Charging monthly subscription fees is a smart move for any business looking to secure a steady income stream. Switching to a subscription model will not only ensure a steady income for you but also make the payment procedure hassle-free for your users. You'll know exactly what's coming in each month, making it easier to plan ahead, budget effectively, and reinvest in your business.

In this article, we'll guide you through setting up automatic recurring charges for your online course. Keep reading to keep your income stream steady so you can focus more on growth.

What Is a Monthly Recurring Charge?

Monthly subscription fees are charges that customers pay regularly, usually each month, to gain access to a product or service. This model ensures that revenue flows into your business at consistent intervals. Subscription-based businesses are becoming more popular because of their perks like steady income, less initial investment, growth opportunities and more!

But how does it actually work?

Simply put, customers sign up once, and their payment method is automatically charged on a recurring basis until they decide to cancel. This automatic renewal keeps the process smooth both for you and your customers.

Benefits of Setting Up Monthly Recurring Charge?

Implementing a monthly recurring fee can seem like an ideal strategy for generating a stable income. When it works well, it can significantly enhance your cash flow. But that's not all that monthly recurring fees can help with. Here are a few key benefits you can enjoy from monthly recurring fees.

Convenience for customers: Customers appreciate the convenience of automatic billing. They don’t have to worry about making manual payments, and you can reduce the risk of late or missed payments.

Opportunities for upselling: A recurring payment model creates opportunities to upsell additional features or services to existing subscribers, further increasing revenue.

Lower customer acquisition costs: Retaining customers through recurring charges is often more cost-effective than acquiring new ones, which will help improve overall profitability.

Scalability and business growth: Monthly subscriptions allow businesses to scale efficiently by acquiring more subscribers without significantly increasing operational costs.

Increased business valuation: Companies with recurring revenue models often have higher valuations, as investors see predictable income as a sign of stability and growth potential.

Best Practices for Setting Up Monthly Recurring Charges

Now that you know how beneficial recurring fees are for your business, it's understandable if you can't wait to set it up! But we'd want you to prepare for success, and that brings us to the best practices. While recurring charging model is super effective, it comes with its challenges too. And being familiar with the best practices will help you ensure the right model for your business.

1. Understand Your Target Audience

Before launching a recurring billing model, it’s crucial to understand your audience’s needs, preferences, and behaviors. Conduct market research to determine what features or services your users value most and their willingness to pay. Customer personas can help you align your offerings with their expectations.

Knowing your audience ensures that your pricing strategy resonates with them and attracts long-term subscribers. On the flip side, if you run a subscription model without understanding your users' needs, you'll end up losing more users than retaining them!

2. Choose the Right Pricing Strategy

Your pricing strategy can make or break your subscription model. Consider different approaches such as:

• Tiered pricing: Offer multiple plans with varying features or limits. This gives customers the flexibility to choose based on their needs.
• Flat rates: Simplify the decision process by charging all customers a fixed monthly fee.
• Usage-based charges: Charge based on how much of your service or product is consumed.

You don't necessarily have to stick to these pricing models. Rather, based on your users and their willingness to pay for your service, you can devise a recurring payment model that works better for your business.

3. Provide Clear and Transparent Terms

Set clear expectations for your customers from the start. Communicate all the details about:

• Billing cycles (e.g., monthly or annual).
• Refund and cancellation policies.
• Any additional or hidden fees.

Credibility is the key to success in the subscription-based business world, and you can't prosper without being transparent about everything. Transparency builds trust and helps avoid disputes or dissatisfaction. Include this information in your terms of service, checkout page, and confirmation emails.

4. Use Reliable Billing Software

A robust and reliable billing system is the backbone of any subscription model. Choose software that automates recurring payments, tracks invoices, and handles failed transactions. Features to look for include:

• Automated reminders for upcoming payments.
• Secure storage of payment information.
• Support for multiple currencies.

The billing software that offers these features will automate your administrative tasks so you can focus more on important tasks like content management, lead generation, and branding.

5. Offer Multiple Payment Options

Flexibility in payment methods can significantly improve your conversion rates. Offer a variety of options, such as credit/debit cards, bank transfers, PayPal, and digital wallets. Additionally, consider supporting global payment methods if you cater to an international audience. The easier you make it for customers to pay, the more likely they are to subscribe and keep paying for your services.

6. Implement a Trial Period or Freemium Model

Many customers hesitate to commit without first experiencing the value of your offering. That's why giving them a taste of your product or service for free is an excellent idea to get them hooked. You can also generate leads while at it.

By providing a free trial or a limited freemium version, you give users a risk-free opportunity to explore your service. Ensure that the trial showcases your best features and makes it easy for users to transition into paid plans once it ends.

7. Make Cancelling Easy

Making it easy for customers to cancel their subscriptions might seem counterintuitive, but it fosters trust and goodwill. If customers feel trapped, they’re more likely to leave negative reviews or avoid returning in the future. A simple cancellation process shows confidence in your product and leaves a positive impression, even if a customer decides to leave.

And as long as your offer provides value, you have nothing to worry about, right?

8. Focus on Customer Support

Exceptional customer support can turn dissatisfied customers into loyal advocates. Ensure your support team is easily accessible and trained to promptly handle billing issues, technical problems, or service-related queries. To cater to different customer preferences, offer multiple support channels, such as live chat, email, and phone.

9. Test and Refine the Model

Your initial subscription model may need adjustments as you gather data and feedback. Periodically test new pricing strategies, feature bundles, or billing frequencies to see what works best. Use A/B testing and customer feedback to refine your offerings and meet market demands.

The more trendy you are, the more fine-tuned pricing models you can develop. These pricing models will help your users choose your product or service over your competitors.

10. Ensure Compliance with Legal and Tax Requirements

Recurring billing involves handling sensitive customer data and complying with various laws. Ensure that your payment systems adhere to data protection regulations like GDPR or CCPA. Be aware of tax implications for subscription services in different regions and implement processes for accurate tax collection and reporting. Partnering with a legal or tax advisor can help you avoid costly mistakes.

Features Needed to Set up Monthly Recurring Charges

Various tools are available on the Internet that offer the features needed to set up monthly recurring fees. But if you don't want to settle for the basics, we've got just the right tool for you.

WishList Member is an excellent tool for organizing and maximizing a monthly subscription model, thanks to its comprehensive features explicitly designed for membership site management. Here are the key features that make WishList Member particularly suited to this goal:

Flexible Membership Levels

WishList Member allows you to create unlimited membership levels, offering you the flexibility to tailor your subscription offerings. You can set different access levels, prices, and durations to cater to diverse customer needs. This feature lets you gradually release content to members over time, which can help maintain member engagement and reduce churn.

Seamless Payment Integrations

WishList Member integrates with various payment gateways, including PayPal, Stripe, and others, facilitating the easy setup of recurring payments. Members can easily upgrade or downgrade their subscriptions based on their needs, which enhances user experience and satisfaction.

Content Protection

You can protect your content at various levels – categories, files, posts, and pages – ensuring that only the right membership levels can access premium content. On top of that, it offers a preview of premium content to non-members to entice them to subscribe, improving conversion rates.

Integrations with Other Tools

Integration with popular email marketing tools like MailChimp, ConvertKit, and ActiveCampaign allows you to send targeted communication, from welcome emails to payment reminders. Plus, you can also enjoy Integration with analytics tools, which help you understand member behavior and refine your marketing strategies.

Automated Admin Functions

Set up auto-renewals to ensure uninterrupted access for users and reduce manual administrative work. Automate the cancellation process, making it easy for users to manage their subscriptions and for you to maintain accurate records.

How To Set Up Monthly Recurring Charges Using WishList Member: 3 Easy Steps

Setting up recurring charges with a WishList member is easier than anything else. It allows you to set the whole procedure on autopilot, allowing you to focus more on other important things. Let's see how you can set up monthly recurring charges with just a few steps.

Step 1: Download and Install WishList Member

First, go to WishList Member plans and choose the perfect plan for you. Then, go to your WordPress dashboard and click on Plugins. On the next page, click on Add New Plugin.

Then, hit the Upload Plugin button and choose the zip file you downloaded from the WishList Member website. 

Step 2: Set Up Your Membership Levels

• Go to WishList Member on your WordPress dashboard.
• Navigate to Setup and then choose Levels.
• Here, you can create new membership levels or edit existing ones, setting the terms for access but not the billing directly.

2. Integrate with a Payment Gateway

• Within WishList Member, go to Setup and select Integrations.
• Click on the Payment Providers tab.
• Choose from supported payment gateways such as PayPal, Stripe, or others that facilitate recurring payments. You must set up these services outside of WishList Member to handle the billing and subscription logic.

3. Configure the Payment Gateway for Recurring Payments:

• Follow the specific instructions for your chosen payment gateway to enable recurring billing.
• Link these settings back to the membership levels you have configured in WishList Member to ensure that payments are processed according to the membership terms.

Before going live, test the payment process thoroughly to confirm that the recurring billing functions as expected and that user access is not disrupted. And there you have it! With WishList Member, you facilitate easier payments while optimizing your membership site for continuous growth and member satisfaction.

Which Integrated Payment Platform Should You Use?

Choosing the best integration for managing subscription payments depends on several factors, including your specific business needs, the geographical location of your customers, and the specific features you require.

Here’s a breakdown of some popular integrations and what makes each potentially the best option for different scenarios:

1. Stripe:
   • Best for: Ease of use, modern API, and comprehensive feature set.
   • Features: Supports recurring payments, automatic card updates, and handles multiple currencies. Stripe is renowned for its robust security, straightforward pricing, and excellent customer experience.
     
2. PayPal:
   • Best for: Wide acceptance and trust among consumers.
   • Features: Offers PayPal Standard and PayPal Express Checkout, both of which support recurring payments. It's particularly useful if you have a broad customer base that prefers PayPal as a payment method.
     
3. Authorize.net:
   • Best for: Businesses needing a reliable and secure payment gateway.
   • Features: Supports recurring payments and includes advanced fraud detection services. It’s a great choice if security is a high priority for your business.
     
4. Infusionsoft by Keap:
   • Best for: Businesses that require both payment processing and CRM capabilities.
   • Features: Offers robust CRM tools alongside recurring payment support, making it ideal for businesses looking to manage customer relationships and payments within a single platform.
     
5. ThriveCart:
   • Best for: Maximizing conversions through optimized checkout processes.
   • Features: While primarily a cart solution, ThriveCart offers strong support for subscription management, affiliate marketing, and upselling capabilities.
     
6. ClickBank:
   • Best for: Businesses that also want to leverage an affiliate network.
   • Features: Supports recurring billing and provides access to an extensive affiliate network to help drive sales and increase visibility.

Marketing Strategies for Your Monthly Recurring Charge Model

When it comes to subscription marketing, attracting new subscribers is just the first step. The real challenge lies in increasing retention and reducing churn. Here are some effective strategies that can help:

1. Offer Incentives for Advance Payments

Encourage your customers to commit to your brand long-term by offering annual subscription options. This not only ensures their continued engagement but also provides your business with a stable revenue base.

You can also consider offering a discount or a free month to encourage upfront payment for the year. Highlight the value of these plans through direct comparisons, showing customers the benefits and savings they gain, similar to what Fabfitfun does with their annual subscriptions.

2. Create a Sense of Exclusivity

Create a subscription model with limited spots to enhance the exclusivity and allure of your service. For example, the Coca-Cola Insiders Club offered exclusive access to new products and swag for a limited number of members, and due to high demand, it filled up quickly. Provide special discounts or exclusive products to members only, enhancing the perceived value of the subscription.

3. Leverage Referrals

Happy customers are the best advocates for your brand. Encourage them to refer friends and family in exchange for rewards, free courses, ebooks, etc. This referral scheme will get more people to sign up for your recurring subscription, boosting the overall growth of your business.

4. Reward Long-term Loyalty

Regularly acknowledge and reward your loyal customers. Whether through discounts, special offers, or freebies, make sure the rewards are meaningful. For example, if a user has been subscribed to your service for over a couple of years, you can give them a certain percentage off on their renewal.

Is Monthly Recurring Charge the Ultimate Solution for Your Business?

To wrap up, we’ve covered essential strategies and best practices for effectively setting up and managing monthly subscription fees. Utilizing these techniques can help stabilize your revenue, enhance member engagement, and ensure your business thrives in the competitive online landscape.

But it's ultimately your call, and we hope our blog has helped you understand whether monthly recurring fees will be a great fit for your business. If you decide to try a recurring fee-based model, don't forget to try WishList Member.

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The presence of digital platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook has made it a breeze for crafting hobbyists like you to turn your lovely craft into a profitable venture.

With these platforms, you can make direct sales and even go beyond by offering online tutorials, affiliate programs, and subscription services.

The possibilities are endless, from handmade jewelry and custom artwork to DIY home decor and personalized gifts. Many crafts, including yours, can be transformed into craft hobbies that make money.

