Software Stack Editor

Building a sales team in SMB: What do you need to know?

Software Stack Editor · July 11, 2024 ·

Our view at Stack - Capsule CRM simplifies customer relationship management, streamlines sales processes, and saves time. Features include contact management, customisable sales pipelines, email integration, analytics, and workflow automation. It doesn't provide full email marketing functionality but it does allow you to connect to other tools.

When building a company from the ground up you often wonder how to build a proper sales team. Building a sales team in an SMB is a pivotal step for growth. This guide delves into the critical aspects of forming a sales team, including when to start, how to structure your team, why it’s essential, and key considerations for success.

Whether you’re scaling up or starting out, learn the best strategies to enhance your sales operations and drive your business forward. Discover the roadmap to sales excellence for SMBs.

What is the typical structure in most sales teams?

A successful sales team brings tangible results to your business. Your sales organization can be anything but standard and still be wildly successful. However, most sales teams have a fairly standard structure.

On top, there is a Chief Sales Officer/Chief Revenue Officer/VP of Sales. This person sets the overall sales strategy and is in charge of sales managers. They report to the CEO or COO.

The sales director or sales manager is in charge of individual sales teams. They set sales targets, monitor performance, provide training and development, and ensure the sales team meets their targets. They report to the CSO/CRO/VP of Sales.

The account executives or sales development representatives are on the front lines and they talk to potential customers every day, making sure deals are closed. Typically, there are about 10-12 sales representatives for one manager.

Building a high-performing sales team is different for each company. Start from a single sales rep and build a strong sales force, one rep at a time.

When should you increase the size of your sales team?

Wonder if you need more sales professionals in your team? There are some tell-tale signs to determine if you should start the hiring process and attract some great sales candidates.

You have a consistent overflow of leads

If your sales reps cannot cope with the number of leads in the pipeline, it’s a clear sign that there should be more hands on deck. With a huge volume of leads and a small sales team, you can lose valuable time because of your slow sales workflows.

By the time your sales reps reach out, the lead may have already gone with some other solution.

You miss sales opportunities

When you analyze your sales team performance, you may notice that you’re losing out on certain deals. For example, you’re not covering a certain area well, your reps need additional sales training to deal with large accounts, you’re not giving certain customer segments the attention they deserve, etc.

Adding more people to your sales organization could help capture these missed opportunities.

You struggle to meet your revenue goals

Your current sales team may have aggressive revenue goals set by the management. Even with the most experienced sales representatives, it can be a struggle to sell in large volumes quickly, especially in industries with a slow sales cycle.

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You’re going through a market expansion

The right time to build a sales team is when you’re breaking into new markets or launching new products. Having extra staff can help improve sales performance and meet the new demands more easily.

You’re getting negative customer feedback

If customers are complaining about the slow response times of your sales team or that the reps are not giving them adequate attention, it may be time to add to your sales team structure.

You have sales team burnout

If your sales professionals aren’t giving their best performance and they’re struggling to meet their quotas and KPIs, your sales department may need fresh blood. Also, if you have high turnover and you constantly have to hire new sales professionals because the old ones are leaving, it’s time to start a fresh hiring process.

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You have bottlenecks in your sales processes

When you’re constantly struggling with the same or similar issues, it can be a sign that your sales organization needs to take a different stance. For example, you can manage the entire sales cycle, but you struggle with closing new customers. This is where hiring new team members can be helpful.

You’re in a good place financially

If your existing sales model ensures enough cash flow to pay for everyone’s commissions and salaries, you can set aside some extra funds for sales team building. If the entire company is doing well, you can think about introducing new sales team structures and roles.

How to start building a sales team, step by step

No matter if you have five sales leaders or just a single sales rep, we’re going to walk you through the process of building a high-performing sales team. Use our tips and replicate them in your own hiring journey.

Step 1: Define your sales strategy and goals

Before you even have your first sales hire, it is time to cover the basics. In this step of sales team building, you need to define:

Who your target market is
Who your customer personas are
What your sales funnel should look like

This solves the first part of the problem. Then move on to goals your first sales hire or team should be able to achieve within their first months of hiring.

For example, the number of new leads they should close, the average number of sales calls to make per day, the average value of a deal that should be closed, and more.

Ensure that the goals are SMART – specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound.

For example: closing 10 new deals from the LatAm market in one month, with an average value of $50,000 per deal.

Define your sales processes at this stage. How will you reach those sales goals? Which sales channels will you be using? What kind of sales automation tools will you employ? What kind of compensation model will you use to award individual sales reps?

If you don’t know the answers to all of these questions, you can figure them out as you go and build your sales team structure. An experienced sales leader can help you out, but you have to build the foundations yourself.

Step 2: Design your sales team structure

Do your research to find out the ideal sales team structure for your goals. A common example is the six-person sales pod: three sales reps, two account executives, and one customer success rep.

At this step, you should determine:

Which key roles do you need: sales development representatives (SDRs), customer success reps, account executives, sales managers, etc?
The size of your team: only you know how big your sales team should be and how many new sales reps you can afford to take on.
Define the hierarchy: we’ve laid out the typical sales team structure and who reports to whom.

Step 3: develop job descriptions and requirements

Before you begin building out your sales organization from scratch, you need to attract the right kind of candidates to your team. As tempting as it may be, don’t copy and paste job descriptions from the internet. Instead, create unique accounts of what the role entails and what the person is in charge of.

Some of the key areas to cover include:

Clear responsibilities
Required skills for the job (must-have and nice-to-have)
Required experience (in sales roles, in specific industries, etc.)
Knowledge of specific sales tools (CRMs, automated dialers, help desk tools, email marketing tools, etc.)
Required soft skills (communication, time and people management, negotiation skills, leadership skills, etc.)

Step 4: recruit and hire

Great salespeople come from various sources but until you find the right combination of platforms, you’ll have to mix and match.

Start from:

LinkedIn and their paid job ads
Paid social media ads (on Facebook, Instagram, X) targeting sales professionals
Employing recruiting companies that specialize in building sales teams
Starting a referral campaign and offering your existing team bonuses for bringing in successful new hires

Before you begin getting applications through the door, create a structured sales interview process. It should be a series of questions that every candidate should go through. Ideally, have more than one person sit in the interview to establish a more objective hiring process.

Last but not least, there should be some sort of practical assessment of the candidate’s knowledge of sales. For example, you could present them with a situation they should resolve, a role-playing scenario, a practical test with a few questions about sales techniques, etc.

If you have the time and resources, have your hiring team do a background check on all applicants as well.

Step 5: onboarding process and training

This is arguably the most important part of the sales playbook because it’s building a foundation for the future.

First, introduce your new hires to the basics: your company culture, mission and vision, values, and what makes you different from the competition. Or simply, what makes your company a great one to work for?

Then lead the new hires into the processes you have in place, for sales, marketing, and product: everything that will help the new sales professionals understand how you work and what the overarching goals are.

You should also provide sales training to your team. Get them up to speed with the processes and the technology you use, the reporting system and the metrics they should be in charge of, as well as the tools they’re going to encounter in their day-to-day work.

Give each new hire ongoing training and support. Assign them a senior sales team member who can guide them through the onboarding process and help them get settled in.

Step 6: implementing sales tools and technology

If you don’t already have a CRM, now is a good time to choose one that best fits your needs and budget. If you’re new to sales operations, it’s ideal to choose one that is easy to set up and use and doesn’t require previous technical knowledge to get started. For example, Capsule CRM.

Besides your CRM, you may also use a number of other tools, e.g. sales enablement, analytics, and prospecting tools.

Step 7: set performance sales metrics and incentives

The key to a good sales organization is knowing which metrics every team member is in charge of. Some great examples of targets for sales teams are:

At this point, it’s also a good idea to determine sales incentives and commissions that make the most sense for your sales team structure.

Step 8: monitor and manage performance

If your systems are properly set up and you use the right kinds of sales tools, monitoring, and managing performance should be easy through your CRM. With Capsule, you can stay on top of overall sales performance, individual sales rep activity, deals and processes as they go on in real-time, and much more.

Once you have a dashboard in place with all the performance metrics in place, make sure to set up regular reviews with your team members and talk about how you can further help them crush their goals.

Wrapping up

Building a sales team takes time and effort if you want to do it right. The great news is that there are many successful sales books and strategies you can learn from and copy. If you have a great product, a customer-centric team, and a basic idea of what you want from your sales program, the rest is a breeze.

To succeed in your sales operations, you need a great CRM as the foundation. Something that is easy to set up and use and is easy to scale. That way, it’s as functional with one sales representative as it is with an army of reps.

With Capsule CRM, you can confidently build out a sales team because this CRM scales with your needs. Don’t just take our word for it – get a free trial today and see for yourself.

Frequently asked questions

What are the key roles in a sales team?

Building a successful sales team involves filling several essential roles, including sales development representatives (SDRs), account executives (AEs), and customer success representatives.

Each role has specific responsibilities: SDRs focus on lead generation, AEs handle closing deals, and Customer success reps ensure client satisfaction and retention. Having a team of sales experts or product experts can also make handling technical inquiries and providing detailed product information much easier.

How can I ensure my sales team is motivated and engaged?

