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Why Course Creators Need Creator-First Platforms for Fair Revenue

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Ogochukwu Enwefah
August 26, 2025
10 min read

You create because you're passionate about sharing what you know. Every course, lesson, and resource you build reflects that passion. But then come the fees, complicated systems, and the realization that the platform benefiting most isn't you.

Traditional course platforms take more than they give. Transaction fees, hidden costs, and complicated systems turn what should be a collaborative effort into a frustrating, one-sided arrangement.

Course creation should be simple, rewarding, and built around what matters most: your knowledge and the community you're creating.

Why Traditional Course Platforms Fail Creators

The current landscape of online course platforms is limiting and outdated. Rather than supporting creators, these platforms introduce unnecessary obstacles and financial burdens, prioritizing profits over the success of those actually creating the content.

Recent platform comparisons show significant fee variations, with traditional platforms often charging premium prices while limiting creator control and customization options.

A creator-first course platform should be intuitive, easy to navigate, and built with the goal of prioritizing course creators' teaching success without technical headaches.

Here's what needs to change in online education platforms:

Fair Payment Structures for Course Creators

Creators should only pay when they earn. Course platforms should adopt this fair and transparent model, where creators only share their earnings after seeing success, not before.

The Reality Check: Platform fees vary dramatically across the industry. For example:

  • Udemy takes up to 75% commission on courses sold through their organic search
  • Teachable charges 5% transaction fees on their basic plan
  • Kajabi offers no transaction fees but requires expensive monthly subscriptions starting at $119

According to recent creator economy research, many creators still receive compensation for less than half of the content they produce, highlighting the need for more transparent and fair compensation practices.

Global Payment Accessibility for Online Educators

A global audience requires global solutions. Platforms should ensure creators can receive earnings in any currency, making it easier for educators to connect with learners worldwide without payment barriers.

Modern course platforms now support multiple currencies and payment methods, but many still limit creators' ability to optimize their global reach due to restrictive payment processing.

Technology That Supports Course Creation

Platforms should simplify the content management process. Managing your online courses shouldn't feel like solving a puzzle of unnecessary steps and technical roadblocks.

The cost of creating quality online course content can reach $20,000+ per hour of development when factoring in all the technical complexities that traditional platforms impose on creators.

This conversation goes beyond switching to a better platform. It's about shifting the mindset from exploitation to empowerment, from hidden costs to clear value, and from constant frustration to creative freedom.

Creator-First Platforms Put Education First

The future of online education must be built on fairness and transparency. Platforms should treat creators as partners, not resources to be mined for revenue. The technology needed to support this evolution already exists; what's missing is the will to center creators in the process.

Industry experts note that "to approach a creator in 2024 with a request for free labour is not just outdated; it's downright disrespectful." This principle extends to platform fees and creator compensation structures.

Course creators are more than just content producers. They are:

  • Community Builders who create spaces for learning and engagement
  • Mentors who inspire and guide their learners
  • Innovators who shape the future of education with fresh ideas

In this evolving landscape, creators deserve recognition for the value they bring. Fair compensation, creative freedom, and respect for their contributions should be standard features of any course platform.

The conversation around online course platforms needs to evolve. It's not just about fixing outdated systems, it's about creating a space where course creators can thrive.

Research shows that growth opportunities now rank as the top factor contributing to creator satisfaction, surpassing compensation as the primary motivator. This shift indicates that creators want platforms that invest in their long-term success.

The online education industry is already shifting. New platforms are emerging, built on transparency, fair compensation, and a creator-first mindset. These platforms are rewriting the rules, offering genuine support for the creators driving the online education revolution.

The future of course creation should be:

  • Accessible to all creators, regardless of location
  • Fairly compensated, ensuring that educators earn what they deserve
  • Simple and intuitive, allowing creators to focus on teaching, not tech issues

Knowledge should flow freely, creating value for both educators and learners without unnecessary barriers.

