Summary
LearnDash is a very popular learning tool in WordPress, as it was early on the market. While powerful, there are certain perspectives to be fully aware of when using LearnDash for your online course marketing. In this post, Jonathan is breaking down what to use, when to use and the costs associated with the add-ons to make LearnDash hum.
LearnDash Pricing: Comparing Tiers and Features for a WordPress LMS
LearnDash is a popular tool for making online courses. It works with WordPress websites. Many people use it to teach others on the internet.
LearnDash lets you make different courses, from free to paid ones. You can pick how much to charge. This helps you reach more students and make money from your classes.
LearnDash has many features to help teachers. It can give quizzes, track progress, and give out certificates. These tools make teaching online more accessible and fun for teachers and students.
Key Takeaways
- LearnDash works with WordPress to create online courses
- Users can make free or paid courses with many pricing options
- The platform offers tools for quizzes, progress tracking, and certificates
LearnDash Main Features
LearnDash offers a range of tools for creating and managing online courses. Its drag-and-drop course builder lets users design lessons quickly.
The platform supports various content types, including:
- Video
- Audio
- Text
- Quizzes
- Assignments
LearnDash allows for the setting up of course prerequisites and drip-feeding content. This helps control the learning pace.
Users can award certificates upon course completion. The system also tracks student progress and generates reports.
LearnDash integrates with popular payment gateways. This makes selling courses straightforward.
The platform offers:
- Group management
- Forums for student discussions
- Email notifications
LearnDash works well with many WordPress themes and plugins. This flexibility allows for customized course websites.
Advanced features include:
- Gamification (points, badges)
- Course subscriptions
- Content protection
LearnDash supports multiple languages. This makes it useful for global audiences.
The platform provides detailed analytics on student performance and engagement. These insights help improve courses over time.
Essential Elements You Need To Build Courses On LearnDash In 2025
Building courses on LearnDash requires several essential components. These fundamental elements ensure a smooth and practical online learning experience for creators and students.
Quality Hosting
Reliable hosting is crucial for LearnDash courses. A good host keeps the website running fast and smoothly. It should handle many users at once without crashing.
Some top hosting options for LearnDash include:
These hosts offer special features for WordPress sites. They provide regular backups, security updates, and fast loading times.
When picking a host, look at:
- Server uptime (aim for 99.9% or higher)
- Customer support quality
- Ability to handle traffic spikes
Good hosting prevents course interruptions. This keeps students happy and engaged.
Website/Page Builder
A user-friendly page builder makes course creation easier. It helps design attractive and functional course pages without coding skills.
A COMPLETE STEP-BY-STEP CHEATSHEET
TO CREATING, LAUNCHING & GROWING A SUCCESSFUL MEMBERSHIP WEBSITE
Popular page builders for LearnDash include:
These tools offer drag-and-drop interfaces. They let course creators make custom layouts quickly.
Key features to look for:
- Pre-made templates
- Responsive design options
- Compatibility with LearnDash
A good page builder saves time. It also helps create a professional look for courses.
Video Hosting
Videos are often a big part of online courses. A solid video hosting solution is important for smooth playback.
Top video hosting options include:
These platforms offer:
- High-quality streaming
- Analytics to track views
- Privacy controls
When choosing a video host, consider:
- Storage limits
- Bandwidth allowances
- Integration with LearnDash
Good video hosting ensures students can watch course content without issues.
Marketing Email
Marketing email is critical for communicating with students. It helps send course updates, reminders, and support messages.
Reliable email services for LearnDash include:
These tools offer:
- Automated email sequences
- List segmentation
- Detailed analytics
Look for email services that:
- Integrate well with LearnDash
- Have good deliverability rates
- Offer customizable templates
Effective email communication keeps students engaged and informed throughout the course.
Marketing Automation
Marketing automation helps promote courses and manage student relationships. It can save time and boost course sales.
Popular marketing automation tools include:
- FluentCRM
- ActiveCampaign
- Keap (Infusionsoft)
These platforms offer features like:
- Lead scoring
- Automated follow-ups
- Sales pipeline management
When choosing a marketing automation tool, consider the following:
- Integration with LearnDash and other tools
- Ease of use
- Reporting capabilities
Good marketing automation can help attract more students and increase course completion rates.
