How to Make Money Online by Selling With WooCommerce

Over the last few years, online learning has grown fast — really fast. More people than ever are teaching skills, sharing knowledge, and building businesses around what they know. Whether it’s cooking classes, coding tutorials, fitness programs, or business coaching, the internet has become one big classroom.

But here’s something most people don’t talk about: when you sell your courses on big platforms like Teachable or Kajabi, you don’t really own the space you’re building. Yes, they’re easy to start with. Yes, they look polished. But they come with trade-offs — like monthly fees, rules you can’t change, limited design, and even extra charges just to get paid. Worst of all, you don’t fully own your students’ data or experience.

That’s why more creators and educators are starting to ask: Is there a better way to sell courses — one that gives me more control and costs less over time?

The answer is yes. And the tool that makes it possible is WooCommerce, running on your own WordPress website.

At first, WooCommerce looks like it’s just for selling products — like t-shirts or books. But behind the scenes, it’s a powerful tool that can help you sell online courses, manage memberships, take payments, and even automate who gets access to what.

Here’s the cool part: when you use WooCommerce on a self-hosted WordPress site, you’re building something that’s 100% yours. You can grow it, change it, or connect it with just about anything. There’s no middleman. No platform taking a cut.

This guide will walk you through exactly how to do it — step by step. You don’t need to be a tech expert. You just need a clear path and the right tools. Let’s get started.

If you’re an educator, coach, or content creator, chances are you’ve looked into platforms like Teachable, Kajabi, or Thinkific. They make it easy to start — but they often don’t grow well with you. That’s where WooCommerce and WordPress come in.

WooCommerce isn’t just a tool for selling physical products. It’s a flexible, powerful system that can help you sell courses, manage access, and take payments — all under one roof. And when you combine it with WordPress, you get full control over how your site looks, functions, and grows over time.

Here’s why that matters more than most people think:

You Own the Entire Platform

When you use WooCommerce with WordPress, you’re building your course platform on your own terms. There’s no third-party company deciding what you can or can’t do. You get to design the student experience, control your pricing, and keep your customer data. That’s a big deal if you want to grow your brand long-term.

It’s Cost-Effective (Without Cutting Corners)

One of the biggest myths is that building your own system is expensive or risky. In truth, WooCommerce itself is free. And many of the plugins you’ll need either have free versions or one-time fees — not monthly bills that eat into your profits.

According to this in-depth guide from Kinsta, educators using WooCommerce can create flexible course platforms that grow with them — without blowing the budget. Whether you’re a solo creator or running a full training program, it scales to fit your needs.

It Plays Well with Learning Tools

WooCommerce integrates seamlessly with major learning management systems (LMS) like LearnDash, Tutor LMS, and LifterLMS. This means you can build structured courses, manage enrollments, offer quizzes, and more — all while WooCommerce handles the money side.

You can also add features like:

• Subscriptions for ongoing learning

• Bundled products (like a course + workbook)

• One-click upsells or discounts for early access

Automation That Saves You Time

Manually enrolling students and sending emails can be a huge time drain. With WooCommerce, you can automate most of this. When someone buys your course, they get access instantly, receive a welcome email, and are guided through the next steps — all without you lifting a finger.

Built to Reach Students Around the World

Want to teach people in other countries? WooCommerce makes it easy with built-in support for different languages and currencies. You don’t need to be a global tech expert — the tools are already there!

If you’re serious about teaching online and want to build something that grows with you — not against you — WooCommerce is worth considering. In the next section, we’ll show you exactly how to set it up, step-by-step.

Before you can start selling courses with WooCommerce, you need a solid home for your website — and that begins with hosting. Hosting is basically the space where your website lives online. It’s what makes your site visible to others on the internet.

Think of it like renting a shop in a busy street. You can decorate it how you want, sell what you want, and open your doors 24/7 — but first, you need that space. That’s what a hosting provider gives you.

There are a lot of hosting companies out there, and not all of them are great — especially when you’re running WooCommerce and WordPress. Some are slow, some are unreliable, and some make things more complicated than they need to be.

