Choosing the Right Online Course Platform: What to Know Before You Commit - 15

Is choosing a course platform giving you analysis paralysis? In this episode of Unlock Course Creation, Cassandra helps you cut through the noise and strategically think about online course platforms without regret, stress, or duct tape. From tech comfort levels to student experience and scaling potential, she breaks down the five key categories to consider before committing to a platform.

Plus, in this week’s Instructional Design in the Real World segment, Cassandra shares how learning to French braid her own hair perfectly illustrates the power of repetition and real-world practice in any learning journey.

Key Takeaways:

1. All-in-One Features:
   • Ideal for creators who want fewer tools and less tech setup.
   • Pros: Streamlined setup, fewer integrations.
   • Cons: Higher price point, risk of “putting all your eggs in one basket.”
2. Real Functionality:
   • Does the platform actually deliver what it promises?
   • Watch out for surface-level features that look good on checklists but lack depth.
3. Student Experience:
   • Your learners matter. Choose a platform that’s mobile responsive, easy to navigate, and distraction-free.
   • Poor UX = disengaged learners = higher drop-off.
4. Scaling Potential:
   • Will this platform grow with you?
   • Look for flexibility in pricing tiers, analytics, funnels, and upsell opportunities.
5. Your Usability as the Creator:
   • If using the backend makes you want to chuck your laptop, that’s a red flag.
   • Choose a platform that makes editing, updating, and managing your content a seamless experience.

Timestamps:

[02:43] Five strategic categories for course platforms

[05:21] 🧰 Category 1: All-in-One Features

[10:33] 🛠️ Category 2: Real Functionality

[14:03] 🎓 Category 3: Student Experience

[17:42] 🚀 Category 4: Scaling & Growth

[20:42] 🧠 Category 5: Your Usability

[25:25] Take action over perfection (Cassandra pep talk)

[25:49] 🎯 Instructional Design in the Real World: French braiding as a metaphor for repetition in learning

[29:48] What’s something you’ve learned that was easy in theory but took a lot of practice?

Call to Action:

💌 Join the Email List: Be the first to know when new episodes drop + get exclusive tips and updates: cassandrameszaros.ca/email

📲 Follow Cassandra on Instagram: @Cassandra.Meszaros – Share your “easy in theory, hard in practice” learning moments!

⭐ Check out Lauren on Instagram: @laurenshakevans - Simplifying your tech & business systems 

💬 Need support? Book a discovery call or send your platform questions via DM or email.