10 Best Platforms to Sell Online Courses in 2024

Online courses have become a popular way for experts to share their knowledge and earn money. Many platforms now offer tools to create and sell these courses.

Choosing the right platform can make a big difference in how successful an online course becomes. Some platforms focus on ease of use, while others offer more advanced features.

• Best Platforms to Sell Online Courses

• What is Your Niche

• Choosing a Selling Platform

• Creating Quality Content

• Pricing Your Courses

• Marketing Strategies

• Using Analytics

• Final Thoughts

What are The Best Platforms to Sell Online Courses?

Let’s cover the top platforms to sell online courses to your audience, with their pros, cons, and key features.

1. Thinkific

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Thinkific is a versatile platform tailored for course creators who want full control over their content and branding. It provides a highly intuitive drag-and-drop course builder that supports various content formats, including videos, quizzes, PDFs, and surveys, allowing educators to craft engaging and dynamic courses. The platform caters to users of all skill levels, offering seamless integration with external tools like Zoom for live sessions and payment gateways like PayPal and Stripe.

The platform offers customizable course layouts and supports various content types like videos, quizzes, and surveys. Thinkific also handles payments and provides marketing tools to help promote courses.

One of its strengths is the ability to create a branded learning experience. Course creators can design their site to match their brand identity. Thinkific's pricing plans cater to different business sizes, from beginners to large enterprises. Rate and review Thinkific yourself.

Pricing

• Offers a free plan; paid plans start at $49/month. Check website for price changes.

Ideal for

• Personal use, Small teams

Get started with Thinkific

2. LearnWorlds

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LearnWorlds is a platform that emphasizes interactivity and engagement in online learning. It offers unique features such as interactive video players, which allow course creators to embed questions, notes, and clickable links directly into video content. This enhances the learning experience by encouraging active participation and boosting retention rates. LearnWorlds is ideal for creators who want to differentiate their courses with rich, multimedia content.

The platform provides tools for creating landing pages and sales funnels. This helps course creators market their offerings effectively. LearnWorlds also supports white-labeling, allowing users to create a fully branded experience.

One unique aspect is its emphasis on interactive content. Course creators can add questions, notes, and other interactive elements directly into their video content. This can boost student engagement and learning outcomes. Rate and review LearnWorlds yourself.

Pricing

• Plans begin at $24/month, with a 30-day free trial. Check website for price changes.

Ideal for

• Personal use, Small teams

Get started with LearnWorlds

3. Teachable

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Teachable is known for its simplicity and efficiency in helping creators build and sell online courses. Its user-friendly interface allows creators to upload videos, text, and quizzes with ease while offering tools for creating visually appealing course websites without requiring any technical skills. The platform is well-suited for educators, freelancers, and entrepreneurs looking to launch courses quickly and effectively.

The platform offers features like integrated payment processing and affiliate marketing programs. These tools make it easier to sell and promote courses. Teachable also provides detailed analytics to track student progress and course performance.

One standout feature is its iOS app, which allows students to access courses on mobile devices. This can increase course completion rates and student satisfaction. Teachable's pricing structure is straightforward, with plans suitable for various business sizes. Rate and review Teachable yourself.

Pricing

• Provides a free plan, paid plans start at $59/month. Check website for price changes.

Ideal for

• Personal use, Small teams

Get started with Teachable

4. Skillshare

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Skillshare is a subscription-based platform that connects instructors with a vast community of learners. Specializing in creative and professional skills, it’s a popular choice for topics like graphic design, photography, writing, and entrepreneurship. Instructors create video-based courses, often project-focused, to provide practical, hands-on learning experiences.

The platform uses a subscription model, where students pay a monthly fee for access to all courses. This can lead to steady income for popular instructors. Skillshare handles all marketing and promotion, which can help courses reach a wider audience.

One downside is that instructors have less control over pricing and course structure. However, the built-in audience and promotion can be beneficial for new course creators. Skillshare also offers tools for creating engaging video-based lessons. Rate and review Skillshare yourself.

Pricing

• Instructors earn royalties; students pay a subscription fee starting at $32/month. Check website for price changes.

Ideal for

• Personal use

Get started with Skillshare

5. Podia

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Podia Podia is an all-in-one platform that simplifies the process of selling online courses, memberships, and digital downloads. Its modern and intuitive interface makes it easy for creators to manage everything from course creation to email marketing and sales. Podia provides unlimited hosting for multimedia content, including videos, PDFs, and downloadable files, ensuring creators have the flexibility to design comprehensive courses.

