Drip content allows you to release course materials gradually, keeping learners engaged and preventing information overload. Using WordPress LMS plugins like LearnDash or LifterLMS, you can schedule content based on enrollment dates, specific calendar dates, or course start dates. Here’s a quick overview:
Why Use Drip Content?
- Keeps students engaged and focused by avoiding overwhelming them.
- Encourages course completion with structured learning paths.
- Reduces refund fraud by controlling access to content.
- Boosts membership signups (e.g., "preview" tags improved signups by 25%).
WordPress LMS Plugin Options
| Feature | LearnDash | LifterLMS |
|---|---|---|
| Content Delivery | Dynamic drip-feeding with focus mode | Flexible drip options |
| Pricing | $199/year | Free core, paid add-ons |
| Release Triggers | Enrollment date, specific date | Enrollment, course start, date |
| Special Features | Advanced quiz engine, focus mode | Built-in membership tools |
Key Steps to Set Up Drip Content
- LearnDash: Use the "Lesson Access Settings" to schedule content by enrollment date, specific date, or immediately.
- LifterLMS: Adjust "Drip Settings" in the Course Builder for enrollment-based, course start date, or specific date releases.
- Test your setup with a test student account to ensure everything works as planned.
Quick Comparison Table
| Setup Phase | LearnDash | LifterLMS |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Configuration | Navigate to Lesson Settings tab | Use the Course Builder |
| Timing Options | Days after enrollment, specific date | Enrollment, course start, date |
Drip content ensures a structured, engaging experience for students while simplifying course management for creators.
Selecting Your WordPress LMS Plugin
LearnDash and LifterLMS Features
LearnDash and LifterLMS take different approaches to scheduling course content. Both offer tools for drip content, but the way they handle scheduling can influence how you deliver your courses.
| Feature Category | LearnDash | LifterLMS |
|---|---|---|
| Core Pricing | $199/year | Free core with optional paid add-ons |
| Content Release Options | – Immediate access – Days after enrollment – Specific calendar date |
– Specific date – Days from enrollment – Days from course start |
| Quiz Functionality | Advanced quiz engine | Basic question types |
| Membership Features | Requires third-party integration | Built-in membership functionality |
These differences in features play a crucial role in how you can manage and schedule course content for your students.
How to Pick the Right Plugin
Your decision should revolve around your specific drip content needs. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
Choose LearnDash if you prefer:
- Advanced scheduling controls with features like focus mode.
- A simple drip-feeding process integrated into the course structure.
- Compatibility with WordPress themes for smooth content delivery.
Choose LifterLMS if you prefer:
- Built-in membership tools, eliminating the need for extra plugins.
- Flexible options for releasing content.
- Comprehensive support, including pre-sale consultations.
"For ease of use and a better user experience you should consider LearnDash, and if you are just starting out and will only be offering free courses consider LifterLMS." – Adam Preiser
LearnDash is particularly strong in enrollment-based and calendar-based scheduling, making it ideal for courses with a structured release plan. On the other hand, LifterLMS shines with its course start date feature, which works well for cohort-based learning models.
Getting Started With Drip Course Content
LearnDash Drip Content Setup Guide
Once you’ve selected your LMS plugin, it’s time to set up LearnDash to schedule your drip content just the way you need.
Finding Course Settings
To access and adjust lesson settings in LearnDash, follow these steps in your WordPress dashboard:
- Navigate to LearnDash LMS > Lessons.
- Select the lesson you want to configure.
- Click on the Settings tab.
- Expand the Lesson Access Settings section.
Setting Content Release Rules
LearnDash gives you control over when lessons are made available to students. You can choose from three main release methods:
| Release Type | Description | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate Access | Content is accessible right after enrollment | Introductory modules or course overviews |
| Enrollment-based | Unlocks a set number of days after enrollment | Sequential learning paths |
| Specific Date | Becomes available on a fixed date | Time-sensitive content or cohort-based courses |
To set this up, find the Lesson Release Schedule option in your lesson settings. Keep in mind that topics under lessons will automatically follow the parent lesson’s schedule unless you choose to modify them individually.
Testing Your Setup
Ensure your drip content works as planned by testing it thoroughly:
- Create a test student account.
- Enroll in the course using this account.
- Note the expected release dates for each lesson.
- Verify content availability matches the schedule.
- Confirm that topics align with their parent lesson’s timing.
You can also use the ‘Sample Lesson’ feature to preview how content appears. Just remember to disable it before launching your course.