The next chapter of online education should be shaped by those who create, share, and inspire. Blockchain-based platforms and new creator economy models offer glimpses of a more equitable future by prioritizing transparency and empowering creators with ownership.

The outdated systems that limit growth and creativity are no longer the only option. According to 2025 industry projections, platforms offering 0% transaction fees and creator-first features are becoming the new standard.

Now is the time to break barriers, challenge the old models, and build a future where creators have control over their success. The future of course creation is about empowering educators, valuing their contributions, and supporting their communities.

‍

You create because you're passionate about sharing what you know. Every course, lesson, and resource you build reflects that passion. But then come the fees, complicated systems, and the realization that the platform benefiting most isn't you.

Traditional course platforms take more than they give. Transaction fees, hidden costs, and complicated systems turn what should be a collaborative effort into a frustrating, one-sided arrangement.

Course creation should be simple, rewarding, and built around what matters most: your knowledge and the community you're creating.

Why Traditional Course Platforms Fail Creators

The current landscape of online course platforms is limiting and outdated. Rather than supporting creators, these platforms introduce unnecessary obstacles and financial burdens, prioritizing profits over the success of those actually creating the content.

Recent platform comparisons show significant fee variations, with traditional platforms often charging premium prices while limiting creator control and customization options.

A creator-first course platform should be intuitive, easy to navigate, and built with the goal of prioritizing course creators' teaching success without technical headaches.

Here's what needs to change in online education platforms:

Fair Payment Structures for Course Creators

Creators should only pay when they earn. Course platforms should adopt this fair and transparent model, where creators only share their earnings after seeing success, not before.

The Reality Check: Platform fees vary dramatically across the industry. For example:

  • Udemy takes up to 75% commission on courses sold through their organic search
  • Teachable charges 5% transaction fees on their basic plan
  • Kajabi offers no transaction fees but requires expensive monthly subscriptions starting at $119

According to recent creator economy research, many creators still receive compensation for less than half of the content they produce, highlighting the need for more transparent and fair compensation practices.

Global Payment Accessibility for Online Educators

A global audience requires global solutions. Platforms should ensure creators can receive earnings in any currency, making it easier for educators to connect with learners worldwide without payment barriers.

Modern course platforms now support multiple currencies and payment methods, but many still limit creators' ability to optimize their global reach due to restrictive payment processing.

Technology That Supports Course Creation

Platforms should simplify the content management process. Managing your online courses shouldn't feel like solving a puzzle of unnecessary steps and technical roadblocks.

The cost of creating quality online course content can reach $20,000+ per hour of development when factoring in all the technical complexities that traditional platforms impose on creators.

This conversation goes beyond switching to a better platform. It's about shifting the mindset from exploitation to empowerment, from hidden costs to clear value, and from constant frustration to creative freedom.

Creator-First Platforms Put Education First

The future of online education must be built on fairness and transparency. Platforms should treat creators as partners, not resources to be mined for revenue. The technology needed to support this evolution already exists; what's missing is the will to center creators in the process.

Industry experts note that "to approach a creator in 2024 with a request for free labour is not just outdated; it's downright disrespectful." This principle extends to platform fees and creator compensation structures.

Course creators are more than just content producers. They are:

  • Community Builders who create spaces for learning and engagement
  • Mentors who inspire and guide their learners
  • Innovators who shape the future of education with fresh ideas

In this evolving landscape, creators deserve recognition for the value they bring. Fair compensation, creative freedom, and respect for their contributions should be standard features of any course platform.

The conversation around online course platforms needs to evolve. It's not just about fixing outdated systems, it's about creating a space where course creators can thrive.

Research shows that growth opportunities now rank as the top factor contributing to creator satisfaction, surpassing compensation as the primary motivator. This shift indicates that creators want platforms that invest in their long-term success.

The online education industry is already shifting. New platforms are emerging, built on transparency, fair compensation, and a creator-first mindset. These platforms are rewriting the rules, offering genuine support for the creators driving the online education revolution.