The platform provides unlimited hosting for course content, including videos and files. Podia also includes tools for email marketing and creating sales pages. This integrated approach can simplify course creation and marketing.

One notable feature is the ability to offer bundles and payment plans. This flexibility can help increase sales and make courses more accessible to students. Podia's pricing is transparent, with no transaction fees on any plan. Rate and review Podia yourself.

Pricing

• No free plan; paid plans start at $33/month (billed annually). Check website for price changes.

Ideal for

• Personal use, Small teams

Get started with Podia

6. Kajabi

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Kajabi is a premium platform designed for creators and businesses looking for an all-inclusive solution for selling courses and digital products. It combines course creation with advanced marketing tools, such as email campaigns, sales funnels, and automation. Kajabi’s intuitive interface and customizable templates make it easy to design professional-grade courses and marketing materials.

The platform provides templates for course creation, landing pages, and email campaigns. This can save time and help create a professional-looking product. Kajabi also includes a built-in customer relationship management (CRM) system.

One strength is its robust analytics and reporting tools. These help course creators understand their audience and improve their offerings. While Kajabi's pricing is higher than some alternatives, it offers a wide range of features in one package. Rate and review Kajabi yourself.

Pricing

• Offers a 14-day free trial, paid plans start at $34/month. Check website for price changes.

Ideal for

• Personal use, Small / Large teams

Get started with Kajabi

7. Mighty Networks

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Mighty Networks Mighty Networks focuses on building community engagement alongside course delivery. It allows creators to build integrated platforms where courses, memberships, and social networking coexist. This unique approach is ideal for creators who want to create vibrant, interactive learning communities.

The platform supports various content types, including articles, videos, and live streams. Mighty Networks also provides tools for fostering discussions and connections among students. This community aspect can increase engagement and retention.

One unique feature is the ability to create native mobile apps for courses. This can provide a seamless mobile experience for students. Mighty Networks' pricing varies based on features and the size of the community. Rate and review Mighty Networks yourself.

Pricing

• Plans start at $41/month, with a 14-day free trial. Check website for price changes.

Ideal for

• Small teams, Large teams

Get started with Mighty Networks

8. Udemy

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Udemy is a marketplace for online courses, with millions of users and a vast catalog of subjects. Its accessibility and built-in audience make it a popular choice for new course creators. The platform provides tools for video uploads, quizzes, and assignments, as well as resources to guide creators in designing effective courses.

The platform handles all payment processing and provides tools for course creation. Udemy also offers promotional tools and runs its marketing campaigns. This can help courses reach more students.

One drawback is the competitive nature of the platform. With many courses available, standing out can be challenging. Udemy also takes a significant percentage of course sales unless students come through the instructor's promotions. Rate and review Udemy yourself.

Pricing

• Free to create courses, Udemy takes a percentage of sales. Check website for price changes.

Ideal for

• Personal use

Get started with Udemy

9. Ruzuku

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Ruzuku is an intuitive platform focused on simplicity and engagement. It provides easy-to-use tools for creating structured courses, including video, text, and discussion features. The platform also supports live webinars and teleconferences, adding an interactive element to the learning experience.

The platform provides tools for creating course outlines, adding content, and managing students. Ruzuku also includes features for hosting webinars and teleconferences. This can add a live element to courses.

One strength is its focus on student engagement. The platform offers tools for creating discussions, polls, and quizzes. Ruzuku's pricing is competitive, with plans suitable for different needs and budgets. Rate and review Ruzuku yourself.

Pricing

• Plans start at $99/month, with a 14-day free trial. Check website for price changes.

Ideal for

• Personal use, Small teams

Get started with Ruzuku

10. TrainerCentral

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TrainerCentral, part of Zoho’s suite of tools, is tailored for trainers and coaches looking to combine self-paced courses with live training sessions. Its versatility accommodates various teaching styles, from on-demand content to instructor-led sessions, making it suitable for diverse learning needs.

The platform provides tools for creating courses, managing enrollments, and tracking progress. TrainerCentral also supports live online training sessions. This flexibility can be useful for different teaching styles.

One notable feature is its built-in assessment tools. These allow instructors to create quizzes and tests to evaluate student learning. TrainerCentral's pricing structure is based on the number of active students, which can be cost-effective for smaller course creators. Rate and review TrainerCentral yourself.

Pricing

• Offers a free plan; paid plans start at $16.67/month. Check website for price changes.

Ideal for

• Personal use, Small teams

Get started with TrainerCentral

What is Your Niche?

Choosing the right niche is important for selling online courses. A good niche fits your expertise and has demand in the market. Let's explore how to find your ideal niche.

