How to Sell eLearning Courses and Actually Make a Profit
If you’ve ever created an online course that flopped, you’re in good company — and in the right place. Selling eLearning courses isn’t magic, but it does require more than uploading videos and hoping someone shows up. At Pukunui, we’ve helped countless educators and organisations turn their Moodle™ software-based content into thriving revenue streams. The key? Combining smart strategy with the right tools — and a generous dose of user empathy.
Here’s how to make your Moodle™ software implementation work for you financially — with smarter processes, better user experience, and solid marketing. We’ll even share a few behind-the-scenes stories from real clients who’ve made it work.
Start with the Right LMS Setup
Your LMS setup can make or break your sales. We’ve seen clients struggle for years with outdated systems that were difficult to manage or integrate. One client, for instance, came to us stuck with a clunky Drupal site and zero automation. Their goal? Help expat women in Malaysia upskill and transition back into the workforce. Noble mission — terrible tech.
We rebuilt their front-end using WordPress, gave it a fresh, brand-aligned design, and added proper admin controls. Then, we set up a Moodle™ software-based learning site alongside it and connected the two using WooCommerce. Users could buy a course on WordPress, get signed up, enrolled, and logged in to Moodle™ — all automatically.
Result? The client went from clunky chaos to streamlined success in under two weeks.
Understand What You’re Actually Selling
This might sound obvious, but a lot of new course creators misunderstand what they’re really offering. You’re not just selling video content — you’re offering transformation, convenience, credibility, or maybe even community.
Ask yourself:
- What outcome are learners expecting?
- How fast can they see results?
- What objections might they have about paying for your course?
Address these upfront in your course design and website content. One trick: use testimonials that show tangible outcomes — “This course helped me get a promotion” beats “Great content!” any day.
Make Payments (Ridiculously) Easy
If buying your course feels like effort, most people won’t bother — even if they love your content. One of our clients in Malaysia couldn’t convert local traffic until we implemented iPay88, a widely trusted local payment gateway. The moment transactions became smooth and familiar, conversions soared.
Tie this into your user experience: auto-enrol learners post-payment, ensure mobile checkout works flawlessly, and consider offering flexible pricing (bundles, subscriptions, early-bird promos) to improve uptake.
Connect with Corporate and Individual Buyers Separately
Not every learner is the same — and not every sale follows the same path. Client ‘B’ needed to reach both young professionals coming through LinkedIn and decision-makers from corporate HR teams.
So we split the entry points: LinkedIn single sign-on for individuals, administrative approval with email registration for companies. Simple on paper — surprisingly complex behind the scenes. But it paid off. They now sell high-volume packages to companies while staying accessible to casual learners.
Pro Tip:
Set up segmentation not just in sign-in but in your sales copy, pricing, and follow-up communication. A one-size-fits-all funnel rarely fits anyone well.
Brand Matters More Than You Think
You don’t need a Madison Avenue budget to create a brand learners trust — but you do need coherence. One client struggled because their LMS felt disconnected from their website. Users thought they’d clicked the wrong link when switching from brochure-style pages to a clunky unsupported Moodle™ theme.
Our fix? A custom ‘Boleh’ theme featuring the client’s colours, tone, even video banners. We bundled it with a social sharing plugin so learners could show off their achievements (and promote the course for free). Sales jumped, and no learners were confused about where they’d landed.
Use Data — Don’t Just Collect It
Most courses are sitting on a goldmine of analytics they never touch. Moodle™ software platforms offer rich tracking — use it to find out when users drop off a course, what modules they engage most with, or even if mobile learners perform better than desktop users.
Adjust course flow, content format, and even pricing based on that data. Small example: one client boosted completion rates after noticing that people dropped off during long quizzes. We split them into shorter sections, added progress bars, and made success feel more achievable.
Stand Out in a Crowded Market
Everyone is selling eLearning now. So why should learners choose you?
- Niche your content: Go deep, not wide. A course on “Marketing” won’t excite — one on “Marketing for Solo Jewelers on Instagram” will.
- Bring personality: Learners aren’t just buying lessons — they’re buying you. Use video intros, relatable stories, and clear structure.
- Use hooks: Limited-time bonuses, free trials, downloadable extras — give users a reason to act now.
And yes, it’s okay to have a little fun with it. We once had a client sell out a webinar called “Excel Like a Boss” — spreadsheets have never felt so cool.
Don’t Ignore Post-Sale Engagement
Once someone buys your course, your job’s not done. In fact, it’s just starting. Too many course sellers focus on acquisition and ignore the post-sale experience — losing out on reviews, referrals, and repeat business.
Send reminder emails, encourage forum interaction, offer completion certificates, and incentivise feedback. Bonus: this keeps your content visible and top of mind for social sharing.
Think Beyond Your Website
Should you only sell through your own site? Not necessarily. Depending on your topic, platforms like Udemy or Teachable can bring in significant revenue — even as you continue to sell via your branded Moodle™-based LMS.
We often recommend using them as secondary channels — great for brand visibility and lower-ticket options. But keep premium bundles or customised learning paths exclusive to your site.
Oh, and if you’re wondering — yes, affiliate marketing and influencer partnerships can work. But only when your offer is strong enough to be worth promoting.
Wrap-Up: What You Should Do Next
Selling eLearning courses with Moodle™ software doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start by clarifying your offer, simplifying your setup, and making it as easy as possible for learners to buy and engage. If you’re unsure where to begin, reach out to us. We’ll help you map out a sales-ready Moodle™-based system built for growth — whether you’re a solo educator or a training department in a large organisation.
And remember: your content deserves to be seen, valued, and yes — paid for.
FAQs About Selling eLearning Courses
How do I sell my eLearning courses online?
To sell your eLearning courses online, you’ll need a user-friendly website (usually built with WordPress), a reliable LMS like Moodle™ software, and a payment gateway such as WooCommerce with iPay88 or Stripe. It’s also essential to connect the two platforms and automate enrolments for a seamless learner experience.
Can I sell courses created in Moodle™ software?
Yes, you can sell courses hosted on a Moodle™ software implementation, as long as you integrate it with a compatible payment platform and enrolment system. Just be careful to clearly brand the experience.
What kind of content should I include in my Moodle™ courses?
Include a mix of video, quizzes, downloadable resources, and activities that engage learners. Structure your course in logical sections and offer milestones for progress. Always gear your content toward real outcomes or solutions — not just information.
Do I need to market my courses separately?
Yes. Building a course isn’t enough — you’ll need consistent marketing across your website, email list, and social media (particularly LinkedIn, if you’re targeting professionals). Paid ads or influencer marketing can also help, depending on your audience.
Should I consider platforms like Udemy or Teachable as well?
These platforms can extend your reach and are a good fit for lower-cost, high-volume courses. However, they’re best used as part of a broader strategy. Maintain premium content on your own branded site where you control the customer experience and have better margins.
