Looking to monetize your expertise? Here’s a quick guide to 10 platforms that help creators sell courses, digital products, memberships, and more. Each platform offers unique features, pricing, and tools to fit different needs.
Platform | Best For | Starting Price | Transaction Fees | Key Features |
---|---|---|---|---|
Teachable | Course creators | $39/month | None (paid plans) | Course builder, student analytics |
Gumroad | Digital products | Free | 10% per sale | Quick setup, membership sales |
Podia | All-in-one solution | $39/month | None | Courses, downloads, email marketing |
Thinkific | Educational content | Free | None | Custom course builder, affiliate tools |
Kajabi | Full-scale business | $149/month | None | Marketing automation, website builder |
Payhip | Digital downloads | Free | 5% per sale | Marketing tools, coupon system |
Sellfy | Mixed product types | $29/month | None | Print-on-demand integration |
ConvertKit | Email-driven sales | Free | 3.5% + $0.30 | Email automation, paid newsletters |
Mighty Networks | Community builders | $49/month | None | Community features, live events |
LearnWorlds | Interactive learning | $29/month | $5 per course sale (starter plan) | Interactive course tools, white-labeling |
Choose the platform that fits your goals, whether you’re selling courses, digital products, or building a community. Keep reading to dive deeper into each option.
If you’re looking to monetize your expertise, here’s how to evaluate platforms effectively:
Platform Type | Ideal For | Example Pricing |
---|---|---|
Transaction-based | Testing new products | Gumroad: 10% per sale |
Subscription-based | Established creators | Payhip: $99/month (no fees) |
Hybrid | Growing businesses | Patreon: 5-12% + processing fees |
For example, Patreon charges 5% to 12% of earnings plus transaction fees, while platforms like The Leap offer free plans with no transaction fees.
Use these factors to weigh your options in the next section.
Teachable is a popular platform for creators looking to monetize their knowledge. With over 40 million students reached and more than 30 million products sold, it has become a go-to solution for many educators and entrepreneurs.
Key Platform Features:
Feature Category | Offerings |
---|---|
Product Types | Courses, Digital Downloads, Coaching Programs, Memberships |
Integration Support | Compatible with multiple third-party apps |
Student Management | Tools for tracking progress and boosting engagement |
Payment Options | Supports various payment gateways with global reach |
Pricing Structure:
These pricing options cater to a variety of needs. Success stories like The Futur and Boss Project highlight the platform’s potential. The Futur has reached over 60,000 students and generated millions in revenue, while Boss Project has engaged over 30,607 students worldwide.
Platform Strengths:
Notable Limitations:
"Teachable has enabled us to have an incredible impact on the lives of over 60,000 students (and generate millions in revenue) in just a few short years. Creating courses and digital products on this platform could not be easier!"
– Ben Burns, The Futur
Teachable is an excellent choice for creators who want a straightforward platform with powerful tools. Its user-friendly interface is ideal for beginners, while experienced educators can benefit from features like live chat support, affiliate programs, and graded quizzes. For those prioritizing profitability, the Pro plan stands out with its zero transaction fees.
Next, take a closer look at Gumroad’s features and pricing to see how it stacks up.
Gumroad simplifies the process of selling digital products. Unlike Teachable, which focuses on building full-fledged courses, Gumroad prioritizes ease of use and quick setup for selling various digital items.
Key Platform Features:
Feature Category | Offerings |
---|---|
Product Types | Digital Downloads, Courses, Memberships, Software Licenses |
Payment Processing | Built-in with Stripe and PayPal integration |
Marketing Tools | Email Broadcasts, Automated Workflows, Social Media Integration |
Security | Lightweight DRM, License Key Generation |
Customization | Flexible Page Editor, Embeddable Payment Buttons |
Pricing Structure:
Gumroad takes a 10% fee plus $0.50 per transaction for direct-link sales (30% for sales via its discover marketplace), along with payment processor fees of about 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction. For instance, if you sell a $10 product through a direct link, you’ll keep $8.41 after all fees.