The future of course creation should be:

  • Accessible to all creators, regardless of location
  • Fairly compensated, ensuring that educators earn what they deserve
  • Simple and intuitive, allowing creators to focus on teaching, not tech issues

Knowledge should flow freely, creating value for both educators and learners without unnecessary barriers.

The next chapter of online education should be shaped by those who create, share, and inspire. Blockchain-based platforms and new creator economy models offer glimpses of a more equitable future by prioritizing transparency and empowering creators with ownership.

The outdated systems that limit growth and creativity are no longer the only option. According to 2025 industry projections, platforms offering 0% transaction fees and creator-first features are becoming the new standard.

Now is the time to break barriers, challenge the old models, and build a future where creators have control over their success. The future of course creation is about empowering educators, valuing their contributions, and supporting their communities.

‍

Sources used:

Featured Image

DDIY.co

LearnWorlds

RaccoonGang

Zapier

CCN

Kripesh Adwani

TagMango

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Sources last checked on date:
August 26, 2025
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5 Marketing Strategies That Actually Work for Solo Creators
Discover five marketing strategies that work for solo creators and entrepreneurs and learn how to grow your audience, build your brand, and boost income
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Being a solo creator comes with many responsibilities and challenges. As someone trying to juggle many things at once as a solo creator, such as content creation, marketing, customer service, and business strategy. The biggest challenge is trying to stand out in a crowded online space while managing your time and resources effectively.

But here’s the good news: you don’t need every marketing tactic under the sun to succeed. You just need the right strategies, the ones that consistently deliver results for creators, freelancers, coaches, and entrepreneurs building their businesses online.

In this article, you’ll discover five proven marketing strategies for solo creators that will help you grow your audience, strengthen your brand, and generate more income from your skills and knowledge. These aren’t passing trends, they are sustainable and practical steps that you can apply once you are done with reading this post today. Whether you’re a content creator, service provider, or aspiring entrepreneur, these tips will help you market smarter, not harder.

1. Build a Consistent and Relatable Brand Image

Creating a brand image is the most fundamental strategy in ensuring you build a business that is meant to last. In today’s world people are more likely to follow businesses based on their image compared to those who choose to hide from the spotlight. An image for your brand is the single most valuable marketing asset you can own as a solo creator. The personality, voice, and values are what makes you unique and stand out.

A man presenting marketing statistics

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Why it works:

  • Gives you direct access to your audience.

  • Use consistent visuals (colors, fonts, and imagery that reflect your style).

  • Builds long-term trust through personalized content.

How to do it effectively:

  • Use consistent visuals (colors, fonts, and imagery that reflect your style)

  • Identify your core values by listing 3–5 values that matter most to your brand (e.g., transparency, creativity, empowerment) and let them guide your messaging.

  • Define your tone and style by choosing how you want to present yourself(whether you’re more formal, conversational, motivational, or witty)and keep it consistent across platforms.

2. Find Your Niche First Before You Branch Out

Your niche is your “home base”, your primary focus with your primary audience. Picking your niche early on in your career allows you to dominate faster and build authority as it will be easier to stand out when you’re “the go-to” for something specific. So before you branch out into other areas, build something that works best for you.

Why it works:

  • Builds brand recognition and trust faster.

  • Lets you refine your message and style without overwhelm.

  • Makes it easier for your ideal audience to find you.

How to do it effectively:

  • Start with your expertise and passions, pick something that aligns with what you love and what you’re good at.

  • Define your ideal audience .Be specific, describe their age, profession, interests, and challenges.

  • Validate your niche. Test it with a small audience, polls, or pre-selling an offer before going all in.

3. Leverage Collaborations and Partnerships

The subheading says it all: you can’t do it all by yourself. Rather than going out and taking it on by yourself, find other like-minded solo creators with the same mindset and drive as you. Leveraging these strategic collaborations can accelerate your reach without having to spend much on ads. Another advantage is getting to break into a whole new industry completely with the help of those collaborations. So, go out today and partner with creators and influencers that share your target audience or are in a different industry from yours.