Do I Need To Use MemberDash
MemberDash is not required to use LearnDash. It’s an optional add-on that can enhance membership features.
LearnDash works well on its own for creating and selling online courses. It has built-in tools for user registration, enrollments, and content access control.
MemberDash adds extra membership capabilities:
- Flexible membership levels
- Advanced access rules
- Member Directories
- Profile customization
LearnDash is enough for essential course selling. However, MemberDash helps create more complex membership sites.
Consider using MemberDash if you want:
• Multiple membership tiers • A community feel with member profiles • Granular control over content access
The choice depends on your specific needs. LearnDash alone works for straightforward course delivery. MemberDash expands options for membership-focused sites.
Evaluate your goals and desired features. This will guide you in deciding whether MemberDash is necessary for your project.
LearnDash Plugin Vs. LearnDash Cloud
LearnDash offers two main options for creating online courses: the LearnDash plugin and LearnDash Cloud. Each has its benefits and features.
The LearnDash plugin works with WordPress sites. Users install it on their existing WordPress setup. This option gives more control over the site’s look and functionality.
LearnDash Cloud is a hosted solution. It includes WordPress and LearnDash pre-installed. This makes setup faster and easier for new users.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | LearnDash Plugin | LearnDash Cloud |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting | Self-hosted | Managed hosting |
| Setup | Manual installation | Pre-installed |
| Customization | High | Limited |
| Maintenance | User Responsibility | Included |
| Updates | Manual | Automatic |
The plugin works best for users who want complete control. It’s suitable for those with WordPress experience. Cloud is better for beginners or those who want a more straightforward start.
Both options let users make courses, quizzes, and certificates. They also include features like drip content and user management.
Pricing differs between the two. The plugin has a one-time fee, while Cloud uses a subscription model. Users should check the current prices on the LearnDash website.
Choosing between the plugin and the Cloud depends on technical skills, time, and budget. Both can create great online courses.
Payment & Subscription
LearnDash offers several payment and subscription options to help course creators monetize their content. These integrations allow for flexible pricing models and membership management.
SureMember
SureMember is a popular plugin for LearnDash that handles subscriptions and recurring payments. It lets course creators set up tiered memberships with different access levels. Users can easily upgrade or downgrade their plans.
The plugin supports major payment gateways like PayPal and Stripe. This makes it simple for students to pay for courses. SureMember also includes features for drip-feeding content and managing renewals.
Course owners can create free trials to attract new students. The plugin tracks member activity and sends automated emails. This helps reduce churn and keep students engaged.
MemberDash
MemberDash is a powerful membership plugin explicitly built for LearnDash. It allows course creators to set up complex pricing structures. This includes one-time payments, subscriptions, and payment plans.
The plugin integrates seamlessly with LearnDash’s course access settings. This means course owners can easily restrict content based on membership level. MemberDash also supports coupons and discounts to boost sales.
One key feature is the ability to sell bundles of courses. This lets creators offer more value to students. The plugin also includes tools for managing member accounts and processing refunds.
Paid Membership Pro
Paid Membership Pro is a versatile membership plugin that works well with LearnDash. It offers a range of pricing options, from free memberships to complex multi-level plans.
The plugin supports many payment gateways, giving students plenty of ways to pay. Course creators can set up trial periods to let users test their content before buying. Paid Membership Pro also handles recurring billing and cancellations.
One standout feature is offering add-ons or upgrades to existing memberships. This can help increase revenue from current students. The plugin also includes reporting tools to track sales and member growth.
MemberPress
MemberPress is a robust membership plugin that integrates nicely with LearnDash. It allows course creators to set up flexible pricing tiers and access rules. This makes it easy to control who can view specific courses or lessons.
The plugin supports both one-time and recurring payments. It also handles free trials and coupons to help attract new students. MemberPress includes features for drip content, which can boost engagement and retention.
One helpful tool is the ability to create member directories. This can help build a sense of community among students. The plugin also offers detailed reports on sales and member activity.
