Online Courses vs Membership Sites: Which One is Best for You?

The onset of digital technologies and COVID-19 has significantly contributed to the rise of e-learning. Many countries have implemented remote learning and e-learning opportunities for students. Digital creators also leverage the opportunity to share their knowledge online and reach out to thousands of others. There are plenty of ways to teach online and spread knowledge, including creating a blog, starting a YouTube channel, or uploading online courses. Selling online courses, however, is one of the most effective ways might help you earn a passive income. Most people often use online courses and membership sites interchangeably. As a creator, you should know that these two digital products are similar but have key differences. This article will share the key differences between the two and help you understand which one is ideal.  

Online Courses

An online course is a learning program that is conducted in a virtual space and allows you to teach from any part of the world. The study plan in online courses is usually divided into lessons or units and includes tests and assignments to enhance the student's knowledge.

Most online courses allow the students to start the course according to their pace, whereas some other teachers may make it compulsory to start the course on a fixed date. An online course may contain a mix of media and forms to enhance the experience of the students. You may choose to create a branded domain or upload it on any famous online course platform such as Udemy or SkillShare. Let us understand the pros and cons of online courses to help choose between online courses and membership sites.   

Pros

Efficient Way of Teaching

Online courses provide trainers with an effective and efficient way of teaching. Tutors can incorporate a mix of media formats such as PDFs, audio, videos, images, and infographics in their lesson plans. Unlike traditional books and physical training, online tutors can experiment and enhance the overall teaching experience.

Reduced Financial Costs

Whether it is online courses or membership sites, trainers and students can save a lot on finances. The classes are conducted online, and the paperless environment helps reduce financial costs. There are no costs related to transportation, meals, or real estate.

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Variety of Learning Styles

Online courses allow students to choose their desired format of learning, be it text, audio, or video. Furthermore, some students get distracted by large groups. Both online courses and membership sites provide this benefit and help make teaching more impactful.

Improved Student Attendance

Another significant benefit of online courses is that more students are likely to attend the classes. There is a lesser chance of students missing the sessions.

Cons

Technology Issues

One of the critical challenges associated with online courses is technical and internet connectivity issues. You must be well-versed in the technological platform as a trainer or creator. A lack of knowledge could be a challenge for both students and teachers.

Minimal Interactions

Be it online courses or membership sites, the number of interactions is often reduced. This can create a sense of isolation for both students and teachers. 

Limited Revenue Growth

The revenue generation of online courses is limited to new sales. As a tutor, it may be difficult for you to predict your revenue, and the sales cycle may start only when there is a new enrolment.

Risk of Piracy and Theft

There are also chances of piracy and theft in online courses. The viewers can record, or other experts can copy the content of the course. It could be a challenge for the tutors to avoid piracy of the online course. 

Membership Sites

As the term suggests, membership sites provide exclusive content to members who take the subscription. They offer tutors an excellent opportunity to receive yearly or monthly recurring income. These are ideal for topics that teach multiple skills or may take several months to complete the topic.

Pros

Build a Community

Membership sites may allow you to build a community or forum for all the members that can benefit your business and help you earn huge profits.

Read Also: 8 Strategies for Community Building in Business

Updated Content

Compared to online courses, the content on membership sites is updated regularly. This provides an excellent opportunity for online trainers to earn from the ongoing membership fee.

No Set Endpoint

The membership of the participants may continue until the participant cancels it themselves. Therefore, the tutors may have an excellent opportunity to increase their earnings. 

Cons

More Commitment Required

Membership sites are not easy to manage and require a lot of time and effort. As a tutor, you would have to update and provide the participants with valuable content constantly. Producing regular content can be a challenge for tutors.

Takes Longer to Generate Income

Membership sites are sold at comparatively lower prices. It may take time for the tutors to start building a consistent source of income. Moreover, you would need the authority to build a membership site.

Online Courses vs Membership Sites   

Talking about online courses vs membership sites, the former may be ideal if you are a beginner and have a specific topic to teach. Furthermore, your need is to build a part-time hustle rather than get a full-time job. On the other hand, membership sites may be ideal when the niche is broad, and you have a considerable amount of content. It may be suitable if you are willing to commit your time to get a more stable long-term income. We hope this guide to online courses vs. membership sites helps you make the desired choice. Start producing content for the course or site and reap their benefits.