Top 5 Kajabi Alternatives for Creators to Monetize Their Expertise

Are you an independent creator looking to turn your specialized knowledge or passion into a profitable venture? If you're like many creators out there, you’ve likely heard of Kajabi, a popular all-in-one platform designed to help you transform your content into a sustainable business. Kajabi markets itself as a solution that can guide you from simply creating content to launching a full-fledged business.

Initially, Kajabi might have seemed the ideal choice to meet your needs. Its promise to streamline your transition from creator to entrepreneur is indeed compelling. You might have been drawn to its suite of features, including website building, email marketing, and online course creation, all under one roof.

However, the fact that you are reading this suggests that Kajabi might not have ticked all the boxes for you. Perhaps its pricing didn’t fit your budget, its functionality was lacking in specific areas crucial for your business model, or maybe you found the learning curve to be steeper than you expected.

We understand that each creator's journey and requirements are different. And so for creators like you, we’ve created this blog: to offer a handpicked selection of the best Kajabi alternative platforms that can assist you in monetizing your expertise effectively.

Let's get started.

Why You Might Need a Kajabi Alternative?

Kajabi is celebrated as an all-in-one course creation platform tailored for online course creators, coaches, podcasters, and more. It empowers creators to monetize their content effectively, collect payments, and track advanced analytics seamlessly. This versatility makes Kajabi a top-tier choice in the market.

However, Kajabi's high pricing can be a significant barrier for many creators. It starts at $149 per month for its Basic plan, which limits you to just three products, three sales funnels, and one website. Additionally, features such as advanced automation, affiliate programs, and dedicated customer support are only available in its Growth and Pro plans, which are considerably more expensive at $199 and $399 per month, respectively. To top it off, Kajabi charges an extra $199 per month with the original subscription, for its mobile app, which adds to the overall expense.

Given these considerations, it's important to explore alternatives. For some creators, finding a more affordable option with comparable features could be crucial. In this blog, we’ll delve into why Kajabi might not be the perfect fit for everyone and present you with a curated list of alternative platforms that can help you monetize your expertise without breaking the bank.

Pros of Kajabi:

All-in-One Platform: Kajabi combines multiple functionalities into one platform, allowing creators to manage their online courses, memberships, websites, emails, analytics, and payment processing in a single dashboard. This holistic approach minimizes the need for multiple third-party tools, thereby simplifying operations and reducing overhead costs.
Automated Sales Funnels: Kajabi's robust automated sales funnel feature streamlines your sales process by nurturing leads and converting them into paying customers on one platform. These features enable creators to manage marketing efforts efficiently. Imagine you're a business coach launching a new program; these sales funnels can significantly boost your marketing efforts.
Zero Transaction Fees: Kajabi doesn’t charge transaction fees on any plans, allowing creators to keep more of their earnings. This benefit is particularly advantageous for high-volume sellers, as it ensures that more of their earnings remain intact.
Optimized Landing Pages and Checkout: Kajabi provides optimized landing pages and a streamlined checkout process that supports multiple currencies. This enhances the user experience and facilitates international sales.
Content Monetization Flexibility: Kajabi allows creators to monetize various types of content, including online courses, podcasts, and memberships. This flexibility makes it an excellent choice for multi-faceted creators.

Kajabi Pricing Breakdown:

Kickstarter Plan: $69/month; offers foundational features to set up your business.
Basic Plan: $149/month; designed for starting and running your business.
Growth Plan: $199/month; tailored for those looking to expand their business.
Pro Plan: $399/month; includes advanced features for scaling your business and team.
Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing; designed for large-scale operations.

Cons of Kajabi:

