Sometimes, we put in fantastic work creating a credentialing program with wonderful badges connected to thoughtful skills, and then we struggle to see it take off. Few things are more frustrating than seeing a useful initiative fail to take off. Unfortunately, many of us cannot expect an “if you build it, they will come” situation. Fortunately, we have some great suggestions for creative promotions of a new badging program!
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What sets Open Badges apart?
It can be difficult to fully comprehend what an Open Badge is and why it matters to your learners. You can take a few different approaches to communicating this from the funnier approach (You wouldn’t expect a cop to accept a fake ID – so why expect a potential employer to accept a fake credential – make sure your achievements are known & verifiable with Open Badges from Knowledge State) to the more serious approach of (You have worked hard and achieved so much – showcase those achievements in a way that sets you apart with verifiable Open Badges from Knowledge State!). Then, include a link to a video (like this one) explaining why digital badges with the Open Badges platform differ from simply listing something on a resume.
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Connect efforts to something they already know!
There are so many things your learners are trying to remember and learn about. Our brains are hardwired to look for connections, and it can be easier to remember something if we can associate it with something we already know. With that in mind, there is a badging structure out there that will help learners remember your program out there. Merit Badges have been around for quite a while, and you can use this to your advantage. Create some handouts or posters that use a merit badge motif for something that draws them in and makes an association that they will be easier to remember!
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If you ask for feedback, you must use (most of) it!
Few things can detract from the reputation of an initiative more than if feedback is never asked for, or worse if feedback is asked for but never used. You can gain early adopters by asking for feedback and then using it. Remember that you should never ask a question you don’t want the answer to – so only ask for feedback on things you are open to changing. Then, when you get feedback – if you apply what makes sense and have a rationale for why something doesn’t make sense, you do not need to use all of it. Not all feedback is valuable – but ignoring all of it is detrimental. If you are a bit stuck deciding how best to ask for feedback – this video on feedback within UX can be a helpful place to start.
We don't guarantee that these three things are all you need, but they should give you a great foundation to build upon!
If you have a successful and creative advertising campaign for a Badging Program and are interested in possibly being showcased in a future article, Please Email Us!