Online course creation has become increasingly popular in recent years, and with good reason. It allows individuals and businesses to share their expertise with a wide audience, regardless of geographical location. Two of the most popular platforms for creating and selling online courses are Teachable and Thinkific.
Both platforms offer a range of features and tools to help course creators design, market, and sell their courses online. However, when it comes to affiliate marketing, some key differences between the two platforms are worth exploring. Affiliate marketing is an essential aspect of promoting online courses. It allows course creators to tap into a wider network of partners who can promote their courses and earn a commission for each sale made through their unique affiliate link.
In this article, we’ll delve into the similarities and differences between Teachable and Thinkific regarding their affiliate marketing features to help you choose the best platform for your needs.
Affiliate Programs Overview
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a course creation platform is the affiliate program that comes with it. Affiliate programs allow course creators to partner with other individuals or companies to promote their courses in exchange for a commission on each sale. Here’s an overview of the affiliate programs offered by Teachable and Thinkific and a comparison of their commission rates and payout methods.
Teachable Affiliate Partner Program
Teachable’s “Affiliate Partner” program is open to anyone who wants to promote courses on the platform. Affiliates can earn up to 30% commission on each sale they refer, depending on the pricing plan of the course.
Teachable also offers a 90-day cookie duration, meaning affiliates will earn a commission on any sales made within 90 days of someone clicking their affiliate link. Payouts are made monthly through PayPal, with a minimum payout threshold of $50.
Thinkific Affiliate Program
Thinkific’s affiliate program is also open to anyone promoting courses on the platform. Affiliates can earn up to 30% lifetime recurring commission on each sale they refer, depending on the pricing plan of the course.
Similar to Teachable, Thinkific offers a 90-day cookie duration, similar to Teachable. Payouts are made monthly through PayPal or direct deposit, with a minimum payout threshold of $25.
Regarding requirements and eligibility criteria, Teachable and Thinkific require affiliates to sign up and agree to their terms and conditions. They also prohibit affiliates from using certain promotional methods, such as spamming or deceptive marketing practices. Both platforms offer competitive affiliate programs with similar commission rates and payout methods.
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Affiliate Tools and Resources
While commission rates and payout methods are important considerations when choosing a course creation platform’s affiliate program, they’re not the only factors to consider. Affiliates need various tools and resources to help them promote courses effectively and track their progress. Here’s a comparison of the affiliate tracking and reporting systems, availability of promotional materials and resources, and support for affiliate partners offered by Teachable and Thinkific.
Teachable’s Affiliate System
Teachable offers a robust affiliate tracking system that allows affiliates to track clicks, sales, and commissions in real time. Affiliates can access a dashboard with detailed analytics, including click-through rates, conversion rates, and revenue generated.
Teachable also offers a range of promotional materials and resources to help affiliates promote courses, including banners, email templates, and social media posts. Additionally, Teachable offers affiliate support through email and a dedicated affiliate support team.
Thinkific’s Affiliate Dashboard
Thinkific offers a similar affiliate tracking system to Teachable, allowing affiliates to track clicks, sales, and commissions in real time. Thinkific also offers a range of promotional materials and resources, including customizable landing pages, email templates, and social media posts.
However, Thinkific’s promotional materials are more limited than Teachable’s. Thinkific offers support for affiliates through email and a dedicated support team.
Overall, Teachable offers more comprehensive tracking and reporting systems and a wider range of promotional materials and resources. However, both platforms offer adequate support for affiliates.
Some course creators may choose to provide their affiliate resources and support, so this may not be a decisive factor when choosing between Teachable and Thinkific.
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Integrations and Third-Party Apps
Regarding affiliate marketing, course creators often rely on third-party apps and integrations to help them manage their affiliate programs effectively. Here’s an analysis of the integration options for affiliate marketing software and a comparison of the available third-party apps that support affiliate marketing on Teachable and Thinkific.
Integrations on Teachable
Teachable offers integrations with affiliate marketing software, including Refersion, Ambassador, and Post Affiliate Pro. These integrations allow course creators to manage their affiliate programs more effectively, track affiliate activity, and automate payouts.
Teachable also offers integrations with other marketing and analytics software, such as Google Analytics, Mailchimp, and ConvertKit. It can help course creators track their marketing efforts and optimize their courses for conversions.
Integrations on Thinkific
Thinkific offers integrations with affiliate marketing software, including Refersion, AffiliateWP, and iDevAffiliate. These integrations allow course creators to track affiliate activity, manage their programs more effectively, and automate payouts.
Thinkific also offers integrations with other marketing and analytics software, such as Google Analytics and Mailchimp. It can help course creators track their marketing efforts and optimize their courses for conversions.
Both Teachable and Thinkific offer a range of integration options for affiliate marketing software and support for other marketing and analytics software. However, Teachable offers more integration options for affiliate marketing software, while Thinkific offers integrations with AffiliateWP and iDevAffiliate, which are unavailable on Teachable.
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Teachable and Thinkific Affiliate Help: Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing a course creation platform for affiliate marketing, Teachable, and Thinkific offer robust features and options. Here’s a recap of the similarities and differences between the two platforms in terms of affiliate marketing:
- Teachable and Thinkific offer affiliate programs with similar commission rates and payout methods.
- Teachable offers more comprehensive tracking and reporting systems and a wider range of promotional materials and resources.
- Teachable offers more integration options for affiliate marketing software, while Thinkific offers integrations with AffiliateWP and iDevAffiliate.
Ultimately, the right platform for you will depend on your specific affiliate marketing needs. If you’re looking for a course creation platform with a robust affiliate program and a wide range of promotional materials and resources, Teachable may be the better choice. If you’re looking for a platform that offers integrations with AffiliateWP and iDevAffiliate, or if you prioritize third-party integrations over in-house resources, Thinkific may be the better choice.
In summary, both Teachable and Thinkific offer strong affiliate marketing features, and the right platform for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.