Expensive Subscription Packages: Kajabi’s pricing structure can be a significant barrier, particularly for newcomers. For instance, the Kajabi Basic Plan costs $149 per month and only allows the creation of three products and the use of three funnels. If you're an aspiring coach wanting to deliver multiple unique products, this steep price may limit your flexibility. Compounded by the fact that some crucial features are only available in the more expensive plans, new creators may find this model prohibitive.
Mobile App Cost: While offering a mobile app can be advantageous, Kajabi places a high cost on this feature. At an additional $199 per month, this cost can quickly add up. Imagine you’re a fitness trainer who wants to provide on-the-go workout videos. This extra expense might seem like paying for a premium feature over and above your existing subscription, significantly impacting your budget.
Content Security Concerns: Kajabi does not offer advanced security features such as data encryption and digital rights management (DRM). This could be a point of concern if you’re a content creator providing premium, exclusive coaching videos or proprietary information. The lack of robust security measures leaves your valuable content more vulnerable to unauthorized access and piracy.
No Native Support for Live Classes or Webinars: Kajabi falls short in its native functionalities by not providing built-in options for live classes or webinars. For example, if you’re a business coach seeking to hold live Q&A sessions, you'll need to integrate third-party tools like Zoom, which also come with additional costs. This disrupts the user experience and complicates the overall process for both you and your attendees.
Limited Dedicated Customer Support: Dedicated customer support options are restricted in Kajabi’s lower plans. For example, the Basic Plan at $149 per month does not include 24/7 support, which is only available in Growth and Pro plans ($199/month and $399/month respectively). If you encounter any issues, especially as a new creator, the lack of immediate and dedicated assistance can result in prolonged problem-solving periods, wasting both time and effort.
Complex Course Community Integration: Though Kajabi recently introduced "Community 2.0," intended as an enhanced forum, seamless integration is still lacking. Users require a separate login and app to access the community features. This complicates the experience for users who want seamless course and community integration.
Two Separate Apps: Kajabi’s ecosystem involves two apps: one for courses and another for community interactions. This translates to two separate log-ins and two different downloads for users who want comprehensive access. This duality complicates the user experience, making it cumbersome for students and creators to manage.
Complexity in Customization: While Kajabi boasts a range of customization options, tailoring these features to fit specific needs can sometimes be complex and may even require technical expertise. If you're looking for a straightforward and user-friendly customization experience, you might find Kajabi’s flexibility to be a bit challenging compared to other platforms that offer more straightforward customization options.

5 Best Kajabi Alternatives for Creators.

Now that we've discussed some of the reasons why Kajabi might not meet all your needs. Let's look at some other alternatives that could be a better fit for you.

1. Graphy

Graphy is an all-in-one course creation platform tailored for creators seeking to monetize their expertise. Whether you're an educator, coach, or artist, Graphy allows you to focus on content creation while it handles the technical complexities. Supporting a variety of content delivery methods, including live classes and webinars, Graphy stands out with robust community-building and affiliate marketing features. Integrated marketing tools further aid in audience growth and effective monetization.

Pros of Graphy:

Affordable Pricing: Graphy’s pricing plans are notably more affordable compared to Kajabi. The Launch plan starts at $49 per month, whereas Kajabi’s Kickstarter plan starts at $69 per month but allows you to create and sell only 1 product. For $99 per month with Graphy’s Rise plan, you can create unlimited products, get both Android and iOS apps, and host up to 500 webinar participants. In contrast, similar features in Kajabi would necessitate upgrading to their more expensive Growth plan at $199 per month. This cost-effective model makes Graphy a more budget-friendly choice for creators aiming to maximize their offerings without straining their finances.
Unlimited Products: Even with Graphy’s Launch plan at $49 per month, creators can produce and manage an unlimited number of courses and products. On Kajabi, substantial restrictions exist even on their Basic plan at $149 per month, limiting you to just 3 digital products. Imagine if you’re an artist, educator, or business coach wanting to launch multiple courses, workshops, or supplementary materials—you can do so freely on Graphy without worrying about plan constraints.
Mobile Application Included: Included in both its Rise ($99/month) and Scale ($249/month) plans, Graphy offers mobile apps at no additional cost. Comparatively, Kajabi charges an extra $199 per month for its mobile app. This makes it easier for your learners to access content on-the-go, enhancing their experience without you incurring additional expenses. For instance, fitness trainers can share workout videos instantly, ensuring that their audience stays engaged regardless of location.
Built-in Live Classes and Webinars: Unlike Kajabi, which lacks native support for live classes or webinars, Graphy provides these features directly within the platform. Suppose you’re a business coach running interactive workshops or Q&A sessions—you can seamlessly engage with your audience in real time. Avoiding the need for third-party tools reduces costs and simplifies the user experience, making it easier for both you and your participants to stay connected.
Content Security with Digital Rights Management (DRM): Graphy ensures the utmost security for your valuable content with built-in DRM features, a level of protection Kajabi lacks. As a creator sharing exclusive materials like premium coaching videos or proprietary e-books, knowing your content is safeguarded against unauthorized access or distribution gives peace of mind.
Dedicated Support: Graphy offers dedicated customer support even in its most affordable Launch plan. In contrast, Kajabi limits its 24/7 support to only the Growth ($199/month) and Pro ($399/month) plans. Having immediate access to expert assistance is crucial, especially for new creators. Imagine having technical support at your fingertips, easing the process of delivering a smooth learning experience for your users without needing to upgrade to a costly higher-tier plan.
Unlimited Webinars: Graphy allows you to conduct unlimited webinars across all plans. Whether hosting guest speakers, running workshops, or facilitating collaborative sessions, this flexibility ensures effective audience engagement without additional costs. For instance, regularly hosting interactive webinars can significantly enhance learner engagement and build a strong community.
Integrated Marketing Tools: Graphy equips you with built-in marketing tools to grow your audience and boost course sales effortlessly. Unlike Kajabi, where essential marketing features might require higher-tier plans, Graphy offers a comprehensive toolkit including email campaigns and social media promotions right from the start. This holistic approach makes it easier to attract and retain students, driving growth and engagement.
Robust Community Options: Graphy excels in community-building features, allowing for the creation of student forums and niche communities directly on the platform. Unlike Kajabi, where community integration can be more cumbersome and requires separate logins, Graphy offers a seamless experience. This integrated approach fosters deeper connections among learners and enhances their overall educational journey.
Country-Specific Pricing: Graphy allows creators to set different pricing for various countries, catering to local market conditions and purchasing power. This flexibility ensures your courses are competitively priced in each region, maximizing accessibility and potential sales. Imagine the freedom of offering your content at reasonable rates worldwide, thus attracting a more diverse audience.
Graphy Assist: Graphy Assist leverages AI to streamline content creation and marketing efforts, thus boosting sales at no extra cost. Features like SEO automation, social proof through "Footfall Insights," cart abandonment reminders, and landing page promotions transform your platform into a conversion powerhouse. For example, showcasing real-time enrolment notifications or sending automated reminders to potential customers can significantly increase your conversion rates. These AI-driven strategies ensure you attract and retain more learners, driving growth efficiently and effectively.

These features collectively ensure that you attract more learners and retain them, boosting your overall revenue and growth—at no additional cost.

Cons of Graphy:

Limited Podcasting Tools: Graphy does not offer a dedicated podcasting tool yet. While creators can upload audio files as courses to create a podcast-like experience, this method may lack features typically associated with podcast platforms, such as specific analytics or subscription options. This can be a drawback for creators whose primary focus is on podcasting, as they may need to resort to external tools.
Challenges with One-on-One Interactions: Graphy does not currently feature built-in tools for personalized consultations. While live classes can serve as a workaround, they are not ideal for frequent one-on-one sessions that require dedicated scheduling and management. This limitation could be significant for creators who depend on personalized coaching as a significant part of their offering.
Managing Multiple Schools: As of now, Graphy doesn't support managing multiple online schools under a single account. This can be a hindrance for creators who wish to have separate branding and community spaces for different topics or audiences. Managing multiple schools may require using external solutions, thereby adding complexity to the workflow.

2. Teachable

Teachable is an online course platform that empowers creators to sell unlimited courses and coaching programs. The platform provides customizable sales pages, coupon management capabilities, and a robust affiliate management system.

Pros of Teachable:

Unlimited Courses and Coaching Programs: Teachable allows creators to sell unlimited courses and coaching programs. For example, a fitness coach can offer separate courses for strength training, nutrition, and mindfulness without any restrictions on the number of courses they can provide. This flexibility enables creators to expand their offerings without worrying about hitting limits.
Customizable Landing Pages: Teachable offers customizable landing pages that can be tailored to match your brand. A language teacher, for example, can create a compelling and visually appealing sales page for their language course, enhancing the marketing appeal and potentially increasing enrollments.
Affiliate Management: Teachable has a robust affiliate management system, making it easy to track and manage referrals. If you collaborate with influencers or other partners, this system can help you monitor their impact on your sales and compensate them accordingly.
Basic Email Functionality: Teachable includes basic email functionality that allows you to communicate with students about course updates, assignments, and announcements. This feature helps maintain engagement and keeps your students informed about important course-related information.
Interactive Features and Course Completion Perks: Teachable lets you add interactive elements like quizzes to your courses and enable course completion certificates. These features enhance the learning experience and can motivate students to complete the course, knowing they'll receive a certificate at the end.

