imagery

    Stock images have long been the go-to solution for brands and designers needing quick, high-quality visuals. They can work fantastically, but do come with some significant drawbacks.

    While stock images offer convenience and cost savings, they often lack uniqueness. Many stock images appear on multiple websites, making them feel generic and uninspired. This can dilute a brand’s individuality and impact.

    Stock images rarely align perfectly with a brand’s unique messaging and can often fail to capture a brand’s specific essence. This makes it difficult to create a consistent and authentic visual identity.

    Sir Stanley Matthews Foundation elearning

    The rise of bespoke illustrations

    Custom illustrations offer a fresh alternative, providing a host of advantages that help brands stand out in a crowded digital space:

    Boost brand identity

    Bespoke illustrations are becoming a cornerstone for brands aiming to stand out, reflecting their unique identity and values.

    Custom illustrations align perfectly with a brand’s aesthetic, reinforcing its identity and making it more memorable.

    For e-learning platforms and online courses, bespoke illustrations help maintain a cohesive and professional look, strengthening brand identity and making courses more recognizable.

    Personalising learning experiences

    Unlike stock images, illustrations offer limitless creative possibilities, enabling brands to tell their story in a unique and engaging way.

    Unlike stock images, custom illustrations can be tailored to match different learning styles and demographics, making educational content more relatable and inclusive. This fosters a deeper connection between the learner and the material.

    Simplifying complex information

    Bespoke illustrations can break down difficult topics into digestible, easy-to-understand visuals, improving comprehension.

    Bespoke digital illustrations for iHV being created

    Enhancing interactivity

    Illustrations can be incorporated into interactive infographics, gamified elements, and digital storytelling to make learning more dynamic and immersive. Animated illustrations can also be used in explainer videos to enhance understanding.

    Improved user experience

    Illustrations integrated within digital learning can guide users through content seamlessly, improve navigation, and increase engagement.

    Custom illustrations make learning materials visually appealing and interactive, capturing learners’ attention and helping them retain information more effectively. Visuals simplify complex concepts and make abstract ideas more tangible.

    Visually appealing content reduces cognitive overload and makes learning more enjoyable. Students are more likely to stay engaged when presented with creative and thoughtfully designed illustrations.

    A shift towards inclusivity and diversity

    One of the most significant recent visual trends is the emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. Brands are no longer relying on one-size-fits-all imagery; instead, they are commissioning illustrations that authentically represent a diverse range of ethnicities, body types, genders, and lifestyles.

    Custom visuals can depict diverse characters, scenarios, and learning environments, ensuring inclusivity and representation in digital learning materials. This is especially important for global audiences.

    This shift is not just a moral imperative — it’s also good business. In the UK, 64% of consumers expect companies to take a stand on social issues, including representation and inclusivity.

    HEART UK bespoke booklet illustration designs

    The future of visual storytelling

    In a world where digital users crave authenticity, brands must move beyond stock imagery and embrace the limitless possibilities of bespoke illustrations.

    Whether it’s through whimsical graphics, bold artistic statements, or hand-drawn elements that reflect real-world diversity, bespoke illustrations allow brands to forge deeper, more meaningful connections with their audience.

    The future of digital learning design lies in crafting engaging, visually compelling stories – and custom illustrations are the key to unlocking that potential.

    If you’re looking for bespoke illustrations to bring your next digital learning project or marketing campaign to life, get in touch with Eggu to chat through your needs.

    Is your small business facing burnout?

    Burnout among small business owners in the UK has become a pressing concern, with various studies highlighting its rise and impact.

    A survey by FreeAgent in May 2023 revealed that 37% of small business owners admitted to experiencing burnout due to increasing demands.

    Let’s face it – freelancing or operating a small business in the current UK economic climate has it’s pressures and challenges. But taking healthy steps to maintain resilience is essential for business progression.

    So, what contributes to small business burnout?

    Extended working hours

    Research from Simply Business indicates that one in three (33%) small business owners have faced burnout, working an average of over 46 hours per week. That’s 10 hours more than the UK average, which can ultimately lead to physical and mental exhaustion.

    Insufficient leave

    Three-quarters (73%) of small business owners take fewer than 20 days off annually. That’s below the UK statutory entitlement of 28 days.

    Work-life imbalance

    An American Express survey reported that 88% of small business leaders experience work regularly interrupting their personal lives, with over a quarter (27%) facing such interruptions daily.

    Impact on mental health

    The Mental Health UK survey highlighted that 80% of small business owners experience symptoms of poor mental health, including stress, anxiety, and depression, at least a few times a year.

    Girl working from bed at home on laptop

    So, what steps can we take to mitigate burnout?

    Delegation

    Assigning tasks to employees or outsourcing to fellow freelancers can reduce the workload and allow business owners to focus on critical areas. Collaborating and partnering with similar sized businesses can also bring a range of benefits to lighten the load and boost your offering.

    Setting boundaries

    Establishing clear work hours and ensuring time for personal activities can help maintain a healthier work-life balance. It’s tough when the responsibility is on your shoulders, but productivity will undoubtedly improve by restoring balance in your life.

    Regular breaks

    Taking regular breaks and ensuring adequate annual leave are essential for mental and physical rejuvenation. If booking a two week holiday might be detrimental to your business, make sure you schedule more long weekends to amp up the down-time.

    Seeking support

    Engaging with professional networks, mentors, or mental health professionals can provide guidance and emotional support. Talking openly with businesses close to you can also give you great insight to how they might tackle similar challenges.

