You have a vision—to turn your expertise into an impactful online course that reaches people everywhere. But as you dive into the search for the right platform, you’re met with a dizzying array of choices, each boasting a lineup of features, price points, and tech details that can make your head spin.
E-learning 24, High SkillTraining, Teachable, Thinkific, Podia… the list goes on, and each platform promises to be the answer to your needs. Suddenly, creating and selling your course feels less about sharing knowledge and more like navigating a sea of decisions.
Don’t worry; you’re not alone in this. In this guide, we’ll explore the top platforms to sell online courses in 2024, the features that matter most, and how to choose the best fit for your vision. By the end, you’ll have a clear path forward, ready to turn your passion into a profitable online course with the right platform by your side.
The Growing Demand for Online Courses
As technology reshapes the way we learn, online courses have become a booming industry, providing people with access to high-quality education from the comfort of their own homes.
The demand for online learning shows no sign of slowing down, creating a unique opportunity for experts, educators, and entrepreneurs to share their knowledge with a global audience.
Let’s explore why 2024 is the perfect time to launch your online course and the benefits of tapping into this fast-growing market.
- Why 2024 is the Year to Launch Your Online Course
The e-learning industry is on a steep upward trajectory, driven by increasing interest in remote work, personal development, and accessible education. In 2024, people are more inclined than ever to invest in online learning to boost their skills, advance their careers, or simply pursue personal interests.
With more professionals turning to online courses to upskill, and more individuals exploring passion-driven learning, the demand has never been higher. Advances in course platform technology have also made it easier to create, market, and sell online courses. Plus, as the gig economy and remote work continue to expand, now is the ideal moment to establish your presence in the e-learning space.
- Key Benefits of Selling Courses Online
Selling courses online comes with several key advantages that can benefit both you and your audience:
- Scalability: Unlike traditional teaching, where you’re limited by physical space or one-on-one sessions, online courses allow you to reach unlimited students globally. This scalability means that once you create a course, it can be sold repeatedly without significant additional effort.
- Passive Income Potential: With online courses, you can generate passive income by creating a course once and selling it multiple times. This model lets you earn money around the clock, even while you sleep, making it an attractive option for building a steady revenue stream.
- Flexibility and Control: Selling courses online provides flexibility to create and share content on your own terms. You can update course material as needed, add new modules, and set your pricing structure, giving you complete control over your educational business.
- Establishing Authority: By creating an online course, you position yourself as an expert in your field, which can lead to greater opportunities. Courses help you build credibility and brand awareness, opening doors to additional revenue streams, such as consulting or coaching.
- Reaching a Global Audience: Online courses eliminate geographical boundaries, allowing you to connect with learners worldwide. This broad reach expands your potential customer base and gives you the chance to impact more lives through your knowledge.
Top Features to Look for in an Online Course Platform
Choosing the right platform to sell your online course is essential to creating a professional, engaging, and scalable learning experience. Here are the top features you should look for to make sure your platform meets both your needs and those of your students.
- Customization
Customization options allow you to tailor your course platform to align with your brand identity, making a lasting impression on students. Look for platforms that offer customizable templates for course pages, landing pages, and even the student dashboard. This includes choosing colors, fonts, and logos that reflect your brand, as well as options to personalize the student experience.
Some platforms even allow custom domain integration, making your course page look like an extension of your website. Strong branding through customization builds trust, keeps your brand top of mind, and creates a consistent experience across all your online offerings.
- Ease of Use
A user-friendly platform is essential, especially if you’re new to course creation. Look for intuitive platforms with drag-and-drop functionality, pre-made templates, and clear navigation. An easy-to-use interface lets you focus on creating quality content without getting bogged down in complex setup or technical details.
Platforms that provide helpful tutorials, guided setups, or customer support can also enhance the experience, making it simple to create, manage, and update your courses as needed. Ease of use isn’t just about getting started quickly—it ensures a smoother process for both you and your students.
- Marketing and Sales Tools
Effective marketing tools are essential for getting your course in front of the right audience and maximizing sales. Look for platforms with built-in email marketing, affiliate programs, and social media integrations. Features like
- automated email campaigns,
- lead magnets, and
- sales funnels can help you capture and nurture leads, turning prospects into paying students.
