
Choosing the right online course selling platform can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available. Consider the fees associated with each platform, as they can range from 0% to 50% of the course sale price.
Some platforms, like Udemy, charge a flat fee per course, while others, like Teachable, charge a monthly subscription fee. For example, Udemy charges a 3% transaction fee on course sales.
Think about the type of courses you want to sell and the level of customization you need. If you want to sell video-based courses, a platform like Vimeo might be a good choice, as it allows for easy video uploading and customization.
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Popular Platforms
Thinkific is a leading online course platform that allows you to create, market, and sell your own online courses. It offers a variety of features, including custom web themes and domains, community spaces and notifications, and mobile app for courses and communities.
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Wix is a website builder that also accommodates online course sellers, offering a unique blend of website building and course management capabilities. Its drag-and-drop editor simplifies website creation, and it supports video hosting, making it a great option for course creators who want to focus on content creation.
Udemy is a massive online course marketplace, offering over 210,000+ courses to more than 62 million+ learners. It's a great platform for instructors looking to reach a large audience, but the quality of courses can vary.
Podia is an all-in-one platform that lets you build websites, sell courses, digital products, and host communities. It offers a variety of features, including effortless website setup, versatile digital product platform, coaching and webinar features, and flexible community plans.
Simplero is an all-in-one platform designed to help entrepreneurs build and grow their online businesses. It offers a wide range of features, including a website builder, course creation, automations and triggers, and integrated CRM.
Here's a summary of the pricing for these popular platforms:
Marketplaces
Selling online courses on marketplaces is a great way to reach a large audience without having to do extensive marketing. You can find established user bases on these platforms, providing immediate access to potential students worldwide.
Marketplaces handle many technical aspects, such as hosting, payment processing, and customer support, so you can focus on content creation and teaching. This can be a huge relief, especially if you're new to online course creation.
One of the trade-offs of using a marketplace is revenue sharing. However, the ease of access to a large audience and reduced operational concerns can make it an attractive option for many course creators.
You can sell your online courses on marketplaces without having to worry about the technical aspects of delivering and selling your courses. This means you can focus on what you do best – creating valuable content and teaching.
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Best Platforms
If you're looking for a platform to sell your online courses, you've got plenty of options to choose from.
Thinkific is a popular choice among course creators, offering a range of features to help you create, market, and sell your courses. With Thinkific, you can customize your web themes and domains, build community spaces and notifications, and even create mobile apps for your courses.
Kajabi is another all-in-one platform that's designed for entrepreneurs and creators who want to build, market, and sell online courses. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools, including course creation, website building, marketing automation, and sales and payment processing.
Squarespace is a versatile website builder that's recognized for its elegant design templates and all-in-one platform. It offers e-commerce features that facilitate the sale of digital products like online courses, and its membership area feature is perfect for creating exclusive content for course subscribers.
Ruzuku is a platform that allows passionate experts to quickly and easily create online courses and learning communities. It's highly praised for its clean and professional look, and offers a ton of resources to help you set up and launch your courses.
Shopify is an all-in-one e-commerce platform that's ideal for entrepreneurs and businesses looking to sell online courses alongside physical products. It offers a dedicated digital products section, customizable storefronts, and integrated marketing and SEO tools.
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Here are some key features to consider when choosing a platform:
Ultimately, the best platform for you will depend on your specific needs and goals. Be sure to do your research and choose a platform that aligns with your business model and provides the features and support you need to succeed.
Key Features and Tools
When choosing an online course platform, consider the key features and tools that will help you create, market, and sell your courses effectively. A user-friendly interface is critical, making it simple for both course creators and learners to navigate the platform.
Ease of use is essential, with features like drag-and-drop editors, templates, and options to upload different content and lesson types. Look for platforms that offer strong course management tools and customization options, such as Teachable's intuitive course builder and customizable course pages.
Some online course platforms offer robust course builders, like Teachable, that allow you to easily structure your course content, upload multimedia files, and create engaging lessons without requiring technical expertise. Others, like Heights, offer fully customizable branding options, allowing you to change your program's interface, upload your logo, and attach your custom domain.