In this article, we'll explore the top money-making craft hobbies for 2024, offering ideas, examples, and tips to help you turn your creative talents into a profitable business.

Why Monetize Your Craft Hobby?

You should monetize your craft hobby simply because it's a smart way to earn extra income.

After all, engaging in it costs you money. For example, if your craft hobby is baking, you need to spend some money purchasing baking ingredients and baking equipment if you don't already have them.

It only makes sense that while you spend a specific amount of money doing the craft hobby you love, you can recuperate that money back when you monetize it. 

Another reason is validation. Nothing beats knowing that people consider your craft hobby good enough to want to spend their hard-earned cash on. 

If anything, this implies that you are skilled at what you do, and it is appreciated not just by yourself but by others who deem it worthy to want to make a purchase.

Case Studies of Successful Crafters in the Past

Check out the case studies of two excellent female crafters who have made their mark and brought massive success to themselves simply because they were able to maximize the full potential of their craft hobbies:

Jane Field

Jane Field began her online gift company called Jonny's Sister in 2014 after she quit her overseas sales job with nothing else to turn to. Today, she has a successful gifts business with over ten apprentices under her. She recommends that other people wanting to set up a craft business ask for help when needed.

In her words: “You simply cannot be great at everything – it is much better to concentrate on what you are good at, rather than spreading yourself too thinly.”

Ayesha Curry

Ayesha Curry has made remarkable achievements as a crafter. Her journey from a DIY enthusiast to a successful entrepreneur inspires others who wish to follow in her footsteps. 

Known for selling home fittings, apparels, recipes and sharing self-care tips on her blog called Sweet July and YouTube channel, Ayesha leveraged her passion for cooking and crafting into a multifaceted career. In 2016, she released her first cookbook, The Seasoned Life, which became a bestseller, launching her into the culinary spotlight. 

Meanwhile, a survey conducted by Etsy revealed that 76% of their sellers consider their shops businesses, not just hobbies. Furthermore, many sellers have reported that their craft businesses provide significant financial support, with some even transitioning from traditional jobs to full-time crafting careers.

4 Ways to Make Money Through Your Craft Hobby

Now before we get into what craft hobbies can make you money, you need to know how you are going to do that. That's why we have done some research and put together a list of the best ways you can monetize your craft hobbies. Let's check them out.

1. Sell Your Products Directly

Direct sales involves selling your finished products directly to your customers without an intermediary. You can sell the products through your online store or on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. If you do not have an online store, you can easily build one using WordPress.

As you create your online store, employ the services of Pretty Links to build captivating product displays with attractive images. You can place the displays on your store's homepage or blog so that they become the first thing buyers see, enticing them to hit the “Buy Now” button as fast as possible.

One good thing about direct sales is that it can help you clear your inventory of creations. However, remember it is pretty labor intensive as you'll have to meet constant customer demands.

Nonetheless, you can make it work by making sure your price tag accurately reflects the hard work and creativity you have put in while you source for alternative means to earn extra income.

2. Make Money Through Online Courses

Creating online courses is a unique way to monetize your craft hobby. However, it requires a significant upfront investment of time, effort, and possibly money. You need to plan, record, edit, and package the course content and develop marketing strategies to attract students.

However, your efforts, time, and investment will be worth it once you successfully create quality content and get the courses up and running using CourseCure by WishList Member, which is a course builder that lets you create top-notch courses for your users.

If you are out of ideas or need to know the best ones to run with regarding your courses, you can take a cue from these profitable ideas to get you started.

3. Create a Subscription Services

Subscription services are recurring delivery services where subscribers receive a new craft box or kit regularly, such as monthly or quarterly. This kit typically contains all the materials and instructions your subscribers need for their craft hobby.

When preparing craft subscription boxes for your subscribers, avoid a one-size-fits-all approach, as this could discourage some subscribers from purchasing them, especially if they need materials and resources that align with their current crafting needs.

For example, you can tailor your subscription services so that there is something for everyone, from craft beginners down to experts who have been at it for a long time. You can also prepare interactive video lessons and downloadable resources and include them in your subscription service.

This way, your subscription offering stands out, and your subscribers will be motivated to patronize even more as they see the extra benefits they stand to gain. For more inspiration, check out our article on subscription business ideas.

4. Make Commissions Via Affiliate Marketing

Have you ever thought about how bloggers make a living simply by writing about their hobby or passion? Well, if their site isn't bogged down with annoying ads, they're probably using affiliate marketing.

Affiliate marketing is a performance-based marketing strategy where individuals (affiliates) promote a company's products or services and earn a commission for each sale generated through their unique affiliate link. It's a popular way for businesses to increase sales and for affiliates to earn money by recommending products they believe in.

Whether you write a blog about your hobby or create an online course or membership site, you can make money as an affiliate marketer. When crafting, consider the products you use and see if any major brands have an affiliate program.

For example, if your craft involves power tools, you could join the CPO DeWALT affiliate program and earn a commission each time someone makes a purchase via your link.

Tools like Pretty Links or ThirstyAffiliates can help you organize, brand, and shorten your affiliate links to make them more appealing and trustworthy to your site's visitors.

7 Best Craft Hobbies That Make Money

If you are a craft beginner and are looking to choose from a list of craft hobbies that make money, below are some that will surely tickle your fancy:

1. Embroidery

Embroidery is simply the art of using traditional hand-stitching methods or modern machines to design fabrics with threads or yarns and enhance their beauty by adding materials like beads, sequins, and pearls.

Successful crafters in this niche make money primarily by selling their finished products on online marketplaces like eBay, Etsy, and Amazon. However, they also make money through teaching and workshops, partnerships with fashion brands, and content creation.

As an embroidery crafter, you could decide to sell your finished product, such as a unique and beautifully designed embroidery cloth, online. 

You could also share your knowledge with others by setting up an online class to provide valuable tips and information or reaching out to select fashion brands you feel would love your designs and patterns to partner and collaborate with them.

Hopebroidery Box is a clear example of a successful subscription service with unique offerings for craft beginners looking to delve into embroidery.

They've monetized their craft hobby by setting up a subscription service where their members receive embroidery kits, access to courses and a book with insights into the craft.

If you decide to build your own embroidery craft business, you can replicate this with your unique products, such as home decor, holiday ornaments, and much more, to stand out. 

2. Dressmaking

Dressmaking is one of the best craft hobbies for making money, and for good reason. Virtually everyone wants to wear clothing that never goes out of style yet remains simple and minimalistic.

If you are skilled in this craft, you can make money by producing bespoke wear, selling ready-to-wear collections, performing freelance and contract work with fashion houses and film theaters, and selling sewing patterns and supplies.

An excellent example of a business focused on dressmaking as a craft is Love and Confuse. They sell handmade clothes with minimal fashion in mind, allowing customers to define their clothes rather than otherwise, expressing their unique personalities.

You could follow this route by creating your own dressmaking business, working for fashion organizations and brands, or, if you are a master at what you do, getting paid to share your knowledge via online courses.

3. Jewelry Making

Jewelry making is a delicate craft that requires specialized skill sets to yield the best possible results. It involves designing, creating, and assembling wearable decorative items such as necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings, and brooches.

If jewelry making is your craft hobby, you can monetize it by selling directly on your site. It's a unique way to monetize your craft by offering diverse jewelry products, from handmade jewelry to jewelry supplies, stones, and designs.

Jewellers Academy is an excellent example of a successful business outfit offering diverse courses to its customers. What makes this business intriguing is that Jessica Rose, the founder, has a podcast section where she shares her latest tips and gives practical advice on launching and growing a jewelry business.

This is a great way to keep customers engaged and get them coming back for more. They would gain new insights to better themselves and have more reasons to make more purchases, ultimately boosting sales and profits for her. You can learn from this business and think of ways to set up your own with elements of your creativity and unique knowledge.

4. Woodwork

Woodworking is a hobby that involves creating items from wood using various tools and techniques. The craft hobby can range from simple projects like making shelves or picture frames to complex creations like furniture, sculptures, and intricate wood carvings.

Woodwork is quite viable as a craft hobby, as proven by some woodwork craft businesses that have made a name for themselves. A good example is Old World Kitchen. Look at how they successfully use branding to carve out a niche (pun intended) and make their business stand out.

They specialize in making handmade kitchen and dining utensils that can be passed down from generation to generation, ultimately withstanding the test of time. And that’s the beauty of hand-crafted items – they’re high-quality, beautiful objects that you simply won’t find in IKEA. Branding is an effective way you can differentiate your products from cheap, factory-produced alternatives.

Before you know, you are making custom orders, selling finished items, and offering repair services, ultimately turning your craft hobby into a serious business.

5. Pottery

Pottery is the art or craft of creating objects from clay and other ceramic materials through various shaping techniques, such as hand-building, wheel-throwing, or molding. These objects are typically fired at high temperatures in a kiln, which hardens the clay and transforms it into a durable, solid form.

If pottery is your passionate craft hobby, it is only fitting that you know the best ways to monetize it as compensation for the considerable amount of delicate skill needed to excel in it.

Businesses like The Ceramic School are thriving in this craft simply because they were able to curate a list of offerings and present them in a creative way that converted customers, making sales in the process.

You could set up a website and offer subscription services to your customers, create and deliver custom collections for specific customers, create quality courses to provide top-notch information or set up a YouTube channel to share your story and the history or culture behind your collections.

You could also create your own business or take on a feature from them, such as providing online pottery workshops, and build on that, ultimately setting up an income stream for yourself. 

6. Upholstery

Upholstery is the art of covering furniture with padding, springs, webbing, and fabric or leather to create a comfortable surface for people to sit or lie on. This process can be applied to various furniture items, including chairs, sofas, ottomans, and headboards.

The craft involves restoring old furniture and creating new pieces, requiring skills in sewing, fabric selection, and furniture construction.

Upholstery is quite different from most craft hobbies because it often requires special training for one to excel at it. It can sometimes be complicated compared to others, which you can learn by yourself or start without doing much.

Kim's Upholstery is a reliable online platform offering classes, workshops, libraries, and videos.

The business outfit gives out freebies such as videos, PDFs, leather resources, and tips, using them as lead magnets to draw customers and maintain a personal relationship with them by collecting their contact details, ultimately increasing the chances of return purchases. 

Kim also offers online classes and workshops, diversifying her monetization options and providing more opportunities for more sales. You could check out her online classes and freebies to gain ideas and insights on starting your own business and developing products you would like to offer.

7. Photography

Photography is one of the best craft hobbies for making money and among the easiest to learn. It only requires a few tools or equipment, making it all the more fun.

As a craft beginner, you can practice your photography skills by being creative with your angles and trying new things with your camera. Alternatively, you can register for a course to learn more about your craft. For example, you could register for the Beginners Photography Course at the School of Photography.

However, if you are a photography craft expert, you could sell your pictures by putting them behind a paywall. Take a cue from Sourced Co. They are a successful photography business that offers a stock photo membership for customers who want access to unique stock images for their business ideas.

They also offer a stock shop where customers can get single images for as low as $8. These services can serve as a source of inspiration for you, giving you ideas about how best to turn your craft hobby into a profitable venture.

Conclusion

Turning craft hobbies into lucrative ventures has never been more accessible. From selling finished products online and in local markets to offering custom orders, teaching workshops, and creating digital content, there are numerous ways to monetize your passion. 

Subscription services, creating online courses and affiliate marketing provide additional revenue streams that diversify your income and reduce the pressure of constant production. These channels allow you to explore new creative avenues, engage with a broader audience, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Now is the perfect time to take the first step towards monetizing your craft hobby. Choose a craft that resonates with you, whether pottery, woodworking, jewelry making, or another creative outlet, and explore one of the suggested channels. Start small, learn from the experience, and gradually expand your efforts.

Finally, share this blog with fellow crafting hobbyists and your social media peers, inspiring them to explore the exciting possibilities of turning their hobbies into profitable ventures. Let's build a community of passionate crafters who support and uplift each other!

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Since the dramatic boom in 2020, the demand for online courses has been on the up and up. Now, everyone from post-grads to lifelong learners is signing up to expand their skill set or find a new hobby.

And thanks to the amazing features of learning management systems (LMS), almost any form of learning can now be taught online.

While features are almost the same in every LMS, why don’t they see equal conversion, user acquisition, and customer retention for their company? 

There might be a few reasons behind this, but guess which is the most crucial one?

–– Bad user experience. 

No matter how good your LMS system is or how advanced the features are, it all comes down to whether users can effortlessly navigate through them. If they can’t, all your efforts will always go in vain. 

That’s why we’ll talk about how you can improve the LMS user experience for your users. Keep reading to learn about the best practices and what you need to do. 

Importance of Improved LMS User Experience

improving your Learning Management System (LMS) user experience is important for making students and teachers more efficient and comfortable. 

A well-designed LMS can attract students, make navigation easier, and ensure users can quickly find the necessary tools. 

By putting user experience first, you can get the most out of your LMS, leading to better learning results and higher user satisfaction rates.

