Answering the more important question
Before we get to this question, we will answer a different question, probably the most important one on this subject:
The difference between a CMS (content management system) and a LMS (learning management system) is small. The LMS has the functionalities it needs in order to make learning via a digital platform possible, while a CMS has not. If a LMS also has all the functionalities a normal CMS has, it can be used for multiple causes. In that case, it’s a LCMS (learning content management system) and not a LMS. A LCMS is a learning environment, with an entire website around it. Like the Maatos platform.
When would you use a CMS?
A CMS is used if you’re building a website. The CMS contains the functionalities needed in order to create pages, blogposts and to upload media.
When you look at the internet, pretty much every (95%) of the websites is build in a CMS. The other five percent is made up by web applications, websites coded in HTML and CSS, and by LCMS.
The most popular CMS is WordPress. You’ve definitely heard of it!
When it comes to deciding between a CMS and a LCMS, you only have to decide on one thing: “do I want to teach using my own website?” If the answer is “no”, a CMS is definitely what you’re looking for.
Build a website with your CMS that consists of pages, blogs and media. However, don’t be scared, it’s possible to change later, by adding a plug-in or switching between systems.
When would you use a LMS?
A LMS is used when you’re only looking for the functionalities needed to educate people.
One thing it lacks is the ability to have a “normal” website around your educational content.
The systems usually make it harder to do digital marketing for it. However, you can still have great reach with advertising and patience!
Use a LMS if you already have a website and would like to have a separate system you use in order to teach or learn.
This works great in combination with a separate website, seeing as the LMS will not slow down the website in this case.
When would you use a LCMS?
Use LCMS is you want everything in one place.
Some of the biggest elearning websites in the world use a LCMS, so it’s definitely a viable option if you can host all the heavy media on separate servers.
A LCMS can be a very have system to run if you don’t have a lot of time to look after it.
If your learning environment starts growing, it can really slow down both the normal part of the website and the learning environment.
It is the best option if you want a lot of marketing options.
The blog makes content marketing possible, while the learning environment is extremely suitable for paid advertising and e-mail marketing.
So when it comes to the complete package, a LCMS is a very good option.
What kind of system is Maatos?
There is a big chance that you figured out Maatos is one of the systems listed above.
In fact, it can be used as both a LMS and a LCMS.
We have made numerous stripped versions of the Maatos system, which are now used solely for the e-learning functionalities. In that case it’s a LMS.
However, when it’s used as an LCMS, it’s at its best.
In that case your LCMS will equip your website with all the pages it needs, gives you the opportunity to blog, create landing pages and is, in general, the complete digital experience.
When combined with digital marketing, such as search engine optimization and advertising, social media marketing and email marketing, it has been the base for many success stories already!
Start selling your own online courses
Your online course deserves an environment in which it can thrive.
It needs to be followed, but that means people need to be able to find it and you need to sell your course (more often).
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