To build an online course website with WordPress, install a learning management system (LMS) plugin such as Tutor LMS, LearnDash or LifterLMS, create courses with lessons, quizzes and drip schedules, connect payments with WooCommerce or the LMS’s own checkout (including local gateways), design course and lesson pages with Elementor, and set up student accounts and emails. Host videos on Vimeo, YouTube (unlisted) or Bunny Stream, not on your server.
- An LMS plugin handles courses, lessons and progress.
- Host video externally for speed.
- Choose payments your students can use.
- Start with one course and improve it.
- Protect content with logins and enrolment.
Which LMS plugin should you choose?
| Plugin | Strength |
|---|---|
| Tutor LMS | Generous free version, Elementor-friendly |
| LearnDash | Mature, powerful, paid |
| LifterLMS | Free core, add-ons for payments and memberships |
| MasterStudy | Free core, course marketplace features |
Live 1-to-1 WordPress and Elementor lessons on your own site, from $40. Every lesson recorded. Beginners welcome.
What does the student journey look like?
- Course sales page with outcomes, curriculum, instructor and FAQ.
- Checkout with cards or local mobile payments.
- Account and dashboard with progress.
- Lessons with video, notes and downloads.
- Quizzes and a certificate on completion.
What is a sensible first launch?
Picture a spoken English teacher who wants to sell a 20-lesson course. She launches with one course, a simple sales page and bKash payment, collects feedback from the first 30 students, then adds quizzes and certificates. Launching small and improving beats building a giant platform no one has tested. See membership websites.
Want to learn to build a course website faster with a tutor?
I teach WordPress and Elementor 1-to-1 over Zoom or Google Meet, on your own website, at your pace. Lessons start at $40, every lesson is recorded so you can rewatch it, and you get a short checklist afterwards. Beginners, business owners, students and freelancers are all welcome. See lessons and prices or book a free intro call.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best LMS plugin for WordPress?
Tutor LMS, LearnDash and LifterLMS are popular; choose based on budget and features.
Where should I host course videos?
On Vimeo, unlisted YouTube or a video CDN, not on your WordPress server.
Can I sell courses with bKash?
Yes, through WooCommerce or LMS payment integrations with local gateways.
Can I design course pages with Elementor?
Yes, most LMS plugins work with Elementor for sales and course pages.
Sources
Live 1-to-1 WordPress and Elementor lessons on your own site, from $40. Every lesson recorded. Beginners welcome.
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Tanvir H is a Bangladesh-based WordPress and Elementor web designer with 7+ years of experience, 650+ projects and a 4.9 client rating. New websites, redesigns, fixes, speed, security and SEO, handled by one expert who explains everything in plain English and works with clients worldwide.
