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Should You Use with a Membership Plugin? -

Apr 4, 2022

When you create an online class using WordPress it is likely that you'll discover many routes to reach the goal.

WordPress is the ideal instrument for selling and creating online courses because it is flexible and it you own the platform. However, there are so many available plugins that it is sometimes quite confusing.

Maybe you're experiencing this issue to create your own online course and you don't know what to do. If you decide to manage your own WordPress site, you'll ultimately face the following decision to run your course:

  1. Use only for your courses
  2. Use a membership plugin only
  3. Make use of both

The solution to this question is dependent on the particulars of your particular project. Therefore, unfortunately I cannot provide a definitive guideline for when to make use of every. However, let's explore various situations.

1. Utilizing only

If you're looking into then you actually don't need a plugin for membership for content protection. Our LMS will safeguard your content without the need for a membership plugin by using our Access Settings.

For example, let's say that you want to sell three different classes. The contents of these course (lessons or quizzes.) cannot be viewed by people who have not yet registered. Only registered users to take the course have access to the material. If someone buys one course, they do not have access to the others. Only access is granted to only one course.

If your class isn't completely free, then you're probably wondering how to add the option of paying for your course. integrates with the following well-known shopping carts:

  • Simple Digital Downloads
  • SamCart
  • ThriveCart (beta)

It is important to note that the WordPress shopping carts (1 and 2 above) integrate with numerous payment gateways. The carts include the following payment gateways , if you choose to use no shopping cart:

  • PayPal
  • Stripe
  • 2Checkout

You can very easily use any of these options to accept payment. will protect your course contents without having to use a membership plugin. People who choose this approach appreciate the streamlined process for making their own course offerings as it cuts back on having to learn another solution.

2. Using a Membership Plugin (Only)

It is important to note that there are certain instances where using an LMS plugin like isn't necessary.

If the project you are working on only demands that you protect a couple pages, articles or even assets that are in your WordPress website, then a membership plugin is all you really need. A learning management tool is in this instance overkill.

An example is if there is a website that includes a community forum and possibly some beneficial downloads available to your members. In this case it is not necessary to install application like this since there isn't a need for course enrollments, quizzing, badges, certificates or points and reporting.

3. Using Both and a membership plugin

Although a membership-based plugin isn't necessary but there could be benefits when using the membership plugin, based on the requirements you have.

For instance, if you want to have more metrics about your members then using the membership plugin will be an excellent value-added feature. Most membership platforms offer reports built-in to them. Used in conjunction with this provides you with more insights into your members.

A different scenario that can be used for each is when you own an existing membership website and just want to add some course capabilities with a formal, organized fashion. The addition of a plugin makes it simple to increase the value of your membership website through the creation of classes for members to take. You don't have to change the way you manage the members, as in this case you continue with your membership plugin.

can be directly connected to the following membership solutions:

For a note of caution Avoid locking in vendors!

The learning programs you choose to enroll in can differ with regard to demands and at times, these demands alter. With you can start your learning program using one of the options above and freely switch as needed.

What I have learned after over a decade within the world of online learning is that learning courses and online classes are not universally applicable. Learners change and the same goes for demands.

If you do or don't, whether you use or not highly suggest that you stay clear of any product that promotes an e-commerce site that is a singular way to protect content. The same way Be wary of any solution that is billed with the tagline "all-in-one". This is rarely the case and if it's the case, it means that you're locked in also. You don't want to take on this kind of risk. This has caused individuals major pain throughout the years.

Still confused? Check out this webinar!

This webinar will cover common use-cases where the use of a membership plugin in conjunction could make sense.