What Are Learning Management Systems?

 

Choosing learning management systems for education or training is hard and time-consuming.

That’s because the market is flooded with platforms—each claiming to be the best.

Some offer extensive training features but lack user-friendliness.

Others are simple to use but too limited for professional development. And just when you think you’ve found the right system, it turns out the pricing doesn’t match your budget, or it doesn’t integrate with your current management system.

The struggle is real—especially when you’re looking for something that fits both your learning goals and management needs.

In this guide, you’ll discover what learning management systems are, what they do, who uses them, how they work, their pricing models, features, and why ProductDyno is ideal for small businesses.

 

ProductDyno offers a simple yet powerful lms platform with features for education and training—making it easier for businesses to manage learning without overwhelm.

ProductDyno is one of the best learning management systems for small businesses that allows you to create text, audio, and video courses, has a video training portal, and supports different digital formats.

 

If you’re comparing platforms, don’t miss my blog post: The best learning management systems for small businesses.

Teachable is a well-known learning management system, but it’s got big limitations and so users seek alternatives. I cover better options that include ProductDyno in a blog post “Teachable alternatives.”

Thinkific and Teachable are also popular systems. I compare both in a blog post Thinkific vs Teachable.

 

 

What Is an LMS?

A learning management system (LMS) is software that helps manage, deliver, and track education or training programs.

It allows users to create, store, and share learning content through an online platform.

These systems simplify learning and make it easier to manage both students and training sessions.

 

What Does a Learning Management System Do?

A learning management system enables you to build courses, assign them to learners, and monitor progress.

It manages every step of the training journey—from content creation to performance tracking.

This kind of management system supports various learning formats like video, PDFs, quizzes, and discussion forums.

 

What Are LMS Platforms Used For?

A learning management system can be used in many ways. Let’s look at how different users apply these systems in education, business, and training environments.

 

Education: Teaching Others Online

LMS platforms make it easy for teachers to deliver online lessons. They allow students to access educational content, submit assignments, and take quizzes—all within a centralized education system LMS.

 

Creating and Selling Online Courses

Experts can package their knowledge into online courses and sell them using an LMS. These platforms handle course delivery, payment processing, and learner access, simplifying the selling process.

 

Onboarding

Businesses use learning management systems to train new hires on company policies, tools, and roles. It’s a simple way to onboard employees while tracking their development and progress.

 

Employee Training

An LMS is great for internal staff training and professional development. Whether it’s upskilling, safety training, or compliance, a management system ensures everyone gets consistent training across departments.

 

Customer Education

Businesses also use learning management systems to educate customers. It helps them understand how to use a product or service better, leading to improved satisfaction and fewer support tickets.

 

Who Uses an LMS, and How Do They Do So?

Learning management systems are for anyone with knowledge or skills to share. Let’s break it down.

 

Anybody with Skills or Expertise

If you have knowledge that can help others—whether it’s digital marketing, finance, or fitness—you can use an LMS to package your learning content and share it online.

 

Online Course Creators

Content creators use learning management systems to create, organize, and sell online courses. These platforms offer features like content drip, quizzes, and certification tools.

 

Small Business Owners

Small businesses use LMS platforms to train staff and educate customers. A system LMS reduces training costs and improves performance tracking across departments.

 

Teachers

Educators use LMSs to supplement classroom teaching. They upload lessons, track student progress, and encourage engagement through online forums and assignments.

 

Nonprofits

Nonprofits use learning management systems for volunteer training and community education. It helps with onboarding, compliance, and outreach efforts.

 

Healthcare Department Managers

Healthcare institutions use learning management systems to deliver mandatory training, track certifications, and ensure compliance across their department education systems.

 

What Are the Benefits of an LMS?

For Course Creators

An LMS provides a system to organize, deliver, and monetize learning content. Features like certificates, quizzes, and course progression help deliver professional development experiences.

 

For Small Businesses

It simplifies staff training and customer education. The right management system improves knowledge retention and productivity across teams.

 

For Mid-Size Businesses

These systems help centralize training across departments, improving consistency and saving time. Learning management platforms also support performance reporting.

 

For Enterprises

Large companies use LMS platforms for global training programs. It helps maintain compliance and manage learning across thousands of employees.

 

For Global Brands

Multinational companies rely on learning management systems to provide consistent, multilingual training for worldwide teams, vendors, and customers.

 

Types of LMSs

Free LMSs

Examples include Moodle and Canvas. These systems are open-source and free to use.

However, they often require technical knowledge to set up, lack customer support, and may not include advanced features without custom development.

