Online courses have become a popular and convenient way for individuals to learn new skills and advance their careers. From cooking and coding to financial management and self-care, there is a wide range of subjects that can be studied through online courses.
With the increasing demand for online education, many educators and subject matter experts are looking for the best platforms to sell their courses. But with so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which platform is the best fit for your needs.
In this article, I will explore the different platforms for selling online courses and the factors to consider when choosing one.
Platforms for Creating, Hosting and Selling Online Courses
There are two main types of platforms for selling online courses: those that are specifically designed for creating and hosting online courses, and those that are focused on selling online courses.
There are several platforms that allow educators to create and host their own online courses. These platforms typically provide a range of features, including course creation tools, student management, and payment processing.
In addition to platforms for creating and hosting online courses, there are also platforms that are focused specifically on selling online courses. These platforms typically provide a range of marketing and promotional tools to help course creators reach a larger audience, as well as payment processing and customer support.
Some popular options include:
Teachable
Teachable is a comprehensive platform that offers a range of features for creating and selling online courses. It provides course creation tools, student management, and payment processing, as well as marketing and promotional tools.
Teachable also offers a range of customization options, including the ability to create custom domain names and design landing pages.
Udemy
Udemy is a popular platform for selling online courses, with over 130,000 courses available in a wide range of subjects. Educators can create and publish their own courses on the platform, and Udemy provides marketing and promotional tools to help course creators reach a larger audience.
However, Udemy does take a commission on course sales, which can be a drawback for some educators.
Thinkific
Thinkific is a platform that allows educators to create and sell their own online courses. It offers a range of features for course creation, including course building tools and student management.
Thinkific also provides marketing and promotional tools, as well as payment processing and customer support.
Kajabi
Kajabi is a comprehensive platform for creating and selling online courses, as well as membership sites and coaching programs. It offers a range of features for course creation, including course building tools and student management.
Kajabi also provides marketing and promotional tools, as well as payment processing and customer support.
Skillshare
Skillshare is a platform that allows educators to create and sell online courses in a wide range of subjects, including business, design, and technology.
It offers a range of features for course creation, including course building tools and student management. Skillshare also provides marketing and promotional tools, as well as payment processing and customer support.
One of the unique features of Skillshare is its emphasis on community, with forums and group projects available for students to engage with one another.
Podia
Podia is a platform that allows educators to create and sell online courses, as well as digital downloads and memberships. It offers a range of features for course creation, including course building tools and student management.
Podia also provides marketing and promotional tools, as well as payment processing and customer support.
One of the standout features of Podia is its easy-to-use drag-and-drop editor, which makes it simple to create visually appealing courses.
Mighty Networks
Mighty Networks is a platform that allows educators to create and sell online courses, as well as membership sites and coaching programs.
It offers a range of features for course creation, including course building tools and student management. Mighty Networks also provides marketing and promotional tools, as well as payment processing and customer support.
One of the unique aspects of Mighty Networks is its emphasis on building communities, with features such as group discussions and social networking available for students.
LearnDash
LearnDash is a platform specifically designed for creating and selling online courses. It offers a range of features for course creation, including course building tools and student management.
LearnDash also provides marketing and promotional tools, as well as payment processing and customer support.
One of the standout features of LearnDash is its extensive documentation and support resources, which can be helpful for educators new to online course creation.
PluralSight
PluralSight is a platform for selling online courses in technology and creative skills. It offers a range of courses in subjects such as coding, data science, and design. PluralSight also provides marketing and promotional tools, as well as payment processing and customer support.
One of the unique features of PluralSight is its focus on corporate training, with a range of courses and resources available for businesses.
LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning is a platform that offers a range of online courses in subjects such as business, technology, and creative skills. It provides course creation tools and student management, as well as marketing and promotional tools.
One of the standout features of LinkedIn Learning is its integration with LinkedIn, the professional networking platform. This can make it easier for educators to reach a larger audience and for students to connect with professionals in their field.
Udacity
Udacity is a platform that offers online courses in subjects such as technology, data science, and business. It provides course creation tools and student management, as well as marketing and promotional tools.
One of the unique aspects of Udacity is its focus on career-oriented courses, with a range of programs and nanodegree certificates available to help students advance in their careers.
Domestika
Domestika is a platform that offers a range of online courses in creative subjects such as design, photography, and illustration. It provides course creation tools and student management, as well as marketing and promotional tools.
One of the standout features of Domestika is its focus on community, with forums and group projects available for students to engage with one another.
Alison
Alison is a platform that offers a range of online courses in subjects such as business, technology, and health. It provides course creation tools and student management, as well as marketing and promotional tools.
One of the unique aspects of Alison is its emphasis on free courses, with a range of options available to students at no cost.
SkillSuccess
SkillSuccess is a platform that offers a range of online courses in subjects such as business, technology, and creative skills. It provides course creation tools and student management, as well as marketing and promotional tools.
One of the standout features of SkillSuccess is its emphasis on lifelong learning, with a range of courses and resources available to help students continue learning throughout their careers.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Platform to Sell Online Courses:
When choosing a platform to sell online courses, there are several factors to consider. These include:
- Cost: One of the main factors to consider is the cost of using the platform. Some platforms charge a monthly or annual fee, while others take a commission on course sales. It’s important to carefully compare the costs of different platforms to determine which one is the most affordable option.
- Ease of use: Another important factor is the ease of use of the platform. Some platforms have a more user-friendly interface and are easier to navigate, which can make the process of creating and selling courses smoother and more efficient.
- Customization options: Depending on your needs, you may want a platform that provides a range of customization options, such as the ability to create custom domain names and design landing pages. This can help you create a more professional and cohesive brand for your courses.
- Marketing and promotional tools: The marketing and promotional tools offered by a platform can be important for reaching a larger audience and selling more courses. Some platforms provide tools such as email marketing, affiliates, and integrations with social media platforms.
- Payment processing: The payment processing options provided by a platform can also be important. Some platforms offer a range of payment options, including different currencies and the ability to offer discounts and coupons.
- Customer support: Finally, it’s important to consider the customer support offered by a platform. This can be especially important if you are new to online course creation and have questions or need assistance.
Few steps to successfully sell courses online
- Determine your target audience: Who do you want to sell your courses to? Identifying your target audience can help you create course content that meets their needs and interests.
- Develop high-quality course content: Creating engaging and informative course content is essential for attracting and retaining students. Make sure to include a mix of different types of content, such as videos, quizzes, and interactive activities.
- Choose a platform: There are several platforms available for selling online courses, such as Teachable, Thinkific, and Kajabi. Consider factors such as cost, ease of use, customization options, and marketing and promotional tools when choosing a platform.
- Market your courses: Once you have created your courses and chosen a platform, it’s important to promote them to your target audience. This can include creating a website, using social media, and reaching out to potential students through email marketing or affiliates.
- Engage with your students: Interacting with your students can help create a sense of community and encourage them to continue learning with you. Consider offering support through forums, live Q&A sessions, or one-on-one coaching.
By following these steps, you can successfully sell courses online and share your knowledge and expertise with others.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several options available for educators and subject matter experts looking to sell online courses. Platforms such as Teachable, Thinkific, Kajabi, and Udemy offer a range of features and tools to help you create and sell your courses.
When choosing a platform, it’s important to consider factors such as cost, ease of use, customization options, marketing and promotional tools, payment processing, and customer support.
By carefully researching and comparing the different platforms, you can determine the best fit for your needs.
