Have you already recorded your course but don't know where to publish it to get paid for it? E-learning platforms solve just that, from video to payment. Thus, you no longer need to build your own website from scratch. That's why many content creators are just looking for this solution. This happens when they already have the material ready but no reliable place to sell it. This guide on elearning platforms summarizes the criteria that should be reviewed before choosing. elearning platforms: this guide summarizes criteria, limits and steps for choosing with context.
elearning platforms allow you to compare functions, limits and context before deciding. elearning platforms allow you to compare functions, limits and context before deciding.
elearning platforms require comparing functions, limits and context before deciding.
elearning platforms: criteria and guide
Official source: Thinkific official site.
Before choosing, check if your case is more specific
Before choosing between general e-learning platforms, it's worth checking if your course is more specific. If you teach languages, our guide on management software for language academies may be better suited to you. If you are instead preparing students for math exams, our guide on best management software for mathematics academies covers that scenario. And if you work as a private teacher, our guide on digital tools for private teachers can also help you.
Platform chosen: Thinkific
Thinkific allows you to upload a course, set up the payment checkout and publish it without charging additional commission on each sale. Additionally, it includes abandoned cart recovery and upsell blocks within the same checkout process. On the other hand, it does not require a higher plan to access that zero percent commission. In fact, that does happen on several competing platforms.
How much does Thinkific cost
Thinkific does not offer a permanent free plan, but rather a 30-day free trial with full features, according to its official site verified today. The Basic plan, meanwhile, costs $40 per month billed annually. That plan includes unlimited courses and zero commission per sale. Therefore, a creator who has already sold at least one course can cover that cost with few monthly sales.
What to look at besides the price
What to look at besides price matters as much as the monthly cost between different e-learning platforms. The sales commission for each platform, for example, can end up costing more than the monthly payment if you sell a lot. Likewise, it is worth checking if the system allows issuing certificates or monitoring the progress of each student.
What this looks like in practice
A creator with few sales per month gains orders almost immediately just by having their own and reliable checkout. A higher volume creator, on the other hand, takes better advantage of abandoned cart recovery and automatic upsells. However, no platform replaces good content within the course. In fact, just organize the business part better around that content.
How to choose according to your sales volume
If you're just launching your first course, the 30-day free trial is enough to test the entire process. This way, you avoid paying before confirming that the model works for you. If, on the other hand, you already sell courses on a regular basis, it is advisable to add the Basic plan as soon as possible. That is why this plan avoids losing margin in commissions when sales volume grows. Since each creator sells at a different rate, it is a good idea to review this calculation every few months.
Frequently asked questions about e-learning platforms
Do I need to know how to program to publish a course? No, most of these platforms offer ready-made templates that only require you to upload your content.
Can I issue certificates to my students? It depends on the platform, although several include it directly without needing a separate tool.
Does the platform charge a commission for each sale? It depends on the plan, since some platforms eliminate that commission only on their highest plans.
Can I migrate my course from another platform? Yes, in fact most allow you to upload videos and materials again without losing the content already recorded.
Best E-learning Platforms to Sell Online Courses: in summary
Choosing well between e-learning platforms depends on how many courses you sell. It also depends on how much the sales commission of each platform affects you. Thinkific covers everything from a creator with low sales to one with a higher monthly volume. Additionally, it offers zero percent commission from the entry plan. In the next article in the series we review the management tools for online language and mathematics academies. That is another way to professionalize distance teaching.
