What are you able to do to make more passive income from online

Jun 6, 2024

     Reader Disclosure

We could inform you that you could make an additional income from your online course by making use of self-hosted platforms for your course?

What's inside Turn off

Untruths about third Party LMS Platforms

You might agree with this statistic and shows that 57% of creators of the course determine its effectiveness based on the level of satisfaction of students. The course's creators take into account participation of students, as a factor, while 21% are focused on student income.

Some instructors believe it's better to select third-party LMS platforms like Udemy, Teachable, and Kajabi due to the following reasons:

  • They are hoping it will reduce their marketing costs which will reduce the need for huge expenses at initial stage of purchasing equipment and software.
  • They think they will be able to introduce their products to the general public in a quicker way.
  • It's assumed that it's user-friendly and needs no technical skills It is therefore easy for teachers to create programs, develop the course, and maintain their courses up-to-date.

However, these advantages have a cost for example:

  1. A rising revenue-sharing expense.
  2. 75 % of course creators have less than $1000 per year. A quarter of instructors earn more than $50,000 per year.
  3. A few courses can get lost in the crowd which requires an additional expenditure in marketing in order to get your message out to the correct audience.
  4. There's not a lot of opportunities for students to make connections beyond the platform.
  5. It's not possible to tailor your profile, or brand's profile through these sites.
  6. It's not easy to track the progress of your students by using the funnel.
  7. The few engagement opportunities available are because of the lack of games and integration of community-based services.

Introduction to Self-hosted Courses

If you're an online course creator who is unhappy with the cost and limitations in SaaS LMS platforms, you're not the only one. Many educators are experiencing similar difficulties.

But, there's an alternative option to host your own course: self-hosted platforms.

When you create your own courses You can take full responsibility of the content in your course and also save fees for revenue-sharing in addition to discover fresh opportunities to earn profits.

Think about what you can do by using...

Imagine having the chance to design your own courses in the exact way you want while earning an extra portion of your hard-earned cash.

Moving to self-hosted hosting isn't only an issue of reducing costs, it's about unlocking the potential you have to create a profitable long-term business.

Are you still not convinced? Check out this explanation in the following.

 The Cost is Expensive in Revenue Sharing

If you are using one of the most popular SaaS LMS platforms to sell and manage your online classes it is crucial to know the models for revenue sharing that they employ.

These platforms usually take a significant percentage of income which can quickly take away the money you earn.

This is a complete description of the most popular models used to share revenue among the best-known SaaS LMS platforms:

     1. Teachable

Teachable has a broad range of pricing plans and the nature of their revenue share varies according to the plan you choose. This is how their pricing works for the whole year like:

  • Free Plan charges $1 + 10% per transaction.
  • The Basis Program ($39/month): 5 percent transaction cost.
  • Business Plan ($119/month) and Business Plan ($499/month) The Professional Plan is free of charge for transactions. They do, however, publish their own publications.

     2. Thinkific

Thinkific offers a variety of pricing tiers that have different implications for revenue sharing:

  • Free Plan: No charges for transactions with limited functionality.
  • Basis Plan ($49/month) Basic Plan: No cost for transactions. However, it's limited to digital downloads.
  • Plan Pro Plan ($99/month) and Premier Plan ($499/month) There there are no transaction costs, but limited access to online community services.

     3. Udemy

Udemy is built on an entirely different revenue-sharing system compared to Teachable as well as Thinkific:

  • Sales from organic sources: Udemy takes 50% of their revenue through purchasesmade on the marketplace.
  • Teachers Promoting: Instructors get 97% of the revenue from purchases that they have made through their own promotion (using coupons for instructors) as well as Udemy is charging three percent administrative fee.
  • Pay-per-Use Acquisition. In the event of Udemy's paid-for advertising, instructors only receive 25% of the profits.

     4. Kajabi

Kajabi offers subscriptions that combine extra charges that are based on the subscription plans.