Market Research

Start by looking at popular topics for online courses. Some profitable niches include finance, health, and technology. Check course marketplaces to see what's selling well.

Use tools like Google Trends to spot rising topics. Look for problems people want to solve or skills they want to learn. Think about your knowledge and what you can teach others.

Pay attention to industry news and changes. New laws or technologies often create demand for related courses. Don't forget to consider evergreen topics that always have interest.

Competitor Analysis

Study other course creators in your potential niche. Look at their course offerings, prices, and marketing strategies. This helps you spot gaps in the market.

Check reviews of existing courses. See what students like and dislike. This can guide you in making better courses. Look for areas where you can offer something unique or improved.

Analyze popular platforms where courses are sold. See which topics have many offerings and which have few. A crowded niche might be hard to break into, but it also shows high demand.

Don't copy others directly. Instead, use your research to find ways to stand out. Think about how you can bring a fresh perspective to your chosen topic.

Target Audience

Define who will buy your course. Consider their age, job, goals, and challenges. Understanding your audience helps you create a course they'll want.

Think about where your target audience spends time online. This guides your marketing efforts. Are they on LinkedIn, Instagram, or specialized forums?

Consider the level of knowledge your audience has. Beginners need different content than experts. Match your course difficulty to your target group's needs.

Ask potential students what they want to learn. Use surveys or social media polls. This direct feedback is valuable for shaping your course content.

Choosing a Selling Platform

Picking the right platform to sell your online courses can make a big difference in your success. Each option has its benefits and drawbacks.

Self-Hosted Solutions

Self-hosted platforms give you full control over your courses and how you sell them. You can customize the look and feel of your site to match your brand. These platforms often let you keep more of your profits since you're not paying fees to a third party.

Some popular self-hosted options include WordPress with LearnDash or LifterLMS plugins. These tools let you create and sell courses directly on your own website. You'll need to handle things like web hosting and payment processing yourself.

Self-hosted platforms work well for people who want more control and are comfortable with some technical setup. They can be a good choice if you already have an existing website or audience.

Marketplace Platforms

Course marketplaces connect teachers with students looking to learn new skills. These platforms handle marketing, payments, and course delivery for you. In exchange, they take a cut of your sales.

Udemy and Skillshare are two well-known course marketplaces. They have large built-in audiences, which can help new instructors get discovered. The downside is you have less control over pricing and how your courses are presented.

Marketplace platforms can be a good starting point for new course creators. They let you focus on making content without worrying about the technical details of selling online.

Subscription-Based Models

Subscription platforms let you offer ongoing access to your courses for a monthly or yearly fee. This can create a steady income stream if you keep adding new content regularly.

Platforms for selling digital products often include subscription options. Some examples are Teachable and Thinkific. These platforms let you bundle multiple courses together or drip out content over time.

Subscription models work well for topics that need frequent updates or ongoing support. They can also help build a community around your courses.

Creating Quality Content

Making great online courses requires careful planning and execution. Good content keeps students engaged and helps them learn better.

Course Development

Start by outlining your course goals and learning objectives. Break the content into logical modules and lessons. Each lesson should focus on a specific topic or skill. Include a mix of teaching methods like videos, reading materials, and hands-on activities.

Add quizzes and assignments to check student understanding. This helps reinforce learning and gives students a sense of progress. Think about ways to make the content interesting and relevant to your target audience.

Consider creating a course workbook or supplementary materials. These can help students apply what they've learned and provide extra value.

Instructional Design

Use clear language and explain complex ideas in simple terms. Break information into small, easy-to-digest chunks. This makes it easier for students to absorb and remember the material.

Include real-world examples and case studies to illustrate key points. This helps students see how the concepts apply in practice. Use visuals like diagrams, charts, and infographics to explain ideas when possible.

Build opportunities for students to practice and apply what they've learned. This could include exercises, projects, or discussion prompts. Thinkific and other platforms offer tools to create interactive content.

Production Quality

Invest in good audio and video equipment for recording lessons. Clear sound and crisp visuals make a big difference in how professional your course appears. Use proper lighting and choose a clean, distraction-free background for videos.

Edit your videos to remove mistakes and long pauses. Add captions to make your content more accessible. Consider using screen recording software for tech-related topics or to show step-by-step processes.

Create consistent branding across your course materials. Use the same fonts, colors, and style in your slides, handouts, and course platform. This gives your course a polished, cohesive look.

Pricing Your Courses

Setting the right price for your online courses is important. It affects how many people sign up and how much money you make. Let's look at some pricing tips and tricks.