Engaging employees means creating an environment where they feel valued, supported, and inspired to succeed.

Regular feedback, recognition of achievements, and setting clear expectations are what you need in the process. Providing the right tools, ongoing training, and opportunities for personal growth can keep your team motivated. Encouraging collaboration and a sense of ownership can also enhance engagement in your sales team.

What metrics should I track to measure my sales team’s performance?

Important KPIs include win rate, lead-to-customer conversion rate, sales cycle length, and customer acquisition cost (CAC). Monitoring these metrics helps identify areas for improvement and ensures your team is meeting its targets.

If Capsule CRM is of interest and you'd like more information, please do make contact or take a look in more detail here.

Credit: Original article published here.

Sales motivation: non-monetary rewards to inspire your sales team

Software Stack Editor · July 11, 2024 ·

Sales is one of the most difficult but, rewarding careers to be in. For great sales reps and sales managers, the possibilities for growth are endless.

On top of standard wages, the sales team can increase their monthly earnings through commissions paid for each sale. But what if you’re a small business owner who can’t afford to pay hefty commissions?

Sometimes, sales leaders need to motivate their sales team without involving money. And as challenging as this can be, there are plenty of ways to encourage sales team members to reach their goals on a budget.

Today, we’ll show you how to reward your sales team without spending a dime.

Why is sales motivation important?

Did you know that only 60% of sales reps regularly close their sales quota, regardless of the industry, or the product they’re selling?

Some of the main reasons include:

Just to name a few.

Some of these cases can take months to fix. But in business, time is money, and you might not have time to wait and need immediate results. One thing you can do is improve your sales team’s motivation.

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The average commission for sales across industries is 20-30% of gross margins. For high-ticket items, this could mean massive payouts for your sales team every month. If you can’t afford that, another way to get sales results is to try and motivate your team to keep pushing forward – but without spending cash.

Sales motivation refers to all types of encouragement, from publicly acknowledging great performance to rewarding sales professionals with more time off.

Motivation can increase sales results more quickly, boost morale, and ultimately lead to sales success, which would then allow you to hand out monetary rewards.

Non-monetary ways to motivate and award sales managers and reps

Wondering how to instill a positive attitude and motivate your sales team? Here are some of our top choices for bringing better sales results.

Publicly display appreciation for your sales team

One of the many reasons for low motivation in your sales team could be the lack of praise for management. Many times, quality performance starts once the employee feels good about their work and the progress they are making.

Some of the many ways to motivate salespeople are:

Host celebratory events: Every month or similar, to highlight the best performers and give them space to celebrate their results.
Praise publicly: On Slack, in emails, or in company meetings and calls, praise the work of great salespeople by giving them the spotlight.
Create a sales newsletter: Write an email to motivate your sales team and include the top performers for the month, along with their quotes and top tips to increase sales.
Send personalized thank-you notes: Especially when they are handwritten, they can have a positive impact on how a rep feels about their work and contribution.

Giving your employees the ability to make their own decisions and grow professionally is also a great perk. When complimenting sales team members, make sure to compliment their specific abilities and achievements.

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When this approach is taken thoughtfully, it can affect more than employee satisfaction and sales motivation – it can directly impact sales results. Happy sales reps won’t leave your business, and they can be excellent brand ambassadors.

Provide career development opportunities

How can sales reps become sales managers? Give your team clear instructions on the sales goals to reach, and the rewards that await them.

In this way, you can provide motivation through career progress. But it doesn’t have to be as simple as that, and there are many ways to teach reps to become sales leaders.

Some examples are:

Training and development programs: for reps who crush their sales goals, provide further opportunities for in-house sales training and development. Enroll them in a structured program that can help them achieve extraordinary sales results in the future.
Create mentorship programs: pair the most successful reps with a sales manager or leader who can coach them, help them focus on the bigger picture, and create a winning sales strategy.
Provide clear career paths: explain exactly what someone needs to achieve to go from rep to sales manager. Instead of vague guidelines, tell your team how many accounts they should close, how much value to bring, what kind of challenging goals to crush, and more.

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While technically these steps might not be free, you’re making a smart money move by investing time and effort into future leaders. The reward for their great work is a chance to get even better at what they do and rule the sales floor.

Communicate and give clear feedback on sales strategy

Instead of motivational sales quotes, give the team specific information, like how to lead better sales calls, close important accounts, deal with unhappy customers, and more.

Most salespeople will continue bringing the same results until someone steps in and tells them exactly what to work on.

For example:

Host regular meetings: a sales meeting is the perfect time to discuss good and bad performance, highlight successes and failures, and explain the causes for both without passing blame.
Have open communication channels: many sales reps will only ask for feedback once they receive it. Explain that they can ask questions about goals, performance, or everyday work on company messengers, in calls, emails, etc.
Have regular one-on-one meetings: give your direct reports a chance to ask questions, receive honest assessments, and if necessary, get criticized privately instead of in a sales meeting.
Ask for employer feedback: ask your salespeople what you could do as a leader to make them more successful in their jobs.

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This is one of the most effective ways to motivate salespeople to try new things and explore their full capabilities. And the value of great feedback goes far beyond sales: it can improve just about any process in your business.

Reward your sales team with more time

Try this sales motivation hack: for your top performers, let them choose how they spend their time in and outside of work. Arguably, this method is not 100% free either since the employee won’t be at their job and you’ll pay the cost in sales productivity. However, their excellent performance more than pays off for a holiday or two.

Here are some examples:

Give paid time off to top sales team performers for meeting relevant sales goals, and award sales managers and reps with PTO. Give them the freedom to choose when and how to use those days.
Let your sales team have flexible working hours: remote work, hybrid setup, flexible hours – these are just some of the many ways to give the sales team freedom in how they get their job done.

If your company setup allows it and you have the right tools to support this kind of framework, this is an excellent step towards motivating your team and building trust.

Set a variety of sales goals

Working in a sales team can feel very disheartening if you have clear milestones – and your reps may not reach them on a regular basis. Sometimes, you can keep the same workload for your team but change the goals so that salespeople can take on a new perspective on their successes.

Some ways to achieve this are:

Create a sales contest: have a leadership board with the best performers for the week and month. Make sure that the atmosphere is rather friendly, not cut-throat competitive.
Focus on small wins instead of big goals: closing big deals can be exhausting – as sometimes, months can pass before a deal is signed. Break down large goals into smaller, more feasible ones.
Create specific challenges: for example, for the top number of cold calls per week, or the highest number of positive answers on the first call. Gamify the sales experience for your team.
Set goals together: instead of giving your sales team goals that you think make sense, ask them for feedback. They are on the front line, so they can help you assess if the goals are realistic and achievable.

Source

Sometimes, the best way to make someone feel appreciated is to consider the goals they need to meet and look at those goals from a different perspective.

Make it easier to do the job

Help your sales team go the extra mile by finding out what is preventing them from achieving their goals. It doesn’t take a lot to be an inspiring leader: just listen to common objections.

Some of the ways you can make selling easier for your team are:

Eliminate unnecessary meetings: Each time slot filled by a meeting is less time your reps could spend selling. Call meetings only when they are necessary and invite the people who really need to be there. If a particular call can be an email – make it an email. Your reps will thank you for it.
Get better software: There are countless sales tools out there and some of them do more harm than good. If your sales team has complaints about CRMs or phone dialers, listen, find a solution, test new software, and change the provider if needed.
Get better leads: Give your sales team leads that they can close easily, either supplied by marketing or gathered with lead scraping tools.

While you can research and find new tools, methodologies, and ways to improve efficiency and productivity, getting feedback from your team should always come first.

Wrapping up

Money is a great motivator, but sometimes, your business can’t afford to splurge on big commissions or incentives. There are plenty of non-monetary ways to motivate your sales team.

And besides the right attitude, one more thing that can help them close deals is having the right CRM. With Capsule CRM, everyone can track progress, stay in the loop on their goals, and communicate and collaborate in one app.

Grab your free trial of Capsule CRM and get started today!

FAQ

What is sales motivation?

Sales motivation is the drive and enthusiasm that encourages sales professionals to achieve their goals, overcome challenges, and perform at their best. It combines intrinsic passion and external incentives to boost productivity and success.

What is a good sales motivation quote?

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” — Robert Collier

How to motivate a team for sales?

Motivate a sales team by setting clear goals, providing regular feedback, offering incentives, and creating a supportive, competitive environment that recognizes and rewards achievements.

How do you motivate yourself as a salesperson?

Motivate yourself by setting personal goals, celebrating small wins, staying positive, continually learning, and reminding yourself of your purpose and the rewards of achieving your targets.

What is seller motivation?

Seller motivation refers to the reasons and incentives that drive a salesperson to perform well, such as financial rewards, personal growth, recognition, and the satisfaction of meeting and exceeding targets.

How do you motivate a sales floor?

Motivate a sales floor by creating a vibrant, energetic atmosphere with regular competitions, team-building activities, clear communication, and recognition programs, and by building a culture of mutual support and shared success.

How can a sales manager motivate their sales team?

A sales manager can motivate their team by setting clear expectations, providing consistent feedback, offering rewards and recognition, creating a positive work environment, and encouraging professional growth and development.

What to do with unmotivated salespeople?

