Thinkific is a popular platform for creating and delivering online courses. It offers a wide range of features and tools that make it easy for educators, coaches, and entrepreneurs to share their knowledge with others. While there are many benefits to using Thinkific, there are also some potential drawbacks that users should be aware of. In this article, we will provide an overview of the pros and cons of the platform and offer some insights into what you should consider before choosing to use Thinkific.
When it comes to the pros of Thinkific, there are many. The platform is user-friendly, easy to navigate, and offers a variety of customizable options for creating and delivering courses. It also offers robust reporting and analytics features, which can help users track their course performance and make data-driven decisions about their content. Additionally, Thinkific offers great customer support, with a dedicated team of experts available to help users with any questions or issues they may encounter.
However, as with any platform, there are also some cons to using Thinkific. In the following sections, we will discuss some of the most common drawbacks that users have reported.
The Cons of Thinkific
Limited Customization Options for Course Pages
One of the biggest drawbacks of Thinkific is that it offers limited customization options for course pages. While there are some customization options available, users may find that they are not able to achieve the exact look and feel they want for their courses. This can be frustrating for users who want to create a truly unique and branded experience for their learners.
No Built-In Video Hosting
Another potential drawback of Thinkific is that it does not offer built-in video hosting. While users can embed videos from third-party hosting services like YouTube or Vimeo, this can create a less seamless user experience for learners. It also means that users may need to pay for an additional video hosting service, which can be an added expense.
Limited Built-In Marketing Tools
While Thinkific offers some marketing tools, such as the ability to create coupon codes or integrate with email marketing services like Mailchimp, these tools are somewhat limited. Users who want to create more advanced marketing campaigns may find that they need to use additional third-party tools to achieve their goals.
Transaction Fees on Some Plans
Thinkific charges transaction fees on some plans, which can be a turnoff for some users. While the fees are relatively small, they can add up over time and eat into users’ profits. This is something that users should be aware of when choosing a pricing plan.
Limited Integrations with Third-Party Services
While Thinkific does offer integrations with some third-party services, such as Zapier or Shopify, there are some notable omissions. For example, the platform does not offer direct integrations with popular email marketing services like ConvertKit or ActiveCampaign. This can create extra work for users who need to use these services in conjunction with Thinkific.
Limited Reporting and Analytics
While Thinkific does offer some reporting and analytics features, some users have found them to be limited in scope. Users may find that they need to use additional tools to get a more comprehensive view of their course performance and learner engagement.
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Working Around with Thinkific’s Cons
When it comes to using a platform like Thinkific, it is essential to recognize its limitations and find ways to work around them. Here are some of the common cons of Thinkific and how to overcome them:
Limited Customization Options:
One of the most significant drawbacks of Thinkific is that it has limited customization options. For example, the platform’s themes and templates have specific design elements that users cannot change. However, users can work around this limitation by using custom code or engaging a designer to create a unique look for their course.
Limited Integrations:
Another issue that users face with Thinkific is limited integrations with third-party tools. While Thinkific does offer integration with some popular tools, such as Mailchimp and Zapier, there are some applications that may not be compatible. However, users can work around this by using API integrations or creating workarounds using Zapier or other automation tools.
Limited Course Player Features:
Thinkific’s course player offers basic functionality, which may not be sufficient for some users. For example, the platform lacks features such as interactive videos, 360-degree images, and social learning. To work around this limitation, users can integrate their course with third-party tools or use custom code to add features.
Limited Marketing Tools:
Finally, Thinkific offers limited marketing tools, which can be a disadvantage for users who need to promote their courses extensively. However, users can work around this by integrating their course with marketing automation tools or using third-party marketing platforms.
Overall, while Thinkific does have its limitations, there are ways to work around them and create a course that meets your needs. With a bit of creativity and technical know-how, you can make the most of the platform and deliver a high-quality course to your audience.
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Conclusion
Thinkific is a robust platform that offers a wide range of features for course creators. However, it does have its limitations, which may not be suitable for everyone. Here’s our recommendation for who should and shouldn’t use Thinkific:
- Who Should Use Thinkific: Thinkific is an excellent option for users who want to create and sell courses quickly and easily. It is an ideal platform for course creators who are just starting and have limited technical skills. Thinkific is also a good fit for those who want to create and manage courses without the need for extensive customization or integrations.
- Who Shouldn’t Use Thinkific: Thinkific may not be the best option for users who require extensive customization and control over their course’s design and functionality. It is also not suitable for users who require advanced marketing tools or features that the platform does not offer. Users who want to sell physical products alongside their courses may also find Thinkific limiting.
In conclusion, Thinkific is a versatile platform that offers a range of features for course creators. While it does have its limitations, these can be overcome with some creativity and technical know-how. Overall, Thinkific is a solid option for users who want to create and sell courses quickly and efficiently.