  • The Kickstarter ($69/month) and Basic plan ($149/month) Basic Plan There is no transaction cost But, there are few options and features.
  • Growth Plan ($199/month) and Pro Plan ($399/month) The Growth Plan has no transaction charges, and only a limited amount of students who are enrolled in the plan.

Revenue sharing programs were created to highlight the cost related to using third-party LMS platforms. Even though these platforms are efficient and feature strong capabilities, they can also be costly. Recurring fees and revenue decreases could drastically decrease your profit.

Self-hosted hosting may allow you to save some of your cash and also allow freedom in the way you structure and conduct your plan.

This is an in-depth study of both platforms.

Analyzing Earnings Comparatively Potential: SaaS LMS vs. Self-hosted Course Platforms.

HTML0 Scenario: Imagine you can offer your online class for just $100.

SaaS Model to LMS:

  • teachable (Basic plan): With a five percent transaction cost the company would lose $5 on each sale.
  • The profit per sale is 95 dollars.
  • A monthly membership. Monthly: $39
  • If you're able to make profits selling 20 courses each month, this formula would work: $95 x 20 + $39 = $1,861.
  • Udemy (Organic sales): In the event that you earn a 50% profit share you'd be losing $50 per sale.
  • Profits per sale of $50.
  • If you sell 20 courses per month: $50 20 + 20 = $1000

     Self-hosted Solutions Example    

  • The monthly fee to join (Most popular plan) The cost is $33
  • For each sale, you earn $100.
  • If you're selling twenty courses each month, 100 times 20 equals $33 = $1,967

Comparison:

  1. Teachable (Basic Plan):
  • SaaS LMS Earnings: $1,861/month
  • Self-Hosted Earnings: $1,967/month
  • The difference is $106 more for self-hosted
  1. Udemy (Organic sale):
  • SaaS LMS Earnings: $1,000/month
  • Self-Hosted Earnings: $1,967/month
  • The difference is $967 more when hosted by self.

In the long run, these differences are important. This is about $11,604 saved over one year!

Self-hosted platforms for courses like Courses can save you hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the number of students.

We've now established the amount you could save and make with self-hosted classes, we'll look at some advantages you can enjoy by making the switch to this service.

Benefits of Self-Hosted Course Platforms

Self-hosted learning platforms are a viable option to SaaS LMS options, giving you complete control over the content that you post and your operation.

From these, it is a good choice especially in the context of

Through the use of WordPress it provides unbeatable flexibility and options in customizing your website that enable users to build the best training experience that matches the brand's image and objectives for your business.

If you decide to use self-hosted courses platforms such as one offered by e-learning.com You will enjoy a variety of advantages such as reduced expenses more control, as well as the capacity to utilize various strategies of monetization in order to boost the amount you earn. Find out more about the courses you can take by watching the video below. An overview of our featured courses.

We'll take a look at these advantages in depth.

HTML0's Control and the ownership of Content

Control is among the greatest assets of a performer and the foundation for successful marketing and branding.

If you run your own classes, identical those you have, you are capable of making every element of your course to reflect your distinctive branding.

From layout and design, including multimedia, having complete control of your content will let you create a captivating and smooth experience for your users which reflects the style and aesthetics of your business's principles.

Your content's ownership allows you to use many different strategies to promote your business without restriction.

WordPress allows you to make promotional content and offer discounts on bundle courses and utilize numerous plug-ins and marketing tools on WordPress.

This flexibility enables users to interact with their audience better and to modify your strategy based on real-time data and user feedback.

Direct Customer Relations

One of the main advantages of online learning systems run by self is the ability to build direct, unmediated relationships with your pupils.

In the absence of any constraints from an intermediary, it's possible to talk directly with your students communicating with students in a way that is personalized along with support and feedback.

As the administrator of this platform, you'll have the ability to access a wealth of information regarding the behavior of your students along with their interests, progress and interests.

It's crucial to comprehend how you can make the right choices and also which ones are not suitable for your course.

By analyzing data, it allows you to tailor the methods of teaching and the programs to suit the individual demands of your pupils. This could lead to greater satisfaction for your students as well as retention levels.

