The Ultimate Guide to Course Platforms: Finding Your Perfect Match

If you're a coach, therapist, or heart-centered service provider feeling overwhelmed by all the course platform options out there, you're not alone. Choosing where to house your wisdom can feel like a massive decision because it is! Having personally experienced numerous platforms, run extensive trials, and worked with them both for my clients and my own courses, I've discovered what a complex landscape this can be. That's why I've created this guide to simplify the process of finding a platform that truly aligns with your unique needs and teaching style.

Because this is such an extensive topic, this article is intentionally thorough, though it isn't a comprehensive list of ALL platforms or course types available. I've broken it down into clear, easy-to-follow logical sections so you can easily find the information you need when you need it. At the bottom, you'll also discover that not all online programs need to follow the traditional idea of a course. For those wanting to explore what the ideal course type is for your specific business, I offer a mini course that includes a deeper exploration of alternative ways to package your wisdom beyond traditional courses, and focuses primarily on how to choose the style of offer to fit your business as it is now. You can access that [here].

Table of Contents

1. Why Platform Choice Matters for Service-Based Professionals

2. Defining the Landscape: What's What in Course Creation

   • 2.1 Learning Management Systems (LMS)

   • 2.2 Course Platforms

   • 2.3 Marketplace Platforms

   • 2.4 Website Builders with Course Capabilities

   • 2.5 Open-Source Solutions

   • 2.6 Enterprise LMS Solutions

3. How Aesthetics Impact Learning: Why Your Platform Choice Matters

4. A Closer Look at Specific Platforms

   • 4.1 All-in-One Course Platforms

   • 4.2 Marketplace Platforms

   • 4.3 Website Builders with Course Capabilities

   • 4.4 Open-Source Solutions

5. Platform Comparison Tables

6. Budget-Friendly Options for Getting Started

7. The Hidden Factors in Platform Selection

8. Beyond Traditional Courses: Alternative Approaches

   • 8.1 Why Traditional Courses Aren't Always the Answer

   • 8.2 Alternative Learning Experience Formats

   • 8.3 Distribution Models to Consider

9. Making the Decision: A Framework for Compassionate Professionals

10. Need Help Finding Your Ideal Course Type?

1. Why Platform Choice Matters for Service-Based Professionals

If you're a coach, healer, therapist, or service-based professional with wisdom to share, you've likely considered creating a course. And then promptly hit the first major roadblock: choosing a platform.

This isn't just about technology—it's about creating a space where transformation can happen.

For compassionate women in service-based businesses, this decision carries extra weight. We're not just selling information; we're creating containers for growth, healing, and genuine connection. Our platforms need to reflect our values and support the care we bring to our work.

The platform you choose impacts everything: your creative flow, your students' experience, your technical stress levels, and ultimately, your course's success. You need to balance investment with usability, function with audience needs, and your technical abilities with your aesthetic vision.

For me, great UX (user experience) is essential because I need to love using the software to get into creative flow. But CX (customer experience) is just as vital because learners need to feel supported, engaged, and inspired inside your course environment. Customisation, aesthetics, and navigation flow aren't luxuries—they're fundamental to creating spaces where transformation can happen.

Instead of creating yet another opt-in with information that's technically available elsewhere (though rarely without bias or gathered in one place with service-based professionals in mind), I've created this comprehensive guide to help you find your ideal platform fit.

And remember—not all courses need to fit the traditional format. Your "course" might be a private podcast, an email series, a paid Substack forum, or something entirely unique to your teaching style. We'll explore traditional platforms first, then look at alternative approaches that might better suit your specific needs.

Let's cut through the overwhelm and find clarity.

2. Defining the Landscape: What's What in Course Creation

Before diving into specific platforms, it's crucial to understand the different categories and terminology. These distinctions matter when making an informed choice.

2.1 Learning Management Systems (LMS)

An LMS is a comprehensive software application designed to administer, document, track, report, and deliver educational courses or training programs.

Key Characteristics:

• Robust administrative capabilities

• Detailed tracking and reporting features

• Assessment and certification management

• Often designed for organisations rather than individual creators

• Usually offers more complex permission structures

Examples: Moodle, Canvas, Blackboard, TalentLMS, SAP Litmos

Best For: Educational institutions, large organisations, corporate training departments, and creators who need detailed tracking and compliance features.