Platform Strengths:
Notable Limitations:
Gumroad has received positive feedback from creators who value its simplicity. Daniel Vassallo, an entrepreneur offering courses, shared:
"I love Gumroad because it can’t be any simpler. I upload a file, set a price, and I can start selling on the internet. The money I make from my sales lands directly in my bank account every Friday."
Setu Choudhary, known for selling Cinema4D material packs, also praised the platform:
"Gumroad has been a key driver of my journey to build a community around my product. It makes it much easier to sell digital products online and provides sellers with a lot of features."
Gumroad is ideal for creators with a small product catalog, those seeking minimal technical effort, or anyone testing new product ideas. However, educators looking for robust course-building tools might find Gumroad less equipped compared to platforms designed specifically for learning management. Up next, we’ll take a closer look at Podia and how it stacks up.
Podia is an all-in-one platform designed for creators to sell digital products, courses, memberships, coaching sessions, and webinars.
Key Features
Feature Category | Details |
---|---|
Product Types | Online Courses, Digital Downloads, Memberships, Coaching, Webinars |
Website Tools | Built-in Website Builder, Custom Domain Support |
Marketing Features | Email Marketing, Pre-sales, Upsells, Coupons |
Sales Options | Product Bundles, Custom Products, Fast Checkout |
Content Delivery | Multimedia Support, Instant Digital Delivery |
Pricing
Plan | Monthly Price | Annual Price (Billed Yearly) | Transaction Fees |
---|---|---|---|
Mover | $39 | $33/month ($396/year) | 5% fee |
Shaker | $89 | $75/month ($900/year) | None |
Both plans include unlimited products and customers. Email marketing is free for up to 100 subscribers; additional subscribers cost $7 per month. Team extensions are available for an extra fee.
Limitations to Consider
Podia provides a simple, professional solution for creators who want to establish an online presence without technical headaches. The Shaker plan ($89/month) stands out with its unlimited products and customers, making it a great option for scaling businesses. Payment processing is handled through Stripe and PayPal, ensuring smooth transactions for customers worldwide. Podia also takes care of product delivery, offering secure hosting and instant access for buyers.
Next, we’ll dive into how Thinkific compares to Podia.
Thinkific is a platform designed to help creators build and sell online courses. It has facilitated over $1.9 billion in creator revenue. The platform includes tools like an AI course builder, payment processing, detailed analytics, and integrated email marketing.
Category | Details |
---|---|
Course Creation | AI-powered course builder |
Business Tools | Thinkific Payments, advanced reporting, Group Orders |
Marketing Features | AI-driven email marketing, customizable landing pages |
Plan | Monthly Price | Annual Price (25% savings) |
---|---|---|
Free | $0 | $0 |
Basic | $49 | $36/month ($432/year) |
Start | $99 | $74/month ($888/year) |
Grow | $199 | $149/month ($1,788/year) |
Expand | $499 | $374/month ($4,488/year) |
Many creators have found success using Thinkific:
"Thinkific let me grow my audience and teach over 250,000 students. Thinkific made the process so easy for me to navigate."
– Mimi Goodwin, Sew It! Academy
Thinkific’s reporting tools help creators make smart, data-backed decisions. The Group Orders feature has been shown to increase order values by up to 22%.
With a 2.84% share in the learning management system market, Thinkific is a strong option for creators seeking control, scalability, and user-friendly tools. It competes directly with platforms like Podia while offering powerful marketing features and flexibility.
Kajabi is an all-in-one platform designed to handle course creation, membership management, and marketing tools, all within a single system.
Category | Details |
---|---|
Business Tools | Website builder, sales funnels, analytics |
Marketing Features | Email automation, landing pages, mobile app |
Content Delivery | Courses, memberships, digital products |
Payment Options | One-time payments, subscriptions |
Plan | Monthly | Annual (20% savings) |
---|---|---|
Kickstarter | $69 | $55/month ($660/year) |
Basic | $149 | $119/month ($1,428/year) |
Growth | $199 | $159/month ($1,908/year) |
Pro | $399 | $319/month ($3,828/year) |
Kajabi’s pricing reflects the range of tools and resources it provides for businesses.