Here’s what to look for in a good hosting provider for your course website:

What to Look For in Hosting:

• WordPress-optimized servers – This means your site will load faster and work better.

• One-click WordPress install – Makes setup super simple, even for beginners.

• Free SSL certificate – Protects your site and makes it secure for taking payments.

• Good customer support – You’ll want help fast if something breaks.

• Daily backups – Just in case anything goes wrong, you won’t lose your work.

• Scalability – You can upgrade easily as your student base grows.

Recommended Options for Beginners:

• Our Pick:  Shock Hosting – They check all the boxes we talk about, have excellent customer service and are who we personally use.  In fact, this site is hosted with them!  Click here to check them out.

• SiteGround – Great for beginners, with helpful support and solid performance.

• Bluehost – One of the most popular choices for WordPress users.

• Kinsta – A little pricier, but very fast and built for serious performance.

• WP Engine – Built specifically for WordPress and very reliable.

These providers all support one-click installs of WordPress, which saves you the hassle of setting anything up manually.

Installing WordPress (The Easy Way)

Once you’ve picked a hosting provider and signed up, you’ll usually get a control panel (often called “cPanel” or a custom dashboard). Look for a section that says something like “Install WordPress” or “WordPress Tools.”  On Shock Hosting, it’s called “Softaculious”.

Follow the prompts, and in just a few clicks, your website will be live with WordPress installed. From there, you can log into your dashboard by usually going to:

This is where all the magic happens — adding pages, installing plugins, and eventually building your course setup.

Getting your hosting and WordPress installed is a huge first step. You’re now in control of your platform — and ready to start shaping it into something truly yours.

In the next step, we’ll walk through installing WooCommerce and getting your site ready to sell.

Now that you’ve got WordPress set up on your own hosting, it’s time to turn your website into a store — or in your case, a place to sell online courses. This is where WooCommerce comes in.

WooCommerce is a free plugin that gives your WordPress site the ability to sell things. A lot of people use it to sell physical products, but it works just as well (and sometimes better) for digital products like online courses, downloads, and memberships.

And while most guides show you how to just “click and install” WooCommerce — there’s more to it than that. There are some powerful (and often skipped) settings that can make a huge difference in how your site feels and functions for your students.

Let’s go step by step.

Installing WooCommerce (Simple and Free)

1. Log into your WordPress dashboard.

2. Go to Plugins > Add New.

3. In the search bar, type WooCommerce.

4. Click Install Now, then Activate.

Once activated, WooCommerce will launch a setup wizard. It’s helpful, but don’t worry if you’re not ready to fill everything out perfectly — you can change all settings later.

Key Settings That Matter (and Why)

Here are some important WooCommerce settings to pay attention to, especially when you’re selling courses or digital products:

Selling Location

Set this to where your customers are. If you’re only selling in certain countries (or globally), you can control who sees your products.

Currency Options

Make sure your prices match your audience’s expectations — USD, EUR, GBP, etc. You can also install plugins later for multiple currencies if needed.

Product Settings

Since you’re not shipping physical items, turn off options like weight, shipping classes, and dimensions. Most people forget this, and their checkout looks weird for digital products.

Download Method

WooCommerce assumes you’re selling downloadable files like PDFs or videos. If your course is hosted inside a learning plugin (like LearnDash), you don’t need to upload any files here — but it’s still good to set this to “Redirect only” to avoid broken download links.

Pro Tip: Set Course Products as “Virtual” and “Downloadable”

When you create a course product (you’ll do this later), make sure to check the boxes for “Virtual” and “Downloadable”. This tells WooCommerce not to ask for shipping info and makes the checkout way cleaner.

Payment Gateway Setup (Start Simple)

WooCommerce lets you choose how to get paid. The easiest way to start is with:

• Stripe (credit/debit cards)

• PayPal (standard PayPal accounts)

Both options are built into WooCommerce and take just minutes to connect. Stripe is especially smooth for modern checkout experiences.

If you’re outside the U.S., you can explore other gateways like Razorpay, Mollie, or Paystack — WooCommerce supports them too.

