Should I host my course on my own website?

It gives the most control but requires more setup and maintenance. Hosted platforms are easier to start with.

Are course marketplaces a good idea?

They can bring exposure, but you have less control over pricing and the customer relationship.

Can I move my course to another platform later?

Usually, but it takes work. Keep your own copies of videos, workbooks and student emails where permitted.

How to Choose an Online Course Platform (Checklist)

Choose an online course platform based on how much control you need, your budget, the student experience you want, and the marketing tools you need. The main options are dedicated hosted course platforms, all-in-one creator platforms, a membership or course plugin on your own website, and course marketplaces. Start simple, and keep your own copies of content and student emails where allowed.

The four main options

Option	Pros	Cons
Hosted course platform	Easy setup, good student experience	Monthly fees, some limits
All-in-one creator platform	Course, email, payments together	Can be less flexible
Your own website plugin	Full control and branding	More setup and maintenance
Marketplace	Built-in audience	Less control of price and customers

Checklist

Student experience on mobile and desktop.
Payments: currencies, payment plans, taxes.
Email and marketing tools, or integrations.
Content types: video hosting, downloads, quizzes, certificates.
Community and live sessions.
Ownership: can you export student data and content?
Pricing: monthly fees and transaction fees at your expected sales.
Support and reliability.

Start simple

For a first course, choose something you can set up in a day and focus on content and selling. You can move later as you grow.

See the full process in how to create an online course.

Questions to ask before you choose

How will students experience it on a phone? Try a demo course yourself.
What do fees look like at your expected sales? Compare monthly plans and transaction fees at a realistic number of sales.
Can you take payment the way your students prefer? Currencies, payment plans, local methods.
Does it handle tax where you sell? Some platforms manage this for you.
Can you export your students and content? Check before you commit.
What email tools are built in or integrate easily?
Does it support the extras you need? Quizzes, certificates, community, live sessions.

Match the platform to your stage

Stage	Sensible choice
Testing an idea	Simple hosted platform or a live cohort with recorded replays
First real course	Hosted platform or all-in-one tool
Growing catalogue	Platform with strong marketing and membership features
Established brand	Your own site with a course plugin, or an advanced platform

Whatever you choose, keep copies of your videos, workbooks and slides, so moving later is possible.

How to Choose an Online Course Platform