What Online Course Platform Is Right for You? Part 2

Let's discuss another type of learning platform to consider for your online courses. In part 1, we went over SAAS platforms. There are plenty to choose from. I gave you the pros and cons to help you decide if SAAS is the right option for you.

Note: Check out HighLevel as a potential SAAS learning platform provider.  They don't position themselves as a learning platform, but they provide solid membership and online course features. I'm happy to go over that one with you.

Option 2: A Simple Wordpress / LearnDash Setup

As I mentioned in part 1, what you'll notice as you evaluate SAAS options is that the learning curve is low. The amount of time and money you need to spend, including the money you won't need to spend to hire someone to build your platform, is low. Your learning curve compared to a Wordpress-based solution is lower. If you're just starting a business or you're limited on what you can spend, SAAS is a great option.

As I also mentioned that when you go with the SAAS, you have to deal the possibility that you'll need a feature in the future the platform doesn't offer. Then you'll have to either do without or consider moving to something else later. Even when you do your due diligence, it's tough to predict how your business will changes and adapt.  It could be a feature you never though of ends up being something that becomes really crucial and you couldn't see that as even possible.

I'm not trying to scare you, but I have been through this with customers and I want to share with you what I know and what I've experienced

Building a Wordpress site making use of LearnDash as your LMS can be a really good starter solution. If you are NOT technical, I wouldn't recommend doing it yourself. That is going to be a painful experience. Even if you are technical with decent Wordpress know-how, I recommend connecting with someone to at least give you guidance along the way. We have an advisory membership that works well if this is the route you want to take.

The BIG BENEFIT of going the Wordpress route is the sky is the limit. There is a bigger initial investment, but there is so much the platform can do. LearnDash has a strong aftermarket of add-ons. They provide features LearnDash doesn't include. The two platforms together provide you with flexibility. Just about every business requirements can be met. It may require doing some serious work, but it can be done.

So what does a simple LearnDash set up look like. Here a list for you:

• Get yourself some decent website hosting. We refer people to WPEngine or SiteGround.  The price is $20 to $50 a month depending on what you need. Stay away from GoDaddy and some of the other lower end options. What you save in payments you'll pay for in stress and frustration. We have launched our own Premium website hosting with enhanced security and performance. Let us know if you'd like to consider what we offer.
• LearnDash
• WooCommerce for e-commerce. It integrates very well with LearnDash. You take your payment with WooCommerce and give them access with LearnDash. Read my LearnDash WooCommerce: Should I Use the LD E-Commerce or WooCommerce? article for a full explanation of why were recommend this configuration and how the two work together.
• Astra Theme - You always need a themes when using Wordpress. This takes care of the front end or visual design of the site.
• Elementor - This is a page builder. My team and I like the tool particularly because when we finish building the site for clients, it can easily be used by then to maintain the site. It has its quirks, but it's our go to for this.

There will be other plugins here and there to address other smaller parts of the site, but this is the bulk of it.

This is an option to seriously consider if you see your online course growing. If you believe you have a one to three course program where courses are sold individually or as a package, SAAS should do. If you anticipate growth, the Wordpress approach gives you what you need now with flexibility and options in the future.

If have written The Profitable Online Course Builder Starter Guide - LearnDash Edition. It's a free guide that goes over some best-practices on using LearnDash and Wordpress together. The guide will save you a lot of time and aggravation.

In part 3 and final part of this series, I cover adding a CRM to your Wordpress / LearnDash configuration and what that does for you.