Why it works:

  • Introduces you to warm, targeted audiences.

  • Builds credibility through association with trusted peers.

  • It sparks creative cross-promotions and fresh ideas.

How to do it effectively:

  • Start with small collaborations such as joint Instagram posts/live, or co-created content.

  • Approach potential partners with a clear value proposition.

  • Focus on partnerships that align with your audience and brand values.

4. Build and Nurture Your Email List

‍As much as social media is regarded as a major tool in converting customers, it is not predictable. Algorithms change all the time, and it is hard to predict what will trend between today and next month. Having all of your audience on platforms you don’t control leaves you vulnerable.

A group of freelancers checking their phones

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However, your email list, on the other hand, is an underrated alternative. It gives you full control over what you can communicate and send to your client. Which is why it is important for every creator to always build and nurture relationships through emails, and these can be gotten through lead magnets that help to draw your potential customers in with something that benefits them.

Why it works:

  • Direct, Guaranteed access.

  • It provides higher engagement rates.

  • Revenue potential.

How to do it effectively:

  • Keep track of recurring audience questions from comments, emails, and DMs.

  • Create blog posts, videos, or guides that deliver clear, actionable solutions.

  • Link each piece of content to a related offer or email opt-in.

  • Use tools like Mainstack to create a landing page that integrates your sign-up form and makes subscribing frictionless.

5. Lean Into a Signature Content Series

Creating a signature content series is an excellent marketing strategy for your brand because it builds two key elements: consistency and anticipation. Consistency means your audience knows exactly when to expect new content, while anticipation keeps them excited for what comes next. Whether it’s a Monday newsletter or a Friday video drop, this approach works in your favor over time.

Why it works:

  • It creates anticipation.
  • Builds familiarity and trust.
  • It establishes authority through repetition.

How to do it effectively:

  • Pick a theme and format that aligns with your brand goals.

  • Set a publishing rhythm.

  • Promote It across multiple channels.

  • Analyze & Refine.

Marketing success for solo creators isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing what works consistently. By building an image for your brand, finding your “niche” before expanding, collaborating strategically with other creators, building and nurturing your email contacts and creating a signature series for your content, you will be able to create a marketing system that attracts, engages, and converts your ideal audience.

Pick one or two strategies from this list to start with, and commit to executing them well. Over time, you’ll refine your process, see results, and scale your efforts without burning out. Remember, the most successful creators focus on sustainability, not just speed. Start implementing these five proven strategies, and you’ll position yourself as a trusted, in-demand expert in your field.

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Why Course Creators Need Creator-First Platforms for Fair Revenue
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Ogochukwu Enwefah
August 26, 2025
10 min read
Read more
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You create because you're passionate about sharing what you know. Every course, lesson, and resource you build reflects that passion. But then come the fees, complicated systems, and the realization that the platform benefiting most isn't you.

Traditional course platforms take more than they give. Transaction fees, hidden costs, and complicated systems turn what should be a collaborative effort into a frustrating, one-sided arrangement.

Course creation should be simple, rewarding, and built around what matters most: your knowledge and the community you're creating.

Why Traditional Course Platforms Fail Creators

The current landscape of online course platforms is limiting and outdated. Rather than supporting creators, these platforms introduce unnecessary obstacles and financial burdens, prioritizing profits over the success of those actually creating the content.

Recent platform comparisons show significant fee variations, with traditional platforms often charging premium prices while limiting creator control and customization options.

A creator-first course platform should be intuitive, easy to navigate, and built with the goal of prioritizing course creators' teaching success without technical headaches.

Here's what needs to change in online education platforms:

Fair Payment Structures for Course Creators

Creators should only pay when they earn. Course platforms should adopt this fair and transparent model, where creators only share their earnings after seeing success, not before.

