Best Online Course Platforms in 2024

The question of “which platform is best?” is often asked when choosing an online course platform. However, a more effective approach is to consider your specific marketing strategy and target audience. Let’s start by exploring the two main categories of online course platforms:

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

2 Main Categories Of Platforms
Frequently Asked Questions
Verdict On Which To Choose
Tips On Selecting a Marketplace Platform
Tips on Selecting An LMS

2 Main Categories Of Platforms:

Understanding the distinction between self-hosted and marketplace platforms is crucial when selecting the best option for your online course business.

Self-hosted, LMS platforms:

Offer complete control over branding, course setup, layout, and features like CRM integration.
Require you to bring your own traffic.
Examples include LearnDash, Thinkific, Podia, Teachable, Kajabi, etc.

Marketplace platforms:

Handle payment processing, marketing, and sales.
Take a percentage of sales.
Examples include Skillshare, Udemy, CyberU, Udacity, LinkedIn Learning, etc.

Strategic Advantage of Marketplace Platforms:

For beginners with limited followers, reviews, or feedback, marketplace platforms offer a strategic advantage. They provide a wider audience and handle marketing efforts, allowing you to focus on course creation and refinement.

Marketplace platforms also offer a low-risk alternative. You can test your course, gauge interest, and gather feedback without upfront investments. This allows you to dip your toes into the online course market before committing to a full self-hosted solution.

Marketplace Platforms

Marketplace platforms like Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, Skillshare, Coursera, and others offer a streamlined approach to hosting and selling your online courses. Simply upload your course content, profile, and other relevant information. Potential students can then discover your course within the platform’s catalog and choose to enroll.

Key Benefits of Marketplace Platforms:

Simplified operations: These platforms handle marketing, sales, hosting, and payment processing, freeing you from these tasks.
Student interaction: Platforms often include features for student questions, course promotions, and direct communication.
Easy scalability: You can list your course on multiple platforms to reach a broader audience.
Increased exposure: Marketplace platforms can expose your course to a vast number of potential students, leading to more visibility and sales.
Additional opportunities: Being listed on a popular marketplace can lead to speaking engagements, writing opportunities, and other collaborations.

Choosing the Right Marketplace:

While Udemy is a popular choice, consider your course’s niche and the specific platforms that cater to your target audience. For example, technical trainers might find success on platforms like Udacity or Coursera.

Personal Experience:

I’ve personally found that listing my course on some marketplace platforms has resulted in increased clients and additional opportunities, such as being invited as a guest speaker on webinars or podcasts.

Remember: While marketplace platforms offer many advantages, it’s essential to invest time in promoting your course and engaging with your students to maximize your success.

Self-Hosted Platforms (LMS): Take Control

These platforms are often referred to as Learning Management Systems (LMS).

When you opt for a self-hosted LMS platform, you’re paying for the privilege to host your course content. Although this comes with a fee, but it also grants you a high degree of control over your online learning environment.

Beyond simply uploading your videos and lessons, these platforms offer a suite of helpful features that can enhance your course. Here are just a few:

Website builders with templates: To create a professional-looking course landing page and sales funnel.
Email and messaging features: For communication with your students.
Coupon creation: To offer discounts and promotions.
AI features: to help you create your content and even communicate with your students

If you’re already using WordPress for your website, you can also host your courses using a plugin like LearnDash. This offers a flexible and customizable solution, seamlessly integrating with your existing WordPress setup. To see more reasons why I personally chose LearnDash, please see the featured article: https://www.learndash.com/blog/featured-customer-marketing-senorita/

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use multiple course platforms?

Yes, you can list your course on multiple marketplaces and even have your own branded course website using an LMS. This allows you to reach a wider audience and offer different course formats.

What features should I look for in a course platform?

Consider the following features when choosing a platform:

Ease of use: A user-friendly interface can save you time and effort.
Marketing tools: Look for features like landing page builders, email marketing integration, and social media sharing options.
Student engagement: Consider gamification, quizzes, and discussion forums to keep students motivated.
Pricing options: Evaluate the cost of the platform and any additional fees associated with selling your course.

Is it better to start with a free or paid platform?

Free marketplaces are a good starting point for beginners as they allow you to test your course and gather feedback. However, if you’re serious about building a sustainable online course business, a paid LMS platform can offer more control, customization, and features. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and goals.

Essential Marketing Tools for Self Hosted LMS Platforms

To maximize your course visibility, sales and profits, look for these marketing features and capabilities in your chosen LMS platform:

Funnel Setup

Email Marketing Integration

Webinar System

Membership Add On

Coupon System

Affiliate Marketing Tools

Landing Page Templates

SEO Tools

Choosing the Best Online Course Platforms for Your Needs

High-Ticket Signature Courses:

If you have specialized courses with premium pricing, self-hosted platforms offer greater control and flexibility. This allows you to tailor the course experience to your specific needs and brand.