 

Paid LMSs

ProductDyno is a leading example. It is easy to use, supports multiple content types, and allows you to create secure training portals.

Paid systems like this offer dedicated support, professional features, and seamless integrations.

 

Academic LMSs

Used in schools and universities. Examples include Blackboard and Google Classroom. While these are great for academic education, small businesses prefer options like ProductDyno, which is more tailored to business training and online course sales.

 

Corporate LMSs

Used by companies for employee onboarding and development. Popular platforms include SAP Litmos, TalentLMS, and Absorb LMS. These systems offer extensive tracking, compliance tools, and integration with HR systems.

 

Locally Hosted LMSs

Examples include Chamilo and ILIAS. These systems are installed on a local server, offering full control and customization.

Downsides include high setup and maintenance costs, plus limited scalability.

 

SaaS/Cloud LMSs

They’re hosted online and maintained by the provider. Examples include ProductDyno, Thinkific, and Teachable.

These systems offer quick setup, automatic updates, and remote access—ideal for modern training and online education platforms.

 

LMS vs. LCMS (Learning Content Management System)

An LMS focuses on managing and delivering training, while an LCMS is designed to create, store, and manage learning content.

LCMS platforms are often used by instructional designers to collaborate on course materials.

While LMS platforms like ProductDyno offer some content creation tools, LCMSs are more complex and best for large teams creating a lot of content.

 

Features Every LMS Must Have

Every good LMS must support multi-format content, track learner progress, allow automation, issue certificates, and integrate with payment systems.

ProductDyno checks all these boxes. Read about more features in my blog post: The best learning management systems for small businesses.

 

LMS Pricing Models

Pay Per Active User

You pay for each user who logs in during a billing cycle. On average, this costs about $5 per user/month. The downside is that it’s hard to predict monthly costs, and inactive users don’t count, so budgeting becomes tricky.

 

Pay Per Learner

You pay a fixed rate for a set number of learners. Rates range from $1 to $10 per user/month.

The downside is you’ll still pay even if some learners never log in, leading to wasted money.

 

Pay As You Go

You’re billed based on usage—storage, bandwidth, or active users. This model is flexible but hard to forecast. Sudden spikes in user activity can lead to unexpected costs.

 

License Fee / Subscription

You pay a monthly or yearly license, with prices ranging from $500 to $25,000 depending on the features.

It’s predictable, but often expensive upfront, especially for small businesses with fewer users.

 

ProductDyno’s One-Time and Installment Payments

ProductDyno stands out by offering one-time payment and installment options.

You don’t need to worry about monthly user caps or unpredictable usage charges.

This pricing model gives small businesses full access to professional learning management system features without recurring stress, making it one of the most budget-friendly platforms available today.

 

Learn more about ProductDyno and how it compares to other tools in these posts:

The best learning management systems for small businesses

Teachable alternatives

Thinkific vs Teachable

 

 

How Does an LMS Work?

A learning management system works by hosting content, assigning it to users, tracking their engagement, and offering analytics on performance.

You create content—video, audio, text, or quizzes—upload it to the platform, and organize it into a course structure.

Then, learners access it on-demand.

ProductDyno handles all this in one easy-to-use platform and even includes license protection to prevent unauthorized access to your content.

 

Best LMS for Corporate Training

ProductDyno is the best lms for corporate training, providing these features:

 

1. Video Training Portal

Organizations can create a branded video training portal on ProductDyno to centralize learning materials for employees.

For instance, a bank can upload cybersecurity awareness videos and assign them to all staff. New hires can be directed to the portal for onboarding videos.

Managers can use it to deliver team-specific training, such as leadership coaching or time management skills.

ProductDyno’s interface makes it easy to organize videos by department or topic (you can use the collections feature for this).

The portal keeps content in one secure place, allowing employees to access training anytime, whether in the office or working remotely.

 

2. Video Courses

ProductDyno supports structured video courses, allowing companies to build step-by-step lessons.

For example, a tech firm can create a “Product Knowledge Course” with weekly video lessons teaching sales staff about product features, benefits, and customer objections.

Videos can include screen recordings, presentations, or tutorials. Each lesson can be followed by a quiz or activity, and employees can move at their own pace.

Managers can track who’s completed which videos. This works well for technical training, sales enablement, or customer support preparation—ensuring everyone gets consistent knowledge through high-quality video instruction.

 

3. Online Courses (Multimedia Guides)

With ProductDyno, organizations can build multimedia online courses combining text, images, videos, and downloadable files.

A hospital’s HR department could create a compliance training course using PDFs, instructional videos, and interactive checklists.

