Ever thought about turning your skills into an online course but didn't know where to start?
You're not alone. I was in the same boat until I discovered that there are tools that you can use to launch your course, like Teachable.
Let me share what I've learned so you can decide if it's the right fit for you.
What Is Teachable?
Teachable is an online platform that lets you create and sell your own courses. It's like having your own virtual classroom without needing to know anything about coding or web design. You upload your content, set your prices, and Teachable handles the rest.
Who Should Use Teachable?
If you've got knowledge or expertise you want to share, Teachable is for you. It's perfect for:
- Teachers and Educators: Bring your lessons to a global audience.
- Professionals: Share industry insights and best practices.
- Hobbyists: Turn your passion into a teaching opportunity.
- Entrepreneurs: Build a business around your expertise.
Whether you're a chef, a coder, or a yoga instructor, if you want to teach online, Teachable makes it easy.
Key Features of Teachable
User-Friendly Course Builder
What It Does: Lets you create courses without any technical skills.
Why It's Important: You can focus on your content, not on complicated setups.
Example Scenario: Drag and drop your videos, add quizzes, and arrange your lessons with ease.
Customizable Design
What It Does: Allows you to brand your course site to match your style.
Why It's Important: A unique look makes your course stand out.
Example Scenario: Change colors, fonts, and layouts to reflect your personality.
Secure Payment Processing
What It Does: Handles all transactions safely.
Why It's Important: Students can pay with confidence, and you get your earnings promptly.
Example Scenario: Accept payments via credit cards or PayPal without setting up anything extra.
Marketing Tools
What It Does: Offers features like coupons, affiliate programs, and email integrations.
Why It's Important: Helps you attract and retain students.
Example Scenario: Create discount codes for early sign-ups or holidays.
Student Management
What It Does: Lets you track student progress and engagement.
Why It's Important: Understand how your students are doing and where they might need help.
Example Scenario: See which lessons are most viewed and which quizzes are most challenging.
Analytics and Reporting
What It Does: Provides insights into your course performance.
Why It's Important: Data helps you make informed decisions to improve your course.
Example Scenario: Identify trends in sales and adjust your marketing strategies.
Integrations
What It Does: Connects with tools like Mailchimp, Google Analytics, and more.
Why It's Important: Automate tasks and streamline your workflow.
Example Scenario: Sync your student list with your email newsletter.
How I Learned About Teachable
A while back, I was looking for a way to share my photography skills with a wider audience. Local workshops were great, but I wanted to reach people beyond my hometown. One day, while scrolling through a forum, I read about someone who built a successful online course on Teachable.
Curious, I checked it out. The idea of creating my own course without wrestling with website code sounded appealing. I signed up for the free plan to test the waters. Before I knew it, I was uploading videos and crafting lessons. It was empowering to see my course taking shape so effortlessly.
3 Things I Like About Teachable
1. Ease of Use
From the moment I signed up, everything was straightforward. The dashboard is intuitive, making course creation a breeze.
Anecdote: I remember thinking, “Is it really this simple?” The drag-and-drop builder saved me so much time.
2. All-in-One Platform
Teachable handles hosting, payments, and student management all in one place.
Benefit: I didn't have to juggle multiple services or worry about technical details.
3. Strong Support Community
There's a wealth of resources and a helpful community of creators.
Case Study: Whenever I hit a snag, I found answers in their knowledge base or forums. It felt good knowing I wasn't alone.
3 Things I Didn't Like About Teachable
1. Transaction Fees on Basic Plan
On the Basic plan, Teachable charges a 5% transaction fee on each sale.
Story: When I started making more sales, those fees added up. I wished there was a better option for beginners.
2. Limited Customization on Lower Plans
Some customization features are only available on higher-priced plans.
Why I Want Improvement: I wanted more control over my site's look without upgrading to a pricier plan.
3. Basic Email Marketing Features
The built-in email capabilities are quite simple.
Desire for Improvement: Advanced segmentation and automation would help with targeted marketing.
Pros of Teachable
- User-Friendly: No coding skills needed.
- All-In-One Solution: Everything you need to create, sell, and manage courses.
- Secure Payments: Handles transactions safely.
- Scalable: Grows with you as your business expands.
- Supportive Community: Access to resources and fellow creators.
Cons of Teachable
- Transaction Fees: Basic plan includes fees per sale.
- Limited Customization: Advanced design options require higher plans.
- Simple Email Tools: Lacks advanced marketing features.
Teachable Pricing and Plans
Free Plan
- Cost: $0/month
- Features: Unlimited students, basic quizzes, one admin user
- Upside: Great for testing the platform
- Downside: $1 + 10% transaction fee per sale
Basic Plan
- Cost: $39/month (billed annually)
- Features: No monthly fees, 5% transaction fee, drip content, coupon codes
- Upside: Affordable entry point with essential features
- Downside: Transaction fees can add up
Pro Plan
- Cost: $119/month (billed annually)
- Features: No transaction fees, priority support, graded quizzes, course completion certificates
- Upside: More tools to enhance your course
- Downside: Higher monthly cost
Business Plan
- Cost: $299/month (billed annually)
- Features: Advanced customization, group coaching calls, bulk student enrollments
- Upside: Best for established businesses and larger teams
- Downside: Significant investment
Financial Benefits: Investing in a higher plan can save money by eliminating transaction fees and providing tools that boost sales.
Teachable Alternatives
Thinkific
- Pros: Similar features, offers a free plan with no transaction fees
- Cons: Some features exclusive to higher plans
Kajabi
- Pros: Comprehensive marketing tools
- Cons: Higher price point, might be more than needed for simple courses
Udemy
- Pros: Large marketplace, access to many students
- Cons: Less control over pricing, significant revenue sharing
Why Consider Alternatives: It's worth exploring to find the best fit for your specific needs.
FAQ About Teachable
Q: Can I use my own domain name?
A: Yes, you can connect a custom domain to your Teachable school.
Q: Does Teachable handle taxes?
A: Teachable collects VAT for EU sales but consult a tax professional for other obligations.
Q: Can I offer courses in multiple languages?
A: Yes, you can create courses in any language, but the platform interface is in English.
Q: Is there a mobile app for students?
A: Yes, students can access courses through the Teachable iOS app.
Q: Can I drip content over time?
A: Absolutely, you can schedule lessons to be released on a timeline.
Where to Get Teachable?
Ready to dive in? Visit Teachable.com to sign up. They offer a free plan, so you can explore without any commitment. It's a great way to test if it's the right platform for you.
My Final Thoughts on Teachable
Teachable has been a game-changer for me. It took away the technical hurdles and let me focus on teaching. While there are some downsides, like transaction fees on lower plans, the benefits outweigh them.
If you're looking to start an online course without the hassle of building a website from scratch, Teachable is worth considering. It's user-friendly, scalable, and has a supportive community to help you along the way.
My Teachable Bonus Tips
Start Small and Build
Don't stress about creating a massive course from the get-go. Start with a few lessons and expand over time.
Engage with Your Students
Interact through comments and emails. Personal connections can lead to loyal students and word-of-mouth referrals.
Use High-Quality Content
Invest in good equipment for recording videos or audio. Clear presentations make a big difference.
Experiment with Pricing
Test different price points to see what works best for your audience.
Promote Your Course
Leverage social media, blogs, or podcasts to get the word out. The more you promote, the more potential students you'll reach.
Turning your knowledge into an online course doesn't have to be daunting. With platforms like Teachable, the road from idea to income is smoother than ever. Give it a try, and who knows? You might just find your niche in the world of online education.
