If you’re stressing about choosing the best course platform, let’s take a moment to pause and talk about it. The truth is – the platform you choose will not matter as much as you think and choosing the best course platform is simpler than you think.
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When you’re starting your online course journey, the platform you choose can feel like the biggest decision ever.
There are so many options: Thinkific, Teachable, Kajabi, Circle, Payhip, and more.
But here’s the reality: Your success does not depend on the platform you choose.
Your sales, impact, and growth will be determined by your messaging, marketing, and strategy – not the software you use.
And after more than a decade in digital product business, I can guarantee you this: ANY platform can work perfectly fine for you, as long as it feels like a good fit.
Why choosing the best course platform is simpler than you think
If you’re stuck in an endless loop of research, take a deep breath and pick one. Any of them. Just go with the one that feels right.
There will always be yet another option around the corner.
The best platform is the one that has the features YOU need
For my own projects, I’ve used Thinkific, Teachable, Circle, and Payhip. I have loved each one for its own reasons and each one of them had their phase in my business when it felt like the perfect fit – and it was.
Teachable was my first-ever course platform that I was on for years, without the initial overthinking. It suit all my needs, I had everything set up there, I had no worry in the world. Until they started raising their prices but the offer lacked some important features. It was time to move on!
Next up, I explored Thinkific and LOVED it. Until this day, I praise it as one of the most well-averse platforms, as they have both the product setup AND community functionality and it’s all very easy and seamless to use. LOVE. However, I felt the nudge to move when I decided to shift my focus and have more of the community experience in my offers.
That’s when I ended up on Circle. Until this day, I think it’s one of the most versatile community platforms AND they also provide course features, if necessary. However, as my business grew, I felt the need to simplify and hence I decided to let go of the community as my core focus.
Cue: Payhip. Simple, straighforward, FREE to start with (and use forever, if you choose to). It felt freeing to be on a platform without the expected monthly fee and really just VIBE with my offers. It was exactly what I needed and so far, Payhip has been my go-to for the past few years.
My clients have used Kajabi, Thinkific, and even simple Google Docs to sell courses. Some have crushed it on Payhip, while others have spent a year on Kajabi and never made a sale.
It’s not about the platform. It’s about what you do with it.
Related read: The best course platforms in 2025
There isn’t just one perfect fit for everyone
No, not even Kajabi.
Let’s talk about it because it’s often the first recommendation in online business circles.
While Kajabi is a solid all-in-one platform, most people who jump on it never even launch their course. Why?
- It’s overwhelming with too many features. This makes getting started challenging, creates additional pressure to learn how-to and requires more upfront time investment before any sales can be made.
- Many creators don’t use half of what they’re paying for. If you decide to invest in this platform, it can be worthwhile, as long as you actually NEED most of its features. If you are searching for a simple get-started-fast type of a platform, Kajabi will NOT be it.
- Having a fancy platform won’t automatically make you money. Marketing and execution will. Just because most of the online coaches seem to be on Kajabi, doesn’t mean that the platform itself is making it easy to sell. Many of its praised features – like upsells and tripwires – can easily be implemeneted on other platforms as well.
Related read: Often overlooked Kajabi setup mistakes
Instead of running for what seems to be one of the most popular go-to choices, consider what is your existing business setup, what do you truly need and would value in a platform, what is your budget and whether there are any specific features you really, really need.
It might be that Kajabi turns to be your perfect fit! But be considerate as you’re making that choice.
You can always shift when needed
There might come a time when switching platforms makes sense.
If you’re scaling, managing a large student base, or need more automation, then upgrading could be beneficial. But many successful course creators stick with their original platform because if it’s working, why change?
Most modern course platforms offer essential features like upsells, student management, and integrations. So even though you might feel like change is inevitable, you may actually find yourself choosing to keep it simple!
If you’re stuck in decision paralysis, remember this: No platform will magically make your course successful. The best course platform is the one you actually use.
And if you’re still unsure about platforms, grab my free Course Platform Guide.
TO LEARN MORE AND STAY CONNECTED
💛 Connect with me on Instagram @coursecreationlab
📚 Join Your Course Creation Membership to plan, create & scale your offer
🎧 Listen to the Savvy Offer Hub podcast
