Introduction to Online Course Platforms

Online course platforms have revolutionized the way we learn, teach and sell courses. With the rise of e-learning, these platforms have become essential tools for educators, entrepreneurs, and businesses to create and sell online courses, enhancing the process of selling courses with features like pricing structures, community engagement tools, and integrated marketing strategies. An online course platform is a software solution that allows users to create, host, and sell online courses, often equipped with features such as course creation tools, payment processing, and marketing integrations. These platforms provide a convenient and accessible way for learners to access knowledge and skills from anywhere in the world.

Whether you’re an individual looking to share your expertise or a business aiming to train employees, online course platforms offer a versatile and scalable solution. They enable you to design engaging and interactive courses that can include videos, quizzes, and downloadable resources. Moreover, these platforms often come with built-in marketing tools to help you reach a wider audience and maximize your revenue potential. With the ability to create unlimited courses and digital downloads, the possibilities are endless.

Why Consider Alternatives to Teachable

While Teachable is a popular online course platform, it may not be the best fit for every course creator. Some common reasons to consider alternatives to Teachable include limited features, high transaction fees, and restricted customization options. For instance, if you have grand plans for your courses that require advanced functionalities, Teachable’s simplicity might hold you back. Additionally, the platform’s pricing plans may not be suitable for all budgets, especially for those just starting out. The best Teachable alternatives offer unique functionalities such as enhanced marketing tools, community building, and innovative engagement strategies that appeal to educators looking for more than what Teachable provides.

Another point to consider is the user interface. Some users may find Teachable’s interface outdated and not as intuitive as they would like. By exploring alternative online course platforms, you can find a solution that better meets your specific needs and helps you achieve your goals. Whether you need more robust course creation tools, better integration options, or more flexible pricing, there are plenty of teachable alternatives that might be a better fit for your online course.

Which is the best online course platform? Teachable or Shiken?

In the search for the best online course platforms, you may have come across Teachable and wondered if this simple-looking website was worth your time. Our comprehensive review of the platform, versus Shiken, might help to make your mind up. Shiken is a great alternative to teachable as we'll see.

Teachable was founded by Ankur Nagpal in 2013 when he first started to make his own marketing courses but couldn’t find the tools he needed to create the classes he wanted. His solution was Fedora, an easy-to-use course creation platform that was popular almost as soon as it went live. In 2015, the name changed to Teachable, and the team had grown significantly, proving this was a business worth maintaining.

If you want to get your courses made quickly, with minimum fuss and maximum professionalism, then Teachable is a great place to start. When compared with a platform like Shiken, there are actually a lot of similarities – both sites seem to focus on simplicity and maximum support from many different features. Shiken can be considered one of the best Teachable alternatives, offering unique features and strengths that might suit your specific needs and budget.

So, which one is best for you? Let’s take a closer look!

What is Teachable good for?

It is easy to see why Teachable has done so well, taking its place amongst the top online course platforms. Even somebody with no technological know-how can create courses allowing them to share their knowledge with the world in a professional and user-friendly way. Even better, they have the potential to make a lot of money doing so.

Every step of the course creation process includes helpful instructions so you will never miss anything or forget to include a step. Want to add a video – it’s easy! Create a quiz? No worries! Or simply include text and images – add variety to your course in just a few clicks.

You can enhance any video lessons with subtitles, downloads and thumbnails, always ensuring maximum accessibility and discoverability. And every page of your course includes one or two design templates with drag and drop blocks, so you don’t need any coding skills at all!

The learning management system provided by Teachable includes a course builder function with sales, checkout and thank you pages that you can customize to suit your brand. The templates are basic but effortless, so perfect for beginners. Give your students the choice to checkout with PayPal or Stripe, covering all your bases. And you can add-on testimonials, social proof and a 30-day money-back guarantee if you like, all extra functions that will help boost your sales.

In fact, one of the things Teachable does really well is enhancing your profit margin. Just before your students head to the checkout, they are met with an add-to-order widget. This encourages them to buy more than one course at a time, boosting your average order value. You can also upsell courses or bundle them, which are some great merchandising options that you’ll find inside the template.