Additionally, some platforms offer tools for creating discounts, promotions, and payment plans, helping you increase enrollment and revenue. The right marketing tools make it easier to reach a larger audience, stay connected with students, and grow your online course business.
- Content Delivery
The way you deliver your course content plays a big role in student engagement and satisfaction. Look for platforms that support a variety of content formats, including
- video, audio, quizzes, text, and
- downloadable resources.
Some platforms offer drip content features, allowing you to release modules gradually to encourage consistent engagement. Interactive content options, such as quizzes and surveys, can enhance learning retention, while downloadable worksheets or guides add value. An ideal platform will provide flexible content delivery options that suit various learning styles, helping students stay engaged and achieve better outcomes.
- Student Engagement
Student engagement is a key factor in course completion rates and satisfaction. Look for platforms that offer interactive tools like
- discussion forums,
- live Q&A sessions,
- group chat, and
- gamification elements (such as badges or certificates).
These features help students connect with you and with each other, fostering a sense of community and accountability. Some platforms also support live classes or webinars, giving you a chance to interact in real-time. Engaged students are more likely to complete your course and leave positive reviews, which can attract even more enrollments.
- Analytics and Reporting
Analytics and reporting tools provide valuable insights into your course performance and student engagement. Look for platforms that track metrics like course completion rates, module engagement, and student progress. Some platforms offer detailed reports on sales, conversion rates, and revenue, helping you understand what’s working and where improvements are needed.
Having access to data allows you to make informed decisions, improve your content, and tailor future marketing strategies. Understanding your audience’s preferences and behavior also helps you refine your courses to better meet their needs, increasing the likelihood of repeat enrollments.
- Security and Privacy
Security is essential for protecting your content and your students’ personal information. Choose a platform that provides secure payment gateways, SSL certification, and reliable data encryption to keep transactions and personal data safe. Some platforms also offer digital rights management (DRM) to prevent unauthorized downloads or screen recording of your content.
Additionally, look for platforms that comply with data privacy laws, such as GDPR, to ensure you’re meeting global standards for user privacy. A secure, privacy-compliant platform not only protects your business but also builds trust with your students, giving them peace of mind as they engage with your course.
Top 10 Online Course Platforms to Consider in 2024
With the e-learning industry expanding rapidly, choosing the right platform to launch and grow your online course business is essential. The best platforms in 2024 offer a range of features, from customizable branding and content management to powerful marketing tools, allowing you to create, sell, and scale your courses with ease.
To help you find the perfect fit, here’s an overview of the top platforms and what they have to offer.
1. E-Learning 24
E-Learning 24 is a comprehensive platform designed for creators and businesses looking to launch an e-learning venture with ease and speed.
With E-Learning 24, you gain access to over 2500 ready-made courses across a wide range of industries, a fully customizable website front end, and a robust Learning Management System (LMS). This allows creators to rebrand and sell these courses as their own, making it ideal for those looking to start earning from day one.
The platform also offers reseller opportunities, enabling creators to expand and scale their business seamlessly. E-Learning 24 stands out for its all-in-one approach, flexible customization, and strong support, making it a top choice for those who want a quick and professional entry into the e-learning market.
Key Features:
- Access to a library of over 2500 ready-made courses across industries like health, IT, and business, allowing creators to start selling immediately or bundle these courses with their own content.
- Fully customizable website front end, enabling creators to establish a branded, professional online presence.
- A comprehensive Learning Management System (LMS) for seamless content management and student tracking.
- 24/7 customer support and onboarding assistance to help creators and their clients get the most out of the platform.
- Reseller opportunities, making it easy to scale and monetize by allowing creators to resell courses under their brand.
Pros:
- Ideal for creators looking to launch quickly with a catalog of high-quality courses ready to go.
- Customization options give creators flexibility in establishing their unique brand.
- Strong customer support and reseller capabilities provide additional revenue opportunities.
Cons:
- Lack some of the advanced marketing automation features found on other platforms.
