A Guide To Selecting Your Ideal Online Course Creation Platform
Launching courses and growing an online business is not a rare sight anymore. Creators and businesses are leaning more and more toward online course-selling businesses to expand their reach. And now, countless platforms help you create and sell your courses online without having to do much. But with so many options to choose from, how do you pick out the right one? Which online course creation platform should you pick for your business? In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of online course platforms and give you some key factors to consider when making the all-important decision.
Types Of Online Course Platforms
There’s a vast array of options to choose from when it comes to online course creation platforms. And sometimes, it could be a daunting task to pick a single one from so many different options. But, once you understand the types of platforms out there, you’ll at least be able to narrow down the choice. Here, we’ll mention three types of platforms that you should be aware of when trying to launch an online course-selling business.
1. All-In-One Platforms
Want a single platform to manage all your business aspects? One platform to sell multiple products, utilize countless features, and earn from more than one avenue? Then you need an all-in-one course creation platform! These types of platforms basically give you all the tools necessary to handle your business; from an easy course creation process to building your own site, to marketing tools and payment processing gateways. Whether you are new to online course selling or need to upgrade your online business, all-in-one platforms are the perfect choice for fast and effortless business growth.
2. Learning Management Systems (LMSs)
Unlike all-in-one platforms, LMS platforms do not offer such a diverse range of features or tools. Rather their functionalities revolve mainly around creating and managing online courses. An LMS helps to deliver your course effectively and efficiently. These platforms also provide ways to track the progress of your learners ensuring a way for you to evaluate performance. You can take a look at different vendors for a good LMS experience.
3. Course Marketplaces
Course marketplaces are public platforms where you can sell your course. Usually, this is a good way to make your course visible to a large audience. But, you do not get any additional tools like in an LMS or all-in-one platforms. The big advantage of marketplaces is that you gain an existing student base from the get-go. So, if you do not have a strong online presence then a course marketplace could be the first place to visit. Popular course marketplaces are Udemy, Coursera, and Skillshare.
Features To Look For In An Online Course Creation Platform
The last thing you want to do is sign up for the wrong platform! While picking a single platform from the lot might seem like a daunting task, it only becomes easier when you know what features you want. Here, we will mention the key features you should be aware of when making the big decision. Now, a platform having these might not automatically qualify as the winner for you, but it definitely means that it’s a platform that you might want to explore more about.
1. Course Creation Process
Of course, you should be looking for something that simplifies your course creation process. Many platforms have a complex system and sometimes can delay the launch of your online course because of all the complexity. Definitely go for platforms that make course creation happen with simple clicks of the button or contain easy drag-drop editors.
2. Availability Of Materials/Lessons
Some platforms might limit the materials you can include in your course. There’s no reason to put a barrier to your creativity and go for those kinds of platforms. Rather you should look for a platform where you can include virtually all types of materials from assessment lessons to quizzes, texts, videos, SCORM, etc.
3. Easy Resource Management
The right platform will allow you to easily host and deliver your course content. This not only means that you can keep your resources tidily in one place but also entails the ease of accessibility for your students. Platforms that give large space, have secure servers, and even provide CDNs to optimize performance are truly the ones that should be under your radar.
4. Student Management System
All-in-one platforms are usually the best choice when you want a student management system that covers every aspect. But, LMSs are not far off either. Regardless, a good platform should provide tools for managing your students, including enrollment, progress tracking, discussion, communication, etc. A platform that makes you connect with your students, through communities or otherwise, can truly impact the growth of your business.
5. Marketing And Promotion Tools
All-in-one platforms usually offer plenty of marketing tools including email automation, analytics and reports, email campaigns, etc. You should definitely make use of a platform offering such tools because they ease the process of marketing and promoting your course.
Additional Considerations
1. Course Content
There are several factors of course content that you should consider. For example:
- Multimedia options
- Video
- Audio
- Interactive elements
- Course structure and delivery
- Modular format
- Linear vs. non-linear delivery
- Bite-sized content
- Mobile optimization
- Responsive design
- Mobile-friendly features
- App availability
These are the key factors to consider when creating your online course content. These factors can enhance engagement, effectiveness, and accessibility for your target audience, boosting your chances for success.
2. Cost And Pricing Plans
When selecting an online course creation platform for your business, budget is crucial. There are different pricing models to consider, each with its pros and cons.
- Subscription-based
There are different pricing options in different online course creation platforms. Some platforms offer subscription-based pricing options. These models usually take a monthly or yearly fee for accessing the platform's features and tools. - Transaction-based
A few platforms impose a transaction fee for each course sale conducted through their platform. Especially if you're new to online course creation and prefer not to commit to a monthly subscription fee, this model would be helpful for you. However, transaction fees can accumulate rapidly so consider how much your potential costs are. - Freemium
Freemium means offering both free and premium options. This pricing model offers access to a platform for free but with limited options. However, you can opt to upgrade to a paid plan for access to additional functionalities. This way, you can give a course creation platform a try.
In the end, consider your course business requirements and objectives before going for a pricing model. It's crucial to compare pricing options and carefully evaluate the long-term expenses before reaching a decision.
3. Integration And Technical Considerations
When selecting an online course platform, it's vital to consider third-party integrations and technical support. Ensure that the platform seamlessly integrates with other tools and services you utilize and provides dependable technical assistance.
a. Third-Party Integrations
Typical integrations include email marketing software, CRM systems, and video conferencing tools.
b. Technical Support
Online course platforms commonly offer various types of technical support, including:
- Email support
Users can submit queries or issues via email, and support agents respond accordingly. - Live chat support
Real-time assistance is provided through chat platforms, enabling users to receive immediate help. - Phone support
Direct communication with support agents via phone calls for prompt resolution of issues. - Knowledge base
Comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and FAQs are available online to address common queries and provide self-help resources. - Community forums
Platforms may offer forums where users can interact with each other, share insights, and seek assistance from peers.
The quality of technical support can vary significantly among platforms. Factors affecting support quality include response time, expertise of support agents, availability of support channels, and overall customer satisfaction. Users often assess the reliability and effectiveness of technical support based on their personal experiences and feedback from other users.
Final Words
In conclusion, selecting the right online course creation platform for your business is important to ensure the success of your online courses. To summarize, key considerations include the platform type, features such as course creation and customization, content hosting and delivery, student management and engagement, payment processing, and pricing options, as well as marketing and promotion tools. In addition, factors like multimedia options, course structure and delivery, mobile optimization, and cost and pricing options should be taken into account. Third-party integrations and technical support are also crucial considerations.
Ultimately, the right online course creation platform will enable you to efficiently create courses, deliver, and manage your courses, foster business growth, and deliver high-quality education to your employees or customers.