WooCommerce Subscription Plugin
The WooCommerce Subscription Plugin is a solid choice for LearnDash users who already use WooCommerce. It allows course creators to sell subscriptions to their content alongside physical or digital products.
This plugin supports various subscription models, including fixed-term and ongoing plans. Course owners can offer sign-up fees, free trials, and discounts to entice new students. The plugin also handles renewals and cancellations automatically.
One benefit is the ability to use WooCommerce’s extensive payment gateway options. This gives students many ways to pay for courses. The plugin also integrates with other WooCommerce extensions for added flexibility.
LearnDash Important Free & Paid Add-Ons
LearnDash offers many add-ons to expand its features. These tools help course creators build better learning experiences. Some are free, while others come at a cost.
LearnDash Notifications
This add-on sends custom alerts to students and teachers. It keeps everyone informed about course progress and deadlines. Users can set up email notices for different events.
Notifications can remind students about unfinished lessons or quizzes. They also alert teachers when assignments need grading. The system allows for personalized messages to boost engagement.
Course creators can schedule notifications in advance. This helps maintain contact with learners throughout the course. The add-on is free and easy to set up within LearnDash.
LearnDash Certificate Builder
Certificates reward students for completing courses. The Certificate Builder add-on lets creators design custom certificates. It offers templates and a drag-and-drop editor.
Users can add text, images, and dynamic fields to certificates. These fields auto-fill with student info and course details. The tool supports various paper sizes and orientations.
Creators can make certificates that match their brand. They can use custom fonts and colors. The add-on is part of LearnDash Pro and requires a paid subscription.
LearnDash Course Reviews
Reviews help potential students decide on courses. This add-on lets learners rate and comment on courses they’ve taken. It adds a review section to course pages.
Course creators can moderate reviews before they go live. They can also respond to feedback publicly. The system calculates average ratings automatically.
Reviews can boost course credibility and sales. They provide social proof for the quality of content. This add-on is free and integrates smoothly with LearnDash.
LearnDash Course Grid
The Course Grid add-on displays courses in an attractive layout. It creates a visual catalog of available courses. Users can customize the grid’s appearance to match their site.
The grid shows course images, titles, and brief descriptions. It can also display progress bars for enrolled students. Creators can sort courses by category or other criteria.
This add-on makes course navigation more accessible for students. It’s free and works well on both desktop and mobile devices.
WooCommerce Integration
WooCommerce is a popular e-commerce plugin. This integration lets course creators sell courses through WooCommerce. It combines LearnDash’s learning tools with WooCommerce’s sales features.
Users can set up course subscriptions and memberships. They can offer discounts and bundle courses together. The integration also supports digital downloads for course materials.
This add-on provides detailed sales reports. It tracks revenue from individual courses. The WooCommerce integration is a paid feature.
LearnDash Multilingual Integration
This add-on helps create courses in multiple languages. It works with the WordPress WPML plugin. Course creators can translate all LearnDash content and settings.
Users can offer the same course in different languages. Students can switch languages while taking a course. The system keeps track of progress across translations.
This feature expands the potential audience for courses. It’s beneficial for global education programs. The multilingual add-on requires a separate WPML license.
Zapier Integration
Zapier connects LearnDash with over 3,000 other apps. This integration automates tasks between LearnDash and other services. It can save time on repetitive work.
For example, it can add new students to an email list automatically. It can also create tasks in project management tools when courses start. The possibilities for automation are vast.
This add-on helps streamline course management. It’s beneficial for large-scale online programs. Zapier integration is a paid feature.
LearnDash Gradebook
The Gradebook add-on provides a comprehensive view of student grades. It collects scores from quizzes, assignments, and essays in one place. Teachers can see class averages and individual performance.
Students can also access their grade reports. This helps them track their progress through courses. The add-on supports weighted grading and custom grade scales.
Gradebook makes it easier to manage large classes. It’s a paid add-on that integrates seamlessly with LearnDash.
LearnDash Notes
This add-on lets students take notes within courses. Notes are linked to specific lessons or topics. Students can review their notes later from a central dashboard.
