3 Online Course Building Platforms and Which One Is Best for You

Building an online course or membership site can be a game-changer for your business. Whether you’re looking to monetize your expertise, foster a community, or create a recurring revenue stream for your business, the platform you choose can make or break you.

There are so online course platforms to choose from. Finding the right fit for your and your business may feel overwhelming. To make it easier for you, let’s explore three popular options for you to consider and give you some insight on which is best when:

1. Facebook Private Groups,
2. SaaS solutions like Thinkific, Kajabi, and Podia, and
3. WordPress with LearnDash.

Facebook Private Groups: Simplicity and Engagement

If you’re just starting or want to test the waters without a big upfront investment, a Facebook Private Group might be the perfect solution. You may be surprised that I include this as a legit and viable platform for your course. I do because if what you need is a quick and very capable platform you can set up quickly, even if it’s just a site for testing out an idea, you cannot beat it. Later you can upgrade if/when needed to meet your needs as you move ahead.

Why Facebook?
It’s a platform your audience is already familiar with, so there’s no learning curve for your members. You can easily set up a private group, invite members, and start delivering content immediately. Nothing stands in your way to delay you from getting started. Use posts, videos, and live streams to engage with your audience. You can also use Facebook built-in features like group polls, events, and file sharing. They can be used to enhance the learning experience.

Key Advantages:

• No Additional Costs: It’s free to set up a group, making this an ideal option for those on a budget.
• Community Interaction: Facebook excels at fostering real-time conversations and member engagement.
• Scalability: You can grow your group over time, adding premium membership tiers as needed.

Things to Consider:
While Facebook groups are convenient, they lack the customization and branding options of dedicated platforms. You get what Facebook offers in their groups and that is all. Plus, you’re at the mercy of Facebook’s algorithms and policies, which can impact how your content is delivered to members.

SaaS Solutions: Thinkific, Kajabi, and Podia

For a more robust and scalable solution, SaaS (Software as a Service) platforms like Thinkific, Kajabi, and Podia offer a range of tools to help you create, manage, and grow your membership or online course business.

Why SaaS Platforms?
These platforms are designed specifically for course creators and membership sites, offering a seamless experience for both you and your members. They handle everything from hosting to payment processing, freeing you up to focus on content creation.

Key Features Across These Platforms:

• Thinkific: Known for its intuitive course builder and flexibility. Great for creators who want detailed control over their course structure.
• Kajabi: An all-in-one solution with built-in marketing tools like email automation, sales funnels, and analytics. It’s perfect for those looking to scale.
• Podia: Simple and straightforward, Podia is ideal for creators who want to get up and running quickly without sacrificing essential features like memberships and digital downloads.

Why Choose This Option?

• Professional Presentation: You get a custom-branded site that reflects your unique style.
• Built-in Tools: Features like quizzes, progress tracking, and analytics help you create a polished and professional experience.
• Flexibility: SaaS platforms let you manage everything in one place, from content to payments.

Things to Consider:
These platforms typically come with monthly fees, which can add up overtime. However, the investment often pays off through the professional look and the time you save by not piecing together different tools.

Another issue is these SAAS solutions come with what they offer and that is all. If you need additional features in the short or long-term and that feature is not offered, you are out of luck. In order for you to address them, you must change platforms.

WordPress with LearnDash: Full Customization

For those who want complete control and don’t mind the learning curve, WordPress combined with LearnDash is a powerful option.

Why WordPress?
WordPress is the go-to platform for website building, offering endless customization options. LearnDash, a WordPress plugin, transforms your site into a full-fledged learning management system (LMS).

As opposed the limitations you’ll run into with Facebook groups and SAAS tools, Wordpress gives you endless possibilities. Even if there is no addon or plugin to do what you need done, you can hire a coder to get the job done. Just about anything can be done. It’s just a matter of how much work it is and how much it will cost you.

Key Advantages:

• Unlimited Customization: You have complete control over your site’s design, functionality, and features.
• Scalable: As your membership or course grows, you can add plugins and integrations to expand functionality.
• Ownership: Unlike SaaS platforms, you own your site and content outright, giving you full control.

Why LearnDash?
LearnDash is a highly versatile LMS plugin with features like drip-fed content, quizzes, progress tracking, and gamification. Pair it with a membership plugin like WooCommerce Membership, MemberPress or Restrict Content Pro and you enhance your membership capabilities.

Using membership platforms like Memberium, you can add the power of a CRM like Keap/Infusionsoft or ActiveCampaign adding even more options for your site.

Things to Consider:
The setup process can be more complex, especially if you’re not tech-savvy. You’ll also need to manage hosting, security, and updates. However, the trade-off is a highly customizable platform that grows with your needs.

Conclusion

Choosing the right platform for your membership or online course depends on your goals, technical expertise, and budget. Facebook Private Groups are perfect for quick, low-cost setups with strong community engagement. SaaS solutions like Thinkific, Kajabi, and Podia offer a balance of simplicity and professional features. For maximum flexibility and ownership, WordPress with LearnDash is hard to beat.

Evaluate your priorities, test the options, and select the one that aligns with your vision. With the right platform, you’ll be well on your way to building a thriving online community or course.