Employees can access policies, watch safety demos, and complete tasks—all in one place. This format suits industries like healthcare, construction, and finance where rules and procedures must be followed precisely.

Multimedia keeps content engaging, while ProductDyno’s course builder makes it easy to update training materials when regulations change, keeping staff informed and compliant without the need for in-person seminars.

 

4. AI Tools

ProductDyno’s AI tools can assist companies in generating course outlines, writing lesson scripts, creating quiz questions, and summarizing complex topics.

For example, an insurance company can use the AI assistant to quickly build a “Customer Service Best Practices” course.

Instead of hiring content writers, team leads can input prompts and get training drafts instantly.

AI tools also help repurpose existing content into digestible formats like short guides or onboarding steps. This dramatically reduces the time and cost of course creation, enabling companies to roll out new training faster and more frequently.

 

5. Support Articles (Support Guides & Knowledgebase)

Organizations can use ProductDyno to build a searchable knowledge base filled with support articles.

A software company, for example, can create troubleshooting guides, FAQs, and step-by-step walkthroughs to help new hires or customer service reps learn the system.

These guides reduce the need for constant live training and support tickets. Employees can find answers instantly, boosting productivity. Articles can cover common tools, internal workflows, or product updates.

By centralizing support content, the company ensures consistent training across teams and locations—ideal for onboarding, refresher training, or ongoing employee self-service learning.

 

6. Membership Site (Drip Content Delivery)

Using ProductDyno’s membership site feature, companies can release new training content gradually using the drip feature.

For example, a marketing agency might launch a “90-Day Skill Building Program,” releasing one new lesson each week on topics like branding, client communication, and analytics.

This keeps employees engaged over time and prevents overwhelm. Managers can reward completion milestones, keeping motivation high. Drip content is perfect for ongoing professional development programs, leadership pipelines, or compliance refreshers.

It creates a steady learning journey rather than dumping all materials at once—encouraging consistent participation and application of knowledge.

Use ProductDyno’s Learning Management System Today

Choosing learning management systems can be a hassle—but it doesn’t have to be.

ProductDyno takes the stress out of training and education by giving you everything you need to create courses, train teams, and teach students.

You can create video courses, add quizzes, deliver downloadable materials, and track learners—all from one dashboard.

 

Learn more about how its features compare to those of other platforms in  The best learning management systems for small businesses.

 

Read how ProductDyno compares to 12 other platforms in my post “Teachable alternatives.”

 

See how it performs against two other platforms in Thinkific vs Teachable.

What Is An Example Of A Learning Management System? Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

What is an example of a learning management system?

ProductDyno is a good example of a learning management system (LMS). It allows creators to securely host and deliver digital products like courses, ebooks, and memberships.

With ProductDyno, you can build a custom course area, control access, integrate payment gateways, and track user progress.

It also supports video hosting, email marketing tools, and third-party integrations like PayPal and Stripe.

ProductDyno is especially useful for entrepreneurs and small businesses that want an easy, all-in-one LMS without high monthly costs.

Its user-friendly dashboard makes it simple to organize lessons, protect content, and give students a smooth learning experience.

 

What are the four types of learning management systems?

There are four main types of Learning Management Systems (LMS):

Cloud-based LMS: Hosted online (e.g., Teachable, Thinkific) and accessible from any device.

Self-hosted LMS: Installed on your own server, offering full control (e.g., Moodle, WordPress LMS plugins).

Enterprise LMS: Designed for large organizations with advanced features (e.g., SAP Litmos, Cornerstone).

Open-source LMS: Free to use and customizable (e.g., Moodle, Open edX).

Each type suits different needs.

Cloud-based LMSs are ideal for beginners, while enterprise or self-hosted systems suit organizations needing deep customization, control, or employee training systems.

 

What is the most commonly used LMS?

Moodle is one of the most commonly used learning management systems worldwide.

It’s open-source, which means it’s free and customizable, making it popular among schools, universities, and organizations.

Moodle supports quizzes, forums, assignments, grading, and user management. Educators can create structured courses with interactive elements and track student progress.

It works well for both online and blended learning. Its flexibility, multilingual support, and wide user base make it a global favorite. While it may require technical setup, Moodle’s strong community and plugin library help users tailor it to fit their exact educational or training needs.

 

Which two are examples of an LMS?

Canvas and Moodle are both examples of learning management systems (LMS).

Canvas is widely used by universities and schools for its modern interface, mobile app, and integration with tools like Google Drive. It allows teachers to create assignments, quizzes, and modules while tracking student performance.

Moodle, on the other hand, is an open-source LMS used globally by educational institutions. It’s highly customizable and great for both small and large learning environments.

