Google Classroom vs Teachable vs a Proper Course Platform: What Coaches in Sri Lanka Actually Need
Google Classroom is free. Teachable looks polished. And there are dozens of other platforms promising to be the easiest way to sell your knowledge online.
So why are so many coaches in Sri Lanka still stuck with a system that does not work?
Because the platform decision is not really about features. It is about fit. And most coaches pick a platform based on what is free, what looks good in a YouTube tutorial, or what a friend recommended. Not based on what their actual business needs.
This post breaks down the three options coaches ask about most: Google Classroom, Teachable, and a self-hosted LMS. By the end, you will know exactly which one fits where you are right now and where you are trying to go.
Why This Decision Matters More Than Most Coaches Think
Switching platforms is painful. It means migrating course content, re-enrolling students, rebuilding your sales flow, and in many cases, starting your SEO and email list from scratch.
Coaches who choose the wrong platform early do not just waste money. They waste months. And they usually end up paying twice: once for the wrong platform, and once to rebuild properly.
Get this decision right once.
Google Classroom: Honest Assessment
Google Classroom was built for schools. Specifically, for teachers managing student assignments, submissions, and grades inside a structured academic environment.
For a coach selling programs online, it was never designed for what you are trying to do.
What Google Classroom does not have
- No payment processing
- No sales page
- No automated enrollment
- No professional student experience
- No analytics
Why coaches still use it
Because it is free and works for small pilot groups.
The verdict
Google Classroom: Fine for testing. Not suitable for a real business.
Teachable: Honest Assessment
Teachable is built for course creators and offers an all-in-one solution.
What Teachable does well
- Easy setup
- Clean interface
- Built-in checkout
- Automated emails
Where Teachable creates problems
- No PayHere integration
- Stripe limitations in Sri Lanka
- Monthly costs increase over time
- Limited customisation
Best use case
Good for international audiences or early-stage validation.
The verdict
Teachable: Not ideal for Sri Lankan-focused businesses long-term.
A Self-Hosted LMS: Honest Assessment
This means your platform runs on your own server (e.g., Moodle or LearnDash).
What you get
- Full PayHere integration
- Complete control
- No per-transaction fees
- Deep customisation
- Full sales funnel system
The trade-offs
- More complex setup
- Requires maintenance
The verdict
Self-hosted LMS: Best long-term solution for serious coaches.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Google Classroom | Teachable | Self-Hosted LMS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | USD 39–119/month | Server + setup |
| PayHere Support | No | No | Yes |
| Sales Page | No | Yes | Yes |
| Automation | No | Yes | Yes |
| Customisation | Minimal | Limited | Full |
| Ownership | No | No | Yes |
The Question Coaches Should Actually Be Asking
Most coaches ask: “Which platform is easiest?”
The better question is: “Which platform will I not outgrow in 12 months?”
Easy setup and long-term scalability are not the same.
What to Do Next
If you are unsure, a short conversation can save weeks of trial and error.