Kajabi has been instrumental in launching over 100,000 businesses, serving 75 million customers, and generating up to $9 billion in revenue. Its user base includes 10% in Professional Training & Coaching and 5% in Health, Wellness, and Fitness.
Kajabi is tailored for creators looking to simplify their operations and grow their businesses:
"Being on Kajabi has been awesome because the platform scales with us – I’m not trying to be a software company – I’m trying to deliver awesome content." – Natalie Ellis, founder & CEO of bossbase
"I love being able to help the members of my membership which in turn helps them with their own businesses. Because I invested in Kajabi, and my members are investing in their businesses through me, they are more successful and making more money. It’s a beautiful cycle." – Lori Gold, Founder of explore more mexico
Kajabi is widely trusted, with 40% of its customers based in the United States. It’s an excellent choice for creators who want to focus on delivering content rather than managing technical complexities.
Payhip stands out as an easy-to-use platform for selling digital products, courses, coaching, and memberships. It combines strong product support, clear pricing, and useful marketing tools to help creators monetize their work effectively.
Category | Details |
---|---|
Product Types | Digital products, courses, coaching, memberships |
Protection Features | Secure checkout, download protection |
Marketing Tools | Affiliate system, social discounts, coupons |
Business Tools | Analytics, VAT handling, store builder |
Plan | Monthly Fee | Transaction Fee |
---|---|---|
Free Forever | Free | 5% |
Plus | $29 | 2% |
Pro | $99 | 0% |
All plans include unlimited products and full access to the platform’s features. If you need video hosting, it’s available for an additional $9/month for up to 16 hours.
Payhip offers a range of tools and features that make it a strong choice for creators:
Stephen Follows, a film industry data researcher, praises the platform:
"Payhip is fantastic. The interface is simple, the integration easy and the customer service has been top notch. I’m really glad I chose Payhip and will continue to do so in the future."
Alberto & Iosune, vegan recipe bloggers, share their experience:
"We needed a company that handled VAT of the eBooks we sell. After a little research, we found Payhip to be the best fit. We’re now using Payhip. We love the way they handle VAT and are easy to work with!"
Payhip’s straightforward pricing and feature-rich plans make it a competitive choice. It supports multiple payment options, including PayPal and major credit cards, ensuring accessibility for a global audience. The built-in analytics help track key metrics like views, conversion rates, and traffic sources, giving creators the insights they need to refine their strategies.
Next, we’ll take a closer look at how Sellfy adds more options for creators in the e-commerce space.
Sellfy is an e-commerce platform that has facilitated over $142 million in sales of both digital and physical products. Its pricing model is designed to help creators keep more of their earnings.
Category | Details |
---|---|
Product Types | Digital downloads, physical items, subscriptions, print-on-demand |
Protection | PDF stamping, limited downloads, secure checkout |
Marketing Tools | Email marketing, upselling, cart abandonment support, affiliate system |
Store Features | Custom domain, store customization, social media integration |
Plan | Monthly Cost | Annual Revenue Limit | Email Credits |
---|---|---|---|
Starter | $29 | $10,000 | Basic email features |
Business | $79 | $50,000 | 10,000 credits |
Premium | $159 | $200,000 | 50,000 credits |
Save up to 35% by choosing annual billing.
Sellfy stands out for its simple yet powerful features, which include:
These tools make it easier for creators to grow their businesses.
EfikZara, a composer and content creator, praised Sellfy’s ease of use:
"I think Sellfy does a really great job with making the purchasing process straightforward. The user experience is so effortless that it’s easy to get a high conversion rate."
Photographer and YouTuber Keydrin Franklin shared how the platform transformed his work:
"Sellfy allowed me to stop doing client work and focus on content creation."
Sellfy has made a noticeable difference in helping creators boost their income. For example, over 60,000 creators have earned $100 million specifically from educational products sold through the platform. Its no-transaction-fee policy and a small 2% overage fee (for exceeding revenue limits) ensure creators can retain more of their profits while scaling their businesses.