Both platforms help educators deliver content, engage learners, and monitor progress, making them powerful tools for both traditional education and online course creators.

How to Easily Create and Sell Online Courses

 

To create and sell online courses can feel overwhelming.

Between outlining the curriculum, finding the right tools, creating engaging content, and figuring out how to market it, many course creators give up before launching.

Creating online courses also means competing in a crowded market where success requires both strategy and tech skills.

And let’s not forget the endless options when it comes to choosing platforms, setting up your products, and trying to create online without wasting time or money.

In this guide, I’ll show you the steps you need to take to create and sell online courses with less stress so your business will succeed.

 

N.B.: ProductDyno offers an all-in-one solution that helps you create and sell online courses without the hassle. They provide AI tools and templates to help you create online courses easily and quickly, and lots of marketing tools to help you deliver your courses effortlessly.

Check out these detailed comparisons to learn how ProductDyno can help you create an online course and how it compares to other tools:

 

Thinkific vs. Teachable

Teachable alternatives

The best learning management systems for small businesses

 

These posts compare the features and pricing of ProductDyno to other platforms so you can choose the best option for your course business.

 

How to Create and Sell Online Courses in 9 Easy Steps

 

Step 1: Find a High-Demand Topic You’re an Expert In

Before you even think about creating and selling your online course—recording videos or building a website— you need to start with a solid course idea.

This idea should be something you're passionate about and have real-world experience or skills in because it keeps you motivated and ensures your content is rich and credible.

 

Why This Step Matters

Creating online courses based on high-demand topics you know well makes it easier to stand out, deliver value, and attract the right learners. It saves you time and builds trust faster.

 

Ask Yourself These 5 Questions Before Selling Online Courses:

·       What do people often ask me for help with? — This shows what you're naturally seen as an expert in.

·       What topic do I enjoy talking or writing about for hours? — Passion fuels long-term success.

·       What problem can I solve that others struggle with? — Courses that solve specific problems tend to sell better.

·       What results have I achieved that others would want too? — Results give you credibility.

·       Would I still enjoy teaching this a year from now? — This helps you avoid burnout.

 

Research Your Target Audience Before Selling Online Courses

Understanding who your audience is helps you create online courses that truly help them. It also guides your marketing, pricing, and messaging strategy.

When you know your audience’s struggles and goals, you can create a course that speaks directly to them—making it more likely they’ll buy.

 

How to Research Your Target Audience:

Here are some methods you can use to research your target audience:

·       Customer interviews: Talk to 5–10 potential learners. Ask them what they struggle with and what solutions they’ve tried.

·       Online surveys: Use Google Forms or Typeform to gather insights on what people want to learn.

·       Social media: Monitor comments, hashtags, and groups to see what questions people are asking.

·       Online communities: Join forums like Reddit or Facebook groups and read discussions on your topic.

·       Quora: Search for your topic and read questions and answers to understand pain points.

·       Amazon book reviews: See what readers love and hate about books in your niche.

·       YouTube comments: Watch videos related to your topic and read viewer feedback.

·       Competitor course reviews: Study platforms like Udemy and Skillshare to see what learners say.

·       Google Trends: Check how popular your topic is over time.

·       AnswerThePublic: Use it to find common questions people have in your niche.

 

Validate Your Course Idea

Before you spend weeks recording course lessons, make sure people actually want the online course you intend to create.

Validation saves you from creating a course nobody wants. It helps you avoid wasted time and effort.

 

Ways to Validate Your Course Idea:

Here are some methods you can use to validate your online course idea:

 

·       Online research: Look up search volumes, trending topics, and competition on Google and YouTube.

·       Social media: Post about your online course idea and ask for feedback or votes.

·       Surveys: Send a short survey to your email list or social followers asking what they'd love to learn.

·       Focus groups: Gather a few people from your target audience and discuss your idea to get feedback.

·       Pre-sales or waitlists: Create a simple landing page and see how many sign-ups or purchases you get.

·       Reddit AMAs: Host a discussion on your expertise and pitch your online course idea.

·       Beta testers: Offer your online course to a few people for free or at a discount in exchange for feedback.

·       Freelance platforms: Check Fiverr or Upwork to see what people pay for in your niche.

·       Podcasts: Ask to be interviewed and mention your online course idea to gauge interest.

·       Email campaigns: Tease your online course idea to your list and track open rates and click-throughs.

 

 

Step 2: Decide on the Format

Choose a style that fits your audience’s preferences and your teaching style.

Text-Based Courses
These are great for learners who enjoy reading at their own pace. They’re easier and cheaper to create, and perfect for bloggers, writers, or professionals teaching theory or concepts.