Emails Matter More Than You Think

WooCommerce automatically sends emails when someone buys your course — like “Order Received” or “Order Complete.” You can customize these under:

WooCommerce > Settings > Emails

This is your chance to sound personal and welcoming. Change the wording so it matches your teaching style. Even adding a quick “Hey [first name], your course is ready!” makes a big difference in how students feel.

Add SSL (If You Haven’t Already)

If your host hasn’t already done it, make sure you activate SSL (that little padlock in the browser). Most hosts offer it free. It keeps your checkout safe — and your visitors will trust you more.

Shock Hosting automatically sets up SSL for you and it’s free!

Installing WooCommerce isn’t just about flipping switches. It’s about building a smooth, clear path for your students to say “yes” to your course — without confusion, friction, or surprises.

Next, we’ll look at how to connect your courses to WooCommerce using a learning plugin, so students can sign up and start learning right away.

Now that WooCommerce is set up and ready to take payments, you’re probably wondering: How do I actually deliver the course to my students?

This is where a Learning Management System (LMS) comes in. An LMS is a tool that helps you build, organize, and deliver your course content. It turns your WordPress site into an online classroom — with lessons, quizzes, progress tracking, and even certificates.

Without an LMS, WooCommerce is just a store. But when you connect the two, your site becomes a complete teaching platform.

What Can an LMS Do?

With an LMS plugin, you can:

• Create multiple courses with lessons and modules

• Set up quizzes and assignments

• Track student progress

• Lock content until a lesson is completed

• Offer certificates when a course is done

• Manage student enrollment and access

Basically, it helps you teach better and stay organized, without needing any coding.

Popular LMS Plugins That Work with WooCommerce

Here are three LMS plugins that work really well with WooCommerce:

1. LearnDash

• One of the most powerful LMS plugins for WordPress.

• Great for serious course creators.

• Built-in WooCommerce support.

• Offers advanced features like drip content and course bundles.

2. Tutor LMS

• Very beginner-friendly.

• Has a free version to get started.

• Clean interface and drag-and-drop course builder.

• WooCommerce integration comes with the Pro version.

3. LifterLMS

• Great for selling membership-style courses.

• Supports private coaching, group classes, and more.

• WooCommerce integration is available with an add-on.

Each of these plugins helps you build a course website that feels professional, even if you’re starting from scratch.

How WooCommerce and an LMS Work Together

Here’s how they connect behind the scenes:

1. You create a product in WooCommerce (like “Intro to Digital Marketing”).

2. That product gets linked to a course you build with the LMS.

3. When a student buys the product, they automatically get access to the course.

4. WooCommerce handles the payment — the LMS handles the learning.

The best part?

Everything is automated. You don’t have to manually enroll anyone or send course access emails — it’s all done for you.

Pro Tip: Think of Your Course Like a Funnel

With an LMS and WooCommerce working together, you can set up mini-courses, free lessons, or bundled offers that lead students into your higher-ticket programs. This creates a simple funnel that feels natural and helpful — not pushy or “salesy.”

In the next section, we’ll cover how to make your site look polished and professional, so your students feel confident the moment they land on your page.

You’ve made it this far — your WordPress site is up, WooCommerce is installed, and your Learning Management System (LMS) is ready to go. Now it’s time for the fun part: creating your course and connecting it to a product people can buy.

This step is where everything starts to come together. When someone clicks “buy,” WooCommerce handles the payment, and the LMS gives them instant access to the course. But first, you need to build both sides of that connection.

Start by Building the Course Inside Your LMS

Log into your WordPress dashboard and find your LMS plugin (like LearnDash, Tutor LMS, or LifterLMS) in the sidebar.

Here’s the basic process to create a course:

1. Click “Add New Course.”
   Give it a title, like “Photography for Beginners.”

2. Write a brief course description.
   This helps students understand what they’ll learn.

3. Add modules or sections.
   These are the building blocks of your course, often called “Lessons,” “Topics,” or “Chapters.”

4. Upload your content.
   This can be video, text, images, PDFs — whatever format you like to teach in.

5. Set prerequisites (optional).
   Want students to finish Lesson 1 before unlocking Lesson 2? You can do that.

6. Add quizzes or assignments.
   These help your students practice and stay engaged.

Once you’ve added your content, publish the course. You’re not done yet — but you’re close.

