14 best platform to sell online courses

Are you an expert in a particular field? Do you have insights, knowledge, or skills that you want to share with others? If so, you may have considered creating an online course. The demand for online learning has skyrocketed in recent years, and there are numerous platforms available for selling your courses. But which one is the best?

In this blog post, we will explore the different platforms for selling online courses and help you make an informed decision. So, if you’re ready to monetize your expertise and reach a wider audience, keep reading!

1. Thinkific

 

Thinkific stands out due to its user-friendly interface and robust course creation tools. You can create an unlimited number of courses and students, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced course creators.

Pros

• Complete customization of course design
• Supports multimedia content like videos, quizzes, surveys
• Offers a free version with basic features
• Drag-and-drop course builder
• In-built sales and marketing tools

Cons

• The free version includes Thinkific branding
• Advanced features are only available in a premium version

Read: how to sell online courses from your own website

2. Teachable

Teachable is one of the most user-friendly options out there when it comes to creating and publishing an online course portal. It offers plenty of customization tools, giving you full control over how your site looks and functions. Pricing plans range from $39 per month all the way up, depending on your needs. Some stand-out features include drip emails, quiz creation tools, marketing automation integrations as well as analytics insights about student engagement with lessons.

Pros

• Easy-to-use interface
• Provides marketing and sales tools like affiliate programs, coupons, and promotions
• Allows bulk student enrollments

Cons

• Transaction fees apply on the basic plan
• Limited customization options compared to other platforms

Read: 19 Best Websites to Sell Stuff Locally & Earn Extra Cash

3. Udemy

Udemy has quickly become one of the biggest names in eLearning marketplaces with over 30 million students currently enrolled on its platform. It offers features like automated pricing tiers, flexible payment plans, detailed course creation tools, and analytics so that creators can monitor progress as they create and share their tutorials with students worldwide!

Pros

• A massive marketplace with over 30 million students worldwide.
• Access to a large existing audience
• Provides promotional tools such as retargeting ads and external coupon codes

Cons

• High competition due to numerous existing courses
• Udemy takes a significant share, of course, in sales revenue

4. Podia

Podia is an all-in-one platform where you can sell not just online courses but also memberships and digital downloads. It offers a simple drag-and-drop editor and provides marketing and sales tools to help you grow your business.

Pros

• No transaction fees
• Live customer support available even on weekends

Cons

• Lacks more advanced quiz capabilities
• No free version is available

Read: Make Money by Flipping Domains: Step-by-Step Guide

5. LearnWorlds

LearnWorlds is a robust platform that enables you to create and sell online courses. It offers advanced features such as interactive video lessons, quizzes, and certificates to enhance the learning experience.

Pros

• Interactive video features
• Offers a built-in social network for student interaction

Cons

• The interface can be complex for beginners
• Higher price point compared to other platforms

6. Kajabi

Kajabi is an all-in-one platform that provides everything you need to create, market, and sell your online courses. It offers features like customizable landing pages, email marketing automation, and a built-in affiliate program to help you grow your business.

Pros

• The course website and blog creation
• Email marketing integration
• Customer relationship management features

Cons

• High pricing compared to other platforms.
• Transaction fees on the basic plan (up to 3.5%).

Read: how to sell feet pics online: A Beginner Guide

7. Ruzuku

Ruzuku is a user-friendly platform that enables you to create and sell online courses. It offers features such as discussion forums, quizzes, and integration with popular email marketing tools.

Pros:

• Simple and straightforward course creation process.
• Good customer support for platform-related queries.
• Provides the ability to offer both live and self-paced courses.
• No transaction fees on any plans.

Cons:

• Limited marketing and sales features.
• Less customization compared to other platforms.
• No integrated affiliate program.

8. Academy of Mine

Academy of Mine is a platform designed specifically for creating and selling online courses. It offers a range of customization options, including branding, course layout, and pricing models.

• Customizable learning management system
• E-commerce enabled website
• Extensive reporting capabilities

9. Skillshare

Skillshare is a popular platform that allows you to sell your courses through a subscription model. It focuses on creative and practical skills, making it an ideal platform for artists, designers, and entrepreneurs.

Pros:

• The subscription-based model encourages consistent revenue.
• Access to a large community of learners.
• Easy course creation with support for various formats.
• Opportunities for additional revenue through the Partner Program.

Cons:

• Lower revenue per course due to the subscription model.
• Courses must meet specific guidelines and duration criteria.
• Limited control over pricing for Premium Referrals.

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10. Coursera

Coursera is a popular platform that partners with universities and educational institutions to offer courses on a wide range of subjects. If you have a background in academia or want to offer more in-depth courses, Coursera can be a great choice.

• Professional certification programs
• Peer-reviewed assignments
• Interactive video lectures

11. LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda)

LinkedIn Learning, formerly known as Lynda.com, is integrated with the LinkedIn platform, offering access to a vast professional network. If your courses target a business-oriented audience, this platform can help you tap into a valuable pool of potential learners. However, It allows you to create and sell courses on topics like leadership, software skills, and career development.

• Ideal for business, technology, or creative skills training.
• Certificate of completion provided
• Access to a professional network

12. WizIQ

WizIQ is a platform that provides tools for creating and selling online courses, as well as virtual classrooms for live teaching sessions. It also provides tools for creating and delivering online content, such as lectures, tutorials, and quizzes. With WizIQ, teachers can easily manage their classes, track student progress, and share materials with their students.

Pros

• Virtual classroom feature
• Mobile learning capabilities
• Supports SCORM and Tin Can API for content.

Cons

• Course design options might be less flexible.
• Higher pricing for certain features and user licenses.
• Limited marketing and automation tools.

13. Gumroad

Gumroad is primarily known as a platform for selling digital products, but it can be used for online courses as well. It offers features like customizable sales pages, payment processing, and email marketing. It is simple to use and has no recurring fees, making it ideal for selling smaller courses. However, it lacks certain LMS features.

Pros:

• Simple and user-friendly platform for digital products.
• No recurring fees, making it suitable for smaller courses.
• Supports both one-time payments and subscriptions.
• Integrates with various email marketing tools.

Cons:

• Primarily designed for selling digital products.
• Lacks certain advanced LMS features.
• Limited customization for course presentation.

14. WordPress + LMS Plugin:

If you already have a WordPress website, you can add a learning management system (LMS) plugin to create and sell online courses. There are some well-known LMS plugins including LearnDash, LifterLMS, and WP Courseware.

Pros

• WordPress-based platform with easy integration.
• Comprehensive course management features.
• Supports various types of quizzes and assessments.
• No transaction fees on any plans

Cons:

• Requires a WordPress website for course hosting.
• Less beginner-friendly compared to standalone platforms.
• Limited built-in marketing features.

FAQs

What is the best platform to sell my online courses?

The best platform to sell online courses largely depends on your specific needs and goals. However, popular options include Teachable, Thinkific, and Udemy.

Which platform is best for beginners?

Thinkific and Teachable are excellent choices for beginners due to their user-friendly interfaces and comprehensive features.

Can I use multiple platforms to sell my online courses?

Yes, you can use multiple platforms to diversify your reach and income streams. However, ensure that your content is unique on each platform to avoid duplication issues.

Can I interact with my students on these platforms?

Yes, most platforms offer communication tools, such as discussion forums and messaging systems, allowing you to engage with your students.

Do these platforms provide marketing tools to promote my courses?

Yes, many platforms offer built-in marketing tools like email campaigns, discount coupons, affiliate programs, and integrations with social media platforms to help you promote your courses.