Audio-Based Courses
This is ideal for busy people who prefer learning on the go—during commutes or workouts. It’s great for mindset coaching, storytelling, or any topic where listening works better than watching.

Video-Based Courses
Perfect for visual learners. Videos build connection and trust, and are ideal for tutorials, how-tos, demonstrations, and subjects that benefit from seeing the instructor in action.

Email-Based Courses
Delivered in bite-sized emails over days or weeks. Great for building relationships, delivering structured learning in small chunks, and encouraging engagement through replies and calls-to-action.

Interactive Courses
Include quizzes, polls, simulations, and decision trees. Best for learners who want hands-on learning. Works well for coding, digital marketing, or corporate training environments.

Cohort-Based Courses
Run live with a group of students over a set time. Best for accountability, community, and real-time feedback. Ideal for coaching, career development, and bootcamps.

Blended Courses
Combine different formats—videos, live sessions, assignments, and community interaction. Great for professionals offering premium learning experiences with both flexibility and structure.

Mini-Courses
Short, focused, and easy to complete. Great for introducing your teaching style, validating a course idea, or offering a low-priced product to grow your audience.

 

Step 3: Plan Your Online Course Structure

A clear course structure helps learners stay on track and ensures your content delivers real transformation.

Define Clear Learning Objectives
Decide what students will know or be able to do after each lesson or module. This gives your course focus and sets expectations, helping students measure their progress and stay motivated.

Break Down Content Into Modules or Lessons
Group your topics into logical sections. Each module should cover a big idea, with lessons supporting it. This keeps your content organized, digestible, and easier to follow.

Sequence Lessons in a Logical Flow
Start with basics and build up to more advanced ideas. A smooth flow helps reduce confusion, ensures better retention, and creates a satisfying learning experience.

Consider Adding Practical Exercises and Milestones
Include worksheets, assignments, challenges, or projects. These help learners apply what they learn, build confidence, and stay engaged through small wins.

Include a Course Wrap-Up and Next Steps
Summarize the key lessons and encourage students to take action. Offer next steps like additional resources, advanced courses, or a certificate. It gives closure and extends the relationship.

 

Step 4: Select the Right Online Course Platform

Choosing the right platform is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when you create and sell online courses.

A great platform simplifies course creation, improves the learning experience, and boosts sales—all while saving time and stress.

There are many ways to launch online courses: you could DIY it with WordPress and plugins, host content in a Facebook group, or even send lessons via email.

But if you want something that brings everything together in one place, makes it easy to create online, and helps you actually sell your products too—ProductDyno is the way to go.

Unlike patching different tools together, ProductDyno is an all-in-one platform built to help you create, launch, and sell your online course—without getting overwhelmed by tech.

 

Why ProductDyno Makes It Easy to Create and Sell Online Courses

Course Creation

ProductDyno helps you structure and build your course with ease. Upload videos, PDFs, audio files, and more—all inside a clean, intuitive dashboard. You can clone previous courses or create fresh ones with guided prompts.

Content Delivery (Text, Audio, Video, Interactive)

Whether you’re offering video walkthroughs, downloadable guides, or interactive content, ProductDyno delivers lessons in a way that’s professional and accessible across all devices.

Learning Experience

ProductDyno’s smooth user interface enhances the student experience. Learners get a seamless journey with clear progress indicators, clean layouts, and distraction-free course viewing.

Student Engagement Features

ProductDyno helps you boost student success with quizzes, comments, and email follow-ups. You can automate emails based on progress or send manual check-ins to keep learners motivated.

Community Building

Use ProductDyno’s built-in features or integrate with third-party tools to create communities where students can support and learn from each other—building trust and loyalty.

Marketing and Sales Tools

Whether you’re offering a free online course to capture emails, selling one-time courses, offering subscriptions, or bundling products, ProductDyno gives you tools to upsell, create discount codes, and integrate with top email tools.

Analytics and Reporting

Track everything—student logins, module completion rates, sales performance, and more. The built-in dashboard helps you make smarter decisions about content and marketing.

Productivity

Save hours with AI course outlining and autogenerated module descriptions. ProductDyno helps you go from idea to published product faster than ever.

 

Features That Simplify Course Creation in ProductDyno

UI Builder

Drag and drop your way to a professional course layout—no coding or design skills needed. The UI builder gives you total control over how your course looks and feels.

AI Course Creation Tools

ProductDyno’s built-in AI tools help you outline lessons, suggest content, and even generate module summaries—perfect for busy creators.

Ultimate Course Blueprint Designer

Plan every module, milestone, and objective with ease using this visual planner. It helps you map the learning journey from start to finish.

