Free vs. Paid Online Course Platforms: Which One is Right for You?

Creating and selling online courses has become a popular way to share knowledge, build a personal brand, or generate income.

However, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to choose a free or paid online course platform.

While both options have their benefits, they cater to different needs and goals. In this blog, we’ll explore the pros and cons of free vs.

paid platforms, provide examples of each, and help you determine which one is the best fit for your business or personal brand.

Free Online Course Platforms: The Pros and Cons

Free platforms are attractive to many first-time course creators because they offer a no-cost entry point. However, it’s important to understand both the advantages and limitations before deciding.

Pros of Free Platforms:

1. Cost-Effective Start:
   Free platforms allow you to test the waters without upfront financial commitments. This can be a great option for individuals or small businesses that are just starting out and have limited resources.
2. Quick to Set Up:
   Most free platforms offer simple setup processes, allowing you to upload your course content and start sharing it with your audience quickly. They often come with pre-designed templates, making it easy for beginners.
3. Large, Ready-Made Audiences:
   Some free platforms, like Udemy or Skillshare, provide access to large, pre-existing audiences. This is ideal for those who don’t yet have a following but want to get their course in front of more people.
4. Low Risk:
   Since there’s no financial investment upfront, there’s minimal risk. If your course doesn’t perform as expected, you won’t be out of pocket.

Cons of Free Platforms:

1. Limited Customization:
   Free platforms often provide limited options for branding or customization, which means your course may look similar to others on the platform. This lack of control over design can affect how your brand is perceived.
2. Revenue Sharing:
   Many free platforms take a percentage of your earnings, which can add up over time. For example, Udemy takes up to 50% of your course sales if the platform handles the promotion.
3. Lack of Ownership:
   On free platforms, you typically don’t own the student relationship. The platform controls the customer data, and you have little direct access to your students for future marketing efforts.
4. Limited Features:
   Features like advanced marketing tools, email automation, or integration with other business software are usually restricted on free platforms, making it harder to scale your business.

Popular Free Platforms:

• Udemy: Offers a large audience but takes a hefty cut from sales.
• Skillshare: Focuses on creative skills, but instructors get paid based on student watch time.

Paid Online Course Platforms: The Pros and Cons

Paid platforms are typically more powerful and flexible, offering greater control over your content, branding, and marketing strategies. These platforms are ideal for businesses or individuals looking to scale and grow.

Pros of Paid Platforms:

1. Full Customization:
   Paid platforms like Teachable or Thinkific give you full control over the design, layout, and branding of your course. This allows you to create a more professional, unique course experience that aligns with your brand.
2. Ownership of Data:
   You own the relationship with your students on paid platforms. This means you have full access to student data, which can be used to remarket, upsell, or build an email list for future launches.
3. Advanced Marketing Tools:
   Paid platforms typically come with powerful marketing features, such as affiliate marketing options, email automation, and detailed analytics. These tools make it easier to grow your course business over time.
4. No Revenue Sharing:
   Unlike free platforms, most paid platforms don’t take a cut of your sales (aside from standard payment processor fees). This means you keep 100% of the profits from your course sales.
5. Scalability:
   Paid platforms are designed to grow with your business. As your student base increases, these platforms offer tools and features to help you scale, such as membership sites, drip content, and subscriptions.

Cons of Paid Platforms:

1. Cost:
   Paid platforms come with monthly or annual fees, ranging from $29 to over $100 per month, depending on the features you need. This can be a barrier for some, especially when starting out.
2. Learning Curve:
   While paid platforms offer more features, they can also be more complex to use. Setting up a fully customized course with advanced marketing tools may require more time and technical skills.
3. No Built-In Audience:
   Unlike free platforms, paid platforms don’t provide a ready-made audience. You’ll be responsible for driving traffic to your course, which can be challenging if you don’t already have a following.

Popular Paid Platforms:

• Teachable: Known for its ease of use, customizable sales pages, and integrations with email marketing tools.
• Thinkific: Offers advanced customization options, memberships, and a range of marketing tools for growing your business.

When to Choose Free vs. Paid Platforms

The choice between a free or paid platform ultimately depends on your goals, resources, and business model.

Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

Scenario	Free Platform	Paid Platform
You’re just testing the market with your first course	✅	❌
You have limited funds and are looking for a low-cost option	✅	❌
You want to reach a large, pre-existing audience	✅	❌
You want full control over your course design and branding	❌	✅
You’re ready to scale your business and invest in marketing	❌	✅
You want to own your student data and relationship	❌	✅
You don’t want to share revenue from course sales	❌	✅

Which One is Right for You?

Here are a few considerations to help you decide between free and paid platforms:

• Go with a Free Platform if you’re just starting out, have little to no following, and want to test your course idea with minimal investment. Free platforms are ideal for beginners who want to get their content out quickly without worrying about setup costs or advanced features.
• Choose a Paid Platform if you’re looking for more control over your branding, customer relationships, and marketing strategies. Paid platforms are best suited for creators who want to build a professional online education business, scale their offerings, and retain ownership of their student data.

FAQ

1. Can I start with a free platform and switch to a paid one later?

Yes, many course creators start with a free platform to test the waters and then migrate to a paid platform once they’re ready to scale. However, migrating your content and student base can take some time, so it’s important to plan ahead.

2. What’s the biggest drawback of using a free platform?

The biggest drawback is the lack of ownership and control. Free platforms often limit customization and take a percentage of your earnings. You also don’t have access to your students’ contact information, making it difficult to build long-term relationships.

3. How much should I expect to spend on a paid platform?

Most paid platforms start around $29-$49 per month. However, the costs can go up depending on the features you need, such as marketing tools, advanced analytics, or student support options.

4. Do free platforms allow me to sell my courses?

Yes, platforms like Udemy and Skillshare allow you to sell your courses, but they take a percentage of your revenue. In some cases, they also have restrictions on how you can price or promote your course.

5. Which platform is best for scaling an online course business?

Paid platforms like Teachable and Thinkific are designed for scaling. They offer features like membership sites, email automation, and detailed analytics, which are crucial for growing your business over time.

In conclusion, the decision between free and paid online course platforms comes down to your business goals, budget, and long-term vision.

Free platforms are excellent for beginners testing the market, while paid platforms are ideal for those looking to build a scalable and professional e-learning business.

Best online course platforms