The platform doesn't matter

Anyone who knows me will tell you I’m a detail guy.

In some ways it’s a super power but in other ways it’s a super power-ful pain in the arse.

For instance, if I’m mapping out a course using Post-It notes (yes I do go “old school” sometimes) the different colours have to mean different things. So maybe yellow is for lessons, blue is for assignments, pink is for resources, and so on.

Deep down I know it doesn’t matter what colour the damn notes are, but I can’t focus on the main task until I’ve worked out the ground rules.

On the flip side, small details can be crucial and it’s great to be able to get into the weeds when I need to.

But I’ve learned that focusing on the details too early can slow you down. Even bring you to a complete halt.

And many course creators hit this problem when it comes to their course platform.

They feel like they can’t move forward until they’ve picked one. Then they struggle to decide.

But the thing is, it doesn’t matter. At least, it doesn’t matter enough to let it slow you down.

Choosing a course platform is like choosing a car. Should you do some research before buying? Absolutely. But will choosing model X instead model Y fundamentally change your ability to get from A to B? Absolutely not.

Because your course platform is just a means to an end - delivering a result for your students.

Learning about course platforms might feel like working on your course, but it’s not. It’s just a way to avoid doing the real work.

Fortunately, there are two great ways to avoid what I call platform paralysis.

Option 1: Just pick a damn platform and move on.

Give up on the idea of finding the perfect platform (it doesn’t exist). Pick an established platform with a strong following at a price point you can afford.

Thinkific, LearnDash and Kajabi are some of my favourite choices. Newer options like New Zenler and MemberVault are gaining serious traction too.

Just understand that whichever one you choose there’ll be a learning curve and a few features won’t work exactly how you want. But choose one and you get to check “pick a platform” off your to-do list.

Option 2: Wait until the last possible moment.

The other approach is to wait until not having a platform is genuinely the one thing stopping you from moving forward.

So you’ve created your launch content, you’ve worked out your promotion plan, and all you need now is a way for your first customers to buy and get access to your course.

When you reach that point, give yourself a tight deadline for choosing your platform. Do a little research, make a decision, and then get that course launched.

Course creation isn’t always easy, but please don’t make the platform part harder than it needs to be.

See you soon,

Glen.

Affiliate disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links which means I’ll receive a commission if you sign up for a paid plan. It doesn’t cost you anything but it helps me out.