With unmotivated salespeople, identify the root cause, provide additional training, set achievable goals, offer incentives, give regular feedback, and foster a supportive environment to reignite their drive and performance.

If Capsule CRM is of interest and you'd like more information, please do make contact or take a look in more detail here.

Credit: Original article published here.

I want to start a business but have no ideas

Software Stack Editor · July 11, 2024 ·

You must admit that the idea of entrepreneurship can be captivating. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be reading this article!

Seeing successful business owners might spark a desire to start your own venture. However, the reality of entrepreneurship is more complex than it appears.

While owning a business can be rewarding, it requires careful planning, hard work, and a solid foundation. Finding the right business idea is the first step – it can make the difference between a thriving enterprise and a struggling startup. A lackluster concept may lead to challenges, while a well-thought-out idea aligned with market needs can pave the way for success.

Today, we’ll guide you through some ideas, along with good practices, worth following and pursuing.

Benefits vs disadvantages of starting your own business

Needless to say, starting a business isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. While the potential rewards can be enticing, you should understand the challenges that come with entrepreneurship.

Let’s take a balanced look at both sides of the coin.

Pros:

Be your own boss and gain financial independence

As a business owner, you’re in charge of your own destiny. You make the decisions, set your own hours, and have the potential to earn based on your efforts. Such freedom can lead to greater job satisfaction and the opportunity to build long-term wealth.

Pursue your passion and create a meaningful entrepreneurial journey

Running your own business allows you to turn your interests into a career. You can create something that aligns with your values and makes a positive impact on the world. It can be more fulfilling and motivating than working full-time for anyone else.

Develop strong relationships with potential customers and clients

As a business owner, you have the opportunity to interact directly with your customers. You can build lasting relationships, understand their needs firsthand, tailor your products or services accordingly, and have full control over this process.

Gain valuable insights into different industries and business models

Running a business exposes you to various aspects of the business world. You’ll learn about marketing, finance, operations, and more. With this broad knowledge, you get invaluable insights to use for future ventures or career opportunities.

Opportunity for significant income and personal growth

While not guaranteed, owning a successful business can lead to higher earning potential than traditional employment. On top of that, the challenges of entrepreneurship can push you to develop new skills and grow as a person.

Cons:

Starting a business takes effort and valuable time

Building a business from scratch requires significant time and energy. Long hours and weekend work are common, especially in the early stages. You need to be prepared for the fact that it can impact your personal life and work-life balance.

Need to wear many hats, from marketing to administrative support services

As a new business owner, you’ll likely need to handle various tasks yourself – including those you’ve never done before. This can include everything from bookkeeping to customer service. Juggling these responsibilities can be overwhelming and may take time away from focusing on your core business.

Financial risks and potential for tough times, especially in the early stages

Starting a business often involves financial risk. You may need to invest your savings or take out loans. There’s also no guarantee of steady income, especially in the beginning, which can lead to financial stress.

Responsibility for all aspects of the business, including legal and financial

As the business owner, the buck stops with you. You’re responsible for complying with laws and regulations, managing finances, and making tough decisions. Such responsibility can be stressful and challenging.

Pressure to constantly innovate and stay ahead in a competitive market

To succeed, you’ll need to continuously adapt to market changes and overtake your competitors. This constant pressure to innovate and improve can be exhausting and may require ongoing learning and skill development.

If you still want to get into business after all that, it’s important to go in with your eyes wide open. Before you start calling yourself a CEO, take time to prepare yourself for the challenges ahead.

Below, you will find a set of handy factors to take into considerations and practices to follow.

How to get ready for your new business?

#1 Consider costs

Ideas are free, but turning them into a business comes with a price tag.

Here’s a breakdown of what potential small business owners should be financially prepared for:

Starting a small business is an exciting venture, but you have to understand the costs involved. The U.S. Small Business Administration estimates that the average startup cost is around $3,000, with home-based businesses typically ranging from $2,000 to $5,000. However, these figures can vary depending on your industry and location.

For example, those entering fields like online retail, accounting, landscaping, or construction, you might be looking at startup costs of up to $5,000. On the other hand, if you’re venturing into healthcare, restaurants, or manufacturing, be prepared for initial investments exceeding $100,000.

Equipment costs can be a major expense, ranging from $10,000 to $125,000, depending on your specific needs. Don’t forget about ongoing operational costs, either! Payroll is often one of the biggest expenses, with an average of $300,500 for five employees in the U.S. Even if you’re not planning to hire a big team at first, you should consider it. Healthcare costs are another challenge for new businesses – as you plan your budget, factor in insurance costs for yourself and any employees you might hire.

Location plays a huge role in your monthly expenses. For instance, office space in New York City averages $68 per square foot per month, while Detroit offers more affordable rates at $16 per square foot. However, keep in mind that cheaper rent might be offset by other costs – Detroit, for example, has some of the highest internet service costs at $140 per month.

58% of small businesses in the U.S. start with less than $25,000. With careful planning and budgeting, it’s possible to launch your dream business without breaking the bank.

While these numbers might seem like A LOT, remember that startup costs have been trending downward relative to income. According to the World Bank, the cost of business startup procedures as a percentage of Gross National Income per capita in the U.S. was just 1% in 2019.

Taking these potential costs into account upfront, you can better prepare yourself for the financial realities of entrepreneurship – and help you avoid some costly pitfalls later on.

Formula to remember:

Total Small Business Costs (TBC) = Startup Costs (SC) + Equipment Costs (EC) + Operational Costs (OC) + Location Costs (LC)

#2 Conduct market research for your business ideas

Imagine launching your product or service with great fanfare. It’s beautifully designed, expertly crafted, and promoted with flair – but sales are disappointingly flat. Why? The answer often lies in that one step many entrepreneurs overlook: knowing your customers before you start.

It’s a very important step in the process. You need to find your target audience.

Contrary to popular belief, your target market isn’t “everyone”. Start by creating a detailed profile of your ideal customer. Consider demographics like age, income, and location, but don’t stop there.

Let’s take the example of eco-friendly water bottles. Your target market might be environmentally-conscious millennials. To truly understand this group:

Research their habits. Are they active on social media? Do they prefer sustainable brands across all product categories?
Identify their online presence. Which platforms do they use most? Are they part of specific environmental groups or forums?
Understand their triggers. What motivates their purchasing decisions? Is it guilt over plastic waste, a desire to make a statement, or purely practical concerns?
Analyze their shopping behavior. Do they prefer online shopping for convenience, or do they value the in-store experience of physically inspecting products?
Examine their value hierarchy. How do they balance sustainability against price? Are they willing to pay a premium for eco-friendly products?
Study their lifestyle. Are they outdoor enthusiasts? Fitness buffs? How does your product fit into their daily routines?

Learn how your product can solve their problems better than your competitors.

#3 Take care of legal requirements

Starting an online business without understanding legal requirements is like trying to fly a plane without a license. It might seem exciting at first, but you’re headed for trouble.

Many aspiring entrepreneurs think small businesses don’t need much legal work. This is a dangerous myth. Whether you’re offering consulting services, running an online store, or starting a handyman business, you need to follow the rules.

First, register your business name with the right government agencies. Next, get all necessary licenses and permits. Don’t forget about tax responsibilities – they’re important for every business owner.

For example, if you’re launching an online course platform, you’ll need terms of service, a privacy policy, and possibly certifications in your particular industry. Skipping these steps can lead to fines or even force you to shut down.

Successful entrepreneurs don’t take shortcuts with legal matters. They understand that covering all legal bases helps their business grow without costly interruptions.

#4 Prepare a successful business plan

Many small business owners start with great enthusiasm but soon hit roadblocks because they lack a solid plan. How can you avoid this common pitfall?

A well-prepared business plan is more than just paperwork. It should outline your goals, the strategies for reaching them, and how you’ll overcome potential challenges. You can’t just wing it and expect to become a successful entrepreneur.

For instance, if you’re starting a virtual assistant service, your plan should cover your target market, pricing strategy, and how you’ll use social media marketing to attract clients. It should also address potential pain points like managing multiple clients or scaling your business.

Your plan doesn’t need to be a lengthy document. Even a lean startup approach can work, as long as it covers the essentials. Include sections on your business model, marketing strategy, and financial projections.

A good business plan is flexible. Review and update it regularly as your business grows and evolves.

#5 Think about funding for your business idea

Starting a business is exciting, but what happens when your initial funds run dry? Many small business owners face this challenge, struggling to keep their ventures afloat. How can you make sure you have enough capital to sustain and grow your business?

A one-time investment is NOT enough. In reality, you need to plan for ongoing funding. This is true whether you’re opening a physical store, launching an online tutoring service, or venturing into real estate investing.

Evaluate your funding options. If that’s needed, look into small business loans from banks or online lenders. Search for investors who believe in your business idea. Apply for grants that support new ventures in your industry.

Don’t overlook crowdfunding platforms, as they can be great for testing market interest in your product or service.

For example, if you’re starting a graphic design business, you might explore options like business credit cards for short-term needs, or seek out a co-founder who can bring additional funds and skills to the table.

On top of that, consider ways to generate passive income streams that can support your main business. This could involve creating digital products, offering online courses, or any number of side hustles.