Now, Create a Product in WooCommerce

This is how you collect payment and grant access to your course.

1. Go to Products > Add New in your WordPress dashboard.

2. Name the product the same as your course.

3. Set the product type to “Simple Product.”

4. Check “Virtual” and “Downloadable” so WooCommerce skips shipping options.

5. Set your price.

6. Write a short product description — make it clear and benefit-focused.

Link the Course to the Product

This step depends on your LMS, but most use a simple dropdown or toggle to link a course to a WooCommerce product.

For example:

• In LearnDash, go to the course settings and find “Access Mode.” Choose “Closed”, then paste the product URL.

• In Tutor LMS, you can directly select the WooCommerce product under “Monetization” settings.

Once they’re connected, buying the product will unlock the course automatically. That’s the magic!

Pro Tip: Keep It Simple for Your First Launch

Don’t overthink your first course. One great course that solves one problem is better than ten modules that feel scattered. Start small, get feedback, and improve over time.

You’ve created your first course and linked it to a product — awesome! Now you’re ready to go beyond one-time course sales. If you want to grow your income over time or build a loyal community, it’s worth exploring memberships or subscriptions.

This step is optional, but if done right, it can change everything. It’s not just about making more money — it’s about delivering more value, staying connected with your students, and building long-term trust.

Let’s break it down.

What’s the Difference Between a Membership and a Subscription?

These two words are often used interchangeably, but they aren’t the same.

• Subscription = Recurring payment (monthly, yearly, etc.). Think Netflix or Spotify.

• Membership = Access to a group or collection of content based on rules. Think private communities, exclusive course bundles, or bonus content.

With WooCommerce, you can set up either one — or both together.

The Missing Piece: Plugins That Power These Features

WooCommerce doesn’t include subscriptions or memberships by default. You’ll need to install extensions, which are official add-ons made to work seamlessly with WooCommerce.

Here are the two big ones:

• WooCommerce Subscriptions – Lets you charge recurring payments. You can set free trials, pause subscriptions, and more.

• WooCommerce Memberships – Controls access to specific content based on membership level.

Yes, they’re paid plugins, but they can pay for themselves quickly with just a few recurring customers.

Seldom Talked About: Strategy First, Features Second

A common mistake? Jumping into plugins without thinking through your business model.

Ask yourself:

• Do I want students to pay monthly for access to everything?

• Should courses unlock slowly over time (drip content)?

• Will members get coaching, downloads, or community access?

Starting with your vision makes the tech part a lot easier. Too many creators skip this — and end up with confusing checkout pages or content that doesn’t match what they promised.

Cool Things You Can Do With Memberships or Subscriptions

Here’s what becomes possible once you turn them on:

• Bundle Courses – Let members access all your courses for a flat monthly fee.

• Drip Content Over Time – Keep students engaged by releasing content week by week.

• Add a Private Blog or Forum – Offer member-only advice, live Q&As, or behind-the-scenes content.

• Offer a Free Trial – Let students test your teaching before they commit.

• Reward Loyalty – Give long-time members discounts or exclusive bonuses.

These features don’t just add income — they make your brand more trustworthy and engaging.

Setting It All Up (The Simple Version)

Once you install the Subscriptions and/or Memberships plugin:

1. Create a new WooCommerce product and set it as a “subscription.”

2. Choose your billing model — monthly, quarterly, yearly.

3. Set the product to unlock a specific membership level or course bundle in your LMS.

4. Customize the emails students receive after they subscribe (this part is often forgotten, but it’s your first impression!).

Pro Tip: Start With a Low-Risk Offer

Instead of jumping straight to a big monthly fee, try offering:

• A $1 trial for 7 days

• A mini-course membership for $9/month

• A founding member price for your first 10 customers

These small steps lower the barrier and build momentum — and they’re often more effective than big launches.

Memberships and subscriptions can seem overwhelming at first. But when used right, they let you scale without adding more work. Your students stay longer, you build deeper trust, and you earn recurring income — even while you sleep.