Here are some key features to consider:
- Course creation and authoring tools
- Integration capabilities
- Customization options
- Analytics and reporting
- Marketing and sales tools
These features will help you create a successful online course and grow your business.
Platform Benefits

Teachable is a comprehensive online course platform that offers a host of features to simplify the process of creating and selling digital courses.
With Teachable, you can expect a range of benefits that make it an attractive option for beginners, including a simple and easy-to-use course builder that makes it easy to upload videos, create quizzes, and add downloadable resources.
Teachable's intuitive course builder allows you to organize your content into sections and lectures, giving your students a clear and structured learning path.
The platform's simplicity ensures that you can focus on delivering valuable content rather than getting bogged down by technical details.
Teachable offers a range of student management features, including tracking progress and issuing completion certificates.
Here are some of the key features that make Teachable a robust platform for selling online courses:
- Intuitive course builder: No coding or design skills are necessary to share what you know.
- Digital downloads: You can sell PDFs, audio clips, and more, reaching your audience faster than ever.
- Coaching products: Manage your coaching business with milestones and scheduling, plus process payments all on Teachable.
- Customizability: Teachable API and integrations allow you to automate tasks and enable seamless communication between your Teachable products and your favorite marketing and analytics tools.
Teachable's free plan includes everything you need to begin teaching and earning, making it a great option for those just starting out.
Scalability and Automation
Teachable is designed to handle a large number of students and courses without compromising performance. It offers automation features that streamline repetitive tasks, such as sending course completion certificates or triggering email sequences based on student actions.
This automation saves you time and allows you to focus on creating content and engaging with your students. With Teachable, you can easily add new courses, manage enrollments, and track student progress from a centralized dashboard.
Some online course platforms, like Skilljar, boast robust scalability, so your future success won’t be hindered. This means you can grow your business without worrying about the platform's ability to keep up.
Teachable provides a range of features that make it a robust platform for selling online courses. These features include intuitive course builders, customizable course pages, and seamless payment processing.
Robust Builder
A robust builder is essential for creating engaging online courses. This is where an online course platform's course creation tools come into play.

A user-friendly course builder is the foundation of any online course platform. Look for a platform that offers intuitive drag-and-drop functionality, allowing you to easily structure your course content, upload multimedia files, and create engaging lessons without requiring technical expertise.
The course builder should support various content formats, such as videos, audio, text, and interactive elements, to cater to different learning styles.
Some platforms, like Teachable, offer a drag-and-drop builder that makes it easy to upload videos, create quizzes, and add downloadable resources.
A good course builder should also allow you to organize your content into sections and lectures, giving your students a clear and structured learning path.
You can easily upload videos, create lessons, and design interactive elements without needing advanced technical skills, saving you time and effort to focus on crafting engaging course material.
Here are some key features to look for in a robust builder:
- Intuitive drag-and-drop functionality
- Support for various content formats (videos, audio, text, interactive elements)
- Organization tools (sections, lectures)
- Easy video and multimedia file upload
- Interactive element creation
This will help you create a well-structured and engaging online course that meets the needs of your students.
Choosing the Right Platform
Choosing the right online course platform is crucial to the success of your digital education venture. It's not just about finding a platform that works, but one that aligns with your business goals and supports your future growth.
Consider your business model alignment, as some platforms excel in facilitating shorter courses while others are better suited for comprehensive training programs. For example, Udemy is great for shorter courses, while Skilljar offers features for designing in-depth programs with certifications.
When evaluating platforms, think about scalability, as you might start with a single course today but plan to grow in the future. Platforms like Skilljar boast robust scalability, ensuring your success won't be hindered.
Here are some key features to prioritize when selecting your online course platform:
- Ease of use (for both course creators and learners)
- Course creation and authoring tools
- Integration capabilities
- Customization options
- Analytics and reporting
Compare the pricing plans of different platforms, taking into account any transaction fees, setup costs, or additional charges for certain features.
Via Your Website
Selling online courses through your own website offers unique advantages like brand control and flexibility. You can tailor the learning experience and maximize earnings without third-party fees.
Creating a website for selling online courses is a great option, as it allows you to own your brand identity. This means you can present your courses in a way that reflects your personal brand and values.
WordPress, combined with plugins like LearnDash and LifterLMS, offers a comprehensive set of features for online course creators. With these tools, you can create a robust course platform that meets your needs.
