Instructor Payment Options on Online Platforms

Tue Jan 28, 2025

Flexible Payment Options for Instructors on Online Education Platforms

The rise of digital education has opened a world of opportunities for instructors worldwide. By leveraging an online education platform, instructors can reach students far beyond geographical boundaries, offering courses in various fields, from business and technology to arts and wellness. However, one of the most critical aspects for any instructor when deciding where to teach online courses is the payment structure offered by the platform.

In this blog, we’ll explore various instructor payment options on online education platforms, delving into the most important details when choosing the best teaching platform. If you’re looking to launch your teaching career, read on to discover how different platforms handle instructor payments, and by the end, we’ll also show you why LearnSkill stands out as the top choice.

1. Revenue Share Models

One of the most common payment options available on an online education platform is the revenue-sharing model. The platform takes a percentage of the course fees in this structure, while the rest goes to the instructor. The percentage split varies by platform but typically ranges between 30-50% for the platform and 50-70% for the instructor.

This model can benefit instructors looking to teach online courses because it aligns the interests of both the platform and the instructor. The platform is motivated to promote the course since it benefits from increased enrollments while the instructor can still earn a substantial portion of the fees.

Revenue sharing, however, may not suit instructors who prefer a fixed payout, but it can be an attractive option for those who are just starting and need support with marketing and audience reach.

2. Flat Fee Payments

Some online education platforms offer flat-fee payment structures. In this model, the instructor is paid a fixed amount upfront for creating the course. The platform then retains the rights to the course content and any future earnings generated from it.

This method is ideal for instructors who prefer a guaranteed income regardless of how the course performs in enrollment. However, instructors who expect their courses to do exceptionally well may feel limited by this model, as they won’t benefit from future revenue potential.

Platforms like LearnSkill offer flexible models that combine elements of both revenue sharing and upfront fees, ensuring instructors have multiple payment options to choose from based on their needs.

3. Subscription-Based Models

Subscription-based models have gained popularity in recent years. These allow students to access a wide range of courses by paying a monthly or yearly fee. For instructors, payment is typically calculated based on the minutes or hours students spend on their courses.

This payment option mainly benefits instructors offering long-form courses or multiple courses on the same platform. The more time students spend on their content, the higher the payout. Subscription models are a great way to build a sustainable income stream while consistently creating new content for learners.

If you choose to teach online courses through a subscription-based online education platform, consider LearnSkill, where you can maximize earnings through their structured and instructor-friendly subscription system.

4. Pay-Per-Course Enrollments

Another standard payment method is pay-per-course enrollment. Here, instructors earn a percentage of each student’s enrollment fee for their course. This system is quite simple: the more students who enrol, the more the instructor earns. Many platforms that offer this method allow instructors to set their own course prices, giving them control over their potential earnings.

While this method provides flexibility and control, it may take instructors time to build an audience large enough to generate significant income. As a result, it works best for those who already have a following or are offering a niche course with high demand.

LearnSkill ensures that instructors earn from each enrollment and receive marketing support to attract a broader student base, enhancing their income potential over time.

5. Membership Sites

Some platforms offer membership-based payment models, where instructors create exclusive content for a select group of paying members. Instructors can charge a recurring fee for access to premium content, such as additional courses, live Q&A sessions, or downloadable resources.

This method benefits instructors who want to build a strong community of learners and generate recurring income. It also allows instructors to provide ongoing value, increasing retention rates.

For instructors who want to teach online courses and engage with learners on a deeper level, membership sites are an excellent way to build a loyal following. LearnSkill’s innovative membership features allow instructors to offer exclusive content, ensuring long-term engagement with their students.

6. Affiliate Programs

Some online education platforms offer affiliate programs, where instructors can earn additional income by promoting their courses or the platform itself. This system works by providing the instructor with a unique referral link, which they can share with potential students. In return, they earn a commission for every sale made through their link.

This method offers instructors an extra income stream, especially if they have a strong online presence or a large audience. It’s also a win-win scenario since the platform gains more students, and instructors are rewarded for their promotional efforts.