Platforms of intermediaries often hinder intermediaries' ability to provide quick and effective customer service.

If you run your own service, it is possible to implement a robust customer support system that includes forums, live chat, as well as direct message.

Instant access to help and support can significantly improve student experience and solve problems before they become more serious.

 The financialization of membership

One of the best methods to make money from your online classes using a self-hosted platform is to incorporate them into the concept of membership.

Benefits of memberships include that they allow for ongoing involvement and increase the retention of customers as members continuously benefit from the benefits of their membership.

If you provide access to the entire catalogue of content at a cost that is regular, you offer substantial value and inspire students to sign up.

Live Q&A and forums help build a bond between users, strengthening their dedication to the site.

This will increase your educational value and the quality of instruction you provide to students. It also it gives you the possibility of earning a regular earning.

Base Body Homepage
Base Body Girl

They offer online and individual training sessions in their fitness center, which is located within Sydney, Australia.

By using Base Body Babes manages their special offers and paywalled content via their website. The site provides customers with access to their online services and in-person classes that assist in losing weight, along with tutorials, as well as numerous recipes.

This lets them generate regular revenues while also providing a significant benefit for their clients.

Fixed cost and unlimitable expansion

Below is a breakdown of the following cost:

  • Web Hosting
  • Domain Registration Domain Registration
  • LMS Software and Plugins
  • The company provides four levels of pricing :
  • Basic: $179.50/year, suitable for beginners.
  • Plus: $299.50/year, includes additional features and options.
  • Pro: $399.50/year, ideal for businesses that require the latest features.
  • The Elite plan: $499.50/year, great for creative entrepreneurs and creators.
  • Extra cost:
  • SSL certificates to ensure safe transactions ($0 between $100 and $1000 per year) usually included as part of hosting plans).
  • The charges that payment gateways charge (typically about 2.9 percent plus $0.30 per transaction).

What are the advantages from picking the services of us ? We'll explain our costs and what you stand to receive...

Pricing:

  • A Basic Plan $179.50/year
  • Plus Plan: $299.50/year
  • Pro Plan: $399.50/year
  • Elite: $499.50/year

HTML1 Return on Investment (ROI):

In order to determine the ROI, let's suppose that you choose to purchase the Plus option for $299.50/year. If you are able to offer the bundle of courses or memberships for $100 and you sell only three subscriptions per month, the monthly income is $300.

If you're able to complete a whole year, that's $3,600. After subtracting hosting fees ($299.50) and hosting ($240 per month, at a price of $20) This will give you an annual total of $3,061.

This analysis shows that, even with a tiny amount of money it is clear that the ROI is very high, which makes it the most effective option for cost savings for you!

     Evaluation of the Potentials for Scalability without additional cost per User or Content    

One of the main advantages that hosting your own course offers is the possibility of scaling.

Contrary to SaaS platforms, which charge per user, or take part of revenues, SaaS allows you to expand your company at no cost.

Here's how:

  • Unlimited users: Once your website site has been set up and you are functioning it's possible to add the number of users you want to have without any extra charges. The cost of your site will be fixed regardless of your members already have.
  • Content Flexibility: You can create and offer unlimited lessons or classes as well as the levels of membership. It allows you to broaden the opportunities of your earnings streams without the worry of increasing charges.

The fixed-cost structure for self-hosted sites like this could provide an affordable cost structure and ample development possibilities.

By having an infrastructure that can be adaptable and has no additional cost per user You can increase the number of users you're able to serve and also the content you offer, thereby increasing your profits while ensuring an ongoing increases.

There's more.

Integration with various Business Tools

Self-hosted software like these provide an opportunity to integrate different enterprise software in order to boost the overall operation, and also provide insight on student behaviour and efficiency.

Here's how:

     2. CRM Systems:

     3. Analytics Tools

     4. Calendar/Scheduling Tools:

     5. Form/Survey Builders:

     6. Payment Gateways:

More details are provided about ways to integrate your business account.                Check out the following video for more information on how you can increase your website's popularity by integrating and adding on extensions.