Investment Range:

• Self-hosted open-source: AUD 0 for software + AUD 10-500/month for hosting + technical setup costs

• Commercial: AUD 50-1,000+ per month depending on user numbers

• Enterprise: AUD 10,000-100,000+ per year

2.2 Course Platforms

Course platforms focus specifically on helping individuals and businesses create, market, and sell online courses. They're generally more creator-friendly than traditional LMS systems.

Key Characteristics:

• Streamlined course creation tools

• Built-in payment processing

• Marketing features

• User-friendly interfaces

• Often include sales page builders

Examples: Teachable, Thinkific, Kajabi, Podia, LearnWorlds

Best For: Independent course creators, entrepreneurs, small businesses, and service-based professionals looking to monetise their expertise.

Investment Range:

• Starter plans: AUD 29-99/month

• Mid-tier plans: AUD 99-299/month

• Premium plans: AUD 299-599/month

• Most have annual discounts of 20-25%

• Some charge transaction fees (2-5%) on lower-tier plans

2.3 Marketplace Platforms

These platforms host courses from multiple creators and provide access to an existing audience, acting as both hosting platform and distribution channel.

Key Characteristics:

• Built-in audience of potential students

• Competitive environment

• Platform-controlled pricing (often)

• Revenue-sharing models

• Discovery algorithms that determine visibility

Examples: Udemy, Skillshare, LinkedIn Learning, Coursera

Best For: Creators looking for additional distribution channels, those just starting out who don't have an audience, or those with courses in highly searched topics.

Investment Range:

• Upfront cost: Usually AUD 0 to list courses

• Revenue share: 30-75% of course sales go to the platform

• Some marketplace platforms offer 97% instructor revenue for direct referrals

• Hidden costs: Time investment for platform-specific optimisation

2.4 Website Builders with Course Capabilities

These are primarily website creation platforms that have added course functionality, either natively or through plugins/extensions.

Key Characteristics:

• Integrated with broader website functionality

• Often require additional setup or plugins

• Greater brand control and customisation

• May lack specialised course features

• Usually offer more design flexibility

Examples: WordPress with LMS plugins, Squarespace with extensions, Wix, Webflow

Best For: Creators who prioritise brand consistency, need a full website beyond just courses, or want maximum customisation control.

Investment Range:

• Website platform: AUD 15-50/month

• LMS plugins/extensions: AUD 0-499/year or one-time purchases

• Hosting (for WordPress): AUD 5-100/month

• Payment processor fees: 1.5-3% + fixed fee per transaction

• Potential developer costs: AUD 500-5,000+ for custom work

2.5 Open-Source Solutions

These platforms are free to use and can be modified to suit specific needs, but typically require technical expertise to set up and maintain.

Key Characteristics:

• No licensing fees

• Complete customisation potential

• Self-hosted (requiring server space)

• Technical setup required

• Community support rather than dedicated customer service

Examples: Moodle, Open edX, Canvas

Best For: Organisations with technical resources, creators with development skills, or those with specific needs not met by commercial platforms.

Investment Range:

• Software licence: AUD 0

• Hosting: AUD 10-500/month depending on traffic

• Developer setup: AUD 1,000-10,000+ (one-time)

• Ongoing maintenance: AUD 100-1,000/month (internal or contracted)

• Plugins/add-ons: AUD 0-2,000+ depending on needs

2.6 Enterprise LMS Solutions

These are robust systems designed specifically for large organisations with complex training needs and substantial budgets.

Key Characteristics:

• Advanced security features

• Complex permission structures

• Large-scale user management

• Integration with HR systems

• Comprehensive analytics and reporting

Examples: Cornerstone OnDemand, Docebo, SAP SuccessFactors, Adobe Learning Manager

Best For: Large corporations, organisations with compliance requirements, or businesses needing to train thousands of employees.

Investment Range:

• Implementation: AUD 5,000-50,000+ (one-time)

• Annual licence: AUD 10,000-200,000+ based on user numbers

• Per-user pricing: Often AUD 5-30 per user per month

• Customisation: AUD 10,000-100,000+ for enterprise-specific needs

• Support packages: AUD 5,000-25,000+ annually

3. How Aesthetics Impact Learning: Why Your Platform Choice Matters

For those of us in healing, coaching, or therapeutic professions, the environment we create matters profoundly. Just as you wouldn't conduct an in-person session in a chaotic, cluttered, or cold space, your digital learning environment needs to reflect your values and support the transformation you facilitate.