At LearnSkill, instructors have access to a comprehensive affiliate program that allows them to increase their earnings by referring new students to their courses and the platform.

7. Course Bundling

Some platforms allow instructors to bundle several courses together and offer them at a discounted price. This method can benefit both instructors and students, as students get access to more content at a lower price, while instructors can earn more by selling a higher volume of courses.

Course bundling is a smart strategy for instructors with multiple courses or planning to create a series of related courses. It increases the likelihood of attracting more students and boosts revenue by incentivizing learners to purchase more content.

LearnSkill enables instructors to create customized course bundles, offering them greater flexibility in packaging and pricing their content.

8. Freemium Models

The freemium model involves offering a portion of the course for free while charging for full access to the entire course or additional premium content. This strategy can be a great way to attract new students and encourage them to enrol in paid courses after experiencing the free content.

Freemium models work well for instructors who want to build trust and demonstrate the value of their courses upfront. However, to compensate the instructor adequately, it’s essential to strike the right balance between free and paid content.

At LearnSkill, the freemium model can be seamlessly integrated into an instructor’s course offerings, allowing them to reach a wider audience while maintaining strong revenue potential.


Conclusion

Instructors must consider the payment options available when choosing an online education platform. From revenue sharing and pay-per-enrollment to subscription models and membership sites, each option has advantages and drawbacks depending on the instructor’s goals. However, the key is finding a platform that offers flexible payment methods tailored to your teaching style and business model.

LearnSkill, as a leading online education platform, stands out by offering a variety of payment models that cater to the needs of both new and experienced instructors. With its unique combination of revenue sharing, subscription models, membership sites, and an affiliate program, LearnSkill provides instructors with multiple avenues to teach online courses and generate sustainable income. Plus, with its advanced marketing support, instructors can focus on creating quality content while the platform helps drive traffic to their courses.

Ready to get started? Discover the best online education platform to learn from top instructors and build a sustainable online business with LearnSkill today.

FAQ: Instructor Payment Options on Online Platforms

What is the most common payment method for instructors on an online education platform?

The most common payment method is the revenue-sharing model, where the platform takes a percentage of the course fees, and the instructor keeps the remainder. Other standard methods include flat fee payments, subscription models, and pay-per-course enrollments.

How do subscription-based payment models work for instructors?

In subscription models, students pay a recurring fee to access multiple courses, and instructors are paid based on the time students spend on their content. The more engagement instructors generate, the higher their earnings.

What are the benefits of the revenue-sharing model?

Revenue sharing aligns the platform’s and instructor’s interests, as both parties benefit from higher enrollments. It’s an excellent option for instructors who are starting or looking for marketing support to attract students.

Can instructors set their course prices?

On most platforms, including LearnSkill, instructors can set their course prices for pay-per-enrollment models, allowing them to control their earnings.

What is a membership-based payment model, and how can it benefit instructors?

In a membership-based model, instructors create exclusive content for paying members, who pay a recurring fee. This model is excellent for building a loyal community and generating recurring income.

What is course bundling, and how does it increase revenue?

Course bundling allows instructors to package multiple courses and offer them at a discounted price. It incentivizes students to purchase more content, increasing the instructor’s earnings.

How does the freemium model work?

The freemium model involves offering part of a course for free while charging for full access or premium content. It helps instructors attract more students by giving them a preview of the course before committing to a purchase.

What is an affiliate program for instructors?

An affiliate program allows instructors to earn additional income by promoting their courses or the platform itself. Instructors share referral links and earn a commission for every successful enrollment through their link.

Which payment option is best for instructors new to teaching online courses?

The revenue-sharing model is ideal for new instructors as it provides built-in marketing support from the platform. However, the best option depends on the instructor’s goals, course content, and target audience.

What unique payment options does LearnSkill offer?

LearnSkill offers various payment options, including revenue sharing, subscription models, membership sites, course bundling, affiliate programs, and more. This flexibility ensures that instructors can choose the payment model that aligns with their teaching and financial goals.

If you're ready to start your teaching journey, discover the best online education platform to learn from top instructors and build a sustainable online business with LearnSkill today.