Pricing Strategies

When pricing your courses, think about your target audience and what they can afford. Look at what other similar courses cost. You can price based on the length of your course or its value to students. Some options include:

• Per-module pricing

• One-time fee for lifetime access

• Subscription model for ongoing content

Discounts and Coupons

Offering discounts can help you get more students. You can use time-limited deals to create urgency. For example, give a 20% discount for the first week after launch. Coupons are another good tool. Give them to:

• Early birds who sign up before the course starts

• Students who finish the course and leave a review

• People who refer new students

Bundling Courses

Bundling means selling multiple courses together at a lower price than buying them separately. This can increase your sales and give students more value. You can create bundles based on:

• Skill level (beginner, intermediate, advanced)

• Topic (all courses on a specific subject)

• Career path (courses that lead to a certain job)

Offer a small discount on bundles to make them attractive. For example, if you have three courses that cost $100 each, you could sell the bundle for $250.

Always clearly show the savings to make the deal more appealing. Update your bundles regularly to keep things fresh and interesting for returning students.

Marketing Strategies

Promoting online courses requires a mix of digital tactics. These approaches help reach potential students and boost course sales.

Social Media Advertising

Social media platforms offer targeted advertising options for course creators. Facebook and Instagram ads allow precise audience targeting based on interests and demographics. LinkedIn ads work well for professional courses. Digital marketing strategies on social media often include eye-catching visuals and clear calls to action.

Creating engaging content like short video teasers or student testimonials can increase ad effectiveness. Regular posting and community engagement also help build a following. Social media contests or giveaways can generate buzz around new courses.

Email Marketing

Email remains a powerful tool for course promotion. Building an email list of interested prospects is the first step. Offering a free mini-course or valuable resource in exchange for email addresses can grow the subscriber base.

Lead generation techniques like segmenting the email list allow for personalized messaging. Sending targeted content based on subscriber interests increases open rates and engagement.

Automated email sequences can nurture leads over time. These might include course previews, limited-time offers, and student success stories. Including clear, compelling subject lines and mobile-friendly designs improves email performance.

Regular newsletters keep the audience engaged between course launches. These can share industry updates, helpful tips, and announcements about upcoming courses.

Content Marketing

Creating valuable content attracts potential students and showcases expertise. Blog posts, videos, and podcasts related to the course topic can drive organic traffic. This content should address common questions and pain points of the target audience.

Search engine optimization (SEO) helps content rank higher in search results. Using relevant keywords and creating in-depth, high-quality content improves visibility. Guest posting on other blogs or appearing on podcasts expands reach.

Repurposing content across different formats maximizes its impact. A blog post can become a video, infographic, or social media series. This approach caters to different learning preferences and extends content lifespan.

Affiliate Partnerships

Collaborating with affiliates expands the reach of course promotions. Affiliates are partners who market the course in exchange for a commission on sales. This can include influencers, bloggers, or other course creators in related fields.

Providing affiliates with marketing materials like banners, email templates, and social media posts streamlines their efforts. Tracking links ensures accurate commission payments and performance monitoring.

Software marketing strategies often include affiliate programs, which can be adapted for online courses. Tiered commission structures can incentivize higher sales volumes.

Joint ventures with complementary course creators can be mutually beneficial. Cross-promotion to each other's audiences expands visibility for both parties. Bundling-related courses can also create attractive package deals for students.

Using Analytics for Improvement

Analytics tools help course creators track student progress and sales performance. This data guides decisions to enhance courses and boost profits.

Engagement Metrics

Analytics platforms measure how students interact with course content. They track video watch times, quiz completion rates, and assignment submissions. This info shows which lessons grab attention and which ones need work.

Course creators can spot trends in student behavior. For example, many students might drop off at a certain point. This signals a need to revamp that section. Popular lessons can be expanded or used as models for future content.

Discussion forum activity is another useful metric. It shows which topics spark the most interest. Creators can use this to plan new courses or add extra resources on hot topics.

Sales Conversion Data

Sales data reveals how well a course attracts and converts potential students. Analytics tools track visitor numbers, sign-up rates, and purchase completion. They also show which marketing channels bring in the most buyers.

Pricing strategies can be fine-tuned based on conversion rates at different price points. Creators might test various discounts or bundle offers to see what works best.

Analytics can pinpoint where potential students drop out of the sales funnel. This helps identify issues in the checkout process or course description. Fixing these problems can lead to more sales without changing the course itself.

Legal Considerations

Selling online courses requires careful attention to legal matters. Creators need to protect their work and handle student data properly.

