Choosing a course platform shouldn’t feel like decoding a tech manual. This guide strips away the noise and compares Kajabi, Teachable, and Thinkific based on real business outcomes. You’ll also discover high-impact tools that simplify your decision and boost your course ROI.
Why Choosing a Course Platform Feels Overwhelming
You’re ready to build a course, maybe even turn it into a full-time business. You’ve got the content, the audience, and the drive. But then you start researching platforms—and suddenly you’re buried in feature lists, pricing tiers, and endless “best for” articles that don’t actually help you decide.
Here’s what usually happens:
- You open 5 tabs comparing Kajabi, Teachable, Thinkific, and maybe a few others.
- Each one claims to be “all-in-one,” “creator-friendly,” or “perfect for scaling.”
- You scroll through features like drip content, quizzes, upsells, integrations, and community tools.
- You start a free trial, but don’t finish setup because you’re unsure if it’s the right fit.
- Weeks pass. You’re still stuck. No course launched. No revenue generated.
This isn’t just frustrating—it’s costly. Every delay means lost momentum, missed leads, and wasted time. And the deeper issue? You’re trying to choose based on features, not outcomes.
Let’s say you’re a consultant who wants to package your expertise into a course. You don’t need 50 integrations or advanced automation on day one. You need:
- A simple way to upload content
- A clean landing page that converts
- A payment system that works
- A way to grow your email list
But most comparison guides don’t help you match those needs to the right platform. They just list specs. That’s where the fatigue sets in.
Here’s a clearer way to look at it:
| What You Actually Need | What Most Platforms Emphasize |
|---|---|
| Fast setup and launch | Endless customization options |
| Clear pricing and ROI | Feature-packed pricing tiers |
| Outcome-driven tools | Technical specs and jargon |
| Support for growth | “All-in-one” claims |
You’re not alone in this. A coach I spoke with spent two weeks toggling between Kajabi and Thinkific, trying to decide which one had better email automation. But she already had ConvertKit set up. What she really needed was a platform that played nicely with ConvertKit—not one that tried to replace it.
That’s why tools like Frase and Notion AI are so useful early on. Frase helps you clarify your course topic and optimize your landing page for search—so you attract the right audience from day one. Notion AI helps you outline your modules, build a launch checklist, and keep your ideas organized without bouncing between apps.
If you’re still stuck comparing platforms, here’s a better way to think about it:
| Outcome You Want | Best Platform Fit | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Build a full business ecosystem | Kajabi | Combines email, funnels, courses, and community in one place |
| Launch fast with minimal setup | Teachable | Simple interface, quick course upload, easy payments |
| Customize and scale over time | Thinkific | Flexible integrations, strong control over design and structure |
The key is to stop asking “Which platform has the most features?” and start asking “Which one helps me get results faster?”
You don’t need to master every tool. You need to choose one that gets out of your way and lets you build. Use Frase to write your course page. Use Notion AI to plan your content. Use ConvertKit to grow your list. Then pick the platform that fits into that system—not one that tries to replace it.
That’s how you avoid drowning in features—and finally launch something that works.
What Actually Matters When Choosing a Course Platform
You’re not buying software. You’re buying outcomes. That’s the shift that makes everything clearer.
Instead of asking “Which platform has the best features?”, ask “What do I want to achieve in the next 90 days?” That’s the real filter. Whether you’re launching your first course or optimizing an existing one, the platform should serve your business goals—not distract you with bells and whistles.
Here’s how to think about it:
- If you want to build a full ecosystem—email, funnels, courses, community—Kajabi is built for that.
- If you want to launch quickly and validate your idea, Teachable gets you there with minimal setup.
- If you want flexibility and control over integrations and design, Thinkific gives you room to grow.
Let’s break this down by outcome:
| Your Goal | Platform Fit | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Launch fast with minimal tech | Teachable | Simple interface, quick setup, built-in payments |
| Build a scalable business hub | Kajabi | Combines email, automation, course delivery, and community |
| Customize and integrate deeply | Thinkific | Flexible design, strong third-party integrations |
Now layer in the tools that help you get there faster. Frase is a standout if you want to optimize your course landing page for search and clarity. It helps you write content that ranks and converts—without needing to be an SEO expert. Notion AI is perfect for outlining your course, organizing your launch plan, and keeping your workflow clean. ConvertKit handles email automation and audience growth, especially if you’re building a waitlist or nurturing leads before launch.
