Member Vault is a more simplified platform for selling online courses. There are fewer options to tailor your content and fewer ways to connect and educate (video is the sole format that allows you to teach on MemberVault). Therefore, it is not a comprehensive solution if you want to sell online courses full-time. However, MemberVault’s cost is quite appealing and maybe its biggest strength.
Let’s explore the alternatives for MemberVault
Membervault vs Thinkific
The following are the primary differences between Membervault and Thinkific:
- Thinkific allows you to customize your courses and sales pages, whereas Membervault offers a single interface.
- Thinkific’s pricing plans are based on the number of features and courses sold, whereas Membervault’s premium plans are based on the number of users.
- Membervault does not have a drag-and-drop course builder, while Thinkific does.
- Membervault has only nine integrations, whereas Thinkific has a large number of them.
- Thinkific features 12 content formats, whereas Membervault only has video, text, and downloads.
Thinkific
Simple use and Customisation
Thinkific is now one of the easiest options to set up and use on the market. With its simple UI and drag-and-drop function, it is extremely user-friendly for beginners. You can quickly and easily create and design your courses and sales sites with Thinkific. You will be able to pick your favorite layout from a variety of options and then customize it to your satisfaction.
This enables you to create professional-looking pages and services even if you have no design or coding experience. You will be able to easily add your content to pre-formatted sections. As a result, your customers and pupils will find your offerings professional and the experience seamless.
Options for Monetisation
In terms of payment options, you will be able to accept payments from your students via Stripe and Paypal. This service can also be integrated with third-party services such as Patreon, Merch, and Youtube. You can offer your students a variety of payment options, including free plans, one-time fees, subscriptions, monthly payments, and others. While this is not the most flexible option, it should suffice for the majority of online course sellers.
Features of Marketing
Thinkific is mostly focused on creating and selling courses to potential students, but it also has some intriguing marketing capabilities. These primarily take the form of analytics, as Thinkific’s JavaScript tracking delivers extremely accurate visitor metrics. You’ll also be able to create loyalty programs and give customers coupons and promotions.
It provides instant access to paid student funds via payment gateway integrations with a variety of third-party services, including Stripe and Paypal for payments. It helps in email marketing and affiliate marketing programs for your courses, you can allow users to avail of a free trial for selected parts of the course where they can get a trial before making the final purchase.
Pricing
Thinkific does not deduct a commission from each sale you make. This is useful, particularly if you are looking to scale. You will only have to budget for the monthly subscription costs once your sales funnel is set up and automated.
Thinkific offers four monthly subscription plans for different price points. You gain more features (mainly marketing and the amount of content you can put out) if you pay more:
- An initial free plan
- The basic plan that costs $39 per month
- Pro plan that costs $79 per month
- The premier plan that costs $399 per month
Here’s a list of the most interesting Thinkific advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
- Easy to use interface; simple to create professional-looking pages and courses.
- You will not be charged a commission on the sales you make.
- Students will be able to communicate with you as they progress through your courses.
Disadvantages
- It is pricey (though there is a free plan)
While Thinkific offers more functionality and customization options, Membervault is the clear victor in terms of cost. Both services include a free plan, however, Membervault’s subscription plans are more affordable. Membervault’s basic package is a mere $19 per month, but Thinkific’s starter plan is $49 per month. In terms of pricing, Membervault comes out on top.
Skillshare, Udemy, and Teachable are among Thinkific alternatives.
Conclusion
Both services have comparable offerings, but Thinkific comes out on top in terms of features, customization, ease of use, and additional features. It is a win with the drag-and-drop sales page and course builder. The appealing user interface is a plus. It has received positive feedback from students. Although the pricing is a deterrent, there is a free option for novices. Overall, it is a fantastic choice.
Membervault is pretty similar to how you would utilise broader online service marketplaces like Fiverr or Upwork, as bizarre as that may sound. They have a marketplace business model which is the highlight of their product. The key selling point of Membervault is not its customization, simplicity of use, or added features.
