How to Build an LMS Website Without Coding: A Step-by-Step Guide

Building a Learning Management System (LMS) website without writing any code is certainly possible using WordPress along with the powerful plugin suite Crocoblock. Crocoblock simplifies website creation through drag-and-drop design and dynamic content options. Follow this comprehensive step-by-step guide to create your own LMS site.

Step 1: Set Up WordPress

1.1 Domain and Hosting

To begin, you’ll need to sign up with a reputable hosting provider like Bluehost or SiteGround. Both these providers offer WordPress-optimized hosting. Once you have your hosting account, you can purchase a domain name. Most hosting providers offer one-click WordPress installations, making the process simple and straightforward.

1.2 WordPress Theme

Select a theme compatible with Crocoblock. One popular choice is Hello Elementor, which works well with page builders.

Step 2: Install Crocoblock and Elementor

2.1 Elementor

Download and install Elementor free or the Pro version. The Pro version offers more advanced widgets, which might be useful for LMS-specific content.

2.2 Crocoblock

Visit the Crocoblock website to purchase a subscription and download the plugin files.

Log into your WordPress dashboard, navigate to Plugins, and add new. Upload and activate the Crocoblock plugins.

Step 3: Install JetEngine and JetElements Key Crocoblock Plugins

JetEngine and JetElements are essential plugins for managing dynamic content in your LMS website.

JetEngine: Essential for building dynamic content like course pages, lessons, and user profiles. It provides custom post types, dynamic fields, listings, and more.

JetElements: Adds new widgets for Elementor, making it easier to design visually appealing pages with elements like pricing tables, testimonials, countdowns, and more.

Step 4: Set Up Course and Lesson Post Types with JetEngine

Create Custom Post Types (CPTs)

Go to JetEngine > Post Types and create a new post type called “Courses.”

Add another CPT called “Lessons” to organize content within each course.

Add Meta Fields

For the Courses post type, add fields like Course Description, Duration, Price, Instructor, etc.

For Lessons, add fields like Lesson Description, Video URL, Resources, etc.

Step 5: Create Relationships for Courses and Lessons

Set up relationships between custom post types to link lessons to specific courses:

Go to JetEngine > Relations and create a relationship between Courses and Lessons.

Define a one-to-many relationship, where one course can have multiple lessons.

Step 6: Build Dynamic Course Pages

Use Elementor and JetEngine’s Dynamic Content features to create course and lesson pages that automatically pull data from your custom post types.

Course List Page

Go to Templates > Theme Builder in Elementor and create an archive template for Courses.

Use JetEngine’s Listing Grid widget to dynamically display each course with its title, thumbnail, and summary.

Single Course Page

Create a single template for individual course pages.

Use dynamic widgets like Dynamic Image, Dynamic Field, and Dynamic Repeater to display each course’s content and its lessons.

Step 7: Add User Registration and Login

JetEngine offers user registration and login functionality, which is essential for students to access courses.

Use JetEngine Forms to create a registration and login form.

Customize the forms to capture user data like Username, Email, and other profile information.

Step 8: Implement Access Control with JetEngine

To restrict content to logged-in users or specific user roles:

Use JetEngine’s Profile Builder to create member dashboards.

Use Dynamic Visibility features in Crocoblock to restrict course access based on user roles.

Step 9: Add Payment Integration (Optional)

Integrating WooCommerce for a seamless e-commerce experience is optional but recommended if you plan to sell courses.

Install WooCommerce and set up your payment gateway, such as PayPal or Stripe.

Use JetWooBuilder, another Crocoblock plugin, to create custom product pages if needed, and link courses to WooCommerce products.

Step 10: Test and Launch

Testing: Ensure all links, dynamic content, and user access permissions are working correctly.

Launch: Once you are satisfied with the site’s functionality, go live!