Here are a few reasons why you should not overlook the importance of improved LMS user experience:

Increased Engagement ????

An easy-to-use and appealing interface makes people want to engage with your LMS more often, as they find navigating through the content, quizzes, and settings easier. 

Better Accessibility ????

Less complicated browsing and well organized content make it easier for everyone to access educational materials from your website easily. 

Higher Retention Rates ????

If users have a good experience, they are more likely to keep using your LMS. As a result, the number of people who drop out will decrease. As a bonus, you might even see a rise in students brought in by existing users. 

Improved Efficiency ⚡

Streamlined methods and resources that are easy to get to save time for both students and teachers, letting them focus more on the lessons themselves.

Better Learning Outcomes ????

When users can easily connect with the LMS, they are more likely to really engage with the material, which helps them understand and remember it better.

Best Practices for Improved LMS User Experience

So now that you’re aware of all the reasons to improve user experience in your online course, it’s time to learn about the best practices. We’ve compiled a list of the best practices to help you make positive and impactful changes to your LMS. 

1. Social Login

When did you last enter your username and password anywhere to log in to any website? 

If you’re having a hard time remembering when, you’re not alone.  

More and more people are getting used to one click social logins. Social login streamlines the login process by allowing users to sign in using their existing social media accounts. 

This generation of users wants social login features everywhere, including their LMS accounts. 

Simplifying the registration process can lead to higher enrollment rates and more engagement for your LMS. 

2. Gamification

Who doesn’t love a bit of competition? Especially while learning something new. And that psychology works really well in order to create engagement among your users. But what exactly is LMS gamification?

Well, simply, it’s adding elements to your LMS so your users get a sense of achievement as they pass each stage or complete a lesson. These elements can be points, badges, leaderboards, etc. 

This approach can lead to improved retention and a more enjoyable learning experience. 

3. Progress Tracking

Climbing a hill is easier when you can look back and see how far you've come – and the same applies to completing a course! 

You must provide progress-tracking facilities to encourage users to learn more from your LMS site. Visual indicators such as progress bars, completion percentages, and milestones can be some of the most efficient ways to track progress. 

This transparency boosts confidence and encourages continued effort towards completing the course.

4. Mobile-Friendliness

.Give your students the opportunity to chip away at their module at the bus stop, in a queue, at the salon, or anywhere that’s away from their desk with a mobile-responsive design. 

Over 70% of LMS users are more interested in learning from their mobile devices than from their computers. 

So, it’s safe to assume that a large portion of your user base is also accessing your platform from mobile devices. 

Having a mobile-responsive design is essential to accommodate their expectation. 

To keep the mobile users coming back to your LMS, you must ensure a fantastic experience for them.If your users feel comfortable navigating through your LMS regardless of what device they are using, you will automatically become their go-to choice. 

5. Use of White Space

The importance of white space in any form of design or written content is hard to overestimate. 

White space can increase readability and lessen the cognitive load significantly. And since your users are primarily learners and spend quite a bit of time on the web pages, you must ensure proper white spacing. 

It’ll help to declutter the interface and allow your users to focus on the content without feeling overwhelmed. 

Overall, proper use of white space will make your LMS content look visually appealing and make navigation easier for the users. 

6. Personalized Resource Hub

Giving each one of your LMS members a personalized experience is the cherry on the cake . 

But when it comes to LMS user experience, personalization doesn’t mean addressing them by name and remembering their birthdays – it’s about carving out space for them to easily access materials and lessons. 

For example, you could create a post for each member that only they can access. From there give them easy access to videos, key resources, shortcuts to lessons, anything that will make their navigation easier.

7. Interactive Content 

In this world of short attention spans, you have no option but to be interactive with your content. While you may be full of ideas, what if your LMS is your ultimate obstacle?

You want to develop interactive content like quizzes, videos, etc. But the LMS you use doesn’t support all forms of content. 

You’ll start losing users gradually as they’ll get bored of your content and move to somewhere else where more interactive content is offered. 

Improve LMS User Experience with WishList Member

Now that you know the best practices of improving LMS user experience, it’s time to start implementing them.

Though it’s not exactly rocket science, we understand if you feel overwhelmed about how to get started. 

That’s why we have an easy solution for you – a solution that can not only help you implement the best practices but also make your job easier. Now, what’s that solution? 

WishList Member

It is the ultimate customizable WordPress LMS plugin with extended features for running a membership website. Unlike most other learning management systems, this one doesn’t limit you to a few common features. 

Rather, it has the exact features to attract new users to your business and keep them engaged with an interactive user experience. 

One Tap Social Media Login for Easier Access 

This feature is as simple as it sounds, but most LMSs don’t have it yet. But the wait is over for WishList Member users. 

WishList Member allows you to set up social login via the following social media accounts: Google, Facebook, Twitter, and WordPress.

It makes coming back to your platform effortless for your members, keeping their experience frictionless from the very start. 

Intuitive Course Builder

All WishList Member plans include access to the CourseCure Courses add-on. This add-on enables you to create unlimited courses with an intuitive builder.

Break your course into easily digestible lessons and modules, and use WordPress's Gutenberg editor to add videos and interactive elements into each lesson.

Room for Gamification to Create More Engagement

As long as you make your users feel that learning is fun, they’ll keep coming back to your website. And with WishList Member, there are excellent scopes for LMS gamification. 

Let’s start with none other than the most engaging points and badges add-ons. With these add-ons, your users can earn points upon completing actions on your course such as finishing a lesson, module, or completing a quiz. You can also award points for engagement across your site such as commenting in a forum or leaving a comment.

To give your students a more visual and tangible sense of achievement by awarding badges. You can set up badges for joining a level, completing a course, earning a certain number of points, and more!

Badges and points give your users a sense of accomplishment and keeps them coming back for more. As a result, your overall retention rate goes up. 

Progress Tracking Feature to Keep Users in the Loop 

When learning something, it's essential to keep track of progress. WishList Member lets your users do this effortlessly.

As your learners complete lessons, they'll get an overview of their progress within both the module and the overall course. Best of all, this requires zero setup on your part – it's built right into every course built with WishList Member.

Here you can see the Course Progress bar for a birds eye view of overall progress…

and here you can see the Module Progress bar visible from within each lesson…

Optimized for All Devices

WishList Member makes all of your content easily accessible regardless of what devices your users are using. The main differentiator that makes this LMS more user-friendly is the enhanced customizing feature. 

That’s where WishList Member is on another level. WishList Member Courses and Quizzes are fully mobile-responsive.

Since you can customize almost everything with the help of built-in integration, you don’t need to follow any specific rules strictly. You can better cater to all sorts of audiences according to their likings. 

Create Private, Personalized Pages for Each Student

Remember that personalized resource hub we mentioned earlier? WishList Member's Trigger and Actions feature you can automatically create a pay–per-post specially for each learner as they sign up for membership on your site!

First create a pay-per-post to serve as a template, filled with relevant resources for your course and each membership level.

You could, for example, embed an appointment booking form with JotForm for VIP members, include exclusive downloadable content tailored to their membership level.

The possibilities are limitless. Just think about how you can leverage this unique feature to create a standout user experience for your learners.

Integration Facilities to Take Advantage of Other Tools 

No one is the best at everything, but when you the option to get help from the bests as well, you are unstoppable. WishList Members have this psychology behind and guess how many tools they have integration with? 

Over 80 in-built integrations + 1000s more possibilities with Zapier. 

Yes, you saw the number right. And the things you can do with such integration facilities are unimaginable. 

You want to set up an easier payment method? Well, you have over 20 options to choose from. 
What about sending emails? 20+ providers to choose from. 

Last but not least, 27 other tools have also been added to the integration pipeline including:

• Divi and Elementor page builder plugins
• Easy Affiliate program plugin
• MonsterInsights analytics plugin
• EasyWebinar
• Slack
• And more.

All this just so you don’t have to look elsewhere while using WishList Member. It truly is the all-in-one solution for your LMS needs and beyond. 

Start Improving Your LMS User Experience Today 

When you ensure a better LMS user experience, you’re not doing the users a favor, you’re doing your brand a favor as well. The better user experience you can provide, the more people you’ll be able to retain. 

By implementing best practices such as social login, gamification, progress tracking, interactive content, etc., you can create a more engaging, accessible, and efficient learning environment. 

If you are having difficulties exploring various features due to the LMS you use, maybe it’s time to upgrade to a new one. An LMS that is easy to migrate into and has all the features you need can be an excellent choice. 

Given its features, WishList Member can be an excellent option for you. Its integration capabilities will be the cherry on top for ensuring the ultimate LMS experience for your users. Find the best WishList Member plan for you and get started today.

Got any tips or ideas on how to improve LMS user experience? We'd love to hear them. Share them with the WishList Member community in the comments section below.

And don't forget to follow us on  Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn for more expert advice and tips to maximize your online course’s potential.

As education shifts towards student-centered models, we've seen how giving students the wheel to drive their own progress really keeps them locked in and eager.

Speaking of driving one's own progress, let's talk about self-monitoring tools – they're more than just nifty gadgets in our tech toolkit. They genuinely empower students to own their learning paths, giving them the clarity to spot both their wins and their hurdles.

In addition to supporting students to take responsibility for their learning, they also enhance their ability to assess their own progress and challenges.

In today's blog, we'll explore how educators and course creators use self-monitoring tools within their platforms.

By the end of this post, you'll understand how these tools empower learners and boost engagement and course completion rates. Let's get started.

The Benefits of Student Self-Tracking

Here’s the scoop: students who monitor their own progress tend to absorb information better and enjoy the learning process more. This satisfaction can lead to a virtuous cycle where happy students are more dedicated, driving them to complete their courses at a higher rate.

When students can see their progress in real-time, their motivation skyrockets. As a result, the learning process is far more rewarding and effective because they're setting the pace and meeting their goals.

Let's unpack why letting students track their own progress really changes the game in learning.

1. Boosts Engagement and Motivation

When students keep tabs on their own progress, it sparks a significant boost in their engagement. Rather than just going through the motions, they're actively participating and pushing themselves forward.

It's about making each student feel like they’re steering their own ship – a surefire way to keep their motivation high.

2. Enhances Learning Outcomes and Satisfaction

Self-monitoring also plays a big role in improving how well students grasp and retain what they're learning. It gives them a chance to reflect on what they've learned, identify gaps, and take control of their education.

The result? They don't just learn better – they feel better about their learning experiences, too.

3. Increases Engagement

Engaging with the course material becomes more interactive and dynamic. Instead of being passive recipients of information, they're actively engaging with their learning journey, which can lead to deeper understanding and retention of material.

Incorporate quizzes that your students can use to test their understanding as they progress. To really kick engagement up a gear, you might also include incorporating gamification features like points and badges.

4. Fosters Independence

By tracking their own progress, students learn to take responsibility for their learning. This self-management skill is critical both academically and, perhaps more significantly, in personal and professional areas of life.

To promote self-directed learning, provide students with resources, such as video content, supplemental readings, and external research sites, for resource navigation.

5. Improves Time Management

Students can better manage their time by knowing exactly what they have accomplished and what they need to focus on next. This helps prevent cramming and last-minute stress, promoting a more balanced approach to studying.

Break the course into clearly defined milestones with estimated times for completion and schedule periodic self-check-ins for students to review their progress and adjust their study habits and schedules as necessary.

6. Reduces Anxiety

Knowing where they stand in their coursework can reduce anxiety and uncertainty for students, giving them a clearer focus and a more structured learning path.

Use clear and consistent indicators that show students their progress in real-time. This might include progress bars, completion percentages, or a checklist of tasks.

7. Driving Higher Course Completion Rates

And here’s something every educator loves to see: higher completion rates. When students monitor their progress, they can see the finish line, making it all the more reachable.

Each completed step builds momentum, keeping them on track and moving towards their goal.

These benefits collectively contribute to a more fulfilling and effective educational experience, enabling students to maximize their potential and achieve better outcomes.

How to Leverage WishList Member Courses' Tracking Features

WishList Member Courses has a standout component that enables students to get a clear idea of their completion rate –The User Tracks Progress feature.

The User Tracks Progress feature in WishList Member Courses is at the heart of this functionality. It allows students to mark lessons or entire courses as complete, giving them a satisfying visual cue of their achievements as they move through the material.

Visual Clues: WishList Member provides a dashboard that’s both informative and encouraging. It displays completed sections with clear markers and shows upcoming lessons, helping students easily see where they've been and where they're headed next.

Here's the module progress bar that students that's visible to students as they're completing a lesson:

And here's the course progress bar that lets students track how much of the course they've completed overall:

With straightforward indicators and progress bars, students can quickly see the percentage of content they’ve completed. This real-time feedback is crucial for motivating students to keep going, especially in self-paced courses where direct teacher encouragement might be sporadic.

By incorporating these visual elements, WishList Member Courses makes the learning process both engaging and transparent. Students can gauge their progress at a glance, making learning more intuitive and less of a chore. This visibility is key in motivating students to keep pushing forward, knowing exactly how much they have achieved and what lies ahead.