Use lean startup principles to keep costs low. Leverage free or low-cost tools for tasks like social media marketing and customer relationship management.

For instance, Capsule CRM provides a free CRM solution ideal for small business owners who are just starting out but might have plans to scale.

#6 Rethink team building

You might not follow this step straight away, but eventually, you might. Especially if your business ambition is to grow.

Hiring employees is relatively simple – if we’re talking about hiring, and hiring only. But what’s challenging is creating a cohesive unit that shares your vision and can turn your great business idea into reality.

You might be able to go solo for a long time, but at some point, you might find out you need a pair of helping hands. Here’s how you should go about that:

Start by clearly defining the roles you need to fill. What skills are must-haves for your business’s success? Do you need technical expertise, creative talent, or strong administrative support?
Look beyond resumes. While skills are important, cultural fit is equally crucial. Seek individuals who share your passion and can help your business flourish.
Consider diverse perspectives. A team with varied backgrounds and experiences can bring new business ideas and innovative solutions to challenges.
Don’t rush the hiring process. Take the time to thoroughly vet candidates. Consider trial projects or internships to see how potential team members perform in real-world scenarios.
Invest in your team’s growth. Offer opportunities for professional development or personal training for their positions.

As a small business owner, your team is an extension of yourself. They represent your brand to the world, so choose wisely and nurture their growth alongside your business.

#7 Leverage technology

Leveraging the right technology can be the difference between a struggling startup and a thriving enterprise. But how to select the best ones, especially when you’re only just starting out?

Start by assessing your business needs. Are you running an e-commerce store that requires inventory management? Or perhaps you’re offering personal training services and need a reliable scheduling system?
Invest in a solid CRM system. Such a system helps you keep track of client interactions, manage leads, and personalize your service. You can also integrate it with other tools. The right CRM is invaluable for building long-term customer relationships – and that’s what you need to grow your business.
Consider automation tools. These can handle repetitive tasks, freeing up your time for more strategic activities. From email marketing to social media posting, automation can increase your efficiency on the spot.
Don’t overlook cybersecurity. As more businesses move online, protecting your and your customers’ data is no longer optional. Invest in reliable security software and educate your team (if you’ve already built one) about best practices.
Explore cloud-based solutions. They often offer flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness – especially for new businesses with fluctuating needs.

Keep an eye on emerging technologies in your industry. Whether it’s AI for customer service or blockchain for supply chain management, staying informed helps you make strategic decisions about which technologies to adopt.

But remember, technology should serve your business – not the other way around.

#8 Assess risk management

Starting your first business is exciting, and no one wants to fail. However, you should always have a plan “B”. Even the most brilliant initial idea can falter if you’re not prepared for potential obstacles. That’s where risk management comes in – it’s about anticipating challenges and having a game plan to tackle them head-on.

Begin by identifying potential risks specific to your industry. Are you vulnerable to supply chain disruptions? Could changes in regulations impact your operations? Knowing about these threats helps you develop targeted strategies to mitigate them.

Don’t overlook the power of networking events. Attending these gatherings can connect you with other entrepreneurs who’ve faced similar challenges.

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

Consider diversifying your revenue streams. Relying on a single product or service can leave you vulnerable. Explore complementary offerings that can provide a safety net if your primary business faces challenges.

Insurance is a huge aspect of risk management. While it might seem like an unnecessary expense for a new business, the right coverage can protect you from potentially devastating losses. Research policies that are relevant to your industry and business size.

Develop a crisis communication plan. A small issue can quickly escalate if not handled properly. Having a clear strategy for addressing public relations challenges can help maintain your reputation during tough times.

You can’t avoid all risks in business. But you can take calculated risks.

Sometimes, a good business idea requires stepping out of your comfort zone. The key is to do so with a clear understanding of potential outcomes and a plan to handle them.

Best ideas for starting your own business

There are, literally, thousands of potential business ideas you can go for. We decided to collect the most popular and feasible ones and group them into a few “baskets” for you to choose from.

#1 Byte-sized ventures (online + low budget)

Who needs an office when your most important business partner is your pajamas?

In byte-sized ventures, where your laptop is your storefront and your Wi-Fi connection is your lifeline.

These businesses are characterized by their low entry barriers and the ability to start with minimal investment. What sets these business ideas apart is their flexibility and scalability. You can run these ventures from anywhere, at any time, and often with just a computer and an internet connection.

They’re perfect for those who want to dip their toes into entrepreneurship without risking their life savings.

Byte-sized ventures often leverage online communities to attract customers and grow their brands. They rely heavily on digital marketing strategies, including social media and influencer marketing, to reach potential clients. The successful businesses in this category are those that can adapt quickly to changing online trends and customer needs.

Examples of such services are many.

Virtual assistant work, where you can help busy professionals manage their schedules and tasks remotely.
Social media management is another popular option, allowing you to curate and create content for businesses looking to boost their online presence.
Online tutoring has seen a boom, with platforms connecting knowledgeable individuals with students worldwide.
Freelance writing and graphic design offer creative outlets with earning potential.
Dropshipping e-commerce stores allow entrepreneurs to sell products without holding inventory.

Home

#2 Brick-and-mortar business (offline + higher budget)

Ever walked down a bustling street and wondered what it would be like to own one of those charming storefronts? Who said you can’t?

Brick-and-mortar businesses are defined by their tangible presence in the local community. Unlike their online counterparts, brick-and-mortar ventures offer face-to-face interactions with customers. They often require a higher initial investment for rent, equipment, and inventory – but they have the advantage of immediate credibility and visibility.

They can create immersive experiences, too, as they can engage all five senses of their customers, something that’s hard to replicate online.

Examples of business ideas in this category? Here you go:

The local coffee shop where regulars gather for their morning brew.
Fitness centers and yoga studios provide spaces for health-conscious individuals to work on their well-being.
Handmade craft shops showcase unique, artisanal products that customers can touch and feel before purchasing.
Gourmet food trucks bring culinary delights to various locations, combining mobility with a physical presence.

#3 Hybrid hustles (online business + offline business)

Hybrid hustle business ideas adapt to both the digital and physical worlds.

These businesses are characterized by their versatility and ability to bridge the gap between online convenience and in-person experiences. What distinguishes them is their adaptability – they can pivot between virtual and physical interactions based on customer preferences or external circumstances.

Hybrid hustles often leverage technology to enhance traditional services or bring physical experiences online. They might use paid advertising to attract online customers to their physical locations, or vice versa. Business owners often attend networking events – both online and offline – to appeal to new target groups.

Examples of such services:

Personal trainers who offer in-person sessions complemented by online coaching and workout plans.
Photography services that combine on-location shoots with digital editing and online galleries give clients the best of both worlds.
Catering businesses with robust online ordering systems allow customers to plan events from their devices before enjoying the food in person.
Local bookstores that sell physical books alongside e-books cater to all reading preferences.
Craft workshops that offer hands-on classes supplemented by online tutorials extend the learning experience beyond the physical space.

https://www.paulinagoesfit.com/book-online

#4 Shoestring startups (no to very low budget)

Think you need a huge pile of money to start a business? Not necessarily!

Shoestring startups prove that sometimes, the best things in life – and business – are free (or pretty close to it).

Shoestring startups are all about leveraging your skills and time rather than your savings account. What makes them special is their incredibly low entry cost. Often, all you need is a willingness to work hard and some basic tools you probably already have lying around the house.

Perfect for people who want to test the waters of entrepreneurship without risking their life savings. They’re often service-based businesses that rely on building relationships. Word-of-mouth marketing is their bread and butter, and satisfied customers are their best advertisement.

Examples?

Take dog walking, for example. All you need is a love for furry friends and a pair of comfortable shoes.
House cleaning services require some elbow grease and basic cleaning supplies.
Lawn care and gardening can start with just a mower and a green thumb.
Freelance proofreading only needs your keen eye for detail and a computer.
And for those looking to help others, errand running or personal shopping for seniors can be a rewarding way to serve your community while earning money.

These businesses might start small, but they can grow into thriving enterprises.

Source

#5 Green and growing (eco-friendly businesses)

You can save the planet AND make a profit at the same time. Green and growing businesses are proving that sustainability and success go hand in hand.

These eco-friendly ventures focus on reducing environmental impact while meeting consumer needs. They’re promoting a lifestyle and values that resonate with environmentally conscious customers.

Green businesses often tap into a growing market of consumers who are willing to pay a bit more for products that align with their values. They frequently use innovative materials or processes to minimize waste and energy use. Many also focus on educating their customers about environmental issues, turning their business into a platform for positive change.

Examples include:

upcycled furniture restoration gives new life to old pieces, reducing waste and creating unique home decor.
Organic vegetable delivery services connect local farmers with health-conscious consumers.
Eco-friendly cleaning products manufacturing tackles household chores without harsh chemicals.
Sustainable fashion design proves that style doesn’t have to come at the expense of the environment.
solar panel installation helps homeowners reduce their carbon footprint while saving on energy bills.

Source

#6 Tech trailblazers (technology-focused, medium to high budget)

These businesses are at the cutting edge of technology, often working with concepts that sound like science fiction. They focus on innovation and their potential to disrupt entire industries. Usually, they require a higher initial investment in equipment and expertise, but the payoff can be enormous if they hit on the next big thing.

