How to Build a WordPress-Powered Online Course Marketplace

Creating an online course marketplace with WordPress allows you to host and sell courses from multiple instructors while earning commissions. Whether you want to build the next Udemy, Teachable, or a niche course platform, WordPress provides the flexibility and tools to make it happen.

This guide covers the essential steps, plugins, and strategies to launch a successful course marketplace.

Why Build a WordPress Course Marketplace?

A course marketplace enables:
✅ Passive income – Earn revenue from instructor sales (via commissions or subscriptions).
✅ Scalability – Add unlimited courses without creating all the content yourself.
✅ Diverse learning options – Offer courses in multiple niches.
✅ Community engagement – Foster discussions, reviews, and memberships.

Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Course Marketplace

1. Choose the Right Hosting & Domain

• Recommended Hosting:

  • Cloudways (for scalability)

  • SiteGround (optimized for WordPress)

  • WP Engine (high-performance managed hosting)

• Domain Name: Pick a brandable, memorable name (e.g., SkillHub.com).

2. Install WordPress & Set Up a Marketplace Theme

• Use a theme optimized for courses and memberships:

  • Academy Pro (LearnDash compatible)

  • Eduma (Works with Tutor LMS)

  • WPLMS (Built for e-learning). Our YouTube channel; https://www.youtube.com/@easythemestore

3. Select a Learning Management System (LMS) Plugin

The best LMS plugins for marketplaces:

A. LearnDash + WooCommerce (+ Commission Add-ons)

• Best for: Advanced course structures, drip content, and quizzes.

• Marketplace Add-ons:

  • WC Vendors – Lets instructors sell courses and take commissions.

  • LearnDash + Stripe Connect – Direct payouts to instructors.

B. Tutor LMS (+ Monetization Add-ons)

• Best for: Easy-to-use interface with built-in monetization.

• Marketplace Features:

  • Multi-Instructor Support – Allow multiple teachers.

  • Commission Rules – Set % fees per sale.

C. LifterLMS + WooCommerce

• Best for: Membership-based course marketplaces.

• Key Features:

  • Course Bundles – Sell packages.

  • Affiliate Integration – Reward promoters.

4. Enable Instructor Submissions & Commissions

• Use Plugins Like:

  • Dokan LMS (WooCommerce-based instructor marketplace)

  • Frontend Dashboard for LearnDash (Let instructors manage courses easily)

  • HivePress (Lightweight marketplace builder)

5. Set Up Monetization & Payment Gateways

• Revenue Models:

  • Commission-based (Take 10-30% per sale).

  • Subscription (Charge instructors or students monthly).

  • One-time purchases (Sell courses individually).

• Payment Gateways:

  • Stripe (Low fees, global support).

  • PayPal (Widely trusted).

  • Razorpay (For Indian markets).

6. Add Essential Features for Engagement

• Membership & Community:

  • BuddyPress (For student/instructor interaction).

  • bbPress (Course discussion forums).

• Certificates & Badges:

  • BadgeOS (Gamify learning).

• Course Reviews & Ratings:

  • WP Course Review (Boost credibility).

7. Optimize for SEO & Marketing

• SEO Plugins:

  • Rank Math or Yoast SEO (Optimize course pages).

• Marketing Tools:

  • ConvertKit (Email automation for students).

  • ThriveCart (Upsell & checkout optimization).

Final Thoughts

Building a WordPress-powered course marketplace requires the right LMS plugin, monetization strategy, and community features. By leveraging tools like LearnDash, Tutor LMS, or LifterLMS, you can create a thriving platform where instructors sell courses while you earn passive income.

🚀 Next Steps:

• Choose an LMS & test instructor onboarding.
• Set up commission rules and payment gateways.
• Launch with a few high-quality courses and scale from there!

Would you like recommendations for specific niches (coding, fitness, business)? Let me know how I can refine this guide for your needs!