Teachers can also leave private notes for students. This feature supports personalized feedback and guidance. Notes can include text, links, and even file attachments.
The Notes add-on enhances the learning experience. It helps students engage more deeply with course material. This feature is available for free to all LearnDash users.
LearnDash Pricing
LearnDash offers three main pricing tiers for its WordPress LMS plugin. These are Basic, Plus, and Pro.
The Basic plan starts at $199 per year. It allows users to create unlimited courses and supports up to 500 active users.
Plus, it costs $229 per year. This tier increases the user limit to 5,000 and adds ProPanel for course reporting.
The Pro plan is priced at $369 per year. It supports unlimited users and includes all LearnDash features.
All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. They also include:
- Unlimited courses and lessons
- Drip-feed content
- Course prerequisites
- Certificates and badges
- Email notifications
LearnDash Cloud is a separate offering. It provides hosting and a pre-installed WordPress site with LearnDash. Cloud pricing starts at $29 per month when billed annually.
For those wanting to try LearnDash, a 30-day free trial is available. This lets users test the plugin’s features before buying.
LearnDash does not offer a free version of its plugin. All plans require payment after the trial period ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the cost of building an online course using LearnDash?
A: The actual cost of building an online course using LearnDash can vary depending on your chosen features, the pricing model you adopt, and any additional resources you might need. LearnDash pricing plans typically include the cost of the WordPress plugin, hosting, and any extra plugins or themes you may want to use.
Q: How do I get started today with LearnDash for my online course?
A: To get started today with LearnDash, you’ll need to choose a pricing plan that suits your needs. After purchasing, you can install the LearnDash LMS plugin on your WordPress site and build your new course.
Q: What are the different pricing plans available for LearnDash?
A: LearnDash offers several pricing plans, including annual subscriptions and a one-time payment option. These plans allow course creators to access different features and support levels based on their needs.
Q: Can I create a free course using LearnDash?
A: Yes, you can create a free course using LearnDash. This is a great way to attract learners and showcase your content before they commit to paid courses.
Q: What are some alternatives to LearnDash for creating online courses?
A: Some popular alternatives to LearnDash include Teachable, Thinkific, and Podia. Each platform has its own unique features and pricing models, so it’s essential to evaluate them based on your course creator’s perspective.
Q: How do LearnDash plugins enhance the functionality of my online course?
A: LearnDash plugins can enhance the functionality of your online course by adding features such as quizzes, assignments, certificates, and more. These additional tools can improve the learning experience for your students.
Q: Is LearnDash a suitable learning management system for beginners?
A: LearnDash is a user-friendly learning management system that is suitable for beginners. Its intuitive interface and extensive documentation make it easy for new course creators to navigate and use effectively.
Q: How does LearnDash compare to Teachable regarding pricing and features?
A: LearnDash is a WordPress plugin that requires hosting and a WordPress site, which can lead to different pricing compared to Teachable, an all-in-one platform. While Teachable offers a straightforward setup, LearnDash provides more flexibility and customization for users comfortable with WordPress.
Q: What can I expect from a LearnDash review?
A: A LearnDash review typically covers aspects such as ease of use, features, pricing, customer support, and performance. Reviews can help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of LearnDash from the experiences of other course creators.
Final Thoughts
LearnDash gives course creators many options to build and sell online courses. Its pricing plans fit different budgets and needs. The platform works well with WordPress sites and offers valuable teaching features.
Course builders can try LearnDash for free before buying. This lets them test the tools and see if it meets their needs. The different plans allow for growth as a course of business expansion.
LearnDash’s strong points include:
- Easy course creation
- Flexible pricing options
- WordPress Integration
- Quizzes and assignments
- Progress tracking
Some may find LearnDash has a learning curve. But its features can help create engaging courses. The platform aims to support both new and experienced course creators.
Choosing LearnDash depends on specific goals and tech skills. It works best for those comfortable with WordPress. Other options might suit creators who want a simpler all-in-one system.
LearnDash continues to update its features. This helps it stay current in the fast-changing online learning world. Course creators should weigh their needs against LearnDash’s offerings to decide if it’s right for them.