Research shows that learning environments directly impact student outcomes. The visual design, navigation flow, and overall feel of your course platform can either support or hinder the learning process. For practitioners working with sensitive topics or facilitating deep personal work, this consideration becomes even more critical.

A platform that allows you to create calm, focused, and emotionally resonant spaces will support your learners' nervous systems and help them feel safe enough to engage with challenging material. This isn't just about aesthetics—it's about creating the conditions for meaningful change.

4. A Closer Look at Specific Platforms

Let's examine some of the most popular platforms in each category, with objective pros and cons to help you determine which might be the best fit for different needs.

4.1 All-in-One Course Platforms

Teachable

Pros:

• Intuitive course builder with drag-and-drop functionality

• Handles VAT/tax collection for international sales

• Built-in affiliate program capabilities

• Coaching feature for 1:1 sessions

• Mobile app for learners

• Unlimited courses and students on all paid plans

Cons:

• Transaction fees on lower-tier plans

• Limited customisation options compared to self-hosted solutions

• Email marketing features are basic

• Community features not as robust as dedicated community platforms

• Limited quiz and assessment types

Best For: Service-based professionals who want a straightforward, reliable platform with solid marketing features and don't need extensive customisation.

Investment Details:

• Basic Plan: AUD 39/month (annual billing) or AUD 49/month (monthly billing) + 5% transaction fee

• Pro Plan: AUD 119/month (annual) or AUD 159/month (monthly) with no transaction fees

• Business Plan: AUD 299/month (annual) or AUD 399/month (monthly)

• Additional costs: Payment processor fees (2.9% + AUD 0.30 per transaction)

• Hidden costs: Custom domain (AUD 15-20/year) if not included in plan

Kajabi

Pros:

• Comprehensive all-in-one business platform

• No transaction fees on any plan

• Robust marketing pipelines and email sequences

• Website builder with blog functionality

• Built-in community feature

• Offers webinars, podcasts, and membership sites in addition to courses

Cons:

• Significantly higher price point than most competitors

• Steeper learning curve due to extensive features

• Limited assessment options

• Can be overwhelming for creators just starting out

• Fewer integration options since it aims to replace many tools

Best For: Established service providers with larger budgets who want to consolidate their tech stack and build a full knowledge commerce business.

Investment Details:

• Basic Plan: AUD 149/month (annual) or AUD 199/month (monthly) limited to 3 products

• Growth Plan: AUD 199/month (annual) or AUD 259/month (monthly) limited to 15 products

• Pro Plan: AUD 399/month (annual) or AUD 529/month (monthly) for unlimited products

• No transaction fees on any plan

• Savings: Potentially replaces 5+ separate tools (AUD 100-500/month in other subscriptions)

Thinkific

Pros:

• Most generous free plan in the industry

• Excellent course design options with various content types

• Strong focus on student experience

• Good quiz and assessment tools

• No transaction fees on any plan

• Bulk uploading and course duplication features

Cons:

• Less robust marketing features compared to Kajabi

• Limited email marketing capabilities

• Community features aren't as sophisticated as dedicated platforms

• Limited theme options on lower-tier plans

• Basic reporting and analytics

Best For: Healers, coaches and practitioners focused on delivering a quality learning experience who may not need advanced marketing features.

Investment Details:

• Free Plan: AUD 0 (limited to 3 courses and basic features)

• Basic Plan: AUD 49/month (annual) or AUD 69/month (monthly)

• Pro Plan: AUD 99/month (annual) or AUD 139/month (monthly)

• Premier Plan: AUD 199/month (annual) or AUD 279/month (monthly)

• No transaction fees on any plan

• Add-ons: Growth package (AUD 50/month) for additional features

Podia

Pros:

• Clean, minimalist interface

• All-in-one solution for courses, digital products, and memberships

• No transaction fees

• Unlimited everything (courses, students, etc.)

• Embedded checkout functionality

• Simple pricing structure

Cons:

• More limited course customisation options

• Basic quiz functionality

• Fewer advanced features compared to competitors

• Limited theme options

• Basic reporting capabilities

Best For: Service-based professionals who value simplicity and want to sell multiple product types (courses, downloads, memberships) from one platform.