How to Set Up Student Progress Tracking for Your Online Course

Integrating the WishList Member Courses WordPress LMS plugin into your educational setup is all about creating a seamless experience for you and your students.

Here’s how you can get started and help your students make the most of the progress tracking features.

1. Set Up Your Course: First, ensure your course content is uploaded and organized in WishList Member Courses. Define your modules, lessons, and any assessments or checkpoints.
   
2. Enable Progress Tracking: Make sure the User Tracks Progress feature is enabled. This can typically be done in the course settings, where you can specify what counts as progress – be it completing a lesson, passing a quiz, or contributing to a forum.
   
   This will allow students to manually mark each lesson or module as complete, giving them a clear pathway and milestones.
   
3. Educate Your Students: Show your students how to use the progress tracking feature. A quick tutorial at the beginning of the course explaining how to mark lessons as complete can make a big difference. Consider creating a simple video or a visual guide that walks them through the process.
   
4. Monitoring and Support: Keep an eye on student progress through the admin panel. This enables you to offer support and encouragement at key points in their learning journey, particularly where you notice a student may be struggling or stalling.

How Students Can Mark and Track Their Progress

Students can actively engage with their learning journey by marking each completed lesson or module. Here's how it typically works:

• Marking Completion: After finishing a lesson, students can click a “Mark as Complete” button at the bottom of the page. Once this button has been checked it will show as “Complete”.
• Viewing Progress: Students can view their overall progress on their course dashboard. This area usually shows a progress bar or a percentage that updates in real time as they complete parts of the course.
• Reflecting on Learning: Encourage students to regularly check their progress dashboard. It’s a good practice not just for tracking how much they’ve done, but also for reflecting on what they’ve learned and planning what to tackle next.

Module Progress

Tracking progress at the module level is key to giving students a clear sense of achievement as they advance through your course.

In WishList Member Courses, each module is set up to visually display completed tasks. As students finish each lesson within a module, they manually mark it as complete.

The system then calculates the percentage of the module completed based on these inputs. This allows students to easily see how much of the module they've covered and how much remains, encouraging them to keep pushing forward.

Course Progress

Course progress tracking operates on a broader scale, providing a bird's-eye view of a student’s journey through the entire course. It aggregates the completion data from each module to give an overall progress percentage.

For instance, if a course has five modules and a student completes two out of five, the course progress will show 40% complete. This overall view helps students set long-term goals and understand their progress in relation to the entire course.

How to Keep Students On Your Course Through Effective Progress Tracking

Keeping students engaged is crucial, and effective progress tracking is a great tool to help make this happen. Here are some practical tips and strategies to encourage students to regularly check and update their progress, and to get actively involved in their own learning journey.

Tips for Regular Progress Checks

• Scheduled Reminders: Set up automatic reminders that prompt students to check their progress at regular intervals. Whether it’s a quick email or a notification from your learning management system, a little nudge can go a long way.
• Visible Progress Bars: Make sure progress tracking is highly visible and accessible within the course interface. A progress bar at the top of the course dashboard can give students a quick snapshot of where they stand.
• Celebrate Milestones: Recognize and celebrate when students reach key points in their coursework. This could be through digital badges, certificates, or even public acknowledgment in online forums.

Strategies to Involve Students Actively

• Self-Reflection Prompts: Incorporate prompts for self-reflection at the end of each module. Ask students what they learned, what they found challenging, and how they plan to apply their new knowledge. This can help integrate progress tracking with deeper learning.
• Peer Discussions: Encourage students to discuss their progress with peers in discussion groups or study forums. This peer interaction can foster a sense of community and motivate students to keep up with their coursework.
• Goal Adjustment Sessions: Offer opportunities for students to adjust their learning goals based on their progress reports. This could be done through one-on-one coaching sessions or during regular class reviews.

In addition to tracking students' progress, these tips and strategies can help them engage deeply with their learning, making their educational experience more rewarding and efficient.

Conclusion: Empower Students, Transform Learning

As we've seen, empowering students to track their own progress is more than a nice-to-have – it's a powerful tool that enhances motivation, improves learning outcomes, and reduces anxiety. By letting students see their journey, we help them manage their education more effectively and foster a growing learning environment that values independence and personal development.

Why it Matters: When students take charge of tracking their own progress, they're more engaged and invested in the learning process. This autonomy leads to higher satisfaction and better overall results, from increased course completion rates to deeper understanding and retention of the course material.

Encouragement for Educators

If you're an educator or course creator, integrating progress tracking tools like those provided by WishList Member Courses can significantly impact your students' learning experiences. These tools are designed to make learning visible and manageable, encouraging students to stay committed and enthusiastic about their studies.

Interested in taking your course offerings to the next level? Dive into WishList Member Courses, a robust WordPress LMS Plugin that brings these benefits to your educational programs. Implementing this tool can transform how you teach and how your students learn.

Explore WishList Member today and see how your educational offerings can thrive with the right tools in place.

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We'd all like to be the kind of people who learn for learning's sake. Sure, expanding your knowledge is a worthy way to spend your time, but in the world of TikTok and Instagram Reels, it's all about the dopamine hit.

Whether we like it or not, students of all ages have decreased attention spans. As an online course creator, it's hard to compete with the instant gratifications offered up on competing websites and apps. So if you can't beat them, join them.

By adding gamification elements like points, badges, and quizzes to your courses, you align with the fast-paced, reward-driven mindset of today's learners.

This approach keeps them engaged and helps them retain more information and complete courses more effectively. Plus, a gamified learning experience encourages students to enroll in more courses, driving your success in the competitive field of online education.

Read on as we guide you through how to successfully integrate gamification into your WordPress LMS, helping you make the most of the benefits of gamification for your online course.

Let's transform your courses into engaging, addictive learning experiences!

What is LMS Gamification?

With LMS gamification, you're adding game-like elements to your online course.

These include points, badges, and other rewards for completing tasks and mastering content.

Remember the kick you got from getting a gold star at elementary school? Well, it turns out that people love getting these rewards at every age. If you've ever tried mastering a language on Duolingo, you know firsthand the power of points, leaderboards, and even simple rewards. 

Who knew it was so satisfying for a cartoon owl to tell you you're doing a great job?

By integrating these gamification elements into your LMS, you can create a more engaging and rewarding learning experience. This keeps learners motivated and encourages them to push through challenging material and achieve their learning goals.

7 Benefits of LMS Gamification

Let's look more closely at the benefits associated with course gamification:

1. Boosts Engagement and Interaction

First and foremost, gamification makes learning fun, keeping learners excited to participate. 

Points and badges serve as positive reinforcement for participating in your online course. This gives students further incentive to continue engaging with your course content, while interactive elements like quizzes help create a more dynamic experience that holds the learners' interest.

2. Improves Retention and Comprehension of Material

Reward improves retention. By giving students a concrete and immediate reason to memorize information (e.g. to earn points in a quiz), they'll put more effort into absorbing the source material.

3. Encourages Consistent Progress

Clear goals and instant feedback keep learners on track. When they can see their progress, they're more motivated to reach the next level.

4. Fosters Healthy Competition

Spur learners to improve and excel with leaderboards and challenges. A little friendly competition can go a long way in driving performance.

5. Increases Course Completion Rates

Engaged and motivated learners are more likely to finish courses. Gamification helps keep them hooked from start to finish.

6. Adds Value to Your Course

For all of the reasons above, gamification adds to the appeal of your online course. By adding a few simple features to your course you'll make it more sellable, and/or be able to charge more for it.

7. Promotes Long-Term Learning

The satisfaction of earning rewards encourages learners to keep coming back for more, leading to continuous learning and skill development, and ultimately more business for you!

By incorporating gamification elements you're adding value to your course, enhancing your students' experience, improving their success rates and setting yourself up for repeat business all at once.

LMS Gamification Techniques and Best Practices

How can you make gamification work on your elearning website? We'll run you through the key elements and best practices you can easily incorporate into your online course.

Quizzes

First off, you need to establish a way for your students to earn points. You could reward learners for simply reading course material, but quizzes go a step further by enabling you to measure how well they've absorbed the material, and reward their efforts accordingly.

Quizzes also add an interactive element to the course, making it more dynamic than watching videos and reading content.

A simple multiple choice question at the end of each module can be enough to help reinforce the material covered and allow learners to test their understanding before moving on to new content. However, to really amp up gamification, you might want to include a short quiz at the end of each lesson.

A quick dopamine hit at regular intervals will help boost engagement and give more opportunities for students to rack up their scores.

Points Systems

Points are the bread and butter of LMS gamification. Optimize your rewards system by awarding a different number of points for different achievements based on their complexity. For example:

• Reward students with 1 point for simple actions such as logging in, completing a lesson or leaving a comment,
• 5 points for more involved actions such as completing a module
• and 10 points for actions that require more effort such as successfully completing a quiz.

The important thing is to set up a fair point distribution system to appropriately reward participation and effort.

Leaderboards

Now your students can earn points, it's time to give them a reason to rack them up!

Leaderboards are an easy way to create a sense of competition, and encourage your top-performing students to push even harder to get that coveted top spot.

You could simply display lifetime points to reward your most loyal users, but more casual users won't reap the same benefits. Use daily or monthly leaderboards to:

a) encourage constant participation and

b) level the playing field and motivate newer participants who have not been involved for as long to become top scorers.

Point Redemption

Give points more meaning by enabling students to redeem them for rewards. This could be anything from digital badges to discounts on future courses, unlocking new levels or exclusive content.

By offering tangible rewards for points, you'll keep your students engaged and further incentivize continuous learning and participation.

Badges

Badges turn accomplishments into celebrations.

Unlike points, which can feel abstract, badges offer a visual and tangible sense of achievement. Offer badges to serve as a proud display of a student's progress and milestones like finishing lessons, scoring points, or commenting a certain number of times on your site.

With badges, you add an extra dose of fun and motivation to your LMS gamification strategy, making the learners' experience more engaging and rewarding.

Adding Gamification with WishList Member Add-ons

WishList Member is a WordPress LMS and membership plugin that makes it easy to add all of the above-listed gamification elements to your online course via add-ons.

You can see which add-ons are available on your current WishList Member plan by going to WishList Member > Add-ons.

Here is where you'll also be able to activate the add-ons you want to incorporate into your LMS.

Let's take a look at each of the add-ons and how you can use them to create an engaging online course on your WordPress site.

CourseCure Courses

The CourseCure Courses add-on transforms WishList Member into an LMS plugin.

Available on all WishList Member plans, CourseCure Courses enables you set up unlimited courses on your WordPress site.

Easily build out your course with lessons and modules using CourseCure's intuitive interface.

Add content to your lessons with WordPress's Gutenberg editor, enabling you to incorporate video content, widgets, images, and more.

With CourseCure Courses, you can create a dynamic and engaging learning experience for your students.

With your courses set up, it's now time to gamify them!

CourseCure Quizzes

Available with WishList Member Pro and Elite plans, the CourseCure Quizzes add-on lets you easily create and drag and drop quizzes into your modules. Add quizzes at the end of each lesson, module, or as often as you deem necessary throughout your course to keep learners engaged with interactive content.

Set a “Passing Score” on your quiz to determine how many questions learners will need to answer correctly before being able to advance in the course.

You can also set up automations when someone passes or fails a quiz.

For example you can:

• Automatically send a congratulatory email with next steps when a learner passes a quiz.
• Unlock a new membership level for learners who successfully complete a quiz to encourage further progress.
• Provide additional resources to students who fail a quiz to help them improve.

Make the most of the CourseCure Quizzes add-on, and you'll not only boost engagement but also give your students the best chance of mastering your material, increasing their satisfaction and the likelihood of repeat business.

WishList Member Points

WishList Member Plus, Pro and Elite customers get access to the Points add-on.

You can use points to reward engagement across your entire site. For example, you can award points for logging in or posting a comment.

But points really excel when used for LMS gamification.

Reward points when students pass a quiz or complete a course, a lesson or a module.

Conversely, you can use the points add-on to subtract points when learners fail a quiz or remove a comment.

The WishList Member Points add-on also comes with a Points Leaderboard Widget which you can display anywhere on your site.

Choose whether to display top scorers based on lifetime points, monthly points or daily points.

Finally, with the Points add-on you can enable learners to redeem points for rewards such as:

• Access to exclusive content
• Membership upgrades
• Badges (if the WishList Member Badges add-on is activated.)

When users know they can get something in exchange for points, it ups the ante, increasing their overall participation and engagement in your course.

WishList Member Badges

Available on WishList Member Plus, Pro, and Elite plans, the Badges add-on lets you award badges to customers when they achieve certain milestones or complete certain actions on your site.

Give customers a shiny symbol of their progress when they:

• Complete their first lesson/ module
• Reach a certain point in the course
• Leave a certain number of comments
• Reaching a point milestone
• Pass a quiz

The add-on comes with its own library of ready-to-use badges.

Alternatively, you can upload your own branded badge to create a unique experience for your learners.