2. High Skills Training
High Skills Training is a versatile platform for course creators who want a head start with premium content and advanced scalability options.
With access to 2500+ ready-made courses across various industries, High Skills Training provides creators with a customizable website front end and a powerful LMS for managing students and content.
It’s perfect for entrepreneurs who want to start selling on day one, leveraging the ready-made courses to provide immediate value. Additionally, the platform’s reseller options allow creators to scale by letting others sell their courses under their brand.
High Skills Training excels in rapid setup, scalability, and seamless branding, making it ideal for creators looking to launch and grow an e-learning business without extensive content creation efforts.
Key Features:
- Access to thousands of preloaded courses that creators can brand and sell as their own, enabling them to start earning from day one.
- Customizable front-end website that reflects the creator’s brand identity, ensuring a cohesive user experience.
- Advanced LMS with features for managing students, tracking progress, and delivering engaging learning experiences.
- Built-in tools for scalability, including reseller opportunities for those looking to expand their business.
- 24/7 customer and technical support, ensuring creators have help whenever they need it.
Pros:
- Ready-made courses allow creators to start a profitable e-learning business instantly.
- Highly customizable, making it easy to create a branded experience without needing extensive tech knowledge.
- Reseller program provides extra income streams and scaling opportunities.
Cons:
- May lack some of the advanced marketing automation features found on other platforms.
3. Thinkific
Thinkific is a user-friendly, all-in-one platform built for course creators who want control and customization.
With Thinkific, you can create courses using an intuitive drag-and-drop builder and choose from customizable templates to match your brand. It includes powerful marketing tools, such as email integrations and sales page creation, to help promote your courses. Thinkific also offers community features to engage students, including discussion forums and membership sites.
Thinkific is known for its ease of use, flexibility, and strong community-building options, making it a popular choice for both beginners and experienced creators looking for a comprehensive platform.
Key Features:
- Easy-to-use course builder with drag-and-drop functionality and customizable templates.
- Strong marketing features, including email marketing integrations and sales page creation tools.
- Community features to help creators engage with students, such as discussion forums and membership sites.
Pros:
- Beginner-friendly and highly customizable.
- Strong marketing and community engagement features for creators wanting to build a dedicated student base.
Cons:
- Limited advanced LMS features compared to some other platforms.
- Transaction fees on lower-tier plans may affect smaller creators.
4. Kajabi
Kajabi is an all-in-one platform that goes beyond course creation, offering tools for website building, marketing automation, and customer relationship management.
Kajabi provides a suite of tools for creating and delivering courses, including advanced marketing automation to boost enrollment and sales. The platform offers powerful analytics, customizable websites, and a mobile app to enhance the user experience, making it easy for students to access courses on the go.
Kajabi’s seamless integration of course creation and marketing tools makes it an excellent choice for creators looking to scale their online business, though its higher price point may be a consideration for some.
Key Features:
- All-in-one platform with tools for course creation, website building, email marketing, and CRM.
- Robust analytics and reporting for tracking student progress and course performance.
- Mobile app support, allowing students to access courses on the go.
Pros:
- Great for creators who want an all-in-one solution without relying on external tools.
- Strong analytics and mobile support enhance the user experience.
Cons:
- Higher price point, which may be a barrier for beginners.
- Limited customization options on lower-tier plans.
5. Teachable
Teachable is a straightforward platform with essential tools for creators looking to launch their courses quickly and affordably.
Teachable’s user-friendly course builder supports video hosting, downloadable resources, and quizzes. It also offers built-in affiliate marketing to help creators expand their reach. Flexible pricing plans, including a free option, make it accessible for beginners.
Teachable’s simplicity, affordability, and effective course creation tools make it ideal for creators who want a straightforward solution without complex technical requirements.
Key Features:
- User-friendly platform with simple course creation tools and video hosting.
- Built-in affiliate marketing to help creators expand their reach.
- Flexible pricing options, including free plan options for new creators.
Pros:
- Ideal for creators who want a straightforward platform with essential course-building tools.
- Affordable entry-level options, making it accessible for beginners.
Cons:
- Limited advanced features and customization options.
- Transaction fees on free and lower-cost plans.