Intellectual Property

Online course creators should safeguard their content. This includes videos, text, images, and other materials used in the course. Copyright laws protect original works. Course creators can register their copyrights for added protection.

Trademarks can protect course names and logos. This stops others from using similar names or designs. Patents may apply to unique teaching methods or technologies.

It's important to respect others' intellectual property too. Don't use copyrighted materials without permission. This includes images, music, or text from other sources. If you want to use someone else's work, get written permission or a license.

Data Privacy

Handling student information correctly is a must for online course sellers. Many countries have strict data protection laws. These laws say how personal data should be collected, stored, and used.

Course platforms should have clear privacy policies. These tell students what data is collected and how it's used. Get consent before collecting personal information.

Keep student data safe with good security measures. Use encryption for sensitive info. Have a plan for what to do if there's a data breach.

Some areas have special rules for educational data. In the U.S., FERPA protects student records. In Europe, GDPR sets strict data privacy standards. Make sure your practices follow these laws.

Building a Community

Many online course platforms now offer ways to create and grow a community around your courses. This can help students learn better and feel more connected.

Some platforms let you add discussion forums to your courses. Students can ask questions and talk to each other there. This helps them stay engaged with the material.

Community membership is another option on some sites. You can sell access to an online group along with your courses. This gives students a place to network and support each other.

Live events are popular too. You might host Q&A sessions or workshops through video calls. These real-time interactions build stronger connections.

Some platforms include messaging features. This lets you send updates or check in with students directly. It's a good way to offer extra help. Here are a few community-building tools to look for:

• Discussion forums

• Live chat

• Video conferencing

• Direct messaging

• Student profiles

Building a community takes time and effort. But it can make your courses more valuable. Students who feel connected are more likely to finish courses and buy more from you.

Ensuring Longevity

Selling online courses requires adapting to changes and always improving. These skills help course creators stay relevant and successful long-term.

Adapting to Market Changes

The online education market shifts quickly. Course creators need to watch for new trends and technologies. They should update their content and teaching methods often. This may mean adding new topics or removing outdated ones.

Course platforms change too. Creators should learn about new features on their chosen platform. They can then use these tools to make their courses better. Staying flexible helps course creators meet student needs as they change.

Continual Learning and Improvement

To keep courses fresh, creators should always be learning. They can:

• Take other online courses

• Read industry blogs and books

• Attend virtual conferences

Getting feedback from students is important. Creators can use surveys or reviews to find out what works well. They should fix any problems students point out. Testing new teaching methods can improve courses. This might include:

• Adding more video content

• Using quizzes in new ways

• Creating better course materials

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right platform to sell online courses is an important decision for educators and entrepreneurs. Each option has its strengths and weaknesses to consider.

Popular platforms like Kajabi and Teachable offer robust features but come at a higher price point. Budget-conscious creators may prefer more affordable alternatives like Thinkific or Podia.

It's wise to take advantage of free trials when available. This allows hands-on testing of different platforms before committing.

The online learning market is growing rapidly, with over 1 billion consumers expected by 2029. Choosing a scalable platform that can grow with your business is smart.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual needs and goals. Consider your budget, technical skills, and target audience when deciding. With the right platform, selling online courses can be a rewarding venture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which online platforms are most recommended for selling digital courses?

Teachable is a popular choice for many course creators. It offers user-friendly tools and supports various content types. Kajabi provides an all-in-one solution but at a higher price point. For those on a budget, Systeme.io offers affordable options.

What features should I consider when selecting a platform to sell my online courses?

Look for platforms with easy-to-use course builders and customization options. Content delivery features like video hosting and quiz tools are important. Check for marketing tools, payment processing, and student engagement features too.

How can I offer my online courses for free, yet still secure revenue?

Offer a free course as a lead magnet to attract students. Then upsell paid courses or coaching services. Another option is to use a freemium model with basic content free and premium features paid.

What are the top platforms providing certificates for completed online courses?

Many platforms like Teachable and Thinkific allow course creators to issue certificates. Some learning management systems (LMS) also offer this feature. Check if the platform you're considering includes certificate creation tools.

What strategies are effective for promoting online courses through social media?

Share snippets of course content on platforms like Instagram or TikTok. Use LinkedIn to connect with professionals interested in your topic. Create a Facebook group to build a community around your course subject.

Is it feasible to sell online courses directly from a personal website, and what are the advantages?

Yes, it's possible to sell courses from your own website. This gives you full control over branding and user experience. You can avoid platform fees, but you'll need to handle technical aspects like hosting and payment processing yourself.