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How to build an elearning shop

Many people ask us: how can I create an online shop to sell my courses?

The answer comes down to what type of courses you intend to sell. The range of course types include:

  1. 100% asynchronous elearning, which is generally self-paced learning and might include some of the following to be set up:

  2. Courses built on a learning management system or embedded via authoring software

  3. Access to files, videos and downloadable/view-only files

  4. Assessment – either manual or automated like quizzes

  5. Surveys

  6. Emails

  7. Group discussions via web or native apps

  8. Automations and integrations with third party software

  9. Certificates

  10. Integrations with payment gateways

  11. Blended, partially-synchronous (1-1 or 1-many) in-person training/consultations:

  12. Includes some asynchronous content

  13. Booking system for physical locations, probably managing seating capacities

  14. Calendar to manage events and maximum software capacity

  15. Software to manage integrations/automations with calendar and asynchronous delivery

  16. Blended, partially-synchronous (1-1 or 1-many) video-chat training/consultations:

  17. Includes some asynchronous content

  18. Software to manage video training, eg Zoom, Meetings, Webex, Webinarjam, Skype, etc

  19. Calendar to manage events and maximum software capacity

  20. Software to manage integrations/automations with calendar and asynchronous delivery

  21. On-demand 1-1 coaching/consulting sessions, either via video-chat or in-person locations:

  22. On-demand booking system

  23. Integrations with trainer calendars

  24. Integrations with payment gateways

  25. On-demand e-learning library access

  26. One-off purchase packages, programs

  27. Team and admin level packages

  28. Monthly or yearly membership packages

On top of the e-learning delivery planned, you will probably need to publish an online shop, website and social media channels:

  1. There are many SAAS options including Shopify, Big Commerce and Wix

  2. Alternatively, you may decide to build your own website, probably using a CMS like WordPress with plugins like Woocommerce

  3. Or… you could use landing pages via your CRM like Hubspot or bookings system like Eventbrite

So, what are some examples of ideal setups for each type of learning delivery?


100% Asynchronous e-learning

Here are some good options to consider:

  1. Many online course builders like Coursebox offer e-commerce features so you can get started selling or sharing elearning easily in one place

  2. However, to unlock more marketing and sales features, try integrating your LMS via Zapier and sell in Shopify or Woocommerce store

  3. Woocommerce with a plugin like Learndash or Memberpress

Blended, partially-synchronous training

Whether you are selling 1-1, 1-many events and if it’s via video-chat software or face to face, you will need to use a booking and/or calendar system.

Here are some options to consider:

  1. Eventbrite is a great way to promote and sell events, even in the absence of a website

  2. Equally, consider Calendly for integrating expert calendars (eg Outlook/GCal) and selling your free time slots

  3. However, if your schedule is more comprehensive you may need to look at advanced booking systems like Foocalendar in WordPress or Arlo

  4. Another option is to search for an LMS with a Calendar module, like Coursebox, where you can sell on-demand coaching sessions or manage larger events

Memberships and Packages

To manage more advanced packages and inclusions, we recommend building comprehensive landing pages in your website and enabling payments via your gateway.

It’s important to note that most e-commerce software manages one-off payments easily but struggles with memberships, cancellations, failed recurring payments and so on.

Some LMSes like Coursebox enable the sale of monthly memberships to a group, with synchronised access to resources, courses and events.


For more complex management, Chargebee or Recurly are all good options. Stripe payments is a great option for developers.


Summary

In conclusion, whatever your planned training or consultation delivery, you will need to consider the full pipleline starting with your marketing funnels, landing pages and website/shop through to the learning delivery and engagement model.

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