You’ve built a comprehensive software tool that is going to specifically address the needs of your carefully selected user-base. The marketing platform is in place, you’ve had a promotional demonstration built and performed countless iterations of SEO and viral deployment; showcasing your product to the world.

Soon enough, your customer base starts to grow and with it, an emerging need for technical support.

Corporations today spend massive amounts of money on technical support. In fact, according to ASPonline, support costs have surmounted to over 20% of the revenue gathered by the software sale. The same concept rings true for internal software tools. Historically, training an employee on a new software product has been estimated at around $200. An article published by the Wall Street Journal commented that "On-demand e-learning, delivered over the Web or by audio or videodisc, has become the second most popular approach to learning and training for small businesses" and "...sales increased, as did demand for more courses, and training costs fell to less than $100 per person from between $175 and $200".

What does this data mean for software developers? Educational Demonstrations, provided by companies like RedWoodsMedia, are becoming a mandatory offering when new web-tools and software products are being launched. In fact, most companies are leaving it to the professionals and incorporating the costs of said demonstrations into the development process.

Interested in targeting that ever-elusive older demographic? Breaking down boundaries with this technology-resistant population can be difficult, especially if they’re forced to read pages of technical documentation, or dial-in to a support line whenever they need assistance. A well-executed video allows them to review instructions at their own pace, and re-visit difficult spots as needed.

Educational Demonstrations provide an excellent way to greet an unfamiliar user-base. They guide users through your product’s operation with step-by-step visual instruction and content that caters to their computer skill level. Many providers specialize in demographic targeting and will ensure that age specific, compelling content is created to meet the target population’s requirements. These demonstrations provide an engaging way to familiarize your user-base with the functionality you offer. Not only does this experience improve customer satisfaction, decreased technical support costs will far out-weigh the required investment.

Educational Demonstrations are now being shipped with hard-sale products. Before a user even begins to install the tool, they are instructed on features and usage models – all to avoid the dreaded support call.

Developers are also beginning to realize the power these creatively crafted demonstrations have on advertising their entire portfolio. According to the New York Times "Online Ads Are Booming, if They’re Attached to a Video". A professionally crafted Educational Demonstration can be used to promote other complimentary products in a software portfolio. They can also be used as a tool to up-sell existing customers to a more expensive and functionally-rich version of the software package.

As the Internet develops and evolves, one thing remains true, content is king. Content delivery platforms offered by the producers of Educational Demonstrations stand at the cusp of successful software products and toolsets. Don’t let your customers drown in T-support and documentation - connect with users the innovative way. Educate to innovate.