Digital course creator? Online education guru? Just a cool person wanting to improve the lives of others?
If you’re doing all that and more with an online course – or, if you’re considering adding online courses to your product list in the near future – choosing the right platform to host and sell your courses is crucial to your success. With a plethora of options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But fear not, because we’re here to simplify the process for you!
At ThriveCart, we understand the unique needs of course creators, which is why we’ve curated a checklist of 10 must-have features for your online course platform. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your course business, this checklist will serve as your roadmap to success.
(And here’s a big ol’ spoiler: ThriveCart has all these features, and MORE.)
1. Course Building and Hosting
Gone are the days of complex course creation processes. You need a platform that offers intuitive course creation tools, allowing you to effortlessly upload content, organize modules, and customize the learning experience for your students.
Even better if your platform can offer building, hosting and selling all in one platform. ThriveCart Learn is where you can keep all your essential knowledge, marketing power, and students in one place.
2. Seamless Payment Processing
A reliable payment processing system is essential for monetizing your courses. Choose a platform that supports multiple payment gateways, offers flexible pricing options, and ensures secure transactions for you and your students.
With global payment options, subscriptions and free trials, ThriveCart gives you the power and flexibility to let your students pay exactly how they want, when they want (and lets you charge what YOU want).
3. Customizable Sales Pages
First impressions matter, especially when it comes to selling your courses online. Opt for a platform that enables you to create visually stunning and conversion-optimized sales pages with ease, allowing you to showcase the value of your courses and entice potential students to enroll.
Our templates are pretty darn good-lookin’, even if we say so ourselves. And with embeddable carts, you can leverage the power of external platforms like Convertri to host even more complex pages your checkout can live on.
4. Built-in Email Marketing Integration
Building and nurturing relationships with your audience is key to long-term success. Look for a platform that integrates seamlessly with email marketing tools, allowing you to automate email sequences, segment your audience, and deliver targeted messaging that drives engagement and sales.
With Mailchimp, ActiveCampaign, Drip and more, ThriveCart’s got you covered.
5. Comprehensive Analytics Dashboard
Data-driven insights are essential for optimizing your course business. Choose a platform that provides a comprehensive analytics dashboard, allowing you to track key metrics such as enrollment rates, student engagement, and revenue growth, and make informed decisions to drive your business forward.
We love data here at ThriveCart. That’s why our analytics dashboard is such an important piece of the platform.
6. Mobile Responsiveness
In today’s mobile-centric world, ensuring that your courses are accessible on all devices is non-negotiable. Select a platform that prioritizes mobile responsiveness, providing your students with a seamless learning experience whether they’re on a desktop, tablet, or smartphone.
Our checkouts all look great on mobile, and your students can even use Apple Pay and Google Pay.
7. Flexible Course Pricing Options
Every student is unique, and so are their financial circumstances. Offer flexibility in your pricing options by providing one-time payments, subscription plans, or installment options, allowing you to cater to a diverse audience and maximize your revenue potential.
We’ve mentioned subscriptions before, but they really are so powerful when it comes to securing that all-important recurring revenue model.
8. Robust Customer Support
When technical issues arise or questions need answering, having access to reliable customer support can make all the difference. Choose a platform that offers responsive customer support via multiple channels, ensuring that you receive timely assistance whenever you need it.
We also have a Facebook group filled with other enthusiastic ThriveCart users ready to support your adventures!
9. Integrations with Third-Party Tools
No platform is an island, which is why integrations with third-party tools are essential for expanding the functionality of your course platform. Look for a platform that offers seamless integrations with tools such as webinar platforms, CRM systems, and marketing automation software, allowing you to streamline your workflows and enhance the overall student experience.
If yours isn’t listed with us, that’s no problem – because we also connect with Zapier for even more functionality.
In conclusion, choosing the right online course platform is a critical decision that can impact the success of your course business. By following this checklist of 9 of the must-have features when you partner with ThriveCart, you can create, market, and sell your courses with confidence, knowing that you have the tools and support you need to thrive in the competitive world of online education. Happy course creating!
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