Tech trailblazers often need to educate their market about their products or services, as they’re frequently introducing entirely new concepts. They also thrive on solving complex problems and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. These businesses often attract tech-savvy early adopters who are excited to try the latest innovations.

Examples:

App development can create tools that change how we work, play, or communicate.
3D printing services are revolutionizing manufacturing and prototyping across industries.
Virtual reality experience centers offer mind-bending entertainment that was impossible just a few years ago.
Drone photography and videography provide new perspectives for everything from real estate to filmmaking.
And AI-powered personal assistant development is creating digital helpers that can manage our lives with increasing sophistication.

These tech-focused businesses are shaping the future, one innovation at a time. If you have a knack for technology, this might be just the right idea for you!

Source

Each category offers a mix of opportunities suitable for different skill sets, budgets, and target markets. Remember, the key to a successful business is finding the right intersection between your passions, skills, and market demand.

#7 Instant entrepreneurs (launch in 24 hours or less)

This business idea might go against every single thing or article you’ve read so far.

Business usually requires months of planning or research: creating a business plan, adjusting a marketing strategy, and conducting market research activities. But what if you need to act now?

Instant entrepreneurs prove you can go from idea to income quicker than you can say “business plan.”

These businesses are all about speed and simplicity. What sets them apart is their ultra-low barrier to entry and ability to start generating income almost immediately. They often require minimal setup, little to no initial investment, and skills you already have (or no skills at all).

To become an Instant Entrepreneur, you’ll need a can-do attitude, a smartphone or computer, and the willingness to jump in feet first. These business ideas typically start small but can grow quickly with dedication.

Here’s how you could start today:

1. Taskrabbit-style odd job service – sign up on gig economy platforms to offer your skills for quick tasks.

2. Online reselling – start flipping items from your home on platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace.

3. Virtual event planning – help people organize online parties or meetings using platforms like Zoom.

4. Print-on-demand merchandise – design and sell custom t-shirts or mugs using sites like Printful or Redbubble.

Source

The only action point to become an Instant Entrepreneur is… to take action. Don’t overthink it – just start and learn as you go!

How Capsule CRM can help you manage your business idea

Have we inspired you enough?

Are you filled with enthusiasm?

Can’t wait to get started?

We hate to break it to you, but then comes the overwhelming task of organizing your thoughts, tracking potential clients, and managing the million details that come with getting started…

Imagine a streamlined system that helps you turn your innovative concept into a thriving business. That’s exactly what Capsule CRM can do!

Think of Capsule as your idea incubator. At first, it allows you to capture all the sparks of inspiration, from initial brainstorming to concrete action steps. Store notes, track competitor research, and organize potential customer segments – all in one central location.

No more scribbles on napkins or lost ideas buried in your email.

But a great business idea needs action.

Capsule helps you manage your launch process effectively. Use it to create and track tasks, schedule meetings with potential partners or investors, and centralize communication with collaborators. You’re organized, accountable, and moving forward.

Don’t forget the future!

As your business idea takes shape, Capsule helps you manage your initial customer base. Create profiles, track interactions, and plan targeted outreach campaigns. You’re set up for success as you build strong relationships with your early adopters.

The best part? Capsule offers a free plan!

Perfect for bootstrapping entrepreneurs who need to manage their resources wisely. With the free version, you can store information on up to 250 contacts and access it all from the mobile app – ideal for staying on top of things when you’re out and about building your dream.

Conclusion

Having a great business idea is just 1% of the journey – the real challenge is all about execution.

We hope that we have inspired you with some business ideas, but remember, putting them into action is what truly matters.

Stay focused, be diligent, and let Capsule CRM help you manage the details so you can concentrate on growing your business. Your success depends on how well you execute your plans, so start now and turn your business ideas into your revenue drivers!

If Capsule CRM is of interest and you'd like more information, please do make contact or take a look in more detail here.

Credit: Original article published here.

Webinar: Join our live platform tour of Capsule

Software Stack Editor · July 11, 2024 ·

Join the next live platform tour

Still figuring out if Capsule is right for you? Join our next product tour session to get an overview of:

Tips for getting started with Capsule
Is Capsule the right CRM for you?
How does Capsule’s features and functionality stack up against other CRMs?
Live Q&A – get your questions answered by one of our solution experts

Discover Capsule’s features with an expert in real timeRegister here

If Capsule CRM is of interest and you'd like more information, please do make contact or take a look in more detail here.

Credit: Original article published here.

Four Differentiated Marketing Tactics Using Community and Audience

Software Stack Editor · July 11, 2024 ·

Our view at Stack - Simplify growth with an all-in-one platform. Powerful marketing, sales, and support automation. Integrated CMS. Scalable software. Crafted for customer experience.

Kieran and I conducted an experiment with ChatGPT to brainstorm an unconventional marketing plan.

Here are four intriguing approaches it suggested using community and audience — and why we think they’re valuable for marketers.

In the latest episode of Marketing Against the Grain, we experimented with ChatGPT to develop a differentiated marketing strategy for acquiring the first 1,000 customers for a hypothetical SaaS product.

We aimed to bypass common ‘best practices’ and instead iterate on ideas that deviated from the norm or offered us a fresh angle, while still enabling us to quickly scale.

While the real-time integration of AI was the entertaining (and unpredictable) highlight of the episode, ChatGPT provided several suggestions to improve our marketing approaches by tapping into our brand’s audience and community.

Here are four of our favorites, along with practical tips, examples, and resources.

Four Differentiated Marketing Tactics Using Community and Audience

1. Pitch the problem (not just the solution).

One suggestion from ChatGPT that we love is to shape your brand messaging by highlighting your audience’s specific challenges and pain points.

While most marketers focus on perfecting their message to highlight their product’s strengths, the counter-intuitive approach embraces vulnerabilities to build deeper emotional connections and uses creativity and boldness to break through the noise.

It’s about meeting your audience where they are and showing that you truly understand their struggles.

HubSpot did exactly this in its early days by directly addressing the core inefficiencies that sales, advertising, and marketing teams were facing with traditional outbound marketing.

At the time, advertising in the Yellow Pages was becoming ineffective as people were discarding phone books without even looking through them. TV ads were also losing their impact, as viewers fast-forwarded through commercials with their new DVRs.

HubSpot recognized these pain points, built a brand strategy around them, and then presented their inbound marketing solution as a superior alternative. The rest is history.

2. Flip the sales process.

Another effective tactic from our ChatGPT experiment is to reverse the traditional sales process.

For example, instead of the conventional approach of pushing your product, invite potential customers to engage in unique challenges or interactive events that indirectly demonstrate the limitations of their current solutions.

I love this method because it curates a personal and hands-on understanding of your product’s solution and value.

A great example of this strategy is the Excel Olympics, which turned a well-known legacy software tool into a competitive event.

Participants competed in Excel-related challenges, showcasing the capabilities and benefits of the software in a new and entertaining way, eventually going viral on TikTok and Twitter and capturing millions of views on YouTube. Not bad for a software that’s almost 40 years old.

3. Curate unexpected user experiences.

A third tactic suggested by ChatGPT is to create radical experiences that surprise and delight your audience.

While this might initially sound like an obvious suggestion, this approach goes well beyond simply having a standout product or feature.

Instead, it’s about curating a brand experience that’s so unique and engaging that it defies your audience’s expectations and compels them to talk about it, building buzz and word of mouth.

A real-world example of this is multi-billion dollar company Mailchimp, which differentiated its email marketing brand so unconventionally that people continuously chose them over the competition — even if the competition was more technically advanced and well-known.

Why? Kieran says it best during the podcast: “Different is much more memorable, much more sticky.“

4. Build your tribe.

A final idea from our ChatGPT experiment is to dedicate resources to fostering targeted, community-driven engagement.

For example, instead of focusing on broad market acquisition, concentrate on creating a loyal tribe of followers through mastermind groups, exclusive content, and member-only events.

These strategies develop a sense of belonging and advocacy, positioning your brand as a central hub for your audience.

One of Kipp’s favorite resources on this topic is Seth Godin’s book, Tribes.

Here, Godin talks about the importance of leading and connecting people who share a common interest, resulting in an audience that effectively builds buzz by sharing their knowledge and positive experiences.

Applying Differentiated Marketing Tactics to Build a Strong Community

Turning your audience into a dedicated community elevates a brand to an entirely new level — but this requires resources, organization, and purpose.

Here are five practical tips to transform your audience into a loyal and engaged community, using the differentiated marketing tactics we’ve discussed and our Community Management Templates.

1. Assess the current landscape.

Determine where your audience engages, whether owned or unowned, and if they already identify as a community. This helps you understand your starting point and necessary adjustments.

2. Understand your community’s needs.

Figure out why your community exists and who it serves. Understanding the core needs of your members, like how HubSpot identified the inefficiencies faced by outbound sales teams, creates a focused and engaged community,

3. Map the member journey.

Understand the experiences of new, passive, engaged, and advocate members. Tailor your tactics to nurture each type of member and foster a thriving community.

For example, creating unique challenges or interactive events can engage members at different stages and showcase your product’s corresponding strengths.

