Choosing the Right Digital Course Platform

Published December 30, 2023 | By Matt

In the era of digital technology, education has moved beyond the confines of conventional classrooms and printed textbooks, ushering in many possibilities for remote and online learning. Whether you’re a seasoned educator looking to share your expertise or an entrepreneur seeking to monetize your knowledge, choosing the right digital course platform is pivotal. It can mean the difference between a successful online teaching venture and one that needs to catch up to its potential.

In this comprehensive guide, “The Best Digital Course Platforms of the Year: Where to Host Your Online Course,” we’ll navigate the ever-expanding landscape of online education. We’ll explore the top platforms available in the market, dissect their features, and provide you with the insights needed to make an informed choice. But before we dive into the platforms themselves, let’s start with some quick tips to set you on the right course:

Quick Tips for Choosing the Right Digital Course Platform

Define Your Audience and Goals: Before you decide on a platform, it’s essential to precisely identify your intended audience and articulate the objectives you intend to accomplish with your online course.
Understanding your audience’s needs will help you tailor your content and choose a platform that caters to those needs.
Assess Your Course Content: Take a close look at your course material. Is it video-heavy, text-based, or interactive?
Various platforms have their strengths in different content formats, so selecting one that matches your teaching style and the type of content you create is advisable.
Set a Realistic Budget: Online course platforms offer a range of pricing models, from free options to monthly subscriptions and transaction fees. Consider your budget and how it aligns with the platform’s pricing structure. Remember to account for potential growth and scalability.
Prioritize User-Friendliness: A user-friendly interface is crucial for you as an instructor and your students. Platforms that offer user-friendly course creation tools and straightforward navigation can improve the learning experience and also help save valuable time.
Research Platform Features: Each platform has features, such as quizzes, forums, and analytics tools. Please list must-have features for your course and compare platforms based on their offerings.

Now, let’s delve into the heart of our exploration, where we’ll review the top digital course platforms available, weigh their pros and cons, and provide you with the information you need to make a confident choice.

Top Digital Course Platforms

1. Udemy

Platform Overview: Udemy is among the largest and most popular online course marketplaces. It provides a variety of classes covering a wide array of subjects, making it an appealing option for educators aiming to engage a diverse audience.

Features:

User-friendly course creation tools.
Global reach and a large student base.
Marketing and promotional tools for instructors.
Revenue sharing model: Instructors earn a percentage of course sales.

Pricing:

Udemy charges a revenue share based on the pricing model chosen by the instructor:
- Instructor Promotion: Instructors earn 97% of revenue for sales they generate directly (through their promotion).
- Udemy Organic: Instructors earn 50% for organic sales (students who find the course on Udemy).

Pros:

Easy to get started.
Access to a massive audience.
Marketing support.

Cons:

Limited control over pricing.
Revenue share on Udemy organic sales is lower.

2. Teachable

Platform Overview: Teachable is a popular platform for instructors who want to independently create and sell online courses. It provides a comprehensive set of tools for course creation and customization.

Features:

Complete control over course pricing and branding.
Diverse multimedia support, including videos, quizzes, and assignments.
We have integrated payment processing.
Marketing and sales features.

Pricing:

Teachable offers three pricing plans:
- Basic: $29/month (billed annually).
- Pro: $99/month (billed annually).
- Business: Custom pricing for advanced needs.

Pros:

Complete control over course pricing and branding.
There are no transaction fees on most plans.
Robust analytics and marketing tools.

Cons:

Transaction fees on the Basic plan.
Higher monthly costs for the Pro and Business plans.

3. Coursera

Platform Overview: Coursera is known for its partnership with top universities and institutions, offering high-quality courses and specializations. It’s ideal for educators looking to create academic or professional studies.

Features:

Collaborations with prestigious universities.
Specializations and degrees available.
A wide range of courses and topics.
A monthly subscription option is available for access to multiple classes.

Pricing:

Coursera offers free and paid courses with a one-time purchase or a monthly subscription fee.
Prices vary depending on the course and specialization.

Pros:

Access to top-notch content and educators.
Flexibility to choose between free and paid courses.
Certification from renowned institutions.

Cons:

Limited control over pricing for instructors.
Strict academic standards may only suit some types of courses.

4. Kajabi

Platform Overview: Kajabi is an all-in-one platform that combines course hosting, website creation, and marketing tools. It’s designed for entrepreneurs and businesses looking to create and sell online courses.

Features:

Customizable website and landing pages.
Email marketing and automation.
Integrated payment processing.
Drip content release.

Pricing:

Kajabi offers three pricing tiers:
- Primary: $149/month.
- Growth: $199/month.
- Pro: $399/month.

Pros:

Comprehensive all-in-one solution.
There are no transaction fees on any plan.
Strong marketing and automation capabilities.

Cons:

Higher pricing compared to some other platforms.
It might be more challenging for newcomers to grasp initially.