ConvertKit stands out by focusing on helping creators monetize their audience using email-driven strategies. Unlike platforms like Sellfy or Payhip, which center around direct product sales, ConvertKit empowers creators to leverage their email lists and automation tools to sell newsletters, digital products, and more.
Category | Details |
---|---|
Product Types | Digital products, paid newsletters, tip jars, recurring subscriptions |
Marketing Tools | Visual automation builder, segmentation, landing pages |
Payment Options | One-time purchases, subscriptions, pay-what-you-want |
Integration Support | Shopify, ThriveCart, Teachable, Mighty Networks |
Plan | Monthly Cost | Subscriber Limit | Features |
---|---|---|---|
Free | $0 | Up to 10,000 | Basic features, 3.5% + $0.30 fee |
Creator | $29 | 1,000 | Advanced features, automation |
Creator Pro | $59 | 1,000 | Premium features, newsletter referrals |
Save more with annual billing.
ConvertKit helps creators grow their income with tools designed for simplicity and effectiveness:
Automated email campaigns can drive 320% more revenue compared to manual efforts. Additionally, ConvertKit’s integrations save creators up to 30% of their email marketing time. These features make it a time-saving and revenue-boosting choice for creators.
Freelance content creator Zulie Rane shares:
"I’ve gone from $0 to earning $1000 with my mailing list – something I didn’t even know how to start doing. Kit gave me the tools I needed to actually make a living doing what I love."
Artist and writer Danny Gregory adds:
"It took me half an hour to get the whole thing set up and to embed it into my templates."
ConvertKit’s integrations make it easier for creators to streamline their workflows:
Partner | Key Benefit |
---|---|
Shopify | Automates purchase-based email campaigns. |
ThriveCart | Triggers emails based on cart activity and upsell opportunities. |
Teachable | Enables course-specific email communication flows. |
Mighty Networks | Supports automated community engagement. |
Zapier | Connects to over 2,000 apps for added automation. |
Jo Franco, founder of JoClub, praises the platform’s focus on creator needs:
"The specificity of the technology that Kit offers and will continue to offer is the game changer for me. It’s worth the money. It really is."
ConvertKit’s tools and integrations are designed to keep things simple while helping creators focus on what they do best – creating.
Mighty Networks brings community, courses, and commerce together in a single platform. Unlike other course platforms, it focuses on social learning and community interaction while offering tools for monetization.
Feature Category | Capabilities |
---|---|
Learning Tools | Courses, events, livestreaming, member profiles |
Community Features | Chat, activity feeds, AI-powered member connections |
Monetization Options | Individual space access, bundled offerings, memberships |
Technical Support | White-labeling, branded mobile apps, Zapier integration |
Plan | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | Key Features |
---|---|---|---|
Community | $49 | $41 | Basic community features |
Courses | $119 | $99 | Course creation tools |
Business | $219 | $179 | Advanced features |
Path-to-Pro | $360 | $360 | Enterprise solutions |
These pricing plans offer flexibility for creators aiming to build and grow their communities.
In 2023, hosts on Mighty Networks earned $370 million. The platform’s average monthly membership revenue reached $48, while one-time course sales averaged $500. Some communities even grew to over a million members. These numbers highlight the platform’s ability to drive meaningful results.
Five Mary Farms leveraged Mighty Networks to launch the M5 Ranch School in 2020, showcasing its potential for niche education. The school saw impressive results:
"Through branded mobile apps built on Mighty Pro, they’ve added an additional $175,000 per year to their income."
Mighty Networks works seamlessly with Zapier, enabling automated workflows with tools like:
With People Magic AI, the platform automatically connects members with similar interests, improves engagement, and simplifies onboarding.
Dustin B. shares his thoughts:
"Community is a superpower, and Mighty provides powerful tools to unite and engage my members."
The Lifebook Mastery Membership showcases how Mighty Networks can transform a business. By converting an in-person program into online modules and adding branded iOS and Android apps, Lifebook built an active alumni community and generated $900,000 in sales within a year.