4. Address member needs.

Search and solve for the specific needs of your members. Providing real value — like masterminds or exclusive educational events — will delight your users and keep them engaged.

5. Develop and iterate member profiles.

Create and refine detailed buyer personas to represent different user types. These profiles help tailor your engagement strategies to meet the evolving needs of your diverse audience.

To watch our entire ChatGPT marketing experiment, check out the full episode of Marketing Against the Grain below:

This blog series is in partnership with Marketing Against the Grain, the video podcast. It digs deeper into ideas shared by marketing leaders Kipp Bodnar (HubSpot’s CMO) and Kieran Flanagan (SVP, Marketing at HubSpot) as they unpack growth strategies and learn from standout founders and peers.

If Hubspot is of interest and you'd like more information, please do make contact or take a look in more detail here.

Credit: Original article published here.

This Writing Technique Turns Your Copy Into a “Mind Movie”

Software Stack Editor · July 11, 2024 ·

Our view at Stack - Simplify growth with an all-in-one platform. Powerful marketing, sales, and support automation. Integrated CMS. Scalable software. Crafted for customer experience.

Welcome to Creator Columns, where we bring expert HubSpot Creator voices to the Blogs that inspire and help you grow better.

Months before Beau was born, my sister — herself a mother of three — recommended we put a “NoseFrida” on our registry.

“It’s this rubber tube,” she said. “One end goes in the baby’s nose, the other goes in your mouth. Then you suck.” I laughed. Being childless at the time, this was a shocking concept. “It’s clean,” she said, “there’s a booger-catcher thing in the middle.” I laughed again. “Nothing goes in your mouth.”

I looked at my wife. “I’m not doing that.” She rolled her eyes and palmed her belly.

Months after Beau is born:

He’s still very small. I’m on the couch, horizontal, lying on my back, holding him above my head. My elbows are bending. I’m moving him up and down. We’re playing, laughing. My mouth is open.

Beau spits up.

My mouth is suddenly full. It’s breast milk — recently consumed and now regurgitated — but I’m not phased, believe it or not. My son is three months old, after all. Strange things happen. I look at my wife. She’s cackling at my misfortune. I get up and pass her the boy and go to the sink and spit.

“Kels—” I call out.

“Yeah?”

“Have you seen the nose thing?” I said. “He’s stuffy.”

The day Beau was born:

Kelsey woke me up early. It was still dark outside. Light from the bathroom poured into the bedroom. “My water broke,” she said.

We drove to the hospital. We went through triage. We met the nurse and the doctor and settled into the delivery room. “This is a process,” said the nurse. “Try to get comfortable.”

We tried. I closed the blinds and dimmed the lights and adjusted my wife’s hospital bed until she said, “That feels good.” The room was dark and quiet, calm. Kels fell asleep. Her back was to me. I was sitting in a recliner, reading something, listening to my son’s heartbeat come through the fetal monitor.

I closed my eyes. The door opened. My eyes opened. “Okay—” said the nurse, “we have a grumpy baby in there—” Kels sat up. I stood up. “I’m gonna have you roll over—” the nurse told my wife.

Then, suddenly, another nurse walked in. And another. And another. Then the obstetrician walked in. Then the anesthesiologist. Suddenly, a dozen people surrounded my wife, shifting her this way and that way, propping her up. “It’s gonna be fine, dear—” said the nurse, “just breathe, dear, breathe—”

I backed up until my heel hit the wall. I was in the corner now. My wife was on her knees and elbows now. I couldn’t see her face anymore. A doctor approached me. “Dad?” I looked at her. “The boy’s heart rate just dropped.”

“Dropped?”

“Yes,” she said. “One-ten to one-sixty is normal in utero—” I looked at the monitor. It was beeping and bouncing: fifty-four, fifty-seven, fifty-two. “It’s in the fifties now,” she said.

“Why?” I said. My palms were wet.

“Probably the umbilical cord—” the doctor kept talking, elaborating, but I could only see my wife and hear the monitor and feel my throat tightening.

Then, suddenly, the beeping stopped. “Heart rate stabilized,” someone said, and the room cleared out as quickly as it had filled up.

Then, suddenly, it was just me and my wife and the doctor, who said, “This can’t keep happening.”

“But what actually happened?” my wife asked.

The doctor repeated herself. “The umbilical cord,” she said, “it’s compromised.” Then she told us if the heart rate deceleration kept happening, an emergency cesarean would be necessary. Kelsey squeezed my hand. I squeezed back. An hour later, it happened again. And again after that.

“Okay,” said my wife, and signed the liability form.

“Okay,” said the doctor, and the nurses began rolling Kelsey’s bed toward the operating room. Before she turned the corner, we signed I Love You to each other.

Three fingers. Then, suddenly, it was just me. I was alone, sitting there, picking the skin off my thumb and tapping my foot. I looked down. My thumb was bleeding. I stopped picking and put it in my mouth.

I’m a secular person, but in that moment, I began to pray. “God—” I looked down. The blood was pooling in my cuticle. I let it go. “Please—” I didn’t know what I was doing. “Please—” I didn’t know how to talk to God. “Please, Lord—” I began bartering with Him. “I swear to you,” I said, “I’ll be the best dad.”

The moment Beau is born:

In the operating room, when the surgeon lifts him up over the blue curtain and I see him for the first time, I recognize him. So much so, in fact, it takes my breath away. I gasp. I know this person. I know his face.

It feels like when you run into an old friend, someone you left behind, and they’ve changed, of course — time has changed them — but you still see them as you once knew them. This is what it feels like the moment Beau is born. It feels like I already know him.

The surgeon passes the boy to a nurse. “Apgar at one and five—” he says.

“Yes, Doctor,” says the nurse.

“And I need suction on the left—” he says in the same breath.

“Yes, Doctor,” says another nurse.

“More—”

“Yes, Doctor.”

Beau is in a small room now, adjacent to the OR. He needs to be cleaned and measured and weighed. I look at Kelsey. “Go meet him,” she says.

A year after Beau was born, I did a writing experiment.

I asked one of the big AI engines a question:

“Can you describe meeting your firstborn child?”

The computer thought for a moment, then produced 88 words:

I read it, then wrote my own version, except I limited myself to exactly as many words as the AI’s passage. I often practice writing this way. Efficiency, after all, is my bread and butter as a copywriter. Word economy is baked into the discipline. Saying more in fewer words is never a bad thing:

When I shared it in my newsletter and on LinkedIn, the response was remarkable. The concept, clearly, struck a nerve. Hundreds of thousands of people saw the experiment, prompting over a thousand comments, DMs, and emails. All that feedback culminated in a consensus: my version is better.

Readers said that despite using only as many words as the AI, my passage created much richer, more vivid imagery: “I could actually see your version,” someone commented. “It felt like a movie was playing in my head.”

“Mind Movies” are a real phenomenon.

Harvard psychologist Stephen Kosslyn calls it “Mental Imagery,” or the “reproduction of visual images in the absence of the stimuli themselves.”

Mind Movies can be self-inflicted — an athlete, for example, might imagine herself making the game-winning shot — or, they can be done to us, prompted by writing.

But how? I’ll tell you exactly:

**You can put “holes” in your writing.**

In other words, leave things out — details, context — and this will give The Reader a chance to “fill in” that space, to use her imagination, to access her own experiences, or memories, good or bad, painful or pleasant.

Holes invite The Reader to participate in the narrative.

But how do you create holes? I’ll tell you exactly:

1. Anti-description

For example, I don’t need to tell you I’m in a hospital:

You fill in this hole for yourself because I mention “the nurse,” and “masks” and “gowns” and “gloves” and “hairnets.” These context clues are enough to conjure the colors, smells, and sterility of a hospital.

I’m not giving you a description as much as an anti-description — small details that force you to color in the story based on your own experiences in a hospital, creating an image that is invariably more real and believable.

This process of filling in the details for yourself — even if they’re not perfectly accurate — is not only engaging, but can also conjure profoundly vivid imagery, the fodder of a “Mind Movie.”

Another way this phenomenon expresses itself is via The Kuleshov Effect, discovered by film researcher Lev Kuleshov, who did an experiment. He put an actor in front of a camera and asked him to deliver an expressionless look. The actor, someone named Ivan Mosjoukine, did this:

Then, Kuleshov showed audiences a series of shots, followed by Mosjoukine’s expressionless face.

He showed them a bowl of soup:

He showed them a small girl in a coffin:

He showed them a woman on a fainting couch:

In his book, The Power of Film, film professor Howard Suber explains the significance of this experiment.

“Audiences raved at the range of this great actor,” says Suber, “How he expressed how famished he was in front of that bowl of soup. And how heartbroken he was at his child — nothing had identified any relationship between the child and the actor; the audience read that story into it,” says Suber. “And the woman on the couch … desire.”

“What Kuleshov proved is you don’t want theatrical acting in which the actor projects to the back of the house,” explains Suber. “The actor does not need to project. The audience is projecting onto the actor the emotions they think the actor is feeling, even though the actor isn’t expressing any emotion.”

Mosjoukine’s “expressionless look” in film is like “anti-description” in writing: by giving The Reader less, you’re actually giving them more to imagine, visualize, and experience.

