When choosing an online course platform, the sheer number of options can create more confusion than clarity. Here are some important online course platform deal-breakers: red flags in course platforms to look out for.
Selecting the right platform isn’t just about affordability or aesthetics – it’s about finding a tool that meets your needs now and in the future.
It’s crucial to look beyond flashy interfaces and enticing price points to uncover potential deal-breakers. But it can also be hard to understand exactly WHAT to look out for in the first place…
Today, we’re diving into the key red flags in online course platforms that can impact your experience and success.
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Online course platform deal-breakers: red flags to look out for
If you’re currently on your path to exploring the perfect fit course platform, make sure to start with this free Digital Product Platform Guide. It will give you a comprehensive insight in the key differences between various platforms.
Then, as you’ve spotted your top contenders, it’s time to evaluate this course platform deal-breakers and see if your chosen platform fits your vision!
Lack of native video hosting
One of the biggest red flags is the absence of native video hosting.
🎧 Listen to the Savvy Offer Hub podcast ep 51 to learn all about video hosting!
Platforms that don’t offer built-in video hosting force you to rely on third-party services like YouTube, Vimeo, or Bunny.net. This can complicate content management and lead to unexpected expenses.
Platforms like Kajabi, Teachable, Thinkific, and Circle include native video hosting, streamlining your workflow.
Be cautious of platforms that advertise low prices but exclude this essential feature, for example, TriveCart.
Restrictive pricing plans with hidden costs
Many platforms lure users in with affordable starter plans that come with severely limited features.
Before committing, check if the platform allows seamless upgrades to higher tiers without hidden fees or restrictions that could hinder growth.
For example, Thinkific structures its pricing to limit access to crucial features on lower-tier plans. Understanding your future needs can prevent costly surprises down the line.
For this, it will be important to, first, understand what are your needs. Map out your answers to questions like:
- What type of offers do you want to sell?
- What pricing plan features or payment types do you want to have?
- What will be the key content and the leading experience you want to provide?
- Are there any specific elements you know you want to have? Like commenting features or Live video sessions.
You may not have all the answers as you’re getting started but having at least some clarity will be helpful!
Poor community space experience
If building a community is part of your strategy, make sure to evaluate the community experience on your chosen platform.
While platforms like Circle and Thinkific provide solid community features, others have struggled to create an intuitive and engaging space for interaction.
Take advantage of free trials to test the platform’s community functionalities and ensure they meet your engagement goals.
This, again, circles back to knowing what you need. If you’ve had great experiences in other communities, consider the key elements they’re providing and add them on your list.
Weak checkout and upsell features
Your platform should support upsells, order bumps, and multiple payment plans to maximize your revenue potential. If these features are lacking, you might be forced to invest in external tools for seamless sales funnel execution.
Platforms like Payhip, Thinkific and Kajabi excel in upsell capabilities, making it easier to boost your sales.
Avoid platforms that don’t provide flexible checkout customization options.
Limited email marketing integration
You want to make sure you can easily onboard any new members, send welcome emails and sequences.
Most platforms will provide several direct integrations to easily connect your email marketing software with your course platform.
A course platform without this direct integration for email marketing can complicate your communication strategy.
Platforms without direct integrations will require third-party tools like Zapier to make this connection happen and that can add extra steps and costs to your workflow.
Before deciding, verify whether your chosen platform smoothly integrates with your preferred email service provider.
What are your course platform deal-breakers?
Over years, I have time and time again proved myself that there isn’t one perfect platform. It’s just a matter of what you can compromise on!
Avoiding these red flags in online course platforms will help you make a smarter, more sustainable choice.
For an in-depth comparison of popular platforms – including pricing, pros, and cons – get my free Platform Guide.
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