6. Podia
Podia is an all-in-one platform designed for creators who want to sell courses, memberships, and digital downloads without transaction fees.
With Podia, you can offer a mix of content, including courses, digital products, and membership subscriptions, all under one platform. It includes built-in email marketing, affiliate marketing, and community features to help you engage and retain your students.
Podia is perfect for creators who want to sell various digital products and build a community without worrying about transaction fees cutting into their earnings.
Key Features:
- Combines course creation with digital downloads, memberships, and community features.
- Built-in email marketing and affiliate marketing tools for growing your audience.
- User-friendly platform with no transaction fees.
Pros:
- Perfect for creators who want to offer a mix of digital products and courses.
- No transaction fees, allowing creators to keep more of their earnings.
Cons:
- Limited LMS features compared to dedicated course platforms.
- Not as customizable as some other platforms.
7. Udemy
Udemy is a marketplace with a massive audience, making it easy for creators to reach students worldwide without extensive marketing efforts.
With no upfront costs, Udemy allows creators to upload courses and gain exposure through its platform. It provides promotional support, including discounts and seasonal sales, to boost course visibility. However, creators have limited control over pricing and must share revenue with Udemy.
Udemy is ideal for beginners who want to reach a large audience quickly, though the revenue-sharing model may limit long-term earning potential.
Key Features:
- Access to a massive marketplace, allowing creators to reach millions of potential students.
- Simple course creation process with no upfront costs for creators.
- Built-in marketing and sales support through Udemy’s promotional tools.
Pros:
- Great for beginners who want easy access to a large audience.
- No upfront costs, so it’s easy to get started without financial risk.
Cons:
- Limited control over pricing and discounts.
- Revenue sharing model means creators earn a percentage of each sale.
8. Skillshare
Skillshare is a subscription-based marketplace focused on creative and skill-based courses.
Skillshare’s project-based learning model encourages engagement, as students complete hands-on projects. Creators benefit from Skillshare’s large, built-in audience, especially for creative or practical skill courses. However, earnings are based on student watch time rather than individual course sales.
Skillshare is great for creators with creative, skill-based content who want to reach an engaged audience but may be less ideal for those looking to maximize revenue per course.
Key Features:
- Marketplace model with an existing audience looking for creative and skill-based courses.
- Subscription-based platform, allowing students to access multiple courses.
- Focus on project-based learning, encouraging hands-on engagement.
Pros:
- Built-in audience, making it easier to attract students without extensive marketing.
- Ideal for creators with skill-based, creative courses.
Cons:
- Limited earnings potential, as revenue is based on watch time rather than course sales.
- Less control over branding and pricing.
9. Mighty Networks
Mighty Networks combines course hosting with powerful community-building tools, ideal for creators who want to foster engagement.
With Mighty Networks, creators can build a branded community, offering courses, events, and membership subscriptions. Its customizable mobile app provides a seamless experience for students, fostering connections within the community.
Mighty Networks is ideal for creators who prioritize community engagement and want to create a subscription-based model, though it may not be as robust for traditional course creation.
Key Features:
- Combines course hosting with community-building tools.
- Flexible membership options, allowing creators to offer subscriptions and exclusive content.
- Customizable mobile app for branded learning experiences.
Pros:
- Excellent for creators focused on building a tight-knit community around their courses.
- Flexible membership options for creating subscription-based models.
Cons:
- Not as robust for traditional course creation as other platforms.
- Higher price point for full community and course hosting features.
10. LearnWorlds
LearnWorlds is an interactive course platform with advanced tools for creating engaging learning experiences and branded course content.
LearnWorlds offers a range of interactive features, including quizzes, assessments, and certificates, enhancing engagement and retention. The platform also has robust marketing tools, customizable sales pages, and flexible pricing options to attract and convert students.
LearnWorlds is ideal for creators looking for interactive, branded courses and strong marketing support, though its advanced features may require a learning curve for beginners.
Key Features:
- Interactive course creation options, including quizzes, assessments, and certifications.
- Customizable course player for a branded experience.
- Strong marketing tools, including customizable sales pages and funnels.