2. Dialogue

For example, I don’t need to tell you I’m anxious in this scene:

You fill in this hole for yourself, based on what I’m saying, the observations I’m stating, and the questions I’m asking. This is also known as subtext. It’s the true meaning behind what characters say — and it’s one of our salient advantages as human writers.

For example, I’m not simply saying “Hello” to my son:

Ostensibly it’s a greeting, but it’s actually me becoming a new person. In this moment, the old person, the childless person — the one that wouldn’t even consider using a NoseFrida — is gone. In this moment, my priorities and worldview have changed, irreversibly so. I’ve transformed.

You fill in this hole for yourself by letting the context — the circumstance, the setting — dictate the meaning.

This is in stark contrast to the AI’s approach.

The computer lacks consciousness. It’s not aware of itself, much less the human condition. It can’t comprehend the essence of a person, or the significance of a moment, much less this moment, the gravity and complexity of meeting your firstborn child.

So, instead, the AI spoon-feeds us a series of platitudes and cliches, an amalgamation of some ideal scenario, some version of perfection:

It falls flat, of course, because it’s just not that simple.

“The AI’s version may well be accurate (for some at least), but it lacks the warmth and reality of holding your child for the first time,” explains fellow writer and parent, Katie Murray, in a comment on my post.

“As a first-time parent, I was ecstatic and anxious in equal measure as I held my beautiful baby for the first time. You recognize the thrill and the responsibility of being a parent simultaneously, and nothing quite prepares you for either.”

The AI can’t understand this duality because it’s not alive. It didn’t live this moment, so it can’t relate.

It didn’t just watch the most important person in its life go through 36 hours of hard, complicated labor. It didn’t witness its unborn child struggling to breathe inside the womb of this person.

It wasn’t there during emergency surgery at 4 o’clock in the morning, sitting by its wife, holding her head, telling her everything is going to be okay when there was a very real possibility that it wouldn’t be … that something horrible and unthinkable might happen to its family, to their future together, to their love.

People are the most incredible animals because, every day, we go through life with the knowledge that everything we care about, everything we love, could be taken from us. And yet, we go on anyway. Every day, we persist.

And sometimes, we’re reminded of this reality, and it does something to us, and that’s why I wrote what I wrote. I wrote my truth. And because we all share the human experience, so many people understood that truth.

They related to my version, my experience — and they were equally underwhelmed by the version put forth by the AI.

This is why copywriting will always be a human profession.

Because writing is actually not our work.

“[Writing] a great ad,” said creative director Jeff Goodby,” is [putting] a mirror in front of your audience.”

Writing is important, of course, and hopefully, the dialogue, anti-description, and subtext I created illustrates the enormous chasm between a human’s turn of phrase and that of a machine. But even so, if that chasm were to close — years or decades into the future, if ever — I hope every copywriter reading this finds solace in the fact that writing is just our medium, the vessel through which we put a mirror in front of our audience, and reflect something patently human and imperfect and true.

If Hubspot is of interest and you'd like more information, please do make contact or take a look in more detail here.

Credit: Original article published here.

Settle up. Shining a light on the late payment scandal

Software Stack Editor · July 11, 2024 ·

Our view at Stack - Xero is a cloud-based accounting platform that offers numerous benefits. It simplifies financial management with automated bank feeds, allowing you to save time on data entry. Create, email, and print professional invoices effortlessly. Access your finances in real time via the cloud from any device. Retain records of income, expenses, assets, and liabilities securely online. Whether you’re a small business owner or an accountant, Xero streamlines your financial processes and provides a clear view of your financial health.

Small businesses are the heroes of our economy. Yet they are not well defended when it comes to late payments, which cost UK businesses an estimated £1.6 billion in 2023.*

The problem is politely called ‘late payment’ which makes it sound like a legitimate business practice. But it’s not. Late payments can drown small businesses. Late payers are holding on to other people’s money without permission, so we see this instead as unapproved debt.

Often, late payments mean owners have to use their own savings to pay staff wages or to cover business costs. And it takes a toll on their mental health.

So what does the public think about this? In our latest report, Settle up. Shining a light on the late payments scandal, we asked them. Almost half (48%) say late payments make them angry. They’re shocked by the scale of it. Two-thirds (70%) see paying bills late as a form of theft or bullying.

Bad payments are bad business

More than two-thirds of the public (72%) say they would prefer not to buy from companies that don’t pay their bills on time. That’s why we believe it should be easier for the public to see how quickly big firms pay their suppliers.

Just as no good employer would dream of paying its employees late, the public expect businesses to pay their suppliers on time. Four out of five (82%) say companies should always pay their debts on time, whether it’s to their staff or to their small business suppliers.

On the positive side, more than two-thirds (70%) say they’d be more likely to buy from businesses that pay their suppliers properly. So businesses that pay on time could do well by talking about their commitment to their small business suppliers.

No excuses for the scandal to continue

Four out of five people (80%) say there’s no excuse for big businesses to pay late as technology makes it easy to pay bills when they’re due – in an age where consumers can walk into a store and pay for something instantaneously with a watch or a phone through contactless. People hold big businesses most responsible for the late payment crisis. Three out of five (62%) say large firms should tackle the problem. But people expect the government to act too, with the same proportion (62%) saying fixing the problem should be a priority. That’s why we hope to see new legislation implemented by them, as they pledged in their manifesto.

The late payment scandal has been around for too long. We’ve previously set out how to address the problem. And now there’s a great opportunity to tackle it.

*The cost of late payments to small businesses has been estimated as the time value of the outstanding invoice value of all small and medium businesses in the UK. This calculation is based on businesses with less than 50 employees for the UK. This is calculated by applying current interest rates (for small and medium sized businesses) to aggregate small and medium business sales for the period equal to the average days late invoices paid.

The post Settle up. Shining a light on the late payment scandal appeared first on Xero Blog.

If Xero is of interest and you'd like more information, please do make contact or take a look in more detail here.

Credit: Original article published here.

The Power of AI in eLearning is Here: Join the 2024 Worlds of Learning Summit

Software Stack Editor · July 11, 2024 ·

Our view at Stack - LearnWorlds is a market leading platform for online training. It stands out with native SCORM support, allowing seamless integration of e-learning content. It offers an intuitive course builder, interactive video player with transcripts, and EU-specific payment gateways.

AI is no longer a futuristic concept; it’s a game-changer in the eLearning industry, transforming how we create, deliver, and scale our educational content. To explore these revolutionary changes, LearnWorlds is excited to announce the Worlds of Learning 2024 virtual summit.

This free, two-day online event, scheduled for July 23-24, 2024, promises to redefine your course creation and boost your earnings with AI.

BOOK YOUR PLACE

Why AI Matters in eLearning

For Course Creators and Educators

With AI, the quality of education has significantly improved. AI tools help create more engaging and personalized learning experiences, which can lead to better learner outcomes.

Streamline your work with AI, and amplify your training programs for partners, individuals, and organizations. Learn to create more engaging and effective courses with AI tools.

For Instructional Designers and L&D Experts

AI can drastically reduce the time needed to develop learning content. What used to take hundreds of hours can now be accomplished in a fraction of the time, allowing you to focus on delivering quality education.

Boost learner engagement, improve training effectiveness, and demonstrate ROI with AI-powered instructional design strategies.

For Training Organizations

Organizations who use AI report improvements in learner interaction and engagement. AI helps tailor learning experiences to individual needs, making the training of your workforce more effective and impactful.

Integrate AI into your training solutions to improve efficiency, enhance engagement, and scale your programs effectively.

For Edupreneurs

Whether you’re a solo educator or leading a small team, this event will provide you with the knowledge and tools to grow your eLearning business with AI.

AI can really revolutionize your content creation and marketing, from operational efficiency to promotional algorithms, segmentation, and personalization. The possibilities are endless!

Why Attend Worlds of Learning 2024?

Expert-Led Sessions and Workshops

Learn proven frameworks to boost your course business ROI with AI from Google, Meta, Semrush & more! Join top industry experts for a series of insightful sessions and hands-on workshops.

You’ll learn from leaders in AI, instructional design, and digital marketing, who will share their knowledge on leveraging AI to enhance your courses and business operations.

Elevate Your Course Creation and Delivery

Worlds of Learning 2024 is dedicated to showcasing how AI can streamline your course creation process, making it more efficient and impactful.

Whether you’re an individual course creator, instructional designer, or part of a larger training organization, AI tools and strategies will help you craft engaging and personalized learning experiences.

Accelerate Business Growth

AI has the potential to supercharge your business growth by optimizing your marketing efforts, enhancing learner engagement, and improving ROI.

By integrating AI into your eLearning strategy, you can scale your operations and increase your revenue significantly.

Ethical and Legal Implications of AI

Discuss the important considerations around the ethical use of AI in eLearning. Learn about the potential risks, biases, and legal ramifications associated with AI integration.

Gain insights into best practices for ensuring your AI applications are fair, transparent, and compliant with current regulations. This knowledge is crucial for maintaining trust and integrity in your educational offerings.

Networking Opportunities

Connect with a vibrant community of eLearning professionals, including course creators, instructional designers, L&D experts, and knowledge-business owners.

Share your experiences, learn from others, and build lasting relationships that can support your professional growth.