Mighty Networks stands out as a platform that combines community-building tools with course creation, making it a strong choice for creators aiming to build engaged learning communities.
LearnWorlds is a platform designed for professional online schools, serving over 10,000 customers and facilitating more than $4 billion in training value.
Feature Category | Capabilities |
---|---|
Course Creation | Interactive video editor, SCORM compliance, drag-and-drop builder |
Student Engagement | Note-taking tools, social sharing, text highlighting |
Assessment Tools | Question banks, graded assignments, self-assessments |
Marketing | Bundles, subscriptions, promotions, affiliate management |
Technical | Custom iOS/Android apps, white-labeling, analytics |
Plan | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | Key Features |
---|---|---|---|
Starter | $29 | $24 | $5 fee per course sale |
Pro Trainer | $99 | $79 | No transaction fees |
Learning Center | $299 | $249 | White-labeling included |
High Volume & Corporate | Custom | Custom | Enterprise solutions |
LearnWorlds enhances online learning with its interactive course player, allowing students to engage with content in dynamic ways:
Real users highlight the platform’s impact. Teya B., a course creator, shares:
"I am in love with this platform and I would never change them for another. I feel cared for by the amazing support team that know my name, my work, my problems and needs. They offered me the attention and personalized tips. All that gave a big boost to my online school."
LearnWorlds offers a variety of tools to help creators market and sell their courses effectively:
One creator reported an $18,000 revenue increase within six months. This success is attributed to the platform’s focus on engagement features and professional design.
LearnWorlds ensures compliance and security with features like:
These measures help maintain a professional and secure learning environment.
LearnWorlds stands out as a strong choice for creators looking to build professional online schools, offering tools for engagement, marketing, and compliance in a secure platform.
Here’s a breakdown of key features and pricing across popular platforms.
Platform | Best For | Starting Price | Transaction Fees | Key Features |
---|---|---|---|---|
Teachable | Course creators | $29/month | None on paid plans | Course builder, student analytics |
Gumroad | Digital products | Free | 10% | Simple setup, membership sales |
Podia | All-in-one solution | $39/month | None | Courses, downloads, email marketing, community features |
Thinkific | Educational content | Free | None | Custom course builder, affiliate tools |
Kajabi | Full-scale business | $149/month | None | Marketing automation, website builder |
Payhip | Digital downloads | Free | 5% | Marketing tools, coupon system |
Sellfy | Mixed product types | $19/month | None | Print-on-demand integration |
Mighty Networks | Community builders | $33/month | None | Community features, live events |
LearnWorlds | Interactive learning | $299/month | None | Interactive course features, white-labeling |
This table highlights starting prices, transaction fees, and standout features to help you compare options.
Each platform brings unique strengths to the table:
Here’s what users are saying about these platforms:
"I believe that Podia is the best option for most people, especially those who do not already have a website and those who anticipate selling products online. You can start small by building a beautiful website and eventually grow into something much more significant." – Joseph D’Amico, Classical Piano Instructor
Your choice depends on your goals and budget. Here’s a quick guide:
For beginners, starting with a free or low-cost platform is a smart move. You can always upgrade as your business grows and your needs evolve.
Now that you’ve reviewed the available platforms, it’s time to turn those insights into practical steps for launching your creator store.
Use the platform comparisons above to shape your approach based on your content and audience.
Once your strategy is ready, follow these steps to get started:
Here’s a quick guide to help you decide on the best platform:
If You Need | Best Platform Choice | Why It Works |
---|---|---|
Easy Setup | Gumroad or Payhip | Free plans and simple setup |
Focus on Courses | Teachable or Thinkific | Tools tailored for online learning |
All-in-One Solution | Kajabi or Podia | Offers a full range of features |
Build a Community | Mighty Networks | Designed to boost engagement |
Make sure your platform works seamlessly with your existing tools:
"Sellfy does a really great job with making the purchasing process straightforward. The user experience is so effortless that it’s easy to get a high conversion rate."
Once everything checks out, you’re ready to launch!