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LifterLMS Drip Content Setup Guide
Here’s how to set up drip content in LifterLMS, a WordPress LMS plugin designed for course management.
Using the Course Builder
Follow these steps to adjust drip settings using the Course Builder:
- Access Your Courses: Go to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to LifterLMS > Courses to view your course structure.
- Edit Lesson Settings: Select the lesson you want to configure. Click the gear icon to open the "Edit lesson settings" panel.
Creating Release Rules
LifterLMS provides multiple options for scheduling content releases, allowing you to tailor the experience to your teaching style. Here’s a quick comparison of the available methods:
| Drip Method | Ideal For | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Enrollment-based | Self-paced learning | Releases content a set number of days after enrollment. |
| Course Start Date | Cohort-based courses | Schedules content based on the course start date. |
| Specific Date | Time-sensitive lessons | Releases content on a fixed calendar date. |
To configure these settings, open the Course Builder, select a lesson, go to "Drip Settings", choose your preferred method, adjust the timing, and save.
Once the rules are set, you’ll want to notify students when new content becomes available.
Setting Up Student Notifications
Automated notifications ensure students stay informed about new content releases. LifterLMS includes a built-in notification system that you can customize.
Here’s how to set it up:
- Adjust Notification Settings: Go to the WordPress dashboard, then navigate to LifterLMS > Settings > Notifications to access and customize notification templates.
-
Select Notification Formats: LifterLMS supports several formats, including:
Format Requirements Best For Email Core plugin General communication Pop-up Core plugin Immediate alerts SMS Twilio add-on needed Time-sensitive notifications - Personalize Messages: Customize the content to match your course’s branding. You can edit the text, adjust timing, set recipient preferences, and even add custom icons or other branding elements.
Drip Content Tips and Strategies
Once your plugin is set up, these strategies can help you refine your content delivery to keep students engaged.
Content Release Timing
Timing matters. Releasing content at the right intervals helps avoid overwhelming students while maintaining their interest.
| Course Type | Recommended Release Interval | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Foundational Courses | Weekly releases | New learners who need time to absorb basics |
| Advanced Topics | Every 2–3 days | Experienced learners ready for a quicker pace |
Give yourself a 48-hour buffer after setting up the content. Then, send notifications about new releases approximately 15 hours after the content goes live.
Course Structure Planning
Organize your course in a logical sequence, starting with the basics and gradually moving to more advanced topics. When setting up your drip content:
- Break down complex modules into smaller, more manageable sections.
- Mix up content formats – videos, text, and audio – to keep things engaging for different learning styles.
- Clearly define prerequisites for each module.
- Include milestone-based checkpoints to help students track their progress.
Adjusting Based on Results
Keep an eye on key metrics to see how your course is performing:
| Metric | What to Monitor | Action Items |
|---|---|---|
| Completion Rates | Progress through each module | Adjust difficulty if students are consistently falling behind. |
| Quiz Performance | Assessment scores | Clarify or revise content where scores are consistently low. |
| Student Engagement | Time spent on each module | Change content length or format based on engagement trends. |
Use reporting tools to spot students who are struggling. To gather more detailed feedback, try the "Start-Stop-Continue" method. This approach can help you pinpoint what’s working, what isn’t, and what needs to be added or changed. Use these insights to fine-tune your drip schedule and improve the course experience.
Next Steps
Summary of Main Points
Setting up drip content takes careful planning and attention to detail. As we’ve discussed, LearnDash and LifterLMS offer different timing and notification options, each tailored to specific needs in course delivery.
Here’s a quick comparison of the key steps:
| Setup Phase | LearnDash | LifterLMS |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Configuration | Navigate to the Lesson Settings tab | Use the Course Builder interface |
| Timing Options | Days after enrollment or a specific date | Enrollment-based, course start, or fixed date |
Once you understand the setup process, you might consider professional services to streamline and improve your course delivery.
Professional Setup Services
Using expert services can simplify the process and help you avoid common pitfalls. Pro Membership Sites offers solutions that combine drip content with email marketing and analytics, making your course delivery more effective. Here’s what they provide:
| Service Component | Details | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Content Strategy | Custom drip scheduling | Keeps students engaged |
| Email Integration | Automated notifications | Boosts content consumption |
| Analytics Setup | User behavior tracking | Supports data-driven improvements |
If your course has a complex structure or needs advanced customization, working with professionals can save time and ensure a smoother setup process. They can also integrate tools like automated email notifications and analytics tracking to improve your overall delivery system.