Introductory Courses:

If you’re new to online course creation and seeking feedback and reviews, marketplace platforms can be a valuable starting point. These platforms provide a wider audience and can help you refine your course before launching it on your own.

A Combination Approach:

Consider a hybrid approach for a well-rounded strategy. Start by offering your course on a marketplace to gauge demand and gather feedback. Once you’ve established a solid foundation, transition to a self-hosted platform to offer a more personalized and premium experience.

My Recommended Strategy:

Begin on a marketplace: Launch a short course to test the market and gather insights
Iterate and refine: Monitor student feedback and make necessary improvements to your course
Transition to self-hosted: Create a more comprehensive version of your course on your own LMS, incorporating what you learned on the marketplaces
Add value: Enhance your self-hosted course with additional content, bonuses, and live training to justify a premium price and premium service

By following this approach, you can leverage the benefits of both marketplace and self-hosted platforms to create a successful and profitable online course.

How to Choose A Marketplace Platform:

Domain Authority (DA):

As a marketer, I prioritize platforms with a high Domain Authority (DA) as measured by Moz. A high DA indicates a platform that is well-established, has a strong online presence, and is likely to attract significant traffic from search engines. This increases the visibility of your course and your potential for reaching a wider audience.

Avoid Scams:

Be cautious of illegitimate platforms that may steal your course content. Research platforms thoroughly and look for signs of legitimacy, such as a strong online reputation and a history of supporting course creators.

Reputation, Support, and Niche Specialization:

Search for reputable platforms: Use search engines to find lists of top marketplace platforms.
Evaluate student numbers and course quality: Assess the number of students enrolled in similar courses and review the quality of course materials.
Consider instructor support: Look for platforms that provide adequate support and resources for course creators.
Identify niche-specific platforms: Some platforms specialize in particular niches, such as technology, creative arts, or business. Research platforms that align with your course’s subject matter.

Udemy: A Strong Starting Point

Udemy is an excellent choice for beginners due to its rigorous screening process. If your course meets Udemy’s standards, it’s likely to be accepted by other reputable platforms as well. Their approval can serve as a valuable endorsement of your course quality.

Udemy Benefits:

Large student base: Udemy attracts millions of students, offering a vast potential audience for your course.
Quality assurance: Their screening process ensures that your course meets industry standards.
Platform exposure: Udemy’s reputation can help you gain visibility with students and potential employers and clients

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a marketplace platform that aligns with your goals, provides a strong foundation for your online course, and reaches the target audience for your subject matter.

How to Choose a Self-Hosted LMS:

Templates:

Prioritize attractive templates: Opt for an LMS that offers visually appealing templates designed with marketing principles in mind.
Consider customization options: Look for platforms that allow you to customize templates without requiring extensive programming knowledge.

Promotions:

Coupons: A must-have feature for offering discounts and promotions.
Live integration: Ability to integrate with platforms like Zoom to all you to offer live training sessions or webinars
Email marketing integration: Connect with your email marketing software

Membership Areas:

Evaluate sample membership areas: Assess the platform’s ability to create attractive and engaging membership communities.
Consider the benefits of membership areas: Well-designed membership areas can drive sales and foster student loyalty.

Affiliate Partnerships:

Look for built-in affiliate systems: A platform with a pre-configured affiliate system can save you time and effort.
Consider the benefits of affiliate marketing: Leverage the power of affiliates to promote your courses and reach a wider audience.

Additional Considerations:

Scalability: Choose a platform that can accommodate your growing student base and course offerings.
Integration Capabilities: Ensure seamless integration with your existing tools and software.
Customer Support: Look for responsive and helpful support teams.
Security and Data Privacy: Ensure your hard work will be protected
Pricing and Value: Evaluate the cost of the platform in relation to the features and benefits it offers.

By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose an LMS that aligns with your specific needs and goals.

Conclusion

Choosing the right online course platform is a crucial step in your journey to success. By carefully evaluating factors such as features, pricing, scalability, and marketing tools, you can select a platform that empowers you to create, deliver, and promote your valuable course content effectively.

Remember: This article is based on my personal experience as a course creator and is not influenced by affiliate links. My goal is to provide you with unbiased information and help you make informed decisions for your online course business.

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About The Author:

Tricia Belmonte

Tricia is an Internet marketing specialist with over 20 years of marketing, senior management and business development experience. Her passion is helping motivated business owners become authority sites online. Her specialties include online course development, search engine optimization (SEO), Facebook advertising, content creation, funnels, and more. Her contest winning online courses have reached over 28,000 students across 145 countries and have all been listed on the first page of Udemy, one of the world’s largest online course platforms.