 Moving from Self-Hosted Hosting to Self-Hosted

Once you've convinced yourself of the numerous benefits of moving away to SaaS-based LMS platforms to self-hosted ones Here's the best way to move on to the next stage:

Switch to HTML0!

Moving from a SaaS LMS platform to self-hosted course like the ones mentioned above can be a challenge However, it's achievable by following a strategy.

This tutorial is step-by-step to guide you through the procedures

     1. Get started with a plan

  • Test Your Current Platform Test your installed SaaS LMS platform's features, limits, and data.
  • Set goals Create the objectives you want to accomplish by adopting the new method (e.g. lower costs and better control).
  • Make a migration Plan Set the dates, tasks and obligations. Be sure to have backups of your data.

     2. Install the Self-Hosted platform that you've created.

  • Install Install and purchase the plug-in on your WordPress site.
Check out the video below to learn how to connect the plugin

     3. Export Data to SaaS Platform

  • Backup information You should have backups of the whole course's content, including details of the user along with course content, along with any other information that is relevant.
  • Export Content Use the export tools available through your SaaS LMS to download all required details, including information regarding the user as well as media files.

step 4: import data

  • User Import Make use of plugins and manually-based methods of Importing information from users so that you can ensure uninterrupted access to students.

Step 5: Setup

  • Membership Levels You can set up different levels of membership consistent with the organizational structure of your business.
  • Payment Gateways Set up payment gateways like Stripe or PayPal to guarantee secure transactions.
  • Customization It is possible to modify the look and appearance of your website to make it in line with the image of your brand of your organization.

     6. Check Everything

  • Functionality testing Make sure that all features, such as the access to courses as well as membership levels and payment processes, work correctly. appropriate.
  • User experience Analyze the experience the user from signing for the course to ensure a seamless user experience.

The right time is now!

Step 7 Promotion as well as the Launch

  • Let users know that they are current customers of the new system. It also provides specific directions as well as assistance in getting around the new platform.

     5 tips to make sure you have a seamless transition    

  • Make a plan meticulously with exact timeframes as well as backups of your data.
  • Communicate modifications clearly for users, and offer assistance.
  • Test each function carefully to ensure there are no interruptions.
  • Make use of accessible resources and guide. Beginning by educating yourself on the most basic details that address issues prior to.
  • Provide continuous support via Help desks and FAQs. Also, track the effectiveness of your system, and make changes based on the responses.

By following these steps, you will be able to seamlessly transition from an SaaS LMS solution to a self-hosted service, allowing you to have complete control of what you produce and maximizing the profits you earn.

A Quick Review

Check out how far we've come.

One of the things we discussed during the discussion was the drawbacks using third-party LMS platforms to manage the revenue-generating potential of your online course.

Following article, we talked about the various benefits that self-hosted courses as this offers, including full ownership over the content, lower costs and greater control over the marketing and branding of your course.

We also conducted some comparatives and were able to make you believe that investing in self-hosted learning platforms such as Courses is a game-changer for your business of creativity that you manage.

In the end, it's important to remember that if you are able to remove the cost of fees to distribute revenue and make use of tools like Courses, you can create a sustainable and profitable online educational business.

Consider weighing the cost of your system versus. its benefits. If you're using WordPress then you must consider the possibility of an efficient and more effective platform that can maximize the chances to grow and increase profitability.

We'd love to know via the comments below if you intend to move to a self-hosted website to take courses such as courses. We're looking forward to assisting you in any queries we can answer.

Sarah O Sarah is passionate about reducing the technical nitty-grittys of plugins, websites, along with marketing using the internet. as a Content Writer with Member Press, she has an eye for interesting and insightful writing. Sarah is a key player in educating and energizing users to make the most of the potential that could be accessed through Member Press plugins. With a mix of technical know-how and artistic style Her goal is to make sure that every article is not just informative but also motivates. In her spare time she loves researching the latest techniques and developments within digital marketing. Always looking for innovative ways to enhance the experience of users.

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