Investment Details:

• Mover Plan: AUD 39/month (annual) or AUD 49/month (monthly)

• Shaker Plan: AUD 79/month (annual) or AUD 99/month (monthly)

• Earthquaker Plan: AUD 179/month (annual) or AUD 199/month (monthly)

• No transaction fees on any plan

• Payment processor fees still apply (Stripe/PayPal: 2.9% + AUD 0.30)

LearnWorlds

Pros:

• Advanced interactive video features

• SCORM compliance for technical courses

• White-labelling options including custom mobile apps

• Extensive assessment capabilities

• Built-in social learning environment

• E-book creator

Cons:

• Transaction fee on starter plan

• Steeper learning curve than some alternatives

• Higher price point for advanced features

• Some features only available on higher-tier plans

• Can be overwhelming for simple course needs

Best For: Practitioners who want to deliver highly interactive, professional-grade courses and are willing to invest in advanced features.

Investment Details:

• Starter Plan: AUD 29/month (annual) + AUD 5 fee per course sale

• Pro Trainer: AUD 99/month (annual) with no transaction fees

• Learning Center: AUD 299/month (annual)

• Corporate: Custom pricing for enterprise needs

• Add-ons: Premium onboarding (AUD 1,000+), custom app (AUD 5,000+)

4.2 Marketplace Platforms

Udemy

Pros:

• Access to millions of potential students

• No upfront costs to host courses

• Handles all marketing and payment processing

• Simple course creation process

• Potential for passive income

Cons:

• Limited control over pricing (frequent discounting)

• Revenue share model (Udemy takes 50-75% of revenue from their sales)

• No direct access to student email addresses

• Restrictive content policies

• Highly competitive environment

Best For: Service providers looking for additional distribution channels, topics with high search volume, or those without an existing audience who want to test course ideas.

Investment Details:

• Platform fee: Free to create and host courses

• Revenue share: Udemy takes 50-75% when they make the sale

• Instructor promotion sales: You keep 97% (Udemy takes 3%)

• Hidden costs: Time investment for optimisation and updates

• Opportunity cost: Lost revenue from discounting (courses often sold at AUD 15-25)

Skillshare

Pros:

• Community of 8+ million creative learners

• Subscription model provides recurring, predictable revenue

• Lower production pressure compared to Udemy (quality over polish)

• Focus on project-based, practical learning

• More supportive, less competitive community environment

• Strong for creative, design, and lifestyle topics

• No need to handle marketing or sales pages

• Built-in audience discovery tools

• Teacher community and resources

Cons:

• Payment based on minutes watched rather than course sales

• Limited control over presentation and course structure

• Requires shorter, project-based courses (20-60 minute average length)

• No certificates for students

• Less control over pricing (subscription model)

• Works best for specific niches (creative, business, lifestyle, productivity)

• Limited direct communication with students

• Lower revenue per student than self-hosted platforms

Best For: Coaches and practitioners teaching shorter, project-based skills in wellness, creativity, productivity, or personal development who appreciate a supportive community and subscription revenue model without handling marketing.

Investment Details:

• Platform fee: Free to create and host classes

• Revenue model: Royalty pool based on premium minutes watched by subscribers

• Average earnings: AUD 30-200 per class per month (highly variable)

• Referral bonuses: AUD 10 per referred premium member

• Hidden costs: Production quality expectations (though less than Udemy)

• Time investment: 2-10 hours per class (much lower than traditional courses)

Skillshare Strategy Tips:

• Focus on teaching practical, project-based skills with clear outcomes

• Create multiple shorter classes rather than one long course

• Use the platform as a top-of-funnel strategy to introduce students to your teaching style

• Optimise class titles and thumbnails for discoverability

• Encourage project submissions and class engagement to increase visibility

• Create complementary classes that build on each other

• Use referral links to earn additional income from student subscriptions

Student Experience: Students pay a monthly subscription (approximately AUD 30/month or AUD 165/year) for unlimited access to all classes. This creates a low-risk environment for trying new topics and teachers. The platform emphasises project completion and community feedback rather than certificates or credentials.

LinkedIn Learning

Pros:

• High-quality, professional audience

• Association with the LinkedIn brand

• Potential for professional visibility

• Corporate audience with learning budgets

• Production support available

Cons:

• Highly selective for instructors

• Rigorous production requirements

• Less control over content and presentation

• Application process to become an instructor

• Revenue share model

Best For: Established experts teaching business, leadership, or professional skills who want association with a premium professional brand.

