I recently revisited and took a deep dive into ThriveCart Learn, a course platform that I initially reviewed shortly after its launch back in 2021. Since then, ThriveCart Learn has evolved significantly, offering some features and several improvements to what was originally included at release. This review summarizes my key takeaways from my video walkthrough, that I published to my YouTube channel, highlighting the platform’s strengths and areas that still need improvement.
Pricing and Value
One of the standout features of ThriveCart Learn is its pricing model. Like the base ThriveCart product, it offers a lifetime deal. For a one-time payment of $885, which includes ThriveCart Pro and Learn Plus, users gain lifetime access to the entire platform, a significant cost advantage compared to subscription-based competitors.
Key Improvements
Customization Options:
- Student Login and Dashboard Customization: ThriveCart Learn now allows for decent customization of the student login and dashboard pages. Users can modify text, colors, and images, and even add videos, providing a more personalized experience.
- Course Layouts: The platform has introduced new course layout options, including a sidebar, top menu, and grid page designs. These layouts offer flexibility in how course content is presented, allowing users to choose the style that best fits their brand.
Course and Content Management:
- Improved Interface: The course creation interface hasn’t been changed much. Users still create courses within projects, bundle courses for sale, and manage students through the same interface areas.
- Custom Domains: ThriveCart Learn still supports custom domains for individual courses or projects, allowing for branded URLs and a more cohesive branding experience, but it does appear that they’ve improved the administrative experience of assigning these login URLS per course and per login and registration experience.
Advanced Sequences (Automations):
- Robust Rules Engine: ThriveCart Learn’s rules engine has always been a strong point. It allows for the creation of complex automations, such as triggering actions based on student behavior, which can be useful for managing course access and engagement.
Drip Content:
- Flexible Drip Options: The platform offers a variety of drip content options, including dripping based on specific dates, after a certain number of payments, or at set intervals. This feature is particularly useful for subscription-based models or courses that require scheduled content delivery.
Areas for Improvement
Lack of Built-In Comments:
- No Native Comment Feature: One of the major drawbacks of ThriveCart Learn is the absence of a built-in commenting system. This can be a significant limitation for instructors who want to foster interaction within their courses. Although third-party solutions can be integrated, they come with additional costs, the challenge of integrating them, and the annoyance of having to do it one lesson at a time.
Email Customization Limitations:
- Branding Issues with Emails: All emails sent through ThriveCart Learn are still branded with ThriveCart, with no option to customize the sending domain or the email templates. This can be a drawback for users who prioritize branding consistency. Unfortunately this lack of customization extends throughout the entire platform.
Who Should Use ThriveCart Learn?
ThriveCart Learn is ideal for users who:
- Seek a Cost-Effective Solution: The lifetime deal offers unparalleled value, especially for those who want to avoid ongoing subscription fees.
- Want a Simple, Integrated Platform: It’s perfect for users who prefer an all-in-one solution for selling courses without needing a separate website or complex tech setup.
- Don’t Need Extensive Customization: If your focus is on delivering courses with minimal technical fuss, ThriveCart Learn’s simplicity and built-in features make it an attractive option.
Who Should Look Elsewhere?
- Users Needing Advanced Customization: If you require extensive customization, including a branded email system, community features, or deep integration with other platforms, ThriveCart Learn may not meet your needs.
- Instructors Who Value Interaction: For those who want to incorporate interactive elements like comments directly into their courses, the lack of a native commenting system could be a dealbreaker. You’re also stuck within the ThriveCart ecosystem which means you’re not going to be integrating your course platform with a community.
Final Thoughts
ThriveCart Learn has come a long way since its initial release. While it still has some limitations, the improvements in customization, course management, and automation make it a solid choice for certain users. If you fit into the target audience that values simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and integration with ThriveCart, this platform is definitely worth considering.