5. edX

Platform Overview: edX is another platform with solid ties to prestigious institutions, offering various courses and programs. It’s an excellent choice for instructors who want to create classes with academic rigor.

Features:

Collaboration with universities and institutions like MIT and Harvard.
MicroMasters and professional certificate programs.
Self-paced and instructor-led courses.
Free audit option for many courses.

Pricing:

Pricing varies depending on the course or program. Many systems can be audited for free, but certification or credit options are typically offered at a cost.

Pros:

Access to high-quality content from renowned institutions.
Flexibility in course formats (self-paced or instructor-led).
Opportunity for learners to earn certificates or academic credit.

Cons:

Limited control over pricing for instructors.
There needs to be more emphasis on marketing and promotion tools.

6. Thinkific

Platform Overview: Thinkific is a user-friendly platform designed for course creators. It offers a diverse customization options and effortlessly integrates with other software, making it an attractive choice for entrepreneurs and business owners.

Features:

Drag-and-drop course builder.
Customizable website and branding.
Integrated payment processing.
Drip content release and gamification options.

Pricing:

Thinkific offers four pricing plans:
- Free: Limited features.
- Primary: $49/month.
- Pro: $99/month.
- Premier: $499/month.

Pros:

User-friendly course creation.
There are no transaction fees on most plans.
Extensive customization options.

Cons:

Transaction fees on the Free plan.
Advanced features are available on higher-tier projects.

7. Podia

Platform Overview: Podia is an all-in-one platform that focuses on simplicity. It combines course hosting, digital downloads, and membership options for creators looking to sell various types of digital content.

Features:

Course hosting and digital product sales.
Membership site creation.
Email marketing tools.
There are no transaction fees on any plan.

Pricing:

Podia offers two pricing plans:
- Mover: $39/month.
- Shaker: $79/month.

Pros:

All-in-one platform for course hosting, digital products, and memberships.
There are no transaction fees on any plan.
Easy-to-use interface.

Cons:

Less advanced marketing features compared to some competitors.
It is not more feature-rich than some other platforms for course creation.

8. LearnWorlds

Platform Overview: LearnWorlds is designed for course creators who want to offer a premium and interactive learning experience. It’s known for its focus on engagement and community-building.

Features:

Interactive video and course player.
Social and community features.
Built-in e-commerce for selling courses.
White-labeling and branding options.

Pricing:

LearnWorlds offers three pricing plans:
- Starter: $29/month.
- Pro Trainer: $99/month.
- Learning Center: Custom pricing for enterprise needs.

Pros:

Emphasis on learner engagement and community.
Interactive course player for rich content.
Extensive branding and customization options.

Cons:

Higher pricing compared to some other platforms.
Advanced features are available on higher-tier plans.

These platforms provide various choices for individuals creating courses, catering to those who prefer a straightforward and easy-to-use approach and those who value academic excellence and student engagement. Your decision should be based on your particular requirements, financial considerations, and the type of learning experience you intend to deliver to your students.

Case Studies: Successful Online Instructors

Instructor Name 1: Jennifer Smith

Jennifer Smith, a seasoned educator in the field of digital marketing, found her success on the platform Teachable. Let’s take a look at her journey and key takeaways:

Platform Choice: Teachable

Journey:

Jennifer began by thoroughly comprehending her intended audience, which consisted of individuals passionate about digital marketing and looking to acquire hands-on expertise. She created video courses on SEO, social media, and email marketing.

Her studies gained popularity due to their practical approach and interactive quizzes.

Key Takeaways:

Niche Focus: Jennifer’s success is attributed to her deep knowledge of a specific niche within digital marketing.
Interactive Elements: She effectively used quizzes and assignments to engage her students.
Clear Communication: Jennifer’s clear and concise teaching style resonated with her audience.

Instructor Name 2: John Thompson

An entrepreneur and life coach, John Thompson, opted for Kajabi to host his self-improvement courses. Here’s a glimpse of his strategies:

Platform Choice: Kajabi

Journey: John’s courses cover personal development, goal setting, and time management. He used Kajabi’s all-in-one platform to create a dedicated website for his courses, complete with blog posts and email marketing campaigns. His success can be attributed to his holistic approach to online teaching.

Key Takeaways:

Branding: John’s well-branded website and consistent messaging helped build trust with his audience.
Content Variety: He incorporated video lessons, downloadable resources, and live webinars to cater to different learning preferences.
Email Marketing: John used Kajabi’s email marketing tools to nurture leads and engage with his students.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Platform

While platform choice is crucial, there are several other factors to consider when launching your online course:

Course Security and Data Protection

Ensuring the security of your course content and the protection of student data is paramount. Most reputable platforms have robust security measures, but you must familiarize yourself with their data protection policies.

Marketing and Promotion Tools

Even the best course needs effective marketing to reach its target audience. Look for platforms that offer built-in marketing and promotional tools, such as email marketing, social media integration, and affiliate programs.

