Online Course Platform Selection: Features, Costs, and Control

Starting an online course requires choosing the right platform for your content, community, and business model. This course guides you through the critical decision factors—from transaction fees and ownership control to essential features—allowing you to confidently select a platform that maximizes profit and supports long-term growth. This course focuses on helping you make an informed business decision about where to host your educational offering. What you'll learn: * Learn the fundamental differences between course marketplaces, dedicated SaaS platforms, and self-hosted solutions. * Analyze core business metrics like transaction fees, payment processing costs, and various revenue share models. * Understand how platform features impact student experience, content security, and creator autonomy. * Practice evaluating essential platform capabilities for modern course delivery, including mobile responsiveness and basic accessibility. * Configure basic integrations for email marketing and landing page builders to streamline your launch workflow. The material starts with foundational terminology and business models, then moves into a structured comparison framework. You will apply this framework to various platform types to assess their suitability for your specific course goals. This course is designed for absolute beginners: educators, subject matter experts, and entrepreneurs preparing to launch their first online course. No prior experience in e-learning technology or platform management is required. Start reading today and build a sustainable foundation for your digital education business.