opinions: Language as Muse

[seven]

I love to learn languages and Tim's language experience is one of the things that impressed me most and made me get his book.

One of the first ideas for a muse I had is a language learning package. The particular language I have in mind is my wifes native language. I wanted to learn it and after much searching online finally only found 1 resource which was a 2 level CD course ($200 for level 1 and $350 for level 2.) I personally have no interest in paying that much when my wife can teach me for free and I also plan to learn on a mini-retirement in the future.

The fact that there is only 1 competitor which is not well advertised made me think that this might be a good opportunity. Also, it seems that the price point could be right in the target range that Tim suggests. Either she could create the content or we could outsource it, so I don't think it would take a huge amount of initial investment. And, since it's an informational product after the initial outlay the only overhead would be advertising, processing fees, etc...

But, I'm wondering which format/s would be best to use. I figure that a phrasebook pdf would be a good teaser type product for like $9.95 or so. Then we could have a more in depth course in either text, audio CD, or perhaps software which could be higher priced of course.

So, I was wanting to get the opinions of others here as to which format/s would be the best to offer, or should we just do them all?

Also, the 1 competitor I mentioned has a Phd which he touts on his site. Would you be more likely to buy from someone just because of credentials like that? Should we try and get some academic expert to partner with us in the content creation so that we could capitalize on their credibility?

Thanks for you input,
7

[MarkRoX]

I think in your situation, you need to go through a really good test phase. Since there's only 1 competitor, there may not be much market for this. Of course, that's not always true either, so you need to find out if there really is no market, or if it's just that no one has capitalized on this niche, particularly this ONE language.

There are lots of language products out there, and lots of people have tried them, and reviews are always back and forth, for and against, it seems like it just depends on the person as to whether or not the program will work.

The biggest factor it seems in regards to how successful at sales a language program is, will be the marketing. Obviously.

I mean, put a great product up against an inferior product and the one with the better marketing will sell more (initially, or forever if it's still at least CLOSE to the better product).

So for you, I'd say find out if the market is big enough, and then REALLY learn how to market this well - FIND the people who actually want this.


M.

[bas]

I think a language course is a great way to go. It can be something substantial (no fluff) and an "emotional" products. I think a good example is this one:

http://www.synergyspanish.com/

concept looks great, and the marketing looks good too.

Cheers
Bas