Payment Processing Options

Consider how you plan to monetize your course. Different platforms offer payment processing options, including one-time purchases, subscriptions, and payment plans. Choose the one that aligns with your revenue model.

Analytics and Tracking

Analyzing student progress and engagement is crucial for improving your course over time. Look for platforms that provide detailed analytics, such as completion rates, quiz scores, and student feedback.

Tips for a Burst of Creativity

Crafting Compelling Course Content

Engaging course content is essential for keeping students motivated. Use various formats, including video lectures, quizzes, assignments, and downloadable resources.

Utilizing Multimedia and Interactive Elements

Incorporate multimedia elements like videos, infographics, and animations to make your content more engaging. Interactive features like quizzes and discussion forums can foster community among your students.

Engaging Learners Through Discussions and Assignments

Encourage student participation by creating discussion forums and group assignments. Engaged students are more likely to complete and recommend your course to others.

Here is a comparative chart that provides a concise overview of the essential characteristics and cost information for the digital course platforms discussed in the article:

Platform	Features	Pricing	Pros	Cons
Udemy	– User-friendly course creation tools	– Revenue share model	– Access to a massive audience	– Limited control over pricing
	– Global reach and large student base	– Instructors earn 97% on self-promotion	– Marketing support	– Revenue share on Udemy organic sales is lower
	– Marketing and promotional tools for instructors	– Instructors earn 50% on Udemy organic
Teachable	– Full control over course pricing and branding	– Basic: $49/month (billed annually)	– No transaction fees on most plans	– Transaction fees on the Basic plan
	– Diverse multimedia support	– Pro: $99/month (billed annually)	– Robust analytics and marketing tools	– Higher monthly costs for the Pro and Business plans
	– Integrated payment processing	– Business: Custom pricing for advanced needs
Coursera	– Collaborations with prestigious universities	– Pricing varies by course	– Access to top-notch content from renowned institutions	– Limited control over pricing for instructors
	– Specializations and degrees available	– Many courses can be audited for free	– Flexibility to choose between free and paid courses	– Strict academic standards may not suit all types of courses
Kajabi	– Customizable website and landing pages	– Basic: $149/month	– Comprehensive all-in-one solution	– Higher pricing compared to some other platforms
	– Email marketing and automation	– Growth: $199/month	– No transaction fees on any plan	– Beginners might need help to get started and grasp the concepts more quickly.
	– Integrated payment processing	– Pro: $399/month
	– Drip content release
edX	– Collaboration with prestigious institutions	– Pricing varies by course or program	– Access to high-quality content from renowned institutions	– Limited control over pricing for instructors
	– MicroMasters and professional certificate programs		– Flexibility in course formats (self-paced or instructor-led)	– Less emphasis on marketing and promotion tools
	– Wide range of courses and topics		– Opportunity for learners to earn certificates or academic credit	–
Thinkific	– Drag-and-drop course builder	– Free: Limited features	– User-friendly course creation	– Transaction fees on the Free plan
	– Customizable website and branding	– Basic: $49/month	– No transaction fees on most plans	– Advanced features available on higher-tier plans
	– Integrated payment processing	– Pro: $99/month	– Extensive customization options
	– Drip content release and gamification options	– Premier: $499/month
Podia	– Course hosting and digital product sales	– Mover: $39/month	– All-in-one platform for course hosting, digital products, and memberships	– Not as feature-rich as some other platforms for course creation
	– Membership site creation	– Shaker: $79/month	– No transaction fees on any plan	– Limited advanced marketing features compared to some competitors
	– Email marketing tools		– Easy-to-use interface
	– No transaction fees on any plan
LearnWorlds	– Interactive video and course player	– Starter: $29/month	– Emphasis on learner engagement and community	– Higher pricing compared to some other platforms
	– Social and community features	– Pro Trainer: $99/month	– Interactive course player for rich content	– Advanced features available on higher-tier plans
	– Built-in e-commerce for selling courses	– Learning Center: Custom pricing for enterprise needs	– Extensive branding and customization options
	– White-labeling and branding options

Please be aware that the mentioned prices are subject to modification, and specific platforms might provide extra plans or functionalities not included in this brief overview.

When choosing a platform, carefully considering your needs, audience, and budget is essential.

Conclusion

Choosing the right digital course platform is critical to your journey to online teaching success. Each venue offers unique features and advantages, so aligning your choice with your specific goals, audience, and teaching style is essential.

As you explore the platforms, remember to draw inspiration from successful instructors like Jennifer and John, who have thrived by combining their expertise with effective course design and marketing strategies.

Remember that your journey as an online educator is an ongoing one. Consistently gather input from your students, assess the metrics related to course performance, and remain informed about the most recent developments in online education. You can create a rewarding and impactful online teaching experience with dedication and the right platform.

Additional Resources and Further Reading