In Summary

Embracing LMS gamification is a smart strategy to make learning more engaging and effective. By integrating points, badges, and quizzes to your online course, you cater to modern learners' need for instant gratification and rewards, making education more fun and improving learner outcomes.

Use WishList Member's add-ons to seamlessly incorporate these gamification strategies. Your students will enjoy a more interactive and rewarding learning journey, and you'll see better engagement, higher completion rates, and more repeat business.

Start gamifying your courses today and turn them into engaging, addictive learning experiences that keep students coming back for more. Gamify your LMS and watch your success grow!

We'd love to hear your thoughts!

Have you tried gamification in your online courses? How did it impact your students' engagement and completion rates? Share your experiences, tips, and questions in the comments below! Let's start a conversation and help each other create the best learning experiences possible.

And don' forget to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn for more expert advice and tips to optimize your online course.

Whether your resolution is to turn your hobby into a money maker, or rev up your brick and mortar business with a recurring revenue program, there's something in this list for you.

We'll also walk you through your first steps to making your chosen subscription business idea a reality.

Whether you're reading this in January, or some time in the future (assuming the cyborgs haven't won) this is the first day of the rest of your life, so make it count and unlock the potential of recurring revenue today.

Let's roll!

Subscription Business Ideas to Monetize Your Hobby

It's the ultimate dream – making money off of what you love best – and it's easier to do than ever with a subscription website and some marketing know-how.

No matter how niche your hobby, there are people out there that share your interests. Not only are they your ideal customers, they also provide an incredible opportunity to build a thriving, loyal online community.

If you're not sure how to turn your passion into a profit-making machine, here are a few subscription business ideas to spark some inspiration.

Curated Genre-Specific or Themed Book Club

You know the feeling – you've just finished an incredible read, and you a) desperately want to share your enthusiasm with someone and b) are immediately on the hunt for the next book to take its place.

Fantasy sci-fi, crime thriller, historical fiction, whatever floats your literary boat, there's a community of like-minded folk out there looking for a home for their hobby. And you could be the one to build it!

Subscribers to your book club can get the following:

• Curated Monthly Book Selections: Handpicked books each month focusing on a specific genre or theme, like fantasy sci-fi, crime thriller, or historical fiction.
  
  
• Reader-Driven Community Forum: An online space for subscribers to discuss the book of the month, share insights, and connect with fellow book lovers.
  
  
• Personalized Book Recommendations: Based on subscribers' reading preferences and feedback, provide tailored suggestions for their next read.

• Thematic Extras: Include additional content related to the book's theme, such as related articles, mini-guides, or trivia related to the book's setting or genre.
  
  
• DIY Discussion Questions: Create and share a list of thought-provoking questions about each book to enhance readers' understanding and discussion.
  
  
• Monthly Book Reviews and Summaries: Write and distribute reviews or summaries of the selected books to enrich the reading experience.
  
  
• Virtual Book Club Meetings: Organize regular online meet-ups where members can discuss the current book and share their opinions.
  
  
• Reading Challenges and Contests: Engage members with reading challenges, quizzes, or contests related to the book or its genre.
  
  
• Collaborative Book Lists: Compile book lists based on member suggestions, votes, or seasonal themes, encouraging a sense of community involvement.
  
  
• Book-Themed Digital Content: Create and share book-related content like blog posts, infographics, or thematic playlists to complement the reading experience.
  
  
• Monthly Newsletters: A newsletter featuring literary news, hobbyist tips for readers, and sneak peeks into next month's book selection.
  
  
• Exclusive Member Discounts: Partner with local or online bookstores to offer members discounts on books and reading accessories.

Subscription Business Examples

• Tailored Book Recommendations (TBR): TBR offers personalized book recommendations. Subscribers fill out a survey about their reading preferences and receive a tailored book list from a bibliologist. They have the option to receive the books in the mail or get recommendations only.
  
  
• ReadHer Book Box: This subscription service focuses on romance books written by women of color. It aims to amplify diverse voices and stories, providing subscribers with thoughtfully chosen books each month along with themed extras.
  
  
• Read It & Eat It: Ideal for culinary enthusiasts and foodies, this subscription combines the love for food and reading. Each box includes a food-related book along with a delicious snack from a small business, catering to various food-themed literary genres.
  
  
• Once Upon A Book Club: Designed to provide an immersive reading experience, this service sends a new book each month, accompanied by small gifts and surprises that relate to specific parts of the story. This unique approach encourages readers to engage more deeply with the narrative.

DIY Crafts Subscription Service

Imagine turning your living room into a mini craft studio once a month, brimming with creativity and the joy of making something with your own hands. Whether you're into scrapbooking, knitting, or upcycling, the world of DIY crafts is vast and endlessly inspiring.

As the curator of a DIY Crafts subscription service, you can bring this creative joy directly to people's homes. Here's what subscribers can look forward to:

• Monthly Craft Kits: Each month, members receive a kit containing all the materials and instructions needed to complete a unique craft project. These could range from home decor items, jewelry making, to seasonal decorations.
  
  
• Skill-Level Tailored Projects: Offer different subscription tiers for various skill levels, from beginners to more experienced crafters, ensuring everyone has a project that suits their abilities.
  
  
• Online Courses and Workshops: Complement the kits with access to exclusive video courses with tutorials or live online workshops via zoom, guiding members step-by-step through the projects.
  
  
• Community Craft Challenges: Host monthly challenges that encourage members to try new techniques and share their creations with the community for inspiration and feedback.
  
  
• Crafting Tool Add-Ons: Give members the option to add essential or specialized tools to their subscription box, perfect for building their crafting toolkit over time.
  
  
• Exclusive Craft Patterns and Designs: Provide original pattern downloads, templates, or design ideas exclusively for subscribers, keeping the content fresh and unique.

• Member Showcase and Feedback: Create a platform for members to showcase their completed projects and share tips and ideas, fostering a vibrant crafting community.
  
  
• Seasonal and Thematic Projects: Align some of the monthly projects with seasons, holidays, or current trends, making the crafts timely and exciting.
  
  
• Specialty Craft Materials: Occasionalldownloay include specialty materials that members might not find easily, such as unique beads, specialty yarns, or eco-friendly fabrics.
  
  
• Crafting Resource Newsletter: Send out a monthly newsletter with crafting tips, spotlight on various crafting techniques, and previews of upcoming project themes.
  
  
• Discounts on Craft Supplies: Negotiate deals with craft supply stores to offer subscribers exclusive discounts on additional materials and tools.
  
  
• Q&A and Support: Offer direct support for any crafting questions or challenges, ensuring members have a helping hand when needed.

This DIY Crafts subscription service is an ideal way to share your passion for crafting and to help others discover the joy and satisfaction of creating something beautiful by hand.

Subscription Business Examples

Adults & Crafts Crate: This subscription service offers a monthly craft project for adults and teenagers. It includes all the necessary tools, materials, and instructions for projects such as wood-burning, candle making, clock making, and more, making it perfect for crafty nights in, family activities, or social gatherings.

The Hopebroidery Box: Offers a selection of embroidery boxes, including full skeins of embroidery floss, scissors, fabric, a method to transfer designs, a needle and needle threader, and access to a full-length video tutorial​​.

Mystery Puzzle Subscription Service

Have you ever emerged from an escape room, heart racing with the thrill of the challenge, and thought, ‘I could create something like this'?

Imagine channeling your love for puzzles, riddles, and captivating storylines into crafting your very own mystery puzzle adventure.

As a creator of a Mystery Puzzle Games subscription, you have the power to design a world of intrigue and challenge that arrives at someone's doorstep each month.

This is your chance to turn your passion for crafting intricate puzzles and weaving engaging narratives into an exciting venture that brings joy and challenge to fellow enthusiasts. Let your creativity and love for mystery guide you in creating an unforgettable experience for others.

Here's what subscribers can expect from your Mystery Puzzle Games service:

• Bi-Monthly Mystery Boxes: Subscribers receive a box every other month containing a stand-alone mystery. These stories could range from detective mysteries, escape room challenges, to historical adventures.
  
  
• Monthly Mystery Challenges: Host a monthly online puzzle challenge with a small mystery to solve. Engage your community in solving it together.
  
  
• Puzzle Variety: Puzzles include a mix of types – from logic puzzles and ciphers to physical puzzles that require assembly. This variety caters to different puzzle-solving strengths and keeps the experience fresh.

• Interactive Online Elements: Some mysteries may include online components, such as websites to explore, virtual clues to uncover, or interactive videos that enhance the storytelling. Use online platforms to create interactive stories where users make choices to solve the mystery. You can use a tool like Twine to craft narrative games without a ton of technical knowledge.
  
  
• Collectible Items: Include items that not only serve as clues but can also be collected over time, like unique tokens, thematic keepsakes, or character cards.
  
  
• Difficulty Levels: Offer varying levels of difficulty, catering to both novice sleuths and seasoned puzzle veterans.
  
  
• Family-Friendly Options: Provide some mysteries that are suitable for families or younger audiences, ensuring a broad appeal.
  
  
• Community Engagement: Create an online forum or community board where subscribers can discuss theories, ask for hints, and connect with fellow mystery lovers.
  
  
• Creator Q&A Sessions: Host live Q&A sessions or interviews with the creators, offering insights into the world of puzzle and game design.
  
  
• Special Edition Mysteries: Occasionally offer special edition boxes that tie into seasonal events, popular culture, or historical anniversaries.
  
  
• Hints and Solution Guides: Provide hints or a full solution guide for each mystery, ensuring all players can complete the story.

Your Mystery Puzzle Games subscription service will not only offer a unique form of entertainment but also a challenging and intellectually stimulating experience that keeps subscribers eagerly awaiting their next mystery.

Subscription Business Examples

• Finders Seekers Mysteries: This self-contained mystery subscription box includes a series of clues and puzzles that allow subscribers to explore new cities and cultures from their own home while solving cryptic messages and deciphering codes​​.
  
  
• Deadbolt Mystery Society: This service offers a stand-alone mystery case in each box, allowing subscribers to crack different cases with each delivery. It's designed for those who love suspense and detective stories but prefer not to commit to a long-term narrative​​​​.
  
  
• Escape The Crate: This bi-monthly subscription service brings the experience of an escape room to your home. Each box contains a game that combines the thrill of an escape room with the convenience of a home-based activity​​.

Nature Journaling Subscription Service

If you have a passion for the great outdoors and a flair for documenting the natural world, consider creating a Nature Journaling subscription service. This could be a wonderful avenue to share your love for nature, encouraging others to observe, appreciate, and record the beauty of the environment around them.

Here’s what subscribers can look forward to in your Nature Journaling service:

• Monthly Nature Journaling Kits: Each month, send out a kit that includes tools and materials for nature journaling, such as a specially designed journal, watercolor or sketching supplies, and durable, portable writing tools.
  
  
• Guided Journal Prompts: Provide prompts that guide subscribers on what to look for and document in their nature explorations, such as seasonal changes, local flora and fauna, or weather patterns.
  
  
• Educational Content on Local Ecosystems: Include educational materials about different ecosystems, plants, wildlife, and environmental conservation efforts. This could be in the form of pamphlets, e-books, or online resources.
  
  
• Online Courses: Host online courses on various aspects of nature journaling, such as botanical sketching, landscape drawing, or creative writing techniques.
  
  
• Guest Expert Contributions: Collaborate with naturalists, botanists, or environmental educators to provide expert insights and content for your subscribers.
  
  
• Community Challenges: Organize monthly journaling challenges or themes, encouraging subscribers to explore specific aspects of nature and share their journal entries with the community.

• Subscriber Showcase: Feature subscriber journal pages in a dedicated section of your newsletter or website, celebrating their observations and artistic expressions.
  
  
• Virtual Nature Walks and Explorations: Conduct virtual nature walks or explorations, guiding subscribers through different natural settings and pointing out interesting sights to journal.
  
  
• Seasonal Nature Spotting Guides: Provide guides or checklists for seasonal nature spotting, helping subscribers to identify and learn more about what they might encounter in different seasons.
  
  
• Nature Photography Tips: Include tips for nature photography, helping subscribers to capture and include photos in their journals.
  
  
• Discounts on Outdoor Gear: Partner with outdoor gear companies to offer discounts on items that might be useful for nature journaling expeditions, like binoculars, portable seats, or water bottles.
  
  
• Interactive Online Community: Create an online forum or social media group where subscribers can share their journal pages, experiences, and tips with each other.
  
  
• Special Editions for Unique Ecosystems: Occasionally, offer special edition kits focused on unique ecosystems or extraordinary natural events, like a desert bloom or a great bird migration.

Your Nature Journaling subscription service will not only foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world but also create a community of like-minded individuals who find joy and peace in the act of observing and recording nature's wonders.

Plant Subscription Service

For those with a green thumb or a budding interest in botany, launching a plant subscription service can be a rewarding way to share your love for flora. This service is perfect for anyone looking to bring a bit of nature into their home, office, or garden, and for those keen to learn more about plant care and horticulture.

