# My favorite tools to build online courses

Published on 2024-12-05 · Updated on 2026-09-10 · 2 minutes to read

After 10 years of creating online courses, I've put together a comprehensive list of tools and software for creating the best possible courses.

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Creating online courses requires a set of appropriate tools to deliver an optimal learning experience. After analyzing market best practices, here's a comprehensive guide to the essential tools for creating and selling your online courses.

## Essential Tools to Get Started

### Email Management: The Backbone of Your Business

To start creating online courses, two fundamental tools are needed: an email management system and a training platform. For email management, two main options stand out:

[**Kit**](https://marketingmania.fr/go/convertkit) : Perfect for beginners

- Free plan up to 10,000 subscribers
- Intuitive interface
- Segmentation features
- Affordable pricing ($125 for 15,000 subscribers)

[**ActiveCampaign**](https://www.activecampaign.com/): For advanced users

- Advanced segmentation
- Sophisticated automations
- More expensive ($265 for 15,000 subscribers)

### Training Platforms

[**SchoolMaker**](/?utm_campaign=blog&utm_medium=article&utm_source=website) helps you make more sales by creating better results for your students:

- Specialized platform
- Integrated community management
- Student progress tracking
- Coaching features

You can also create several bundles that include access to:

- Courses
- Community
- Coaching
- Lives
- Videos Q&A.

Your bundles are fully customizable. A duration of access can be defined for each content (lifetime, limited-time, subscription).

[**WordPress**](https://marketingmania.fr/go/wordpress)** + **[**Wishlist Member**](https://wishlistmember.com/):

- Customizable solution
- Requires technical skills
- Complex configuration

‍**All-in-one Platforms**:

- ClickFunnels
- Podia

## Website Hosting Solutions

[**Carrd**](https://carrd.co)

- Free for a simple site
- $19 per year for premium
- Perfect for beginners

[**Leadpages**](https://marketingmania.fr/go/leadpages)

- Specialized in sales pages
- $74 plan recommended
- User-friendly interface

### Advanced Options

[**Webflow**](https://webflow.com/)

- Professional interface
- Complete customization
- Steep learning curve

[**WordPress**](https://marketingmania.fr/go/wordpress)

- Ideal for blogging
- Requires plugins (Thrive Suite recommended)
- Significant annual budget (around $500)

## Content Creation Tools

### Audio Equipment

**ATR 2100**

- Affordable price ($70)
- Professional quality
- Simple USB connection
- Ideal for beginners

### Video Equipment

**Camlink 4K**

- Compatible with cameras
- Professional quality
- Ideal for those with good cameras

[**Continuity Camera**](https://support.apple.com/fr-fr/102546) (Apple ecosystem)

- Uses iPhone as webcam
- Superior quality to standard webcams
- Requires a mount

### Recording Software

[**CleanShot X**](https://cleanshot.com/) (Mac)

- Advanced screen capture
- Webcam recording
- Intuitive interface

**SnagIt** (Windows)

- Windows alternative
- Similar features

[**Riverside**](https://riverside.fm)

- High-quality remote recording
- Perfect for interviews and guest sessions
- Local recording for each participant
- Superior quality to Zoom recordings

## Advanced Sales Tools

### Sales Optimization

[**Deadline Funnel**](https://marketingmania.fr/go/deadline...)

- Authentic scarcity creation
- Personalized sales funnels
- Custom timers

[**ThriveCart**](https://marketingmania.fr/go/thrivecart)

- Advanced cart management
- Upsells and order bumps
- SchoolMaker integration

### Automation and Analytics

[**Zapier**](https://zapier.com)

- Task automation
- Tool connection

Alternative: [Make.com](http://Make.com)

## Productivity Tools

### Time Tracking

[**Toggl**](https://marketingmania.fr/go/toggl)

- Free for personal use
- Precise time tracking
- Project analysis

## Conclusion

Choosing the right tools is crucial for creating effective online courses. Start with the essentials (email and training platform) and gradually evolve towards more advanced solutions based on your needs. The key is to avoid spreading yourself too thin and focus on tools that bring real value to your business.

## FAQ

**What's the minimum budget to get started?**‍

You can start with less than $100 using Kit (free) and a basic training platform.

**Is video equipment investment absolutely necessary?**

No, you can start with your webcam and a good microphone (ATR 2100).

**What's the best platform for beginners?**

For beginners, a solution like C offers good value for money.

**Can you create courses without investing in paid tools?**

Yes, with free solutions like Kit and basic screen capture tools, but investing in certain tools can significantly improve the quality of your courses.

‍

— Stan Leloup, SchoolMaker