These tools don’t replace your course platform—they support it. They help you stay focused on outcomes, not features.
Smart Ways to Choose Without Overthinking
You don’t need to compare every feature. You need to match your business model to the platform’s strengths.
Start by asking:
- How do I plan to monetize—one-time sales, subscriptions, cohorts, or evergreen?
- Do I already use tools like ConvertKit, Frase, or Notion AI?
- Do I want to build a community around my course?
- How much control do I want over design and integrations?
Then use a simple filter:
| Monetization Model | Best Platform |
|---|---|
| One-time sales | Teachable |
| Subscription or membership | Kajabi |
| Cohort-based or drip | Thinkific |
| Evergreen funnel | Kajabi or Systeme.io |
Systeme.io is worth mentioning here. If you want an all-in-one platform that’s lean and affordable, it’s a strong alternative to the big three. It handles funnels, email, courses, and automation in one place—without the complexity.
Also, don’t underestimate the value of launching lean. You don’t need a perfect setup. You need momentum. Use Notion AI to outline your modules and create a checklist. Use Frase to write your landing page. Use ConvertKit to build your email list. Then pick the platform that fits into that system.
Outcome-Based Scenarios That Make the Decision Easier
Let’s say you’re a business consultant with a small email list. You want to package your expertise into a course and sell it to your audience.
- You already use ConvertKit for email.
- You want to launch quickly.
- You don’t need advanced automation yet.
Teachable is your best fit. It’s simple, fast, and integrates well with ConvertKit.
Now imagine you’re a productivity coach with a growing community. You want to build a membership site, offer multiple courses, and automate your funnels.
- You want everything in one place.
- You want to build a branded experience.
- You want to scale over time.
Kajabi is built for that. It handles email, automation, courses, and community—all under one roof.
Or maybe you’re a corporate trainer who wants control over design and integrations.
- You want to customize the experience.
- You want to integrate with existing tools.
- You want flexibility in pricing and delivery.
Thinkific gives you that control. It’s modular, adaptable, and works well with external tools like Frase and ConvertKit.
Tools That Help You Decide Faster and Build Smarter
You don’t need to figure everything out manually. These tools help you move faster and make better decisions:
- Frase – Use it to write and optimize your course landing page. It helps you rank on search and convert visitors into buyers.
- Notion AI – Use it to outline your course, plan your launch, and stay organized. It’s your workspace for clarity.
- ConvertKit – Use it to build your email list, nurture leads, and automate your launch sequence.
These tools work together. You can use Notion AI to plan, Frase to write, and ConvertKit to grow. Then plug in Kajabi, Teachable, or Thinkific depending on your goals.
3 Actionable Takeaways
- Choose based on outcomes, not features. Start with your business goal and work backward.
- Use Frase, Notion AI, and ConvertKit to simplify your planning, writing, and marketing.
- Launch lean. Don’t wait for perfect. Get your course out, test it, and refine as you go.
Top 5 FAQs About Choosing Kajabi, Teachable, or Thinkific
1. Which platform is easiest to set up for beginners? Teachable offers the simplest setup and is ideal if you want to launch quickly without technical hurdles.
2. Can I switch platforms later if I outgrow one? Yes, but it takes effort. Start with the platform that matches your current goals, and plan for portability if needed.
3. Do these platforms integrate with email tools like ConvertKit? All three support ConvertKit, but Kajabi includes its own email system if you prefer an all-in-one setup.
4. What if I want to build a community around my course? Kajabi and Thinkific offer built-in community features. Teachable is more course-focused and may require external tools.
5. Is Systeme.io a good alternative to Kajabi, Teachable, or Thinkific? Yes, especially if you want a lean, all-in-one platform with built-in funnels, email, and course delivery.
Next Steps
- Clarify your outcome. Decide what you want to achieve in the next 90 days—launch, grow, or scale.
- Use Notion AI and Frase to plan and write. These tools help you stay organized and create content that converts.
- Build your email list with ConvertKit. Start nurturing leads before your course goes live. It’s the easiest way to build momentum.
You don’t need to master every tool or compare every feature. You need clarity, focus, and a platform that fits your goals. Use the tools that simplify your path, and choose the platform that gets out of your way. That’s how you move from stuck to launched—and from launched to profitable.