eCommerce has unquestionably reshaped how goods and services are bought and sold, with the e-commerce market expected to total over $8 trillion by 2026.
In the learning space, selling courses offers organizations the chance to boost revenue and increase global footprint, all while enhancing the learning experience. If you’re ready to broaden your offerings and to monetize your learning content, you need a learning management system (LMS) that’s up to the task, specifically built with eCommerce needs in mind.
The integration of eCommerce functionalities within the LMS landscape marks a shift in the approach to online learning. The distinction between an LMS with eCommerce capabilities and a traditional LMS lies in their core capabilities and focus. While both are used to deliver educational content, a modern LMS platform can be used as a powerful hub to sell content and courses, introducing revenue-generating opportunities, scalability, and enhanced user engagement features. A traditional LMS, while effective in content delivery and management, can lack the functionalities crucial for financial transactions, expansive growth, and interactive learning experiences.
An LMS can have a far-reaching impact on your organization, so it’s essential to pick the right one to maximize your investment. Below are five reasons why if you’re in the business of selling your courses outside your organization, you can’t choose any run-of-the mill LMS to scale with you as you look to advance the power of online course or content sales.
1. Maximize learning potential: Power-packed features and wide-reaching benefits
When you’re looking to monetize your courses, your LMS needs a number of distinctive features designed to maximize learning experiences. These include comprehensive user dashboards, flexible course cataloging, interactive assessments, and adaptable content delivery mechanisms. The integration of elements, progress tracking, and multimedia-rich learning materials further enriches the educational journey.
These features translate into tangible advantages for all stakeholders. Executives see streamlined administrative processes, revenue diversification through course sales, and improved brand visibility. Trainers enjoy enhanced course customization, analytics-driven insights, and simplified content management. Learners benefit from personalized learning paths, accessibility across devices, and engaging, interactive course materials.
Using a modern LMS platform also enables you to manage your L&D offerings from one place. No more jumping from website to website to orchestrate your programs. With a unified system, you can create an eCommerce experience that is intuitive for you and your learners.
Expanding your audience
When offering in-person training, costs for space, travel and time away from work can add up quickly. By offering training and development courses online via an LMS, learning can occur anywhere, and you aren’t restricted by the location of your speakers, your attendees or L&D budgets. With fewer elements to co-ordinate, you can focus on customizing and scaling your content to the specific objectives of your learners.
Global eTraining, a leading global provider of on-demand corporate training solutions achieved explosive growth using the Absorb LMS platform allowing them to serve tens of thousands of learners in 154 countries.
The ease and flexibility of a platform can also help you increase sales because learners can tune into your courses at any time of the day—via their preferred devices.
2. The interoperability of data for a better user experience
The power behind selling your content via an LMS platform lies in the seamless integration with diverse payment gateways and shopping cart systems. Using APIs, webhooks, or plugins, these platforms effortlessly sync with popular gateways, ensuring secure and hassle-free transactions.
When selling courses, using an LMS built around user experience is essential. From the frictionless checkout process to streamlined enrollment procedures, users navigate a user-friendly interface. Post-purchase, access management becomes intuitive, granting immediate course entry and ongoing support.
Multi-currency support
Letting learners make purchases in their local currencies eliminates currency conversion complexities and fosters a more seamless transaction experience. By supporting various currencies, these platforms enhance accessibility and eliminate barriers related to payment methods, letting learners worldwide engage with educational content without unnecessary constraints.
3. Security and compliance
In an age where data breaches loom as a significant threat, your LMS needs to be a pillar of robust security measures. Modern platforms prioritize the protection of sensitive information through stringent data security protocols. Employing cutting-edge encryption techniques, secure socket layer (SSL) technology, and multifactor authentication, ensures that user data remains shielded from unauthorized access or cyber threats. By implementing industry best practices, these systems create a secure environment where learners, trainers, and administrators can engage with confidence, knowing their data is safeguarded at every level.
Your choice of LMS needs to stand up against industry benchmarks, particularly the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), a vital compliance framework for secure payment processing. It assures users that their financial transactions are processed within a secure ecosystem. By complying with these standards, LMS platforms not only secure payment transactions but also instill trust and confidence among users, fostering a sense of reliability and credibility in the platform.
The Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, a recognized global leader in chiropractic education, research and patient care, has graduates practicing in 37 countries via the Absorb LMS platform.
Modern LMS platforms also allow you to stay compliant when offering training that is mandated by legislation or policy, such as privacy or anti-harassment training. With multiple compliance tools, such as deadline trackers, eSignatures and reporting analytics, making it easy for your clients to gather the necessary information needed for compliance.
4. Bridging growth and inclusion with accessibility
Robust LMS solutions are built to adapt to evolving demands. These platforms provide businesses with the flexibility to scale operations, accommodate an influx of users, content, and functionalities. Whether it's catering to a doubling user base or integrating new courses, the flexibility of a scalable LMS ensures seamless growth without compromising performance or user experience.
In a world that champions inclusivity, pick an LMS that upholds the principles of universal access. Complying with s such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), these platforms ensure that users with disabilities have equal access to learning materials. Implementing features like screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation, and adjustable contrast ratios, the platforms create an inclusive environment where all users can engage with content effortlessly. By prioritizing accessyouibility, not only meets regulatory standards but also fosters an environment that celebrates diversity and empowers every learner to thrive.
5. Global expansion and cultural adaptability
Modern LMS’ serve as gateways, allowing educational content to reach learners globally. By leveraging advanced technologies and strategic integrations, an LMS can facilitate the seamless distribution of learning materials and help to foster a learning community without borders.
At the heart of global outreach lies —a pivotal feature embedded within LMS platforms designed for scaling. These systems facilitate content translation into multiple languages, ensuring that learners can access materials in their preferred language. The ability to offer courses in different languages amplifies comprehension and engagement, bridging the gap between educators and learners from varied linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
Partner with experts in selling courses
By using an LMS platform that integrates with your eCommerce business, you can drive organizational growth and boost administrative efficiencies, all while enhancing the learning experience and eliminating the hurdles of in-person training sessions. If you're implementing a new LMS strategy or want to update your current platform to include an eCommerce integration, learn which LMS requirements you'll need to enhance your learners' experience.
Why choose Absorb LMS for your eCommerce business?
Choosing Absorb LMS is choosing an, award-winning, AI-powered solution. We offer a unified platform, that delivers engaging learners and elevating their learning experiences. Built to cater to the evolving needs of the digital world, Absorb LMS is not just a tool for today but a robust solution designed for the future. With our cloud-based structure, you get the advantage of accessibility, scalability, and security — ensuring your LMS solution is as agile as your organization's learning needs.
Experience the future of learning with Absorb LMS. Book a demo.