The Reality Check: Platform fees vary dramatically across the industry. For example:

  • Udemy takes up to 75% commission on courses sold through their organic search
  • Teachable charges 5% transaction fees on their basic plan
  • Kajabi offers no transaction fees but requires expensive monthly subscriptions starting at $119

According to recent creator economy research, many creators still receive compensation for less than half of the content they produce, highlighting the need for more transparent and fair compensation practices.

Global Payment Accessibility for Online Educators

A global audience requires global solutions. Platforms should ensure creators can receive earnings in any currency, making it easier for educators to connect with learners worldwide without payment barriers.

Modern course platforms now support multiple currencies and payment methods, but many still limit creators' ability to optimize their global reach due to restrictive payment processing.

Technology That Supports Course Creation

Platforms should simplify the content management process. Managing your online courses shouldn't feel like solving a puzzle of unnecessary steps and technical roadblocks.

The cost of creating quality online course content can reach $20,000+ per hour of development when factoring in all the technical complexities that traditional platforms impose on creators.

This conversation goes beyond switching to a better platform. It's about shifting the mindset from exploitation to empowerment, from hidden costs to clear value, and from constant frustration to creative freedom.

Creator-First Platforms Put Education First

The future of online education must be built on fairness and transparency. Platforms should treat creators as partners, not resources to be mined for revenue. The technology needed to support this evolution already exists; what's missing is the will to center creators in the process.

Industry experts note that "to approach a creator in 2024 with a request for free labour is not just outdated; it's downright disrespectful." This principle extends to platform fees and creator compensation structures.

Course creators are more than just content producers. They are:

  • Community Builders who create spaces for learning and engagement
  • Mentors who inspire and guide their learners
  • Innovators who shape the future of education with fresh ideas

In this evolving landscape, creators deserve recognition for the value they bring. Fair compensation, creative freedom, and respect for their contributions should be standard features of any course platform.

The conversation around online course platforms needs to evolve. It's not just about fixing outdated systems, it's about creating a space where course creators can thrive.

Research shows that growth opportunities now rank as the top factor contributing to creator satisfaction, surpassing compensation as the primary motivator. This shift indicates that creators want platforms that invest in their long-term success.

The online education industry is already shifting. New platforms are emerging, built on transparency, fair compensation, and a creator-first mindset. These platforms are rewriting the rules, offering genuine support for the creators driving the online education revolution.

The future of course creation should be:

  • Accessible to all creators, regardless of location
  • Fairly compensated, ensuring that educators earn what they deserve
  • Simple and intuitive, allowing creators to focus on teaching, not tech issues

Knowledge should flow freely, creating value for both educators and learners without unnecessary barriers.

The next chapter of online education should be shaped by those who create, share, and inspire. Blockchain-based platforms and new creator economy models offer glimpses of a more equitable future by prioritizing transparency and empowering creators with ownership.

The outdated systems that limit growth and creativity are no longer the only option. According to 2025 industry projections, platforms offering 0% transaction fees and creator-first features are becoming the new standard.

Now is the time to break barriers, challenge the old models, and build a future where creators have control over their success. The future of course creation is about empowering educators, valuing their contributions, and supporting their communities.

‍

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Setting Up Multi-Currency Payments for Kenyan Businesses
Learn how Kenyan businesses can accept USD, EUR & GBP payments with lower fees, faster settlements, and seamless M-Pesa integration for local customers.
Ogochukwu Enwefah
August 26, 2025
10 min read
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Kenyan businesses are increasingly expanding beyond borders to reach global markets. If you run an e-commerce store in Nairobi, a tech startup in Mombasa, or a creative agency in Kisumu, accepting payments in multiple currencies is essential for unlocking international growth.

However, setting up multi-currency payments comes with unique challenges in Kenya; regulatory hurdles, banking limitations, and payment rejections can complicate the process. This guide offers Kenya-specific regulatory and implementation advice to help you navigate these waters, eliminate geographical barriers, and implement effective multi-currency strategies.