Instant Course Builder

Upload your content and let ProductDyno arrange it into a structured, professional-looking course—automatically. It’s perfect for fast launches.

Features That Simplify Course Selling in ProductDyno

Site Builder

Create a full course website from scratch with custom branding and domain setup—no separate hosting required.

Page Builder

Design beautiful sales pages with an easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface.

Pre-Designed Page Templates

Start with professionally designed templates optimized for conversions. No guesswork—just pick a layout and customize.

Pre-Made Blocks

Add testimonials, countdown timers, FAQ sections, and more with a click—perfect for persuasive, high-converting pages.

Email Integrations for Email Marketing

Connect with tools like Mailchimp, ConvertKit, or ActiveCampaign to build and nurture your audience.

Autoresponder Integration

Automate follow-ups, welcome sequences, and sales campaigns with your preferred autoresponder.

Sales Funnel Builder

Create entire funnels—lead magnet to upsell—in one place. No need for external tools.

Lead Magnet Features

Attract and capture leads with free downloads or mini-courses that link to your premium content.

Wombat

ProductDyno’s internal system for quickly duplicating, modifying, or repurposing product setups—saving you time and effort.

Shopping Cart

Fully integrated cart system with customizable checkout pages.

Payment Gateways

Accept payments through Stripe, PayPal, or other trusted processors—set up one-time payments or flexible plans.

CRM

Manage your customer relationships, track interactions, and segment users for better engagement.

Webhooks

Connect ProductDyno to thousands of apps via webhooks—automate like a pro.

And So Much More

You can create unlimited digital products and link each to its own custom sales button, checkout page, and delivery page with just a few clicks.

 

Why Choose ProductDyno Over Other Platforms?

Unlike most course platforms that force you to host your content on their site, ProductDyno gives you the freedom to host on their platform—or your own website. That’s flexibility most others don’t offer.

And while other platforms charge monthly or annual fees, ProductDyno offers one-time or installment payment options—no subscriptions. This means more money in your pocket and less pressure to constantly make sales just to cover software fees.

Want to learn more about how ProductDyno compares with other tools? Read these helpful guides:

·         See this comparison of Thinkific vs. Teachable platforms to understand how ProductDyno stacks up feature-by-feature.

·         Explore some top Teachable alternatives if you’re looking for more flexibility and control.

·         Or check out the best learning management systems for small businesses to see why ProductDyno is a smart choice for entrepreneurs.

When it comes to selling and delivering your online course with ease, few tools offer as much freedom and functionality as ProductDyno.

 

Step 5: Develop Engaging Content

Creating content that holds your students' attention is critical to the success of your online course.

Boring content leads to poor completion rates, refunds, and negative reviews. But when your content is engaging, learners stay motivated, complete the course, and are more likely to recommend it to others.

Here are 10 tips to help you craft engaging course content:

1. Start with a story or personal experience
Stories create emotional connection and make lessons relatable. Begin each module with a quick story or example to grab attention and offer context.

2. Use visuals and multimedia
Mix videos, slides, audio, and infographics to break the monotony of text and appeal to different learning styles.

3. Keep lessons short and focused
Avoid long, dense content. Break your course into bite-sized lessons so learners can digest one idea at a time.

4. Include real-life examples
Show how your content applies in real scenarios. This helps students connect theory to practice, increasing retention.

5. Use conversational language
Write as if you're talking to a friend. Simple, direct language keeps learners relaxed and more receptive to the material.

6. Add interactive elements
Quizzes, polls, or drag-and-drop activities keep learners actively engaged and help reinforce the lesson.

7. Provide immediate wins
Give students small, quick wins early on—like a template or action step they can use right away. It builds momentum.

8. Repeat key concepts
Reinforce important ideas by repeating them across lessons in different ways—text, visuals, or voice—to boost retention.

9. Include action steps
At the end of each lesson, give students a task or reflection. This makes learning hands-on and helps apply the knowledge.

10. Encourage feedback and questions
Ask students to comment or ask questions. It creates a two-way learning experience and shows you're listening.

 

Step 6: Upload Your Content

Once your content is ready, it’s time to upload it to ProductDyno. The platform supports all major content types—text, video, audio, quizzes, downloads, and more—so your course can be as rich and interactive as you want it to be.

Here’s how to get your course live on ProductDyno:

Create Your Structure

ProductDyno lets you organize your course into modules and lessons using a simple drag-and-drop interface. You can structure everything visually and update it anytime.

Upload Videos and Text Lessons

Add video content directly or embed it from platforms like Vimeo or YouTube. Combine it with text summaries or scripts so learners can watch and read.