Certification in AI-Powered Instructional Design

AI won’t replace us, but those who use it effectively will thrive!

Earn a valuable certification in AI and Instructional Design. This credential will not only enhance your credibility and expertise but also provide practical skills to implement AI-driven strategies in your courses.

Embrace AI to address today’s challenges and stay at the forefront of the learning industry.

BOOK YOUR PLACE

2024 Worlds of Learning Summit | Event Highlights

Day 1: Exploring AI in Course Creation, Marketing, and Business Growth

Kick off the event with an opening panel discussion featuring industry experts who will set the stage for how AI is revolutionizing eLearning.

The day will include a welcome session to Worlds of Learning 2024 and a handful of practical sessions on:

Day 2: AI & Instructional Design Workshop and Certification

Day two is all about hands-on learning and practical application. You will have the chance to join an Ask Me Anything session on everything about Course Creation and also participate in an in-depth workshop on AI and instructional design, and work alongside experts to build the curriculum for your next online course.

You’ll leave with ready-to-implement skills and a certification that demonstrates your AI expertise.

Meet Our Speakers

We have lined up top industry experts to share their insights and experiences. Some of our featured speakers include:

…and more esteemed speakers to be introduced soon!

Embrace the Future of eLearning with AI

The future of eLearning is here, and AI is at the forefront of this transformation. The 2024 Worlds of Learning Summit is your gateway to understanding and leveraging AI in your educational endeavors.

Whether you’re looking to improve your course creation process, enhance learner engagement, or scale your business, this summit offers invaluable insights and practical knowledge to help you succeed.

Join us on July 23-24 for an event that promises to reshape the way you think about eLearning. Register today and take the first step towards a brighter, AI-powered future in education!

BOOK YOUR PLACE

The post The Power of AI in eLearning is Here: Join the 2024 Worlds of Learning Summit appeared first on LearnWorlds.

If Learnworlds is of interest and you'd like more information, please do make contact or take a look in more detail here.

Credit: Original article published here.

Introducing accessiBe Integration: A Key To Inclusive eLearning

Software Stack Editor · July 11, 2024 ·

Excited to enhance the educational experience for all learners? We’re proud to introduce our latest product update: native integration with accessiBe. This crucial component will ensure eLearning accessibility for everyone, making education inclusive and barrier-free.

By enabling businesses of all sizes to participate in global efforts towards online inclusion, we are committed to leaving no learner behind.

Why Website Accessibility Matters

Accessibility is more than a compliance checkbox; it’s a commitment to inclusivity. Making your eLearning platform barrier-free ensures that all learners, including those with disabilities, have equal opportunities to engage with your content.

This not only broadens your audience but also enhances the learning experience, fostering a more diverse and inclusive educational environment.

What is accessiBe?

accessiBe is a leading AI-powered web solution that makes websites accessible to people with disabilities in compliance with international standards such as WCAG 2.1, ADA, and Section 508. With accessiBe, you can easily implement accessibility features without extensive coding or technical expertise, ensuring your content is available to all learners.

Enhanced User Experience
accessiBe ensures that your website & course content is navigable and usable for learners with various disabilities, including visual, auditory, and cognitive impairments.

Compliance Made Easy
accessiBe’s AI-driven tools automatically adjust and optimize your website to meet global accessibility standards, reducing the risk of legal issues and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Broadening Your Reach
By making your courses accessible, you open the doors to a wider audience, including the 1 billion people worldwide living with disabilities.

Boosting SEO and Engagement
Accessible websites often rank higher in search engine results and provide a better overall user experience, leading to increased engagement and higher course completion rates.

“We are thrilled to partner with Learnworlds, a leader in the e-learning space. At accessiBe, our mission is to make the Internet accessible and inclusive for everyone. Equal access to online knowledge is essential for people with and without disabilities, empowering everyone to achieve personal growth and reach their full potential.”

Dekel Skoop, CEO at accessiBe

Making Your School Accessible with a Smooth Integration

By integrating with accessiBe, you can add a widget to the bottom right corner of your school’s website and course player. This widget allows learners to make accessibility adjustments tailored to their needs.

Users can select from various accessibility profiles, such as Seizure Safe Profile, ADHD Safe Profile, and Blind Users Profile. Additionally, learners can manually customize their experience by adjusting settings like contrast, cursor size, font size, and more.

Transform Your School into an Inclusive, Accessible, and Compliant Learning Environment

Making online courses accessible to all

With accessiBe, you can ensure that interactive elements like videos, and reading materials of your online courses are available to all users.

This means learners with visual impairments can use screen readers to navigate your course, while those with hearing impairments can access transcripts and captions.

Enhancing navigation and engagement

Are you a learning designer focusing on creating a seamless learning journey? accessiBe helps you implement features like keyboard navigation and color contrast adjustments, ensuring that all learners, regardless of their abilities, can easily navigate and engage with your content.

Attracting a diverse audience with inclusive learning

When promoting your online school, accessibility becomes a unique selling point. Highlighting your commitment to inclusivity can attract a more diverse audience and position your brand as a leader in barrier-free education.

Effortlessly meeting accessibility standards

If you’re working with educational institutions, compliance with accessibility standards is often mandatory. accessiBe simplifies this process, allowing you to meet institutional requirements effortlessly and maintain your professional reputation.

Fostering inclusivity in community learning

For those running community-based educational programs, accessibility is crucial for serving diverse populations. accessiBe ensures that community members with disabilities can fully participate in and benefit from your programs, fostering a more inclusive community.

Ensuring all stakeholders benefit from your training

When you create educational content for your customers and partners, accessibility is key to ensuring all learners can benefit from your training program.

For instance, a software company offering tutorials and how-to guides can use accessiBe to make sure their materials are accessible to customers and partners with disabilities.

This enhances user satisfaction and ensures your customers & partners can use your products effectively.

Providing an inclusive onboarding experience

Onboarding new employees is a critical process that sets the tone for their experience with your company. accessiBe can help make your onboarding materials, such as training modules and company handbooks, convenient for employees with disabilities.

This ensures that all new hires, including those with visual or auditory impairments, receive the same high-quality onboarding experience.

Inclusive Education is Not Just a Trend – It’s a Necessity

The integration of accessiBe with LearnWorlds marks a significant step towards inclusivity in eLearning. By harnessing accessiBe’s cutting-edge accessibility tools, eLearning specialists can create engaging, compliant, and accessible courses that cater to the diverse needs of all learners.

Embrace this update and make a meaningful impact by ensuring your content is accessible to everyone.

Let’s commit to creating learning environments where every individual, regardless of their abilities, can thrive and succeed.

For more information on getting started with accessiBe, visit our support article.

Not a LearnWorlds customer yet? Take advantage of LearnWorlds’ 30-day free trial and discover all the amazing things you can achieve with your online academy.

Your professional looking Academy in a few clicks

Start FREE Trial

The post Introducing accessiBe Integration: A Key To Inclusive eLearning appeared first on LearnWorlds.

If Learnworlds is of interest and you'd like more information, please do make contact or take a look in more detail here.

Credit: Original article published here.

EntrepreneurshipKajabi vs ClickFunnels: Which is the best choice for creators?See how Kajabi and ClickFunnels compare to each other (and to Podia) to help you decide what is the best platform for you.

Software Stack Editor · July 11, 2024 ·

Our view at Stack - Podia shines with its all-in-one platform for digital commerce, offering zero transaction fees, email marketing, affiliate marketing, and live chat support. It’s known for unlimited courses and products, embeddable checkouts, and a community feature to engage users. It now has blog functionality also.

See how Kajabi and ClickFunnels compare to each other (and to Podia) to help you decide what is the best platform for you.

If you’re reading this page, chances are, you need a home for your online business.

But as you may have noticed, comparing all of the platforms can become a bit daunting, especially if you don’t know what to pay attention to or who to trust.

Reading through public reviews, articles like this, or even just asking around can certainly be a helpful part of the process.

This article breaks down both Kajabi and ClickFunnels in terms of what they are, who they’re best suited for, which features they offer, how much they cost, and the pros and cons of each.

In addition to the above, we also added a third platform into the mix for comparison — Podia — and it’s important to know that we at the Podia team are the folks behind the words you’re reading.

That’s not to say that you can’t trust our opinion (we certainly did our best to focus on the facts and to remove any biases), but we also feel that it’s important to be clear and transparent so you can make a confident and informed decision.

Before we dive in, we just want to say that we believe our competitors are great and this is not about tearing anyone down — if anything, it’s about highlighting the best parts of each (and yes, the downsides), so the right creators can get matched with the right platforms.

With that said, let’s get into our honest review of Kajabi vs ClickFunnels.

Kajabi: A quick overview

According to the Kajabi website, Kajabi is an “all-in-one business platform to create and scale your knowledge business” with “a full suite of world-class online business tools working seamlessly together.”

Kajabi has been around for a little over ten years and according to their website, they serve about “40,000+ serious experts, entrepreneurs and influencers around the world.”

In their digital marketing efforts, Kajabi tends to emphasize the “all-in-one” aspect of their software, while also promoting key features such as their “customizable templates” (which can be used to build “personalized websites, theme-based landing pages, and emails”), their robust analytics feature, and marketing automation features (which can help you gain insight into your customer base and