WordPress vs. Kajabi? Thinkific vs. Teachable? Here’s What Really Matters.

When I set out to build my first online course, I fell into the dilemma many course creators face—I became obsessed with finding the "perfect" platform. Weeks turned into months as I compared features, tested demos and wrestled with questions of cost versus functionality. I was convinced that my success hinged on this one decision.

But here’s the truth I discovered through experience:

There is no such thing as a "bad" platform.

Whether you choose WordPress, Kajabi, Thinkific, or Teachable, the platform is just a tool. What truly matters is how you use it.

Let me explain with an analogy: selecting a platform is like buying shoes. They could be made by a top designer and look fantastic, but if they don’t fit or aren’t suited to the terrain you’ll be walking, they’ll only slow you down. In the same way, your platform won’t determine your success—your strategy will.


The Right Questions to Ask

Instead of agonizing over platforms, I should have been asking these questions:

  1. Do I have a strategy to launch my course?
    For example, do I know how to reach my audience effectively? Will I use email campaigns, social media, or a webinar funnel to drive sign-ups?

  2. Does my course content meet my students’ needs?
    Have I conducted market research? Do I understand my ideal student's pain points and how my course solves them?

  3. Am I clear on how to implement and execute consistently?
    Do I have a realistic timeline for creating the course materials, marketing the launch, and maintaining momentum post-launch?

When I shifted my focus to these foundational elements, everything changed. The "bells and whistles" of a platform became less important. What truly mattered was solving my audience’s problems and delivering value.


A Real-World Example: Kajabi vs. Teachable

Let me share a quick example to illustrate this point. Early on, I debated between Kajabi and Teachable. Kajabi’s all-in-one solution was tempting: It offered email marketing, website hosting, and course delivery in one place.

On the other hand, Teachable’s lower price point seemed more budget-friendly. I spent weeks researching, but I could have succeeded with either platform.

Why? Because success wasn’t about the tool; it was about the strategy I brought to the table. When I eventually chose Kajabi, I had a clear plan:

  • A niche audience (busy professionals looking to improve their productivity).

  • A course solving a specific problem (overcoming procrastination).

  • A content strategy included weekly emails, live Q&A sessions, and downloadable worksheets.

Had I chosen Teachable, I could have adapted the same strategy. The platform wasn’t the driver of success; my ability to execute the strategy was.

Here are some real-world examples :

1. Marie Forleo's B-School (Kajabi)

Marie Forleo built her highly successful online business course, B-School, using Kajabi. She focused on delivering high-quality content that addressed her audience's needs—entrepreneurs wanting to build meaningful businesses online. Kajabi's all-in-one platform streamlined her course delivery, but her strategy of targeting a specific audience with a clear outcome made her program a hit.

Takeaway: Marie’s success wasn’t just about Kajabi. The key factors were her laser-focused messaging, expert branding, and value-driven content.


2. Ali Abdaal’s Productivity Masterclass (Teachable)

Ali Abdaal launched his popular productivity courses on Teachable. While Teachable offered a straightforward platform for hosting and selling his course, his success was built on leveraging his YouTube audience. By solving a specific problem—helping busy professionals and students master productivity—he drove consistent sign-ups through engaging YouTube content and targeted email campaigns.

Takeaway: Ali’s audience-first approach and content consistency mattered more than his chosen platform.


3. Amy Porterfield’s Digital Course Academy (Thinkific)

Amy Porterfield chose Thinkific to deliver her flagship program, Digital Course Academy. Her clear launch strategy set her apart, including webinars, live Q&A sessions, and a structured email campaign. The simplicity of Thinkific’s platform enabled her to focus on audience engagement and delivering actionable content.

Takeaway: Amy’s well-thought-out marketing and structured curriculum were far more critical than the platform.


4. Pat Flynn's Smart Passive Income Courses (WordPress + LearnDash)

Pat Flynn built some of his online courses using WordPress paired with LearnDash. This setup gave him flexibility and control but required more effort than an all-in-one solution. His courses succeeded because of his trust-based relationship with his audience and his reputation for delivering actionable, high-value content.

Takeaway: Even a more technical platform like WordPress can work if you focus on value and have a loyal audience.

 


Final Thought: The Tools Are Secondary

These examples highlight a common thread: platforms like Kajabi, Teachable, Thinkific, or WordPress are simply vehicles for delivering value. The success of these creators came from having a clear strategy, understanding their audience, and solving a specific problem.

If you’re still stuck deciding on a platform, focus on building your strategy first—then, the platform choice will naturally fall into place. Let me know if you'd like more inspiration or guidance!

 
 
 
 
 

The Mindset Shift

If you’re stuck choosing a platform, take a step back. Instead of asking, “Which platform is best?” ask yourself:

  • Do I have a plan to create an impact?

  • Am I clear on my audience’s needs and how to meet them?

  • Can I execute my strategy effectively on this platform?

Once you focus on the essentials—strategy, clarity, and execution—the platform becomes secondary. Whether using a premium solution like Kajabi or a leaner tool like Thinkific, success comes from delivering value to your audience.


Need Help? Let’s Chat

You're not alone if you’re overwhelmed by platform options or unsure where to start. Building a course is a big undertaking, but you don’t have to go it alone. Let’s work together to create a rock-solid strategy that ensures your course doesn’t just sit on a platform—it makes an impact.

Contact us today to take the first step towards your course’s success.

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