With the rise of online learning, there has been a surge in the number of platforms available to help creators and entrepreneurs build and sell their own courses. Three of the most popular options are Thinkific, Teachable, and Kajabi. Each of these platforms offers a range of features and tools for creating and selling online courses, making it tough to choose just one. In this article, we will compare Thinkific, Teachable, and Kajabi to help you determine which platform is right for your needs.
1. Ease of Use and User Interface
H4 Thinkific
Thinkific prides itself on being an easy-to-use platform, and it definitely lives up to that claim. The platform has a clean and intuitive user interface, making it simple for even beginners to navigate and use. Creating a course with Thinkific involves a few easy steps, such as uploading your content, customizing your site, and setting up payment options. One of the standout features of Thinkific is its drag-and-drop builder, which allows users to easily design their course pages without any coding knowledge.
The platform also offers a variety of customizable templates, making it easy to create a professional-looking website for your course. Additionally, Thinkific has a helpful knowledge base and support team to assist with any questions or issues that may arise.
H4 Teachable
Like Thinkific, Teachable also boasts a user-friendly interface and simple course creation process. The platform offers a step-by-step guide for setting up your course, making it easy for beginners to get started. One unique feature of Teachable is its “Power Editor,” which allows for more customization and control over the design of your course. However, this feature requires some knowledge of coding.
Teachable also offers attractive templates and a drag-and-drop builder for designing your course pages. The platform also has a comprehensive knowledge base and support team to help with any inquiries.
H4 Kajabi
Kajabi’s user interface is sleek and modern, but it can be overwhelming for beginners. The platform offers a range of features, including website design, email marketing, and sales funnel creation, which can make it feel crowded and confusing at times. Creating a course on Kajabi involves setting up a “product” and then building out your content and site design from there.
One of the standout features of Kajabi is its ability to create a fully-branded website for your course. However, this level of customization may require some technical knowledge. The platform also offers 24/7 customer support through live chat, making it easy to get assistance whenever you need it.
2. Course Building Tools
H4 Thinkific
Thinkific offers a range of tools for creating and delivering online courses. These include video hosting, quizzes, surveys, discussions, and certificates. One unique feature of Thinkific is its “Content Manager,” which allows for easy organization and management of course materials. The platform also integrates with popular tools like Google Analytics and MailChimp.
However, one limitation of Thinkific is that it does not offer a native community or forum feature for students, which may be a downside for those looking for a more interactive learning experience.
H4 Teachable
Teachable offers many similar course-building tools to Thinkific, including video hosting, quizzes, and discussions. However, one unique feature of Teachable is its “Drip Content” option, which allows creators to release course content on a schedule. This can be useful for building anticipation and keeping students engaged.
Additionally, Teachable has a “Community” feature where students can interact and engage with each other, enhancing the overall learning experience.
H4 Kajabi
Kajabi offers a range of tools for creating and delivering online courses, as well as additional features like website design, email marketing, and sales funnels. One unique feature of Kajabi is its “Pipelines,” which are automated marketing sequences that can help increase conversions and drive sales.
The platform also offers the ability to create an online community for students, making it easy for them to interact and support each other as they go through the course.
3. Pricing Plans
H4 Thinkific
Thinkific offers a free plan, as well as three paid plans starting at $49 per month. The free plan includes basic features and is limited to 10 students, while the paid plans offer more advanced features and unlimited students. However, a downside to Thinkific’s pricing model is that it charges a transaction fee for each sale made on its platform.
H4 Teachable
Like Thinkific, Teachable also offers a free plan, as well as three paid plans starting at $29 per month. The free plan is limited to five students, while the paid plans offer more features and unlimited students. One advantage of Teachable’s pricing model is that it does not charge any transaction fees.
H4 Kajabi
Kajabi’s pricing structure is significantly higher than Thinkific and Teachable, with plans starting at $149 per month. However, this price includes all of Kajabi’s features, such as website design and email marketing, making it a comprehensive solution for course creators. Additionally, Kajabi does not charge any transaction fees.
FAQs
H4 Which platform is best for beginners?
Both Thinkific and Teachable have user-friendly interfaces and step-by-step guides, making them great options for beginners. Kajabi may be overwhelming for those new to online course creation, as it offers a range of features beyond just course building.
H4 Can I use my own custom domain with these platforms?
Yes, all three platforms allow users to connect their own custom domain for a more professional website.
H4 Do these platforms offer marketing and sales tools?
Yes, all three platforms offer various marketing and sales tools, such as email marketing and sales funnels. However, Kajabi offers the most comprehensive set of features in this area.
H4 Can I create and sell multiple courses on these platforms?
Yes, all three platforms allow for the creation and sale of multiple courses. However, Kajabi may be a better option for those looking to build a full online business, as it offers additional features like website design and email marketing.
H4 Are there any transaction fees?
Thinkific and Teachable charge transaction fees for each sale made on their platform, while Kajabi does not.
Conclusion
Overall, Thinkific, Teachable, and Kajabi are all reputable and popular platforms for creating and selling online courses. Each offers its own unique features and pricing plans, making it important to carefully consider your specific needs before making a decision.
If you’re a beginner looking for an easy-to-use platform with minimal upfront costs, Thinkific or Teachable may be the best options for you. If you’re looking for a more comprehensive solution with advanced marketing and sales tools, Kajabi may be worth the higher price tag. Ultimately, the best platform for you will depend on your individual goals and preferences.