    Man working on laptop from bed at night

    Summing up

    Addressing burnout is crucial not only for the well-being of small business owners but also for the sustainability and growth of their businesses.

    Implementing proactive measures can help mitigate the risks associated with burnout and promote a healthier work environment.

    Now, to slightly lighten the mood… check out Dom Joly (AKA creator of Trigger Happy TV) fronting Air Landline’s advert to hilariously play out the tricky challenges of work-life balance.

    The power of storytelling in elearning

    Storytelling has always been a fundamental part of human communication, helping to engage, inspire, and educate.

    In elearning, incorporating storytelling techniques can make learning experiences more immersive and impactful.

    But why does storytelling work so well in digital learning?

    Increases engagement

    Stories captivate learners by creating an emotional connection with the content, making them more likely to stay focused and motivated.

    Well-developed characters and relatable situations allow learners to connect emotionally, making training more impactful and fostering a deeper understanding.

    Provides context and meaning

    Real-world scenarios and characters help learners understand abstract concepts in a relatable way.

    By embedding concepts into real-life situations, storytelling helps learners understand how the knowledge applies to their own experiences, making learning more meaningful.

    Improves retention

    People remember stories better than isolated facts. A well-crafted narrative helps learners retain information more effectively.

    Simplifies complex ideas

    Storytelling can break down difficult or technical subjects into digestible, relatable narratives, making it easier for learners to grasp challenging concepts.

    Encourages critical thinking

    Scenario-based storytelling presents challenges or problems that learners must navigate, reinforcing practical application and fostering analytical thinking and decision-making skills.

    Find out how to enhance the impact of your digital learning with bespoke storytelling?

    How can digital learning boost your marketing strategy?

    Digital learning isn’t just for education — it’s a powerful tool that can transform marketing strategies by improving customer engagement, brand presence, and internal team efficiency.

    Here’s how incorporating digital learning can elevate your marketing efforts:

    EDITED video training being used within a clothing store setting

    Educating customers to drive engagement

    Consumers are more likely to trust brands that provide valuable knowledge. Creating digital learning content, such as online courses, webinars, or interactive tutorials, helps educate your audience about your products or industry, positioning your brand as an undeniable field expert.

    Enhancing customer retention with interactive content

    Digital learning methods like quizzes, gamification, and interactive videos make marketing content more engaging. This keeps users invested in your brand, leading to better customer retention.

    Upskilling marketing teams

    Digital learning isn’t just for customers — it helps marketing teams stay ahead of trends by boosting their skills and performance too.

    Locksmith bespoke elearning

    Expanding audience reach

    Creating valuable digital learning content can attract a wider audience beyond your existing customer base. It’s likely that people searching for educational content may discover your brand organically, increasing exposure.

    Improving lead generation

    Gated learning content, such as free courses or e-books, can be used as lead magnets. Offering exclusive educational materials in exchange for sign-ups helps generate quality leads.

    Increasing product adoption

    For businesses selling tech products or software, digital learning tools like onboarding videos and interactive tutorials or demos help customers understand and use the product effectively.

    Strengthening community engagement

    Building an online learning community around your brand fosters long-term engagement. Discussion forums, live Q&A sessions, and collaborative courses create stronger brand connections.

    EDITED customer marketing training

    Summing up

    Digital learning is more than just an educational tool. As we’ve seen from our recent project with marketing pros LockSmith, it’s a strategic asset for modern marketing.

    Whether through customer education, internal training, or lead generation, integrating digital learning into your marketing strategy can enhance engagement, trust, and brand loyalty.

    Are you looking to inject digital learning into your marketing strategy? Why not get in touch with Eggu to see how it can be done?

    Celebrating the power of partnerships in small business

    Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) remain the backbone of the UK’s economy, accounting for 99.9% of the business population at the start of 2024.

    While traditional, formal partnerships have seen a decline, collaborative efforts among small businesses are on the rise.

    These modern partnerships often involve resource sharing, co-marketing initiatives, and joint ventures, enabling SMEs to expand their reach and enhance operational efficiency. This trend reflects a strategic shift towards cooperation, allowing small businesses to remain competitive in a dynamic market.

    Partnerships offer a powerful way to drive growth, increase brand visibility, and enhance operational efficiency.

    Eggu team meeting

    Just like Eggu, here’s why more small businesses are embracing collaborations:

    1. Expanding reach and audience growth

    Partnering with another business allows both parties to tap into each other’s customer base, increasing brand awareness without the high costs of traditional marketing. This cross-promotion strategy helps small businesses grow faster.

    2. Sharing resources and reducing costs

    Small businesses often face budget constraints. By collaborating, they can pool resources, share technology, and split marketing expenses, making operations more cost-effective.

    3. Enhancing credibility and trust

    Collaborations can boost credibility, positioning both businesses as industry leaders and fostering customer confidence.

    4. Diversifying offerings

    By partnering with a complementary business, small companies can expand their product or service offerings without having to develop them from scratch. In crowded markets, this helps small businesses gain a competitive advantage and stand out.

    5. Boosting innovation

    Working with another business brings fresh ideas and perspectives, sparking innovation and creative problem-solving.

    Celebrating a new partnership

    Summing up

    As small businesses look for smarter ways to grow, partnerships provide a strategic, low-risk way to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.

    Eggu are always on the hunt for exciting agencies to partner with on to deliver our clients a blended solution to meet the specific needs or any project requirement.

    Looking to collaborate with a digital expert to snag that next contract? Why not get in touch with Eggu to discuss your partnership ideas?