Some of the key features of these platforms include course creation and management, content restriction, subscription-based courses, and drip-feeding content. These features can help you create a seamless and enjoyable learning experience for your students.
If you're looking for a flexible and customizable platform, WordPress might be the way to go. It's a popular choice among online course creators, and for good reason: it's easy to use and offers a wide range of customization options.
Here are some of the key benefits of selling online courses through your own website:
- You have complete control over the learning experience
- You can customize the platform to meet your needs
- You can maximize earnings without third-party fees
- You can present your courses in a way that reflects your personal brand and values
Overall, selling online courses through your own website is a great option for anyone looking to share their knowledge and skills with others. With the right platform and features, you can create a successful and profitable online course business.
Choose the Right Platform for Your Business
Choosing the right platform for your business is crucial for its success. Carefully assess how the platform's strengths complement your unique business model. Are you selling short, information-dense courses or comprehensive training programs with more complex content?
Business model alignment is key. For example, Udemy excels in facilitating shorter courses, while Skilljar gives you everything to design in-depth programs with certifications. Think long-term and consider the platform's scalability to accommodate an influx of students or a diverse course library.
Scalability is a must-have for any online course business. Platforms like Skilljar boast robust scalability, so your future success won’t be hindered. Evaluate the platform's customer support options, including a comprehensive help center, guides, a self-paced academy, and a strong customer success partnership.
Costs and pricing models can vary greatly between platforms. Be aware of any transaction fees charged for selling your courses, as these can eat into your profits. Consider platforms that offer a free trial period or freemium plans to test the waters before committing.
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Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating a platform's scalability and support:
- Robust scalability to accommodate growth
- Comprehensive customer support options
- Transaction fees and pricing models
By considering these factors, you can choose a platform that aligns with your business needs and goals, ensuring the success of your online course business.
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Platform Comparison and Reviews
To make an informed decision, it's essential to compare online course selling platforms. You should read reviews and case studies from other course creators to get a sense of the platform's strengths and weaknesses.
Before making a final decision, take the time to read reviews and case studies from other course creators who have used the platforms you're considering. Look for testimonials and success stories that highlight the platform's features, pricing, and customer support.
Comparing the 14 best online course selling platforms side-by-side can be a great starting point. Here's a brief overview of some of the key features and pricing plans for popular platforms:
By considering these factors and doing your research, you'll be well-equipped to choose the best platform for your online course business.
Compare Features & Prices

When comparing features and pricing, it's essential to consider the tools and functionalities you need to create and deliver your courses effectively. Look for platforms that offer course creation tools, student management features, marketing capabilities, and analytics.
Compare the pricing plans of different platforms, taking into account any transaction fees, setup costs, or additional charges for certain features. Some platforms, like WordPress, are free but may have associated costs with hosting, domain registration, and premium plugins.
The cost of plugins for WordPress breaks down as follows:
- LearnDash: $199 per year
- LifterLMS: The core plugin is free, but access to more advanced features starts at $199 per year
- SureMembers: starts at $99 per year
- SureCart: the basic plugin is free, with more advanced plans starting at $99 per year
Other platforms, like Teachable, charge differently, with plans ranging from $39 to $299 per month. Thinkific offers a free plan, as well as paid plans starting at $49 per month. It's crucial to evaluate the pricing structure of each platform to ensure it fits within your budget.
To make a more informed decision, create a table or list comparing the features and pricing of each platform. This will help you visualize the options and choose the best fit for your course business.
Read Reviews & Case Studies
Reading reviews and case studies from other course creators who have used the platforms you're considering is a crucial step in making an informed decision.
Take the time to read testimonials and success stories that highlight the platform's strengths and weaknesses.
Pay attention to feedback on customer support, as it's a key aspect of any platform's performance.
Look for reviews that mention how the platform's user experience has helped or hindered their success.
Reading real-world experiences can provide valuable insights into how the platform performs in practice.
Feedback on overall satisfaction is also essential, as it can give you a sense of whether the platform is a good fit for your needs.
Reading case studies can help you visualize how the platform has helped others achieve their goals.