Add Downloadable Resources

Upload PDFs, templates, worksheets, or bonus materials. ProductDyno makes it easy to add these to any lesson or module as attachments.

Set Up Quizzes and Assignments

Create interactive quizzes to test understanding or assignments for deeper practice. You can choose scoring, feedback options, and more.

Set Up the Certificate

Issue a certificate of completion to reward your learners. ProductDyno lets you customize the certificate with names, dates, and your brand.

Add the Next Steps

Guide learners on what to do after finishing the course—like enrolling in the next course, joining a community, or booking a call with you.

Preview Your Course

Before publishing, use the preview feature to view your course exactly as your students will. Test navigation, downloads, videos, and formatting to ensure a smooth experience.

 

Step 7: Set the Price and Launch Your Course

It’s time to decide how much to charge and launch your course to the world. This step determines your revenue, so it’s important to get it right. With ProductDyno, setting pricing is easy and flexible.

Research Market Rates and Audience Willingness to Pay

Check out what similar online courses cost, especially those with your topic and format. Survey your audience or ask your email list to learn what they’re willing to pay.

 

Choose a Pricing Model with ProductDyno

ProductDyno supports various pricing structures, allowing you to match your course to the payment plan that best fits your market.

One-Time Payment

Let customers pay once for lifetime access. This is perfect for mini-courses or evergreen content.

Set this up in ProductDyno by selecting “Single Payment” under the pricing options. You can link this to your sales page button.

Subscription Model

Charge monthly or annually for ongoing content or access. In ProductDyno, create a recurring payment plan and connect it to your course product. This is ideal for membership-style learning.

Tiered Pricing

Offer different levels of access (e.g., basic, premium, VIP). Set multiple pricing tiers within ProductDyno and assign different content or bonuses to each. Great for upselling.

Memberships

Grant access to a content library or bundle of courses. Use ProductDyno to manage membership access, billing cycles, and auto-renewals. It's perfect for community-based or evolving content.

 

Check out these helpful posts to learn how ProductDyno compares against other tools:

·         Read our comparison of Thinkific vs. Teachable to explore key platform differences.

·         Explore other top Teachable alternatives if you want more control or pricing flexibility.

·         Dive into the best learning management systems for small businesses to find tools that simplify course creation and management like ProductDyno does.

 

Step 8: Launch and Promote Your Course

Launching your online course is a pivotal moment that requires strategic planning and execution.

With ProductDyno, you can streamline this process, ensuring a successful launch and effective promotion.

Step-by-Step: Launching Your Course with ProductDyno

1.    Finalize Your Course Content: Ensure all modules, lessons, and resources are complete and uploaded.

2.    Set Up Access and Pricing: Configure your course's access settings and pricing model within ProductDyno.

3.    Create a Sales Page: Utilize ProductDyno's Page Builder to design a compelling sales page that highlights your course's benefits.

4.    Integrate Payment Gateways: Connect your preferred payment processors, such as PayPal or Stripe, to facilitate transactions.

5.    Test the User Experience: Preview the course as a student to ensure seamless navigation and functionality.

6.    Publish and Promote: Once satisfied, publish your course and begin your promotional activities.

 

ProductDyno Tools for Launching and Promoting Your Course

1.    Create a Sales Page for Your Course
ProductDyno's intuitive Page Builder allows you to craft professional sales pages without any coding knowledge.

Choose from a variety of pre-designed templates and customize them to match your brand. This feature ensures your course is presented attractively, enhancing conversion rates.

2.    Optimize Your Landing Page for Upsells
With ProductDyno, you can design your landing pages to include upsell opportunities.

By strategically placing additional offers or premium packages, you can increase the average transaction value. The platform's drag-and-drop functionality makes this process straightforward.

3.    Implement Upsells
ProductDyno enables you to set up upsell offers that appear after the initial purchase.

For example, after a student enrolls in your basic photography course, you can offer an advanced module at a discounted rate. This approach encourages students to invest more in their learning journey.

4.    Utilize Cross-Sells
Cross-selling is made easy with ProductDyno's Collections feature. You can bundle related courses or products, offering them as a package deal.

For instance, pairing a course on social media marketing with one on content creation provides added value to your students.

 5. Offer Downsell Options
If a potential customer declines your primary offer, ProductDyno allows you to present a downsell—perhaps a shorter course or a free trial. This strategy helps retain potential customers who might be hesitant about the initial offer.

6. Promote Through Podcasts
ProductDyno supports the integration of audio content, enabling you to create and distribute podcast episodes related to your course material. This medium can attract a broader audience and establish your authority in the subject matter.