Here's what subscribers can look forward to in your plant subscription service:

• Monthly Plant Deliveries: Each month, subscribers receive a new, carefully selected plant. This could include a range of indoor plants, succulents, herbs, or seasonal flowers, suited to different climates and space sizes.
  
  
• Detailed Care Instructions: Provide easy-to-understand care guides with each plant, covering watering, light requirements, temperature preferences, and other care tips to ensure plant health and longevity.
  
  
• Potting and Repotting Supplies: Include essential supplies like high-quality potting mix, decorative pots, or repotting tools in the subscription box, catering to both beginner and experienced plant owners.
  
  
• Online Workshops and Webinars: Host virtual sessions on topics like indoor gardening, sustainable practices, pest control, and plant styling to educate and engage your subscribers.
  
  
• Expert Horticulturist Q&A: Offer access to a plant expert for personalized advice and answers to subscribers’ specific plant care questions.
  
  
• Plant Community Forum: Create a platform for subscribers to share their plant journeys, exchange tips, and showcase their green havens, fostering a community of plant enthusiasts.

• Seasonal Plant Selections: Align your plant offerings with the seasons, providing plants that thrive during specific times of the year and offering advice on seasonal plant care.
  
  
• Exclusive Access to Rare Plants: Occasionally offer rare or exotic plants for those subscribers interested in unique and hard-to-find species.
  
  
• Gardening Tool Add-Ons: Give subscribers the option to add specialized gardening tools to their subscription for an enhanced gardening experience.
  
  
• Discounts on Gardening Products: Partner with gardening supply stores or online platforms to offer discounts on additional plants, tools, or decor.
  
  
• Themed Plant Boxes: Create themed boxes around specific types of plants, such as air-purifying plants, easy-care plants for beginners, or flowering plants.
  
  
• Interactive Plant Care App: Develop or partner with a plant care app to provide subscribers with a digital tool for tracking watering schedules, growth progress, and other care activities.
  
  
• Special Editions for Plant Holidays: Celebrate plant-related holidays with special edition boxes, like National Houseplant Appreciation Day or Arbor Day, featuring unique plants or planting activities.

Your plant subscription service will not only bring the joy and beauty of plants to people's spaces but also educate and inspire a deeper appreciation and understanding of the botanical world.

Subscription Business Examples

• The Plant Club: A popular option well-suited for beginners, offering a monthly box that includes one plant along with a decorative planter and a customized potting mixture. The box often includes fun extras like stickers, candy, magnets, or pins​​.
  
  
• Succulents Box: A great choice for novice or forgetful indoor gardeners, offering a range of options starting at a low price. Plans include up to four plants each month, focusing on succulents and air plants​​.
  
  
• The Sill: Provides a pet-friendly subscription box, which includes either one 4-inch or 6-inch nontoxic plant with each delivery, making it safe for households with pets​​.

Subscription Ideas For Your Brick & Mortar Business

Businesses are discovering innovative ways to expand their reach and enhance customer engagement through subscription services. Whether you own a cozy café, a boutique clothing store, or a neighborhood gym, incorporating a subscription model can unlock new revenue streams and deepen connections with your customers.

This approach is all about offering unique experiences and value that extend beyond the physical storefront. Let's explore how different brick and mortar businesses can tap into the potential of subscription services, adding a new dimension to their traditional business models.

Restaurants, Cafes and Bars

If you run a restaurant, bar, or cafe, you understand the value of customer loyalty. Launching a subscription service can be a fantastic strategy to encourage regular patronage and create a steady stream of revenue.

There are numerous creative approaches to implement this model, each catering to different customer preferences and dining experiences. Here's a glimpse of what a subscription to your culinary establishment could include, transforming casual visitors into loyal, recurring patrons.

• Frequent Diner Subscriptions: Create a subscription where customers pay a regular fee for access to ongoing discounts and special deals. This incentivizes more frequent visits and maximizes savings for loyal diners.
  
  
• Beverage Subscription Clubs: Focus on beverages like specialty coffees or curated wines. Subscribers can enjoy exclusive varieties or receive discounts on their favorite drinks, making your cafe or restaurant their preferred choice.
  
  
• VIP Experience Subscriptions: Offer a premium subscription that includes access to exclusive events, priority service, and other luxury experiences, catering to those who seek a more upscale dining experience.
  
  
• Community-Supported Restaurant (CSR) Subscriptions: Introduce a model where customers pay an upfront fee in exchange for a credit towards future meals and services. This can provide immediate funds for your business while offering great value to your customers.
  
  
• Culinary Content Hub Subscriptions: For establishments with a unique culinary identity, offer a subscription that provides access to exclusive digital content such as cooking tutorials, recipe shares, and behind-the-scenes insights into your restaurant's culinary processes.

Subscription Business Examples

• Waverly Stone Gastropub Subscription: Their “Stone Club” subscription service includes attractive perks such as exclusive discounts on food and beverages, larger draft servings, and early access to special events and promotions.
  
  
• Cooper’s Hawk Wine Subscription: This monthly subscription showcases a select “wine of the month” from the restaurant, complete with detailed tasting notes and suggested pairing recipes, enhancing the wine enthusiast's experience.
  
  
• Boris and Horton Coffee Subscription: Catering to the community and pet lovers, this dog-friendly cafe offers a monthly coffee subscription, providing regular beverage delights to its patrons.

Hair and Beauty Businesses

In the world of personal care, where customer loyalty and consistent quality are key, introducing a subscription model in your hairdressing, barber, or beautician business can be a game-changer. It's not just about frequent services; it's about creating an exclusive, tailored experience for your clients, making their self-care routine something to look forward to every month.

• Regular Appointment Subscriptions: Offer a subscription for regular haircuts, styling, or beauty treatments. Clients can pay monthly and book their sessions in advance, ensuring they always look their best.
  
  
• Exclusive Product Boxes: Curate a selection of hair care or beauty products tailored to each client’s needs and preferences, delivered monthly.
  
  
• VIP Beauty Experiences: Create a premium subscription offering exclusive services like personalized consultations, advanced treatments, or luxury products.
  
  
• Tutorial and Tips Access: Provide subscribers with exclusive access to online tutorials, tips, and guides on hair and beauty care, keeping them engaged and informed.

Subscription Business Examples

1. B.O.B Salons All Inclusive Membership: Membership to this generous subscription service gives B.O.B salon's clients access to unlimited cuts and colors, conditioning treatments and blow dries for just $177 (£139) per month.
   
   
2. Sleeping Beauty Salon Membership: Staying on the other side of the pond, Scotland's Sleeping Beauty Salon franchise offers 6 and 12 month Platinum memberships. Members enjoy special VIP treatment in salon, discounts on all treatments and products, members only gifts, access to an exclusive online community and waiting list priority.
   
   
3. Keep It Cut Unlimited Hair Cuts: Men's salon Keep It Cut offers a range of memberships. Clients can opt for just unlimited haircuts for $38/month, or add unlimited washed and grooming for $64/month.

Gyms & Fitness Centers

Gyms and fitness center already function on a memberhship model – clients pay regularly for access to your equipment, classes and personal training programs. But if the fitness influencer movement has taught us anything it's that your business has borders far beyond your local community.

With an online subscription program, you can tap into the market of people who prefer working out at home or cannot regularly visit your gym. Here are several ways your gym or fitness center can leverage this growing trend:

• Virtual Class Subscriptions: Offer a range of online classes that members can join from anywhere. This could include live-streamed sessions or pre-recorded classes in yoga, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), Pilates, and more.
  
  
• Digital Personal Training: Create personalized training programs that can be delivered virtually. Create a personalized VIP experience with one-on-one video sessions via Zoom, customized workout plans, and regular check-ins, or generate passive income by creating pre-made courses for different fitness goals.
  
  
• Health and Wellness Webinars: Host online seminars and webinars focusing on topics like nutrition, mental wellness, fitness trends, and holistic health practices.
  
  
• On-Demand Workout Libraries: Build a library of on-demand workout videos that subscribers can access anytime, catering to all fitness levels and preferences.
  
  
• Nutritional Planning and Coaching: Include diet and nutritional guidance as part of your subscription, offering meal plans, recipes, and consultations.
  
  
• Community Support Groups: Foster a sense of community with online support groups where members can share experiences, tips, and encouragement.

Subscription Business Examples

1. Base Body Babes: Specializes in female strength training with online sessions. Their subscription includes home and gym training courses, tutorials, and a recipe library.
   
   
2. Gymtime PT: Offers customized online fitness programs. Subscribers choose from plans like “Ultimate Weight Loss” or “Tone Up Extreme” and receive tailored workout and nutrition plans.
   
   
3. Pilatesology: Provides online Pilates workouts taught by nearly 70 professionals. They offer digital downloads of Pilates programs and host a community for students to share their experiences.

Pet Stores & Services

Pet stores and pet service providers can greatly benefit from the subscription model, connecting pet owners with products and services that cater to their pets' needs while ensuring steady business growth. An online subscription program can extend your reach to pet owners seeking convenience, variety, and consistent quality for their furry friends.

Here are ways a pet store or service can utilize a subscription model:

• Pet Care Boxes: Curate monthly boxes filled with toys, treats, grooming tools, and health products tailored to different types of pets.
  
• Routine Grooming Subscriptions: Offer a subscription for regular grooming sessions, ensuring pets are always well-cared for.
  
• Pet Health and Wellness Webinars: Conduct online seminars on pet care, health tips, and behavioral training.
  
• Specialized Pet Diet Plans: Provide tailored monthly meal plans and nutritional products, catering to pets' specific dietary needs.
  
• Pet Activity and Training Subscriptions: Offer online training sessions and activity guides to keep pets engaged and well-behaved.

Subscription Business Examples

Just4Dogs: Just4Dogs Pet Salon and Spa offers grooming and bath memberships starting from $27.99/month ensuring their clients' pooches stay pampered no matter what adventures they go on!

Pet Evolution: Pet store franchise offers unlimited self-serve dog washes, a free treat or dog toy and 10% off retail and grooming as part of their VIP membership program.

Petco: Petco offers a variety of subscription services, including auto-deliveries of pet food, a monthly PupBox with treats and toys, insurance, and a Vital Care membership for checkups, vaccinations, grooming, and discounts. Their focus on fresh pet food and healthcare services demonstrates the potential of subscriptions in providing comprehensive pet care.

Subscription Business Ideas for Online Services

Online subscription services are flourishing. They're revolutionizing how we access information, entertainment, and services. As a business owner, tapping into this wave opens up a realm of possibilities. Connect with customers globally, and offer them valuable, on-demand services that cater to their unique needs and interests, all from the comfort of…well…wherever they are!

Let's look at some subscription-based business ideas and examples that are thriving. From educational platforms and streaming services to exclusive online communities and digital tools, the potential to create a lucrative and impactful online subscription service is vast.

Online Courses

Whatever field you specialize in, monetize your expertise by building an online course. With WishList Member, you can build a course easily with CourseCure and engage and retain your audience with interactive gamification features.

This setup is ideal for experts in any domain seeking to share their knowledge and build a community of eager learners. Your course can range from professional development to personal hobbies, offering value through a mix of video lessons, quizzes, and interactive content.

• Interactive Video Lessons: Design comprehensive video modules on your subject matter, ensuring each lesson is both informative and engaging.
  
  
• Quizzes and Assessments: Incorporate quizzes to reinforce learning and provide feedback, making the learning process interactive and effective.
  
  
• Gamification Elements: Use points, badges, and leaderboards to motivate learners, making education fun and competitive.
  
  
• Community Forums: Establish a forum or discussion board for learners to engage, discuss, and share insights, enhancing the learning experience.
  
  
• Downloadable Resources: Offer supplementary materials like PDFs, slides, and worksheets for additional study and reference.

Subscription Business Examples

• ChineseFor.Us: This online course provides comprehensive Mandarin lessons, ranging from beginner to advanced levels. Subscribers get access to interactive video lessons, quizzes, and a community forum for enhanced learning and cultural exchange.
  
  
• Bread Ahead Bakery School: Offers an online artisan bread baking course, complete with video tutorials, quizzes, and a community forum. Subscribers learn various baking techniques and have access to downloadable recipes and guides.
  
  
• Marie Burke Art: Features an online art course with video tutorials on different painting techniques. The subscription includes access to a community forum for artist interaction, quizzes, and downloadable art resources.

Web Design, Development and Maintenance

Tap into the demand for digital services by offering web design, development, and maintenance on a subscription basis.

This model is highly sought after by small to medium-sized businesses looking to outsource these tasks without the commitment of hiring a full-time professional.

You can provide a range of services like website updates, bug fixes, design improvements, and ongoing technical support. Tailor your packages to cater to different business needs, ensuring a steady income stream while helping businesses thrive online.

• Monthly Website Health Checks: Regularly review and maintain website performance, including speed optimization and SEO audits.
  
  
• Design Updates and Refreshes: Offer periodic redesigns or aesthetic improvements to keep websites looking modern and engaging.
  