Cons of Teachable:

Charges Revenue Share: Teachable charges a revenue share on certain plans. For example, the Basic Plan at $59 per month has a 5% transaction fee. For a new entrepreneur, these fees can add up and significantly eat into their profits. In contrast, Graphy offers 0% transaction fees on all its plans, making it a more cost-effective option for creators looking to maximize their earnings.
No Mobile Application: Teachable does not provide a mobile app, which limits accessibility for students on the go. Imagine a student wanting to learn a new language during their commute—Teachable's lack of a mobile app makes this inconvenient. In contrast, Graphy includes a mobile app at no additional cost, and while Kajabi does offer a mobile app, it comes at an additional $199 per month.
No Built-in Live Classes or Webinars Options: Similar to Kajabi, Teachable does not offer in-built live classes or webinars. Creators need to use external tools or integrations for these features. For a business coach wanting to conduct live Q&A sessions, this means additional costs and potential disruptions in the user experience. Graphy, on the other hand, includes built-in live classes and webinars at no extra cost.
Content Security Concerns: Teachable lacks advanced content security features like Digital Rights Management (DRM). This can be a concern for creators who sell premium content, such as a photographer offering high-value editing tutorials. Without DRM, there is a higher risk of unauthorized distribution of your content.
No Dedicated Customer Support: Personalized assistance with Teachable is limited, especially on lower-tier plans. Creators facing technical issues might spend a lot of time troubleshooting on their own. With Graphy providing dedicated support even in its Launch plan, and Kajabi only offering advanced support in its higher-tier plans, Teachable lags in ensuring accessible help for creators.

3. Thinkific

Thinkific serves as an all-in-one platform offering a range of tools for educators, coaches, and entrepreneurs to create, market, and sell their online courses.

Pros of Thinkific:

Website Builder: Thinkific delivers an intuitive drag-and-drop website builder that simplifies the process of setting up your course website, making it user-friendly for creators.
Thinkific Plus: Designed for larger enterprises, Thinkific Plus serves as a robust learning management system, addressing the needs of organizations looking for comprehensive solutions.
Customization and Flexibility: Thinkific emphasizes customization, allowing you to tailor your course content and brand appearance. You can also set up a custom domain to make your courses look integrated with your existing online presence.
Payment Options and Monetization Flexibility: Thinkific offers a variety of payment methods, including monthly payments and recurring subscriptions. This flexibility allows you to monetize your content effectively, offering payment plans that suit your audience.
Free Plan with No Transaction Fees: Thinkific offers a Free plan, permitting users to explore the platform and launch one course without incurring any transaction fees. It’s an excellent starting point for new creators who want to test the platform's capabilities.

Cons of Thinkific:

Limited Digital Products: Thinkific’s basic plans limit the number of digital downloads. For instance, its Basic Plan at $49 per month restricts users to just five digital downloads, which can constrain your creativity and offer variety. To lift these restrictions, you need to opt for higher-priced plans, similar to the constraints seen in Kajabi's more affordable plans.
Mobile App Cost: Thinkific offers a mobile app at an additional cost of $199 per month. This extra cost can be burdensome, particularly if you're looking to provide on-the-go access for students akin to what Kajabi offers in its higher-tier plans.
No In-Built Live Classes or Webinars: Just like Kajabi, Thinkific lacks native support for live classes or webinars, necessitating third-party integrations, which can disrupt the user experience and add to the overall costs.
Lack of Dedicated Support: Thinkific provides dedicated customer support only for Thinkific Plus Plan users, which comes with custom pricing. Lower-tier plans do not include this level of support, posing a significant challenge if you're new and require timely assistance.
Limited Customization and Add-on Apps: While Thinkific covers basic needs, more complex customizations often require additional costs. Each app from the store comes at an extra cost, adding up quickly. In contrast, Kajabi, despite its higher starting cost, includes more advanced features and customization options in its higher plans.

4. LearnWorlds

LearnWorlds is an engaging course creation platform that stands out for its interactive features aimed at boosting student engagement. It allows creators to sell unlimited courses with various payment options, making it a versatile choice for educators.