Monetization and Sales
Online course selling platforms come equipped with powerful marketing and sales features to help you promote and sell your courses effectively.
You can create professional landing pages to showcase your course offerings and attract potential students. Integrated email marketing tools allow you to nurture leads and keep your audience engaged.
With online course platforms, you can sell courses individually, offer subscription-based access, or create a members-only area with premium content. You can also sell physical goods as part of your courses.
Here are some ways to monetize your online courses:
- Sell courses individually
- Offer subscription-based access
- Create a members-only area with premium content
- Sell physical goods as part of your courses
Monetization Options
Monetization options for online courses are diverse and offer flexibility to creators. WordPress provides several options for monetizing your online courses, including selling them individually or offering subscription-based access.
You can also create a members-only area with premium content, which can be a great way to retain customers and increase revenue. Selling physical goods as part of your courses is another option, but it's not as common as digital products.
Here are some specific monetization options available on popular online course platforms:
Skilljar's user-friendly interface simplifies the course creation process, allowing you to focus on building high-quality content while they handle hosting and delivery. With Skilljar, you can also track student progress and identify areas for improvement.
Heights provides clear, real-time analytics about the revenue, sales, and conversion rate of your digital products, making it easier to measure the success of your courses. You can also leverage digital products as an additional source of revenue or lead generation tool for your business.
The cost of plugins for WordPress can add up, but some popular options include LearnDash ($199/year), LifterLMS (free core plugin with advanced features starting at $199/year), SureMembers (starts at $99/year), and SureCart (basic plugin is free with advanced plans starting at $99/year).
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Secure Payment Processing
Secure Payment Processing is crucial for a smooth checkout experience. Choose an online course platform that integrates with trusted payment gateways like Stripe or PayPal.
These gateways handle transactions securely, giving you and your students peace of mind.
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Additional Features and Tools
To create a successful online course, you'll want to consider additional features and tools beyond the basics. A user-friendly interface is crucial, so look for platforms with ease of use for both course creators and learners. This means simple navigation and easy access to course materials.
Some platforms offer advanced customization options, such as CSS or Javascript editing capabilities, to create a unique look for your course. However, not all platforms offer this level of customization, so be sure to check what's available.
When it comes to student engagement, features like discussion forums, quizzes, and assessments can help reinforce learning and track student progress. Some platforms even offer gamification elements, such as badges and leaderboards, to motivate and incentivize students.
Some key features to consider when choosing an online course platform include:
- Course creation and authoring tools
- Integration capabilities
- Customization options
- Analytics and reporting
These features will help you create a successful online course and reach your target audience.
Student Engagement Features
Student engagement is crucial for the success of your online course, and online course platforms provide a range of features to foster interaction and motivation.
Discussion forums enable students to connect with each other, ask questions, and share insights. This helps create a sense of community and can lead to valuable learning experiences.
Gamification elements, such as badges and leaderboards, can be used to incentivize students and make learning more engaging. Some platforms even offer quizzes and assessments to reinforce learning and track student progress.
To keep students engaged, consider using platforms that offer features like discussion forums and gamification elements. This can help create a more interactive and motivating learning environment.
Here are some key features to look for in an online course platform that can help you foster student engagement:
- Discussion forums
- Quizzes and assessments
- Gamification elements (badges and leaderboards)
By incorporating these features into your online course, you can create a more engaging and interactive learning experience for your students.
Explore Tool Integrations
When choosing an online course platform, it's essential to consider the integrations with other tools you already use.
Seamless integrations can streamline your workflows, automate repetitive tasks, and ensure a cohesive experience for both you and your students. This is especially important if you're using other tools like email marketing software, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, or payment gateways.

Look for platforms that offer strong integration capabilities, such as connections with payment gateways like Stripe to process eCommerce transactions. This can save you time and hassle by automating tasks and reducing the need for manual workarounds.
Some online course platforms offer advanced customization options, including CSS or Javascript editing capabilities, which can be useful if you want to create a unique look. However, not all platforms offer this level of customization.
Here are some key integration considerations to keep in mind:
By considering the integrations offered by an online course platform, you can ensure that it fits seamlessly into your existing workflows and tools. This can help you save time, reduce stress, and focus on what matters most – creating high-quality courses and engaging with your students.
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