  
• Technical Support and Troubleshooting: Provide prompt support for any technical issues or glitches that may arise, ensuring minimal downtime.
  
  
• Content Management: Assist with updating and managing website content, including blog posts, product descriptions, and multimedia elements.
  
  
• Security Monitoring and Updates: Keep websites secure with regular security checks, updates, and backups to protect against data breaches.
  
  
• Custom Development Work: Include options for custom coding or feature additions tailored to specific business needs.
  
  
• Analytics and Reporting: Offer monthly analytics reports to help businesses understand their website performance and user engagement.

Online Publications

Harness the power of your niche knowledge or passion by starting an online publication. Whether it's a blog, magazine, or news site, you can offer subscriptions for exclusive content.

This might include in-depth articles, video content, podcasts, or early access to new material. Utilize platforms like WordPress with WishLis Member to manage subscriptions and content distribution.

Tailor your publication to a specific interest group, providing valuable insights, updates, and perspectives that are hard to find elsewhere.

• Exclusive Articles and Features: Provide subscribers with articles that offer deep dives into niche topics, not available to non-subscribers.
• Early Access to Content: Allow subscribers early or exclusive access to new articles, videos, or podcast episodes.
• Behind-the-Scenes Content: Share insights into your content creation process or additional background information that enhances the main content.
• Subscriber-Only Podcasts or Webinars: Create podcasts or webinars that cater to the specific interests of your audience, available only to subscribers.
• Interactive Q&A Sessions: Host regular sessions where subscribers can interact with you or guest experts, deepening their understanding of the subject matter.
• Downloadable Resources: Offer supplementary materials like eBooks, whitepapers, or exclusive research findings.
• Community Forums: Foster a subscriber community through forums or discussion boards, encouraging interaction and discussion amongst your audience.
• Regular Newsletters: Send out a curated newsletter with additional insights, summaries of recent content, or previews of upcoming material.

Life / Business Coaching

If you have expertise in personal development, career guidance, or business strategy, consider offering online coaching services.

Through one-on-one video sessions, personalized plans, and regular follow-ups, you can make a significant impact on someone's personal or professional growth. You can also

Offer different tiers of subscriptions based on the frequency of sessions and level of personalized support.

• Resource Library Access: Provide subscribers with exclusive access to a library of resources like worksheets, guides, and motivational content.
  
  
• Tailored Coaching Sessions: Offer individualized sessions that focus on specific personal or professional development goals.
  
  
• Customized Action Plans: Develop action plans tailored to each client’s needs, helping them navigate challenges and achieve their objectives.
  
  
• Email Support: Offer ongoing email support, allowing clients to seek guidance or feedback between scheduled sessions.
  
  
• Webinars and Workshops: Host exclusive webinars or workshops on relevant topics that add value to the coaching experience.
  
  
• Flexible Subscription Levels: Create different subscription tiers, offering varying levels of interaction, resources, and support to suit diverse needs and budgets.

Online Resource Libraries

Online resource libraries are a treasure trove of knowledge and tools. If you have a wealth of content in a specific niche, consider compiling it into a subscription-based online library. This can include articles, guides, video tutorials, templates, and more. It's an excellent way for experts in any field to provide immense value to their audience, offering a centralized hub of information that's regularly updated and expanded.

• Curated Content Collections: Organize your content into themed collections or categories, making it easy for subscribers to find what they need.
  
  
• Regular Updates and Additions: Continuously add new resources to keep the library fresh and relevant, encouraging ongoing subscriptions.
  
  
• Downloadable Tools and Templates: Include practical tools, templates, or worksheets that subscribers can use in their personal or professional projects.
  
  
• Video Tutorials and Webinars: Complement written content with video resources, offering in-depth explanations or live interactive sessions.
  
  
• Member-Exclusive Articles and Insights: Provide articles or insights that are exclusive to subscribers, adding unique value to the membership.
  
  
• Interactive Features: Incorporate features like quizzes, calculators, or interactive guides to enhance the learning experience.
  
  
• Community Access: Offer a forum or discussion area where subscribers can discuss content, share ideas, and ask questions.
  

Subscription Business Examples

Mrs. D's Corner: Mrs. D's Corner offers an extensive online library dedicated to special education resources. This subscription-based platform provides teachers and parents with a wealth of materials, including customizable lesson plans, interactive activities, and educational games specifically designed for special needs education.

Worship Drum Samples: Worship Drum Samples presents a comprehensive online library for drum enthusiasts and worship musicians. This subscription service offers an extensive range of high-quality drum samples, loops, and sound kits tailored for worship music. Subscribers can elevate their music production with access to exclusive drum sounds, mixing tips, and tutorials, all curated to enhance the worship music experience.

Teach Beside Me: Teach Beside Me introduces an innovative online resource library catering to homeschooling families. This subscription-based platform is a treasure trove of creative educational materials, including hands-on activities, STEM project guides, and unique learning games. Subscribers receive access to a wide array of downloadable resources that make learning fun and engaging, along with practical homeschooling tips and a supportive community of like-minded parents and educators.

Bring Your Subscription Business Idea to Life with WishList Member

So there you go! There are limitless possibilities when it comes to starting your own subscription business. We hope this list has sparked a vision for your future.

Whether you're starting a subscription business from scratch, or adding subscriptions to your existing WordPress website, WishList Member is an incredibly versatile tool to help you achieve your vision.

Here are some of WishList Member's key features that make it ideal for starting your online subscription service:

1. Easy Integration with WordPress: WishList Member seamlessly integrates with your WordPress site, turning it into a fully-functional subscription platform. Whether you’re starting from the ground up, or adding to an existing site, the setup is straightforward.

2. Flexible Membership Levels: You can create unlimited membership levels to cater to different customer needs. This flexibility allows you to offer tiered access to content, services, or products, tailoring your offerings to diverse audience segments.

3. Controlled Content Access: Manage what your subscribers see based on their membership level. Whether it’s premium content, exclusive services, or special products, WishList Member gives you the power to restrict access to certain areas of your site, creating exclusivity and value for your subscribers.

4. Subscriptions and Payments: WishList Member supports recurring subscriptions. Integrate with popular payment gateways like PayPal, Stripe, and more to handle payments efficiently and securely. Automated billing takes the hassle out of the process, both for you and your subscribers.

5. Drip Content Delivery: This feature allows you to release content to members at regular intervals, keeping them engaged and subscribed for longer. It’s perfect for online courses, serialized content, or any subscription model where content is delivered over time.

6. Member Management: Track and manage your members with ease. WishList Member provides insights into member activity, subscription levels, and payment history, making it easier to optimize your offerings and grow your community.

7. Build Courses with Ease with CourseCure by WishList Member: Harness the power of CourseCure to effortlessly create and manage your online courses. This tool simplifies the process of building engaging, interactive courses. Whether you're offering educational content, professional training, or hobby-related courses, CourseCure is the easiest way to make it happen.

Design comprehensive modules, organize lessons, and include multimedia elements to enhance the learning experience. CourseCure's intuitive interface ensures that you can focus on delivering quality content without worrying about technical complexities. Plus add gamification features to keep your members engaged and coming back for more.

In Conclusion: Unlocking the Potential of Recurring Revenue

There you have it – subscription business ideas galore. From transforming hobbies into lucrative ventures, to adding a subscription dimension to brick-and-mortar establishments, the opportunities are as varied as they are exciting!

Embracing the subscription model is about generating steady income, building relationships, creating value, and offering experiences that keep your customers coming back for more. The fusion of your unique ideas with the capabilities of platforms like WishList Member sets the stage for a thriving, engaging, and profitable subscription business.

So, whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, remember that the journey to recurring revenue starts with a step. Equip yourself with the right tools, engage with your audience, and watch as your subscription business flourishes into a rewarding and sustainable venture.

Let's make 2024 the year of tapping into new possibilities and unlocking the full potential of your business. Dream big, start small, and grow steadily – the world of subscription business awaits!

Got a subscription business idea and not sure how to bring it to life? Want to share your idea with us? Let us know in the comments below!

Found this blog useful? Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn for more tips and best practices to make the most of your new subscription business.

Considering launching a profitable online course in 2024? You're on the right track! The virtual chalkboards are buzzing and eclassrooms are filling up as the digital education sector grows at an exhilarating pace. The time is ripe to cash in on your expertise. 

With the right resources, you can make serious money from your knowledge. But, you might be asking yourself which topics will make me the most bank?

The good news is, there's a whole load of lucrative ideas for online course niches waiting for you to choose from. 

So, what gets your gears turning? Be it technology, art, or personal development – your enthusiasm can be your currency. With your unique skills and the right set of digital tools, you're already ahead of the curve.

In this article, we'll look at why now’s a great time to start an online course business and what to consider before you start. 

Plus, we'll unveil an extensive list of over 199 suggestions to inspire your course creation journey. 

So get your notebooks ready, class is in session!

Why is Now a Great Time to Start an Online Course Business?

Before we delve into the Ivy League of top-performing online courses, let's chalk up some compelling reasons to set your sights on this digital educational venture.

The online course industry is skyrocketing, and now’s the perfect moment to make your mark. 

To illustrate, let's open the financial yearbook: in 2022, revenue from Learning Management Systems (LMSs) alone reached a staggering $18 billion.

Top-of-class players in the online education domain include platforms like Coursera, Skillshare, and EdX.

Successful online courses aren’t just the realm of  large corporations or conventional educational institutions like schools and colleges. If you have valuable knowledge in a particular area, you can don your virtual tweed jacket and step into the role of a teacher.

Moreover, with an intuitive Content Management System (CMS) such as WordPress, there's no need to rely on third-party platforms to market your courses. 

You can showcase them directly on your personal website, cutting out the middle man, and granting you full authority over your material.

Starting an online course business paves the way for consistent revenue streams, positioning it as a dependable and minimal-risk avenue to capitalize on your skills on an already established website.

The time is ripe for turning your wisdom into wealth.

Essential Preparations for Your Online Course Launch

Before you embark on your online course journey, let's pause for a study break to discuss some essential prep work.

Pop Quiz Q1: Have You Set Up a Website?

First on the syllabus: setting up your digital campus. You need a website. WordPress stands out as a free, open source content management system. It can help you create any type of website, including one specifically designed for an online course business.

Additionally, its user-friendly design is perfect for beginners. To get started, you’ll just need to register with a web hosting provider, secure a domain name, and install WordPress. Once done, you're all set to craft and create your website.

Pop Quiz Q2: What Course Structure Would You Like To Adopt?

A popular strategy is to have students pay for each individual course. The student pays upfront for the entire course, and can access each lesson on demand.

This method can pose a financial burden on your students. They may be hesitant to fork out on a big initial payment. 

It’s also not ideal for you, the course provider. A single payment strategy lacks the predictability and regularity of a subscription model, making it trickier to forecast your cash flow and make smart investments for your business.

A good alternative is to think about creating a membership or subscription-based business. This way, you can drip course content to your students, and they can spread their payments over a longer period. 

This approach also enhances course engagement. With the on-demand approach, some students may feel overwhelmed by the amount of course content ahead of them if they see it all at once. Or they may binge and burnout before course completion. 

By dripping your course content, you’re helping your students pace the race through to graduation. 

Pop Quiz Q3: What Learning Management System (LMS) Will You Use?

You'll want to choose an LMS that's both robust and user-friendly, one that offers the customization you need without compromising on ease of use. 

Enter WishList Member, a WordPress plugin designed specifically for creating and managing membership sites and online courses.

WishList Member: The Versatile Solution

WishList Member is the perfect option for entrepreneurs and businesses who want full control over their online course offerings. 

It’s a membership and subscription plugin with all the features and capabilities of an LMS.

Unlike standard LMSs that can be restrictive in terms of customization, WishList Member offers unparalleled flexibility. Set up multiple, membership levels, protect course content, and create a dynamic and interactive learning experience for your students.

Simple and Secure Payment Integration

One of the standout features is its seamless integration with various payment gateways, providing you with multiple options to handle transactions. Whether you're using Stripe, PayPal, or other payment methods, WishList Member makes it simple.

CourseCure: Your In-House Course Builder

Embedded within WishList Member is CourseCure, a robust course builder designed to streamline the creation of your online courses. 

This tool eliminates the need to rely on third-party applications for course creation, offering you an all-in-one solution for your online education business.

• User-Friendly Interface: The intuitive design ensures that even those without technical skills can easily navigate the course building process.

• Drag-and-Drop Functionality: Crafting a syllabus is as easy as dragging and dropping course elements into place.

• Content Scheduling: CourseCure allows you to schedule the release of your content, giving you full control over the learning pace of your students.

• Interactive Quizzes and Assessments: Easily create engaging quizzes and assessments to monitor student progress and increase engagement.

• Gamification: Use points and badges to enhance student engagement and increase course completion rates.

With WishList Member and CourseCure, you not only gain a reliable LMS but also an integrated course builder that simplifies the technical aspects of offering an online course. 