Pros of LearnWorlds:

Interactive Video Features: LearnWorlds offers interactive elements that enhance engagement. For example, a cooking instructor can include clickable recipe overlays or quizzes within the video. This level of interactivity significantly boosts learner engagement and retention.
Content Annotation Tools: Creators can annotate videos, making complex subjects easier to understand. For example, a coding instructor can break down complicated code snippets with helpful annotations.
Flexible Payment Options: LearnWorlds allows you to sell courses through one-time purchases, subscriptions, or bundles. This flexibility can maximize a creator's revenue potential by catering to different student preferences.
No Transaction Fees: Unlike some platforms that deduct a percentage from your sales, LearnWorlds does not charge transaction fees, allowing creators to retain more of their revenue.
Subtitles and Transcripts: LearnWorlds provides automatic subtitles and transcripts, enhancing accessibility and comprehension for all learners. This is especially useful for non-native speakers or those with hearing impairments.

Cons of LearnWorlds:

Mobile App (At Additional Cost): LearnWorlds offers a mobile app, but it comes at an extra cost. For instance, a life coach looking to provide accessible content may find this additional expense to be a budget constraint.
Email Support Only: LearnWorlds only provides email support, which may delay urgent resolutions. In comparison, Kajabi offers more extensive support options, including live chat and 24/7 support in its higher-tier plans.
Content Security Concerns: Much like Kajabi, LearnWorlds lacks advanced content security features such as data encryption and Digital Rights Management (DRM), which might pose challenges for creators selling premium or proprietary content.

5. Podia

Podia is designed to help creators sell online courses, memberships, digital downloads, and webinars with a user-friendly interface. While it offers simplicity and ease of use, it may not be as feature-rich as Kajabi but stands out for its affordability and accessibility for beginners.

Pros of Podia:

Live Engagement with Zoom Webinars (Optional Purchase): Creators can integrate Zoom webinars for real-time engagement, which is an optional purchase. This feature is beneficial for those who want to boost interaction and provide live workshops, similar to what Kajabi offers but without the built-in integration at no extra charge.
Marketing Tools (At Premium Plans): Podia offers marketing features in its premium plans. You can set up email campaigns, create landing pages, and track conversions, helping you expand your audience and boost sales—important tools also provided by Kajabi.
No Transaction Fees: Podia's no-transaction-fee policy on sales is attractive for creators who want to eliminate additional costs. High-volume sellers, in particular, will appreciate keeping more of their revenue.

Cons of Podia:

Revenue Share Charges: Podia takes a share of your revenue, which could mean lower overall earnings. A new artist selling digital art might find this cuts into their profits.
Additional Cost for Zoom Webinars: Zoom webinar integration requires a separate purchase, adding to the overall cost. This could be a burden for creators like fitness instructors who want to conduct live workout sessions.
Marketing Tools and Affiliate Marketing (Premium Plans Only): Essential marketing and affiliate tools are only available in Podia’s premium plans ($39/month and $89/month). Whereas, Kajabi includes these tools in its higher-tier plans.
Chat Support Only: Podia only offers chat support. For immediate or detailed assistance, this might be less ideal compared to Kajabi’s more comprehensive support options.
No Mobile Application: Podia lacks a mobile app, limiting accessibility for students who prefer learning on the go. Comparatively, Kajabi offers mobile app access, enhancing learner convenience.

Kajabi v/s Teachable v/s Graphy v/s Thinkific v/s Learnworlds v/s Podia Feature Comparison

Read more about - Top 5 platforms to Sell online courses in 2024.

Moving Forward.

We hope this comprehensive list has provided you with valuable insights into some top alternatives to Kajabi. Each platform discussed here offers unique advantages and caters to different needs and preferences. While Kajabi is known for its comprehensive and robust set of features, it's essential to weigh its pricing and limitations against what other platforms offer.

As you reflect on these options, take the time to analyze the unique offerings of each platform in relation to your specific needs and budget. Whether you’re looking for advanced community-building features, robust marketing tools, or flexible pricing plans, the right choice will depend on your individual requirements.

Remember, the goal is to find a platform that aligns best with your vision and helps you effectively monetize your expertise. Graphy, for instance, stands out with its affordability, comprehensive feature set, and user-friendly interface, making it a superior choice for creators wanting a reliable yet budget-friendly solution.

Take advantage of free trials, explore the features extensively, and make an informed decision that will support your journey in the online course creation space. Here’s to finding the perfect platform to help you achieve your goals and grow your business seamlessly.

Top 5 Kajabi Alternatives for Creators to Monetize Their Expertise.