The coaching template is great too, giving you more control over who you help and when. Potential coaching customers will have to fill out a short form before purchasing a coaching session, so they can decide if it is the right fit for them. They can then schedule a date in your diary, depending on dates and times that you set, so you are never double booked. This makes for a seamless on-boarding process that wastes nobody’s time.

Finally, there are lots of third-party integrations you can add to your course, including emails, Zapier and Google Analytics, to name just a few. So, if there’s anything you feel is missing from your course offering, you might be able to add it that way.

How much does Teachable cost?

Teachable is at the more affordable end of the scale when it comes to the best online platforms for course creation, with a great free version that lets anyone get started with minimum effort.

After that, packages start from $39 a month, up to $499 a month for the Business option. This means you can grow your business once you get confident with what you are doing and there’s even a handy quiz you can take to determine which package is best for you and your course-creating goals.

The free version of the platform is really only good for one course, offering only basic features, so you won’t be able to make your fortune without upgrading, but it does mean you can test Teachable out for yourself fully, before committing to it for your future business plans.

So, what are the negative points of Teachable?

We’ve stated throughout this review that this platform is super simple and easy to navigate, but such simplicity can really hold you back if you have grand plans for your courses. For some, this won’t be a problem, but others may find they outgrow Teachable and go in search of something with more complex features.

There are also only a few templates, making for a very bland course offering. This limitation in online course creation can be frustrating if you are quite creative and rely on customizable templates to help make the best course you can. You might find your course struggles to stand out amongst the sea of courses that look just like yours.

Another huge drawback used to be the fact that there is no community feature connected to your course, but the people behind Teachable heard their creator’s complaints and have now built a community which is still in beta testing. It used to be that you could only integrate this with a third-party app, but this new feature is actually quite promising. It’s still currently in the early stages, so it isn’t too sophisticated yet. If this is a very important part of what you want to offer, this might not be the best platform for online courses for you just yet – either pick another platform for now or wait and see what happens with Teachable.

Which is better Shiken or Teachable?

Of all the course creator platforms out there, Shiken and Teachable are probably the most closely matched in their offerings to create online courses. However, there are a few features that stand out in Shiken that you might not get in Teachable, and vice-versa.

Active and passive learning styles

Everybody learns in different ways and it’s a good idea to mix up your course content to ensure you cater for the needs of more people. Alongside traditional text and pictures and video content, you can add quizzes, games and leader boards to make for a more competitive and fun environment. Students can see their skills progression as they work through your course and engagement is encouraged to make learners feel like valued customers. This will ensure higher feedback scores and is more likely to result in people recommending your course to others, which is crucial when selling courses online.

Course creation with AI

There are lots of ways to use AI throughout your online course creation process with Shiken. A lot of learners benefit from PDF write-ups or brochures at the end of video or quiz courses, as they help them to remember the information they’ve learned. Our AI writing assistant takes the course details and creates the PDF text you need to ensure your course is as valuable as it can possibly be. Shiken Notes helps you build wikis, databases and project management boards that you can share with your students to make for a well-rounded course that gets great reviews. Teachable uses AI too, but it doesn’t shout about it as the systems aren’t quite as sophisticated as Shiken’s. Shiken is a great alternative to Teachable.

Top Teachable Alternatives for Course Creation

When it comes to creating and selling online courses, there are several alternatives to Teachable that offer a range of features and benefits. Here are some of the top Teachable alternatives for course creation:

Thinkific

Thinkific is a popular online course platform that offers a robust set of features for creating and selling online courses. With Thinkific, you can create unlimited courses, customize your course player, and sell courses directly on your own website. This platform stands out with its advanced features such as course completion certificates, assessments, and lesson prerequisites, which can help enhance the learning experience.

One of the significant advantages of Thinkific is its pricing structure. Starting at $49/month, with a free plan available, Thinkific does not charge transaction fees on any of its plans. This makes it an attractive option for course creators who want to maximize their revenue. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale your online course business, Thinkific provides a flexible and cost-effective solution.

Kajabi

Kajabi is an all-in-one platform designed to help you create online courses, sell digital products, and build a comprehensive online business. With Kajabi, you can create engaging online courses, build sales funnels, and manage email marketing all in one place. This platform offers advanced features such as quizzing tools, customizable course players, and a native community builder, making it a powerful tool for course creators.