This combination provides a comprehensive, low-risk solution for your online educational venture, making it easier for you to focus on delivering quality content.

Zoom Integration for Live Classes

WishList Member also offers a fully-supported Zoom add-on which enables students to easily sign up for live-classes, 1:1 sessions, and more.

This integration means you can easily offer a premium, more personalized service to higher-paying students, or offer exclusive live sessions as an optional extra with an added fee.

Over 199 Profitable Ideas for Online Courses in 2024: Top-Performing Subjects Unveiled

Now that we've laid the groundwork, it's time to explore our comprehensive list of over 199 profitable online course ideas for 2024.

To make your search easier, we've sorted these potential subjects into major themes and niches that we’ve seen grow in popularity over the years.

Self-Improvement Digital Course Suggestions

Let’s start in the realm of personal growth. Here are some promising ideas for online course for you to explore:

1. Mastering interview techniques
2. Effective study strategies
3. Art of public speaking
4. Navigating career progression
5. Addressing and resolving conflicts
6. The science of negotiation
7. Building resilience in challenging times
8. Enhancing emotional intelligence
9. Promoting positive psychology
10. Understanding and practicing ethics
11. Courses addressing anti-racism
12. Exploring diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)
13. Boosting productivity
14. Efficient time management techniques
15. Leadership skills and development

As you can see, the self-improvement category is HUGE and offers many subjects to consider.

Online Course Ideas for Personal Finance

Next, let’s explore the realm of personal finance. 

People with a keen interest in this area often possess significant capital (or at least hope to!). This makes them great candidates for investing in online courses, as long as you showcase your expertise and credibility.

Here's a curated list of course topics tailored for the personal finance domain:

1. Foundations of personal finance
2. Mastering the art of budgeting
3. Strategies for effective savings
4. Navigating interest rates and debt management
5. Highlighting personal investment avenues
6. Introduction to micro-investing
7. Insights into real estate investment
8. Planning for a comfortable retirement
9. Managing and optimizing employee benefits
10. Comprehensive guides to personal finance software
11. Financial roadmap for young adults
12. Exploring the world of cryptocurrency
13. Achieving financial well-being
14. Stock trading techniques and strategies
15. Tailored financial planning (e.g., preparing for a new baby, home acquisition, etc.)

This is another big niche, allowing you to either provide a holistic overview or provide niche-specific financial objectives, such as saving up for a vehicle or home purchase.

Digital Music Course Ideas

For those blessed with musical talent, the online space offers many opportunities to share and teach. Here's a compilation of potential music course topics:

1. Understanding music theory
2. The art of music composition
3. Techniques in vocal training
4. Piano mastery
5. Guitar essentials
6. Rhythms in drumming
7. Bass guitar fundamentals
8. Violin virtuosity
9. Cello craftsmanship
10. Clarinet clarity
11. Trumpet techniques
12. Insights into music production
13. Journey through music history
14. Exploring concert technology
15. Improvisational Jazz

The beauty of this field lies in its depth and breadth. For instance, if you're passionate about music history, you could curate a series exploring the evolution of various genres or the legacy of iconic rock bands.

Digital Culinary Course Ideas

As highlighted by GlobalNewswire, the online culinary domain is projected to reach an impressive valuation of nearly $486 million by 2027. 

For culinary enthusiasts, be it professionals or home chefs, this presents endless opportunities. We’ve cooked up these profitable ideas for courses related to food and drink:

1. Culinary basics for novices
2. Economical cooking techniques
3. Plant-based and vegan culinary arts
4. Mastery in pastries
5. The art of bread crafting
6. Comprehensive baking sessions
7. Mixology and cocktail crafting
8. The joy of jam creation
9. Delicacies from Italy
10. Flavors of Mexican cuisine
11. Exploring Japanese gastronomy
12. French dessert specialties
13. Chinese culinary delights
14. Indian culinary traditions
15. Classic American dishes

Given the unique touch every chef imparts, this niche is especially promising for those with an established audience or followers.

Some food for thought!

Guidance for Parenting: Online Course Suggestions

With the millennial parenting sector now estimated at a whopping $46 billion by Forbes, there's immense potential in this area. Here's a curated list of course topics tailored for this segment:

1. Preparing for childbirth
2. Guidance on lactation and breastfeeding
3. Techniques for baby sleep routines
4. Nutrition essentials for infants and toddlers
5. Newborn care basics
6. Fostering early parent-child bonding
7. Exploring the science behind parenting
8. Tailored courses for parents navigating divorce
9. Support courses for single parenting
10. Guidance for parents raising bi-racial children
11. Specialized courses for parents of children with ADHD or ADD
12. Insights for adoptive parents
13. Navigating the challenges of parenting teenagers
14. Enhancing child-parent communication
15. Parenting strategies in today's digital world

Given the inclination of new parents towards community-building, this niche perfectly aligns with the idea of introducing a membership model alongside your course offerings. 

Digital Course Ideas for Artists

The realm of arts and crafts is a treasure trove of potential online course topics, teeming with creativity and diverse areas of interest.

Consider these artistic course themes:

1. Fundamentals of drawing
2. The art of painting
3. Mastering calligraphy
4. Capturing moments: Photography
5. Crafting with papier-mâché
6. Mastering jewelry creation
7. Educational craft projects
8. The cozy world of knitting
9. Techniques in crocheting
10. Sewing essentials
11. The magic of sculpting
12. Creating unique stamps
13. The craft of bookbinding
14. Designing handmade dolls
15. Embroidery techniques and patterns

The versatility of this niche is its strength. Whether catering to parents seeking engaging activities for their children or adults pursuing a creative outlet, the possibilities are endless.

Health, Wellness, and Fitness Digital Course Suggestions

The health and wellness market is currently valued at over $4 trillion! This gives you nearly infinite opportunities to carve out your own niche. If you possess expertise in fitness or sports medicine, this area could be a goldmine for you.

Here's a list of potential course topics within this niche:

1. Guided meditation sessions
2. Nutrition-focused programs
3. Regimens for weight management
4. Strategies for effective meal preparation
5. Training guides for half-marathons or full marathons
6. Yoga practices
7. Pilates routines
8. Insights into herbal treatments
9. Comprehensive guides on natural healing
10. Exploring vegetarian and vegan lifestyles
11. Introduction to Reiki
12. Mastering sleep routines for better health
13. Focused courses on women's well-being
14. Men's health insights
15. Understanding gut health and its importance

It's crucial to note that content within this sector can influence an individual's mental and physical well-being. Meticulous course design and showcasing your qualifications are critically important in this niche.

Digital Marketing Course Ideas

The realm of digital marketing is vast and brimming with opportunities for lucrative course offerings. Here's a compilation to kickstart your brainstorming:

1. Digital marketing fundamentals
2. Strategies in social media marketing
3. The art of content marketing
4. The essentials of affiliate marketing
5. The world of influencer marketing
6. Harnessing video for marketing
7. Email marketing techniques
8. Strategies for ecommerce marketing
9. Blogging essentials
10. Mastering the craft of copywriting
11. Unraveling the nuances of Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
12. Marketing through podcasts
13. Exploring AI's role in marketing
14. Deciphering digital marketing analytics
15. Ethical approaches in marketing

The dynamic nature of digital marketing ensures it's always in flux, introducing fresh concepts and strategies. This ever-evolving landscape means any of the aforementioned subjects could be molded into a top-tier online course offering.

Online Course Ideas for Business & Entrepreneurial Ventures

While the digital marketing domain is ripe with course opportunities, the sphere of entrepreneurship is equally promising and expansive.

Here's a curated list of course topics tailored for budding entrepreneurs:

1. Foundations of entrepreneurship
2. Harnessing creativity and innovation in business
3. Step-by-step guide to crafting a business website
4. Essentials of business management
5. Building a compelling personal brand
6. Strategies for generating passive income
7. Affiliate blogging for beginners
8. Navigating the world of investor relations
9. Comprehensive guide to essential business tools
10. Building and nurturing business partnerships
11. Mastering the art of business writing
12. Principles of sustainable business practices
13. Cultivating a growth mindset
14. Tailored insights for startup ventures
15. Enhancing business communication prowess

This arena is vast and offers dozens of unique angles. So, let your creativity flow and design courses that resonate with your target audience.

Ideas for Online Course About Gardening & Home Life

For those blessed with a knack for nurturing plants or adeptness with home tools, there are a ton of online course ideas to dig into, including…

1. Gardening 101: An Overview
2. The world of flower cultivation
3. Growing your own vegetables
4. Crafting a herb sanctuary
5. The science of aquaponic gardening
6. Techniques in plant propagation
7. Exploring viticulture
8. Basics of home maintenance
9. Transformative home renovation
10. Step-by-step guide to deck construction
11. Art of landscaping
12. Efficient irrigation methods
13. Flooring essentials
14. Navigating household electrical wiring
15. Mastery in carpentry

If you’ve got a green (or calloused) thumb to show for your gardening and DIY skills, share your pro tips with the world!

Digital Language Learning Course Suggestions

Possessing proficiency in a foreign language and having the knack to teach it places you in an advantageous position. Online language courses are a promising avenue for those looking to venture into the elearning domain.

Here's a curated list of languages that could be potential course offerings:

1. Business English
2. Speaking Spanish for Beginners
3. French fundamentals
4. Immersion in Italian
5. Grasping German
6. Exploring Portuguese
7. Introduction to Chinese
8. Mastering Mandarin
9. Journey through Japanese
10. Rudiments of Russian
11. Hindi essentials
12. Arabic articulation
13. Korean comprehension
14. Venturing into Vietnamese
15. Pursuing Punjabi

While the list emphasizes potentially high-demand languages, teaching a niche or less prevalent language could also carve out a unique space for you in the market.

Digital Course Ideas for Eco-Conscious Living

With a growing emphasis on eco-friendly choices, sustainable living has emerged as a prominent niche in the online course domain, reflecting the consumer shift towards sustainable products and packaging.

Here's a compilation of potential course topics tailored for this domain:

1. Foundations of sustainable living
2. Eco-friendly gardening techniques
3. Embracing a zero-waste lifestyle
4. Sustainable fashion choices
5. Harnessing renewable energy for households
6. Mindful consumption practices
7. Eco-conscious transportation methods
8. Waste minimization and recycling strategies
9. Going plant-based for the environment
10. Techniques for water preservation
11. Eco-tourism and sustainable travel insights
12. Advocacy for climate change
13. Effective sustainable waste handling
14. Principles of ethical investment
15. Raising eco-aware children: Green parenting

Given the interdisciplinary nature of sustainability, this niche offers a diverse range of topics, catering to a wide audience with varied interests.

Digital Course Concepts for Beauty & Cosmetics

The beauty sector is undeniably lucrative, with the beauty and personal care industry in the U.S. alone boasting a valuation exceeding $92 billion this year.

Here's a curated list of course topics tailored for this domain:

1. Makeup basics: A beginner's guide
2. Train in theatrical makeup
3. Advanced techniques in theatrical makeup
4. Bridal makeup essentials
5. Exploring color palettes in makeup
6. Ensuring makeup hygiene
7. Techniques in eyebrow microblading
8. Courses on eyebrow tinting
9. Mastery in lash tinting and curling
10. Nail care: Manicures and pedicures
11. The art of facials
12. Waxing essentials
13. Tailored skincare routines for varied skin types
14. Embracing natural skincare
15. The world of clean beauty

Given the specialized tools and equipment some of these courses might require, this niche is particularly apt for those already in the beauty business, seeking to diversify their offerings.

Digital Course Ideas for Home Aesthetics & Design

Finally, let’s consider the realm of interior design, a sector boasting multi-billion dollar valuations, and home decor, here are some curated course themes:

1. Introduction to the world of interior design
2. The role of color in shaping interiors
3. Techniques in home adornment and styling
4. Mastery in interior wall painting
5. Home staging for real estate appeal
6. Principles of Feng shui in design
7. The art of flower arrangement
8. Crafting restaurant interiors
9. Designing productive office spaces
10. DIY projects for home decor enthusiasts
11. Embracing minimalist design aesthetics
12. Design solutions for compact spaces
13. Illuminating homes: Lighting techniques
14. Retro and vintage decor insights
15. The simplicity of Scandinavian interiors

This concludes our compilation of potential bestsellers in the online course arena for 2024!

Final Thoughts

Now’s a fantastic time to start your online course venture. When you equip your virtual classroom with stalwart tools like WordPress and WishList Member, your pathway from chalkboard to profitable online courses becomes a walk across the graduation stage.

Ready for your homework assignment? Pinpoint a high-demand course subject that matches your field of expertise, and get creative with your course content!

Whether you're an authority on health and wellness, a guru to guide parents, or a maestro of personal finance, our carefully curated list of over 199 ideas for online courses is your study guide to success.

Class participation counts! We're eager to read your comments, questions, and insights about the profitable online courses spotlighted in this academic journal, ahem, article. So, grab your virtual pen and jot your thoughts down in the comments section below.

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