Pros:
- Great for creators who want interactive courses with a branded experience.
- Strong marketing tools for promoting and scaling courses.
Cons:
- Complex interface may require a learning curve.
- Higher cost on advanced plans with full customization options.
Each platform offers unique benefits and tools to help you create, market, and sell your courses. Whether you’re looking for an all-in-one platform or a specialized solution to fit your niche, these platforms offer the tools and support needed to build a successful e-learning business in 2024.
Tips for Choosing the Right Platform for Your Course
Selecting the right platform is a critical step in building a successful online course business. With so many options, it’s essential to consider your specific goals, audience, and budget to make a choice that aligns with your long-term vision. Here are some tips to help you navigate this decision.
- Identifying Your Goals and Needs as a Creator
Before diving into platform features, take the time to clarify what you want to achieve with your online course.
- Are you looking to create a side income, or is this a primary business venture?
- Do you plan to create a single course or build an entire catalog of content?
Identifying your goals will guide you in selecting a platform that supports your ambitions.
Consider whether you need built-in marketing tools, options for scaling with additional courses, or reseller opportunities if you want to expand further, like E-Learning 24 and High Skills Training offer. If your priority is to launch quickly, a platform with ready-made courses or templates might be ideal.
However, if branding is crucial, focus on platforms that allow extensive customization. Knowing what success looks like for you helps filter out platforms that don’t align with your vision, saving you time and effort.
- Evaluating Platforms Based on Your Target Audience
Understanding your target audience is essential when choosing a platform, as different demographics may prefer different types of content and engagement methods.
- If your audience consists of professionals looking to upskill, a platform with a robust Learning Management System (LMS) and detailed progress tracking may be a priority.
- If you’re targeting a creative community, a platform with strong interactive and community-building features might be more appealing.
Platforms like Thinkific or LearnWorlds offer extensive options for course customization and student engagement, making them ideal for audiences who want a high-quality, branded experience.
On the other hand, marketplace platforms like Udemy or Skillshare may be suitable if you’re targeting a wide audience and prefer a “plug-and-play” approach without investing heavily in marketing. Also, consider whether your audience values mobile accessibility, live sessions, or on-demand content, as these preferences can guide you toward the best platform fit.
- Finding the Best Balance of Features and Price for Your Business
Price and features often go hand-in-hand, so it’s essential to find a platform that offers the right mix without stretching your budget. Start by listing the must-have features that support your course goals and audience needs, then look at how these features align with different pricing tiers across platforms.
Some platforms, like E-learning 24 and High Skill Training, offer affordable plans for beginners, while others like Kajabi provide advanced all-in-one solutions at a higher cost.
Additionally, platforms like E-Learning 24 and High Skills Training offer valuable starter benefits, such as ready-made courses and reseller opportunities, which can be a cost-effective way to build a course business from day one.
If scaling your business is a priority, look for platforms that allow growth without charging high transaction fees or forcing you to upgrade frequently. By balancing essential features with a sustainable price point, you can choose a platform that supports your business goals without unnecessary financial strain.
The best platform for your course depends on a clear understanding of your goals, your audience’s needs, and your budget. Taking the time to assess each of these factors will ensure you choose a platform that not only aligns with your vision but also has the flexibility to grow with you as your business expands.
Wrapping Up: Choosing the Right Platform to Sell Your Online Courses
With e-learning on the rise and more accessible than ever, 2024 presents a powerful opportunity to share your expertise and build a profitable online course business. Choosing the right platform can be the key to your success, allowing you to deliver a professional, engaging, and scalable learning experience that resonates with your audience.
Whether you’re looking to hit the ground running with ready-made content on platforms like E-Learning 24 and High Skills Training, or you prefer the customizable and all-in-one approach of platforms like Kajabi and Thinkific, there’s a solution out there that fits your unique goals. Each platform on this list offers distinct features to help you create, market, and sell your courses effectively.
Take the time to
- identify your needs,
- understand your audience, and
- weigh the costs and features of each platform.
By selecting the right platform, you’ll be setting yourself up for success, with the tools and support needed to create meaningful learning experiences and grow your business in the dynamic world of online education.