You’ve set up your course, connected it to WooCommerce, and maybe even added memberships or subscriptions. But before opening the doors to real customers, there’s one very important step:

Test everything.

It might sound boring, but this is one of the smartest things you can do. Skipping this step can lead to frustrated students, failed payments, and support emails you’d rather not deal with.

Let’s walk through how to test your setup the smart way — and how to catch the little problems most people overlook.

Why Testing Matters More Than You Think

Testing isn’t just about “Does this work?” It’s about understanding what your students will experience — from the moment they land on your site to when they log in and start learning.

This helps you:

• Catch broken links or access issues

• Make sure your checkout process is smooth

• Confirm that students receive the right emails

• Experience your course as a real buyer would

Most course creators think their system works, but only testing shows what’s actually happening.

Steps to Test Your Setup (Like a Student Would)

Here’s a simple, beginner-friendly way to simulate a real purchase:

1. Log Out of Your Admin Account

Don’t test while logged in as the site owner. Use a private/incognito window or create a brand new user account with a different email.

2. Create a Discounted or Free Test Product

If you don’t want to enter your credit card, create a $1 test product or use a coupon code to reduce the price to zero.

3. Walk Through the Entire Purchase Process

• Add the product to the cart

• Go to checkout

• Enter test details (use a real email so you can see what notifications come through)

• Complete the order

If you’re using Stripe or PayPal in test mode, use one of their fake test card numbers. WooCommerce provides these in their documentation.

What to Check During Testing

As you go through the test, pay close attention to:

• The Checkout Page
  Is it clean and easy to understand? Does it build trust?

• The Confirmation Email
  Is it sent right away? Does it clearly explain what to do next?

• The Redirect After Purchase
  Does it take the buyer to the course or membership area smoothly?

• Course Access
  Is the course unlocked automatically after payment?

• Account Creation
  Is a WordPress account created? Can the user log in easily?

• Subscription or Membership Logic
  If you’re using recurring payments, is access granted or restricted properly?

Extra Tip: Test Across Devices

Test on your phone, tablet, and desktop. A checkout that looks fine on your laptop might be confusing on mobile — where many users will actually buy.

Bonus: Test the Email Flow

Set up a test email account (like a free Gmail) and go through your sequence. Look for:

• Typos or broken links

• Missing course instructions

• Poor formatting on mobile

Emails are a HUGE part of the experience — but often ignored after setup. Don’t miss your chance to welcome and guide students right from the inbox.

Pro Tip: Create a “New Student Checklist”

While testing, write down each step a student takes after buying. Turn that into a friendly PDF or welcome page. This makes your course feel professional and keeps students from feeling lost.

Once you’ve tested everything, celebrate! You’ve done the hard work that most creators skip. Your site isn’t just functional — it’s polished, user-friendly, and built to give your students a smooth first experience.

You’ve built your course, connected WooCommerce, and tested your whole system — well done! Now it’s time for the final (and most exciting) part: launching your course and getting your first students.

But here’s something most people won’t tell you:

You don’t need a huge audience, a perfect website, or fancy marketing tools to start selling.

You just need a clear message, a simple plan, and the courage to share what you’ve built.

Start With a Soft Launch

Don’t overthink your first launch. Instead of planning a big splash with ads and countdown timers, start small and simple. This is called a soft launch, and it’s the best way to:

• Get real feedback from early users

• Test your marketing messages

• Build confidence before going big

Here’s how to do it:

1. Make a short list of 10–20 people you already know (friends, followers, peers).

2. Send a personal message letting them know you’ve created a new course.

3. Offer a special “founding member” price or free trial.

4. Ask for honest feedback and testimonials.

Even 3–5 early signups can give you momentum.

Simple Marketing Ideas That Actually Work

You don’t need a complicated funnel to get started. Here are a few no-pressure ways to share your course:

• Email Your List (Even if it’s Small)
  If you’ve got 10 people on your email list, that’s 10 people who already like what you do.

• Create Helpful Content
  Blog posts, short videos, or social media tips related to your course topic can build interest and trust.

