Which Platform Should I use to Host my Course?
If you’re a new course creator and it’s your first time creating a digital course, this question will likely be on the tip of your tongue at some point. For many new course creators, this becomes a huge issue and an accelerant for EXTREME PROCRASTINATION, because they are terrified of making a mistake and don’t want to move forward until they know.
The real truth … the answer is both simple and complex.
I’ve been working and consulting in the online course space since 2005. Believe me when I say things have changed A LOT since then. Back then, there wasn’t much to choose from when it came to platforms. You really only had WordPress or a custom build – especially for what you could get in Australia.
Global apps weren’t a thing back then – I kid you not!
It took probably about 10 – 11 years for things to evolve and certainly now (17 years later) there are many platforms and options to choose from. The problem with having lots of choices is that you have to decide and pick one and therein lies the problem.
But which one should I choose?
I belong to many groups and communities for course creators, and I usually see this question posted with such regularity (it’s almost weekly), that it’s crazy! So much so, that I cringe every time I see it! Not because it’s a “dumb” or “stupid” question – it’s not. But it is a question one asks at one’s own peril.
Why is it dangerous to ask this question?
Because it’s very easy to become overwhelmed with all the different answers that you get. I have seen new course-creators post this in a group and 300+ people posted their opinion in response. And across the 300 answers, there were at least 50 different platforms suggested all for different reasons – No joke!
I mean, it’s awesome that people are so eager to help, BUT…
If you’re already confused about which platform to use, getting 50 different suggestions for inconsistent reasons isn’t going to help. In fact, it’s just going to add to your confusion (and indecision)! Putting you right back at square one!
In short, crowd-sourcing opinions on anything for your business is more likely to lead to confusion, stress and overwhelm than not! So …DON’T DO IT!
Q: So Which Platform Should You Use?
A: IT DOESN’T MATTER! PROVIDED …
The platform has the FUNCTIONALITY that you need. That’s right, it’s all about FUNCTIONALITY!
Honestly, your potential students/members/course clients/customers (whatever you like to call them) DO NOT CARE which platform you use PROVIDED the platform DOES NOT prevent them from EASILY CONSUMING your CONTENT!
In other words, the platform will not affect their decision to buy or not to buy your course.
Also, remember that the functionality that is important to one person may not be important to you or someone else – so it is imperative that you know what you need and want!
So, this is the one time that it’s all about YOU! So, ask yourself …
What functionality do I want my course platform to have?
Now don’t go and crowd-source that information either if you don’t have a clue! 12 If you don’t know here is a leg-up to get you started …
15 Questions You Should Ask
These are my top 15 questions you should ask when evaluating a course platform:
- Is the platform multi-disciplined (membership site, course, automation, email etc)?
- Does it give you flexibility?
- Does it have a Free Trial / Demo?
- Does it provide download security?
- Does it have quizzes/assessment?
- What video player does it use? Or do you need your own?
- Does it provide automation?
- Does it have a CRM or the ability to integrate with your CRM?
- Does it have umbrella accounts?
- Can you DIY the setup?
- What sort of ongoing maintenance is required?
- Are the fees reasonable for the functionality provided?
- Will you outgrow the platform quickly?
- Does the platform make a claim on your IP?
- Who owns your student details?
BONUS Q: - Does it have portability?
To Make it Easy for You …
I’ve created a PDF checklist with these questions explained for you to use to evaluate each platform you are considering. The checklist is totally FREE, so use the button below to grab your own copy.
GET THE BEST PLATFORM CHECKLIST – HERE
Let me know how you go …
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