Investment Details:

• Instructor program: By invitation only

• Revenue share: Varies (typically 25-50% to instructor)

• Production requirements: High (AUD 1,000-5,000+ for equipment)

• Opportunity benefit: Professional exposure and credibility

• Time investment: Significant for course preparation and production

4.3 Website Builders with Course Capabilities

WordPress with LMS Plugins

LearnDash

Pros:

• One-time purchase option (plus annual renewal for updates)

• Extensive customisation possibilities

• Complete ownership of platform and data

• Advanced quiz and assessment features

• Drip content and prerequisites capabilities

• Extensive third-party integrations

Cons:

• Requires more technical knowledge to set up and maintain

• Responsible for your own security and updates

• Can become complex with multiple plugins

• Hosting costs are separate

• May require additional tools for marketing

Best For: Technically comfortable service providers who want maximum control and customisation and are willing to handle the technical aspects.

Investment Details:

• LearnDash plugin: AUD 199-369 one-time purchase + annual renewal (AUD 159-289)

• WordPress hosting: AUD 5-100/month depending on traffic

• Theme: AUD 0-150 (one-time or annual)

• Additional plugins: AUD 50-500+ annually (membership, marketing, etc.)

• Developer assistance (if needed): AUD 50-150/hour

• Payment gateway fees: 2-3% + fixed fee per transaction

LifterLMS

Pros:

• Core plugin available for free

• Extensive e-commerce capabilities

• Membership site features

• Engagement and gamification elements

• Flexible content delivery options

• Strong focus on student engagement

Cons:

• Add-ons can become expensive

• Steeper learning curve than all-in-one platforms

• Requires separate hosting

• May need additional plugins for complete functionality

• Less intuitive for non-technical users

Best For: WordPress users who want to start small and add features as they grow, particularly those focused on building membership sites with courses.

Investment Details:

• Core plugin: Free

• Individual add-ons: AUD 120-150/year each

• Universe Bundle: AUD 360/year (includes all add-ons)

• Infinity Bundle: AUD 1,200/year (includes add-ons, design, support)

• WordPress hosting: AUD 5-100/month

• Additional plugins: AUD 50-300+ annually

Squarespace with Extensions

Pros:

• Beautiful design templates

• All-in-one website and course solution

• Strong brand control

• Reliable hosting and security

• Mobile-responsive design

• Integrated e-commerce functionality

Cons:

• Limited course-specific features compared to dedicated platforms

• May need multiple extensions for complete functionality

• Higher learning curve for course setup

• Fewer integrations than WordPress

• Limited assessment capabilities

Best For: Design-conscious service providers who prioritise brand aesthetics and want their courses fully integrated with their website.

Investment Details:

• Squarespace plans: AUD 16-49/month (annual billing)

• E-commerce transaction fees: 0-3% depending on plan

• Course-specific extensions: AUD 10-50/month

• Member Areas feature: Included in Business plan (AUD 23/month) and up

• Custom domain: AUD 20-50/year

• Design customisation (if needed): AUD 50-150/hour

4.4 Open-Source Solutions

Moodle

Pros:

• Completely free open-source software

• Extremely flexible and customisable

• Robust features for serious educational contexts

• Strong global community support

• Extensive plugin ecosystem

• Designed specifically for educational purposes

Cons:

• Significant technical knowledge required

• Server and hosting costs

• Dated user interface without customisation

• Setup and maintenance time commitment

• Less marketing-focused than commercial platforms

Best For: Educational institutions, organisations with technical resources, or service providers with development skills who prioritise customisation and cost savings over ease of use.

Investment Details:

• Software licence: Free

• Web hosting: AUD 10-200/month depending on scale

• Technical setup: AUD 1,000-5,000 (one-time) if hiring help

• Theme customisation: AUD 500-3,000

• Ongoing maintenance: AUD 100-500/month or internal resource time

• Premium plugins: AUD 0-1,000+ depending on needs

Open edX

Pros:

• Used by major universities worldwide

• Designed for scalable education

• Supports complex assessment types

• Advanced analytics capabilities

• Allows for collaborative course creation

• Strong for technical and scientific subjects

Cons:

• Complex to set up and maintain

• Requires significant technical resources

• Heavy system requirements

• Steeper learning curve than most platforms

• Less suited for simple course needs

Best For: Higher education institutions, organisations delivering technical training at scale, or companies with development resources who need enterprise-grade features.