• Go Where Your Audience Hangs Out
  Facebook Groups, Reddit threads, and LinkedIn communities are full of people asking for help. Don’t pitch — just answer questions and link your course when it makes sense.

• Share Your Story
  People connect with stories. Share why you built your course and who it’s for. Be honest and human.

Pro Tip: Use Bonuses to Boost Signups

Want to give people a reason to buy now? Offer something extra:

• A private Zoom Q&A

• A downloadable cheat sheet or workbook

• A bonus mini-course or template

These don’t need to take a ton of time to create. Even a 10-minute video or 1-page PDF can feel valuable.

Pro Tip:  Don’t Wait for “Perfect”

You don’t need to have everything figured out before you launch. Courses evolve over time. The most successful creators learn by doing, not by waiting.

Your first version won’t be your last. But the sooner you share it, the sooner you’ll help someone — and that’s what this is all about.

You’ve come a long way! You’re building something amazing — and that’s worth celebrating. But before you run full speed ahead, let’s talk about some of the sneaky mistakes that can trip up even the smartest course creators.

These aren’t the typical “technical” errors you see in every guide. These are the real-world pitfalls that come from rushing, overthinking, or simply not knowing what to expect.

Avoiding these early can save you loads of time, money, and frustration.

Pitfall #1: Forgetting About the Student Experience

Many new course creators focus so much on plugins, settings, and design that they forget about the student journey.

Ask yourself:

• What does a student see after they pay?

• Is it obvious where to go?

• Is logging in easy?

• Are lessons clear and organized?

Confused students don’t complete courses — and they won’t recommend them either.

Pro Tip: Go through your site as if you were a brand-new customer. Better yet, ask a friend to try it and tell you what’s confusing.

Pitfall #2: Overbuilding Before You’re Ready

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you need:

• 10 courses

• A custom membership site

• Fancy automation

• A full-blown content library

Truth is, you only need one clear, helpful course to start.

Pro Tip: Launch small. Get feedback. Then build from there.

Pitfall #3: Not Owning Your Email List

Many creators rely on social media or platforms like Udemy to promote their courses. But what happens if your account gets blocked, or the algorithm changes?

If you’re not collecting emails, you’re building your business on rented land.

Pro Tip: Start collecting emails early — even before your course is ready. Use a simple opt-in form and offer something small, like a checklist or free lesson.

Pitfall #4: Ignoring WooCommerce Emails

Out of the box, WooCommerce sends plain, sometimes confusing emails to your customers. These emails are your first impression after someone buys — but they’re often forgotten.

Pro Tip: Customize your WooCommerce emails. Make them friendly, clear, and helpful. Remind students what happens next and how to access their course.

Pitfall #5: Not Backing Up Your Site

If your WordPress site crashes or gets hacked, and you haven’t backed it up… ouch.

This is one of those lessons you don’t want to learn the hard way.

Pro Tip: Use a backup plugin like UpdraftPlus or Jetpack. Set it to run automatically, and store copies offsite (like Google Drive or Dropbox).

Pitfall #6: Skipping Regular Updates

Plugins, themes, and WordPress itself need regular updates to stay secure and compatible. But many people avoid updates out of fear of “breaking” something.

Pro Tip: Update regularly — but do it safely. Use a staging site or make a backup first. WooCommerce especially needs attention when updating, since it touches payment systems.

Pitfall #7: Selling Without a Story

Courses that connect emotionally sell more. But most creators only focus on features, like:

• “12 video lessons”

• “3 hours of content”

• “Downloadable worksheets”

That’s helpful, but it’s not what sells.

Pro Tip: Talk about the outcome. What will students be able to do or feel after your course?

Tell your story and share why you created it. People buy transformation….. not tools.

Let’s meet some fun characters who’ve made these mistakes and what they could have done instead!

The truth is, every creator makes mistakes — and that’s okay. What matters most is learning as you go and staying focused on helping people.

You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be real, helpful, and consistent.

The good news? With WooCommerce and WordPress, you’ve already got a strong foundation to grow from. Now it’s just about building smart and avoiding the traps that slow most people down.

In the final section, we’ll wrap everything up and help you take confident next steps toward launching (and growing) your online course business.