7. Leverage Your Email List
With ProductDyno's lead magnet feature, you can grow and engage your email list effectively. Offer free resources or mini-courses in exchange for email subscriptions, then nurture these leads with targeted email campaigns to promote your main course.

8. Host a Free Webinar to Showcase Value
ProductDyno integrates with various webinar platforms, allowing you to host live sessions where you can demonstrate your expertise and the value of your course. This interactive approach can significantly boost conversions.

9. Utilize W.O.M.B.A.T for Social Media Marketing
ProductDyno's W.O.M.B.A.T (Word Of Mouth Buzz Advertising Tool) feature empowers you to create viral marketing campaigns. By incentivizing social sharing and referrals, you can expand your course's reach organically.

 

Step 9: Measure Success, Gather Feedback, and Optimize

Post-launch, it's crucial to assess your course's performance and make necessary improvements.

Collect Feedback from Students

Mid-Course Surveys: Implement surveys midway through the course to gauge student satisfaction and identify areas for improvement. This proactive approach allows you to address concerns promptly.

Completion Surveys: At the end of the course, solicit feedback on the overall experience, content quality, and learning outcomes. Use this information to refine future courses.

Use Testimonials and Reviews to Build Credibility

Positive testimonials can significantly influence potential students. Encourage satisfied learners to share their experiences, and feature these reviews prominently on your sales pages and marketing materials.

Analyze Course Performance Data

Completion Rates: Monitor how many students complete your course. Low completion rates may indicate issues with content engagement or course structure.

Quiz or Assignment Scores: Assess the average scores to determine if the material is appropriately challenging and effectively conveyed.

Engagement Metrics: Track metrics such as video watch times, forum participation, and resource downloads to understand how students interact with your content.

By continuously evaluating these aspects, you can enhance your course's effectiveness and provide a better learning experience for your students.

 

Create and Sell Online Courses with ProductDyno Today

If you struggle to find an easy, affordable way to create and sell your online course, you’re not alone.

Many creators get stuck with confusing tools, monthly fees, and clunky platforms that slow them down.

ProductDyno changes all that. With its beginner-friendly tools, AI-powered features, and one-time payment option, ProductDyno makes it incredibly simple to build, launch, and sell your course—without the overwhelm.

I break it all down for you in my blog posts. Dive into the best learning management systems, explore top Teachable alternatives, or compare Thinkific vs Teachable to learn more.

How To Create And Sell Online Courses: Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is the best online course to sell?

The best online course to sell is one that solves a specific problem for a clearly defined audience.

Popular choices include courses on digital marketing, productivity, freelancing, coding, graphic design, and personal finance.

These topics have broad appeal and practical application.

Niche courses—like Excel for real estate agents or meal prep for busy moms—also sell well due to their targeted value.

To find your best course idea, look at what skills people often ask you about, what’s trending on platforms like Udemy, and what you’re good at teaching.

The sweet spot is useful, in-demand, and something you enjoy.

 

How can I create an online course for free?

You can create an online course for free using tools you already have. Outline your course with Google Docs or Notion.

Record lessons with free screen recording software like OBS Studio or Zoom.

Use Canva to design your slides.

Host your course on platforms like Teachable (free plan), Gumroad, or Thinkific (free tier).

Promote through free channels—email, social media, or blogging.

Don’t worry about perfect production—focus on delivering helpful, well-structured content.

Ask for feedback, update your material, and grow as you go.

Many successful creators start small and upgrade tools only after their first few sales.

 

How do I create an online e-learning course?

To create an e-learning course, start with a clear topic and learning goal.

Break it into modules and lessons.

Use scripts or outlines to stay organized.

Create visuals or slides using Canva or PowerPoint.

Record your voice or face using Zoom or OBS. Add quizzes or assignments using Google Forms or built-in course tools.

Choose a platform like ProductDyno to host your course.

Upload your videos, arrange content, and write engaging descriptions. Make sure navigation is easy, and instructions are clear.

Test the course with a few people, fix any issues, and then launch it confidently.

 

What online course makes the most money?

Courses that teach high-demand, career-boosting skills tend to make the most money.

These include:

·       tech courses (coding, web development, data analysis)

·       business and marketing (SEO, digital ads, email marketing), and

·       finance (investing, personal finance, crypto)

Others that do well include health coaching, productivity, and certifications (like project management or language tests).

Niche topics with strong demand—like real estate investing or remote freelancing—can be very lucrative too.

The key isn’t just the topic, but how well it solves a problem and who it targets. High-ticket courses with strong value and clear results usually earn the most over time.