Kenya’s digital sector is on a remarkable upward trajectory. With mobile money transactions hitting KES 790 billion ($6 billion) in February 2024 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) opening new opportunities, businesses need to adapt to a global customer base. Multi-currency payments let you:

  • Reach International Buyers: Accept USD, EUR, or GBP from customers in the US, Europe, or beyond.
  • Boost Conversions: Offer prices in local currencies to reduce buyer hesitation.
  • Stabilize Revenue: Earn in strong currencies to hedge against the Kenyan Shilling’s volatility (e.g., a 40% drop in 2024).

Kenya’s unique financial landscape, dominated by mobile money like M-Pesa and regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), requires a tailored approach. 

Let’s explore the setup process.

Kenya-Specific Regulatory Considerations

Before accepting payments in multiple currencies, Kenyan businesses must align with local regulations. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) Oversight

The CBK regulates payment systems under the National Payments System (NPS) Act of 2011 and the Central Bank of Kenya Act. Key rules include:

  • Payment Service Provider (PSP) Licensing: If you process payments directly, you may need a PSP license from the CBK. Platforms like Mainstack handle this compliance for you, so you don’t need to register separately.

 

  • Foreign Exchange Limits: Per the CBK Act, exporters can retain foreign currency earnings in local accounts, but transactions exceeding $10,000 equivalent must be reported to the Financial Reporting Centre to combat money laundering (aligned with Kenya’s 2024 FATF grey-list status).

 

  • Currency Movement: Individuals can carry up to KES 500,000 (~$3,800) or $5,000 in foreign currency in/out of Kenya without declaration—relevant for cash-based payouts.

2. Tax Compliance with Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)

The KRA imposes a Digital Service Tax (DST) of 1.5% on revenue from digital marketplaces, including multi-currency transactions. You must:

  • Register for VAT if your turnover exceeds KES 5 million annually.

 

  • Report foreign earnings and maintain records for audits, especially for USD or EUR transactions.

3. Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Requirements

Under the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act, businesses handling international payments must verify customer identities and report suspicious transactions over $10,000. Mainstack’s built-in compliance tools simplify this.

4. Pan-African Payment Systems

Kenya’s adoption of the Pan-African Payments Settlement System (PAPSS) in 2025 allows instant payments in local African currencies (e.g., KES, NGN) without USD conversion. Ensure your payment provider supports PAPSS for intra-African trade.

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close-up heap of Kenya shillings

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Step-by-Step Implementation with Mainstack

However, there's no need to go through all that stress. Here’s how to set up multi-currency payments in Kenya with ease:

  1. Create Your Mainstack Account: Sign up for free on Mainstack with your email address and verify your account. The process takes less than 5 minutes to complete.
  2. Complete Business Verification: Submit basic business information and verification documents. For most Kenyan businesses, this process is completed within 24 hours.
  3. Set Pricing: Choose currencies and set prices via Mainstack’s dashboard and accept payment in 135+ currencies.
  4. Integrate Payments: Add Mainstack to your site, app, or use payment links for instant multi-currency sales.
  5. Start Accepting Global Payments: Begin sharing your payment links or directing customers to your integrated checkout. Monitor transactions in real-time through your dashboard.

Positioning Your Kenyan Business for Global Success

The ability to process multi-currency payments efficiently is no longer optional for Kenyan businesses with global ambitions, it's a fundamental requirement for success in the international marketplace.

Mainstack is built for Kenyan and African businesses at large. It navigates CBK regulations, and eliminates geographical barriers with low-cost, multi-currency payments. No need for foreign accounts or complex compliance, Mainstack does the heavy lifting, letting you focus on growth.

Setting up multi-currency payments doesn’t have to be a headache for Kenyan businesses. With Mainstack, you can comply with local regulations, break geographical barriers, price strategically, and accept payments in 135+ currencies all from Nairobi or beyond. 

Your journey to global earnings without borders starts HERE. Your global market awaits.

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