Kajabi’s pricing starts at $149/month, with a growth plan available for $399/month. While it is more expensive than Teachable, Kajabi’s extensive range of features and tools justifies the cost for those looking to build a comprehensive online business. If you’re seeking an all-in-one platform that can handle everything from course creation to marketing, Kajabi is a strong contender.

LearnWorlds

LearnWorlds is a hosted course platform that excels in providing advanced features for creating interactive and engaging learning experiences. With LearnWorlds, you can create online courses, sell memberships, and build a professional website all in one place. This platform offers a range of advanced features such as assessments, quizzes, question banks, and course completion certificates, which can help you create a comprehensive online learning experience.

LearnWorlds’ pricing starts at $29/month, with a learning center plan available for $299/month. While it may be more complex to use than Teachable, LearnWorlds’ extensive features and tools make it an excellent option for course creators who want to offer a rich and interactive learning experience.

Other advanced features you can expect from top Teachable alternatives include:

• Video Hosting and Streaming: High-quality video hosting and streaming capabilities to deliver engaging video content.
• Course Completion Certificates and Badges: Reward learners with certificates and badges upon course completion to motivate and recognize their achievements.
• Assessments and Quizzes: Create interactive assessments and quizzes to test learners’ knowledge and reinforce learning.
• Lesson Prerequisites and Requirements: Set prerequisites and requirements for lessons to ensure a structured learning path.
• Course Analytics and Reporting: Access detailed analytics and reporting to track learners’ progress and improve your courses.
• Integration with Third-Party Tools and Services: Seamlessly integrate with tools like email marketing software, payment gateways, and more to streamline your workflow.

When choosing a Teachable alternative, consider the advanced features you need to create a comprehensive online learning experience. Look for platforms that offer a range of features and tools, and consider pricing and ease of use when making your decision.

A store for your courses

The Shiken store is a great place for potential students to find the courses they are looking for, including yours. Here, they can follow your activity, purchases courses and use vouchers you've gifted them. But you can also share your courses on dedicated landing pages, getting them out to more people even before they've found the Shiken store.

A fair price for course creators

Shiken and Teachable are quite similar in their pricing structure. Both offer a free version that gives you a good idea of what to expect when you upgrade. Then, Shiken packages start at £39 a month for a Starter package, £99 a month for a Pro package and £147 a month for a Teams package. There is also an Enterprise option available on request if you need an even more in-depth offering.

As value for money in online course platforms goes, Shiken slightly has the edge money-wise, as it gives you a few more interesting features than Teachable and other teachable alternatives.

The decision is yours.

Which are the best online course platforms in your opinion? Do you like the simplicity and style of Teachable or do you prefer the more technologically advanced Shiken? Both have their place in the course-creation world and there are many factors which are likely to sway your decision when you finally make it.

The great thing about both platforms is that they offer free versions, so you can test out both and see which one will be your forever course-creating assistant. You don’t need a credit card for either, so you can simply sign up and get started. A world of course creation and passive income awaits you!

Choosing the Right Platform for Your Online Course

Choosing the right online course platform can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available. When selecting a platform, consider the following factors to ensure it meets your needs:

• Features: What features do you need to create and sell your online course? Do you require advanced quizzing tools, gamification, or community-building features? Make sure the platform offers the functionalities that align with your course objectives. Additionally, exploring the best Teachable alternatives can help you find platforms with enhanced marketing tools and innovative engagement strategies.
• Pricing: What is your budget for the platform, and what are the transaction fees? Evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the platform, considering both the subscription fees and any additional charges.
• Customization: Can you customize the platform to fit your brand and needs? Look for platforms that offer flexible design options and allow you to create a unique learning experience.
• Integration: Does the platform integrate with other tools and services you use, such as email marketing software or payment gateways? Seamless integration can streamline your workflow and enhance your course management.
• User Interface: Is the platform easy to use, and does it provide a good user experience for your learners? A user-friendly interface can significantly impact both your experience as a course creator and your students’ learning journey.
• Support: What kind of support does the platform offer, and how responsive is their customer service? Reliable support can be crucial, especially when you encounter technical issues or need assistance with platform features.

By considering these factors, you can find an online course platform that meets your needs and helps you create a successful online course. Whether you’re looking for an all-in-one platform or specific features to enhance your course, taking the time to evaluate your options will pay off in the long run.

‍

‍