Investment Details:

• Software licence: Free

• Hosting infrastructure: AUD 200-2,000+/month (more complex requirements)

• Initial implementation: AUD 5,000-50,000+

• Customisation: AUD 10,000-100,000+ for extensive needs

• Ongoing technical support: AUD 1,000-5,000/month

• Learning curve cost: Significant time investment

5. Platform Comparison Tables

5.1 All-in-One Course Platforms

The following table compares the leading all-in-one course platforms, including pricing, features, and best-fit scenarios to help you quickly identify which might align with your teaching style and business needs.

Platform	Price Range (AUD)	Transaction Fees	Best For	Key Features	Limitations
Teachable	$39-299/month	5% on Basic plan	Service professionals needing solid marketing	• Intuitive course builder • Handles VAT/tax • Affiliate program • Coaching features	• Limited customisation • Basic email marketing • Limited assessment options
Kajabi	$149-399/month	None	Established providers wanting all-in-one solution	• Comprehensive marketing • Website & blog • Email sequences • Community features	• High price point • Steep learning curve • Can be overwhelming
Thinkific	Free to $199/month	None	Practitioners focused on learning experience	• Generous free plan • Great course design • Strong quiz tools • Bulk uploading	• Limited marketing features • Basic community tools • Limited theme options
Podia	$39-179/month	None	Creators wanting simplicity and multiple product types	• Clean interface • Unlimited everything • Digital products & memberships • Simple pricing	• Limited customisation • Basic quiz features • Basic reporting
LearnWorlds	$29-299/month	$5/sale on Starter	Interactive, professional-grade courses	• Interactive video • SCORM compliance • White-labelling • E-book creator	• Transaction fee on starter • Steep learning curve • Complex for simple needs

5.2 Marketplace Platforms

This comparison highlights the key differences between marketplace platforms where you can list your courses alongside other educators, reaching an established audience but with different revenue models.

Platform	Cost Model	Revenue Share	Best For	Key Features	Limitations
Udemy	Free to list	50-75% to Udemy	Additional distribution, testing ideas	• Millions of students • No upfront costs • Simple course creation	• Limited pricing control • No student emails • Highly competitive
Skillshare	Free to list	Based on minutes watched	Creative, wellness, and personal development short classes	• 8+ million learners • Recurring revenue model • Lower production requirements • Project-based format	• No control over pricing • 20-60 minute class format • Limited student communication • No certificates
LinkedIn Learning	Invitation only	Varies (25-50%)	Established experts in business/leadership	• Professional audience • Brand association • Corporate clients	• Highly selective • Rigorous requirements • Less content control

5.3 Website Builders with Course Capabilities

For those who want to integrate courses directly into their existing website or maintain complete brand control, these website builders with course capabilities offer varying levels of customisation and technical requirements.

Platform	Price Range (AUD)	Additional Costs	Best For	Key Features	Limitations
WordPress + LearnDash	$199-369 one-time + $159-289 annual	• Hosting: $5-100/month • Additional plugins	Technical users wanting maximum control	• Complete customisation • Advanced assessments • Many integrations	• Technical knowledge required • Security responsibility • Complex setup
WordPress + LifterLMS	Free core plugin $360/year for bundle	• Hosting: $5-100/month • Add-ons: $120-150 each	WordPress users adding courses to existing sites	• Free core plugin • Membership features • Engagement tools	• Add-ons can be expensive • Steeper learning curve • Technical maintenance
Squarespace	$16-49/month	Course extensions: $10-50/month	Design-conscious service providers	• Beautiful templates • All-in-one website • Reliable hosting	• Limited course features • Fewer integrations • Limited assessments

5.4 Open-Source & Enterprise Solutions

These open-source and enterprise solutions offer maximum flexibility and scalability, but require more technical expertise or resources to implement and maintain.

Platform	Base Cost	Implementation	Best For	Key Features	Limitations
Moodle	Free software	• Hosting: $10-200/month • Setup: $1,000-5,000	Educational institutions with technical resources	• Completely customisable • Robust features • Strong community	• Technical knowledge required • Dated UI • Maintenance time
Open edX	Free software	• Hosting: $200-2,000/month • Implementation: $5,000-50,000+	Higher education & technical training at scale	• Used by universities • Complex assessments • Advanced analytics	• Complex setup • Heavy requirements • Significant resources needed

6. Budget-Friendly Options for Getting Started

If you're working with limited resources but still want to create a professional learning experience, consider these strategies:

AppSumo Lifetime Deals

AppSumo is a software marketplace where you might find newly developed course platforms offering bargain lifetime deals. This can be a great way to get in on the ground floor of an up-and-coming platform without the ongoing subscription costs.

Free Plans to Start With

Several platforms offer genuinely useful free plans that allow you to test the waters:

• Thinkific's free plan allows up to 3 courses and unlimited students

• Teachable occasionally offers free plans during promotions

• WordPress + free LMS plugins (though hosting costs still apply)

Alternative Low-Cost Approaches

If traditional course platforms seem cost-prohibitive, consider these alternatives:

• Password-protected pages on your existing website

• Google Classroom (free for individual educators)

• Mighty Networks' community plan + content (AUD 33/month)

• ConvertKit for email-based courses (free up to 1,000 subscribers)

7. The Hidden Factors in Platform Selection

Beyond the features and pricing, several critical factors often go unmentioned in marketing materials but can significantly impact your experience and success:

Data Ownership and Portability

• What to Consider: Can you easily export your course content and student data? What happens if you want to switch platforms?

• Why It Matters: Being locked into a platform due to data portability issues can force you to stay even when the platform no longer meets your needs.

• Questions to Ask: "What exactly can I export from this platform? In what format? Can I migrate my student progress data?"

• Potential Costs: AUD 500-5,000+ for migration services if changing platforms

Scalability Costs

• What to Consider: How does pricing change as you grow? Are there student limits or additional fees based on revenue?

• Why It Matters: A platform that seems affordable when starting can become prohibitively expensive as you scale.

• Questions to Ask: "What happens to my monthly costs when I reach 500 students? 1,000? 5,000? Are there any revenue sharing or transaction fees?"

• Example Impact: A 5% transaction fee on a AUD 500 course with 100 sales per month = AUD 2,500/month in fees

Support Quality and Availability

• What to Consider: What kind of support is available? During what hours? What's the typical response time?

• Why It Matters: When issues arise (and they will), the quality and speed of support can be the difference between a minor hiccup and a major crisis.

• Questions to Ask: "What's your average support response time? Do you offer live chat/phone support? In what time zones?"

• Value Assessment: Premium support packages (AUD 200-1,000/month) might be worth it for mission-critical applications

Contract Terms and Lock-In

• What to Consider: What are the contract terms? Can you cancel anytime? Are there minimum commitments?

• Why It Matters: Being locked into a long-term contract with a platform that doesn't meet your needs can be costly and frustrating.

• Questions to Ask: "What's the minimum commitment? What's your refund policy? Are there early termination fees?"

• Hidden Costs: Some platforms offer significant discounts for annual billing but have no refund policy

From Platform to Purpose: Your Next Step

While this guide gives you a comprehensive overview of course platforms, you might be realising that your platform choice depends on something even more fundamental: the type of course that's the ideal fit for your business right now.

After all, the best platform for an evergreen mini course differs from what you'd need for a signature programme with community elements or an alternative format designed for different teaching and learning styles.

If you're feeling that disconnect, you're not alone. That's exactly why I created "Course Compass Deep Dive" – to discover the right course for your business through a focused 5-episode step-by-step process that explores what matters most to you and your audience.

This course has been thoughtfully adapted from my popular 5-day challenge and includes a comprehensive playbook to help you develop clarity around:

• What course type aligns with your unique values and strengths

• Which format best serves your specific audience's needs

• How different course structures support your business vision

• Where your natural teaching style creates the most impact

• Which approach creates sustainable growth for your business model

Understanding your ideal course TYPE is often the missing piece that makes platform selection suddenly crystal clear.

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Whether you decide to explore this deeper process or move forward with the platform insights from this guide, remember that your wisdom deserves to be shared in a way that feels aligned with who you are and how you naturally teach.

The world needs what only you can offer, in the way only you can offer it.

Wishing you every success as you share your wisdom with the world,