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:

A) 100% asynchronous e-learning

This is generally self-paced learning and might include some of the following to be set up:  

• Courses built on a learning management system or embedded via authoring software
• Access to files, videos and downloadable/view-only files
• Assessment – either manual or automated like quizzes
• Surveys
• Emails
• Group discussions via web or native apps
• Automations and integrations with third party software
• Certificates Integrations with payment gateways

B) Blended/partially synchronous in-person training/consultations:  

This includes elements like:

• Some asynchronous content
• Booking system for physical locations, probably managing seating capacities
• Calendar to manage events
• Software to manage integrations/automations with calendar and asynchronous delivery

C) Blended/partially synchronous video-chat training/consultations:

This consists of:

• Some asynchronous content
• Software to manage video training, eg Zoom, Meetings, Webex, Webinarjam, Skype, etc
• Calendar to manage events and maximum software capacity
• Software to manage integrations/automations with calendar and asynchronous delivery

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

This will require:

• On-demand booking system Integrations with trainer calendars
• Integrations with payment gateways
• On-demand e-learning library access
• One-off purchase packages, programs Team and admin level packages
• Monthly or yearly membership  packages

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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 Alternatively, you may decide to build your own website, probably using a CMS like WordPress with plugins like Woocommerce
2. Or you could use landing pages via your CRM like Hubspot or bookings system like Eventbrite

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What are some examples of ideal setups for each type of learning delivery?

For 100% Asynchronous e-learning, there are many online course builders like Coursebox offer e-commerce features so you can get started selling or sharing elearning easily in one place However, to unlock more marketing and sales features, try integrating your LMS via Zapier and sell in Shopify or Woocommerce store Woocommerce with a plugin like Learndash or Memberpress.

Blended, partially-synchronous training also has many options. 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. Eventbrite  is a great way to promote and sell events, even in the absence of a website Equally, consider Calendly  for integrating expert calendars (eg Outlook/GCal) and selling your free time slots However, if your schedule is more comprehensive you may need to look at advanced booking systems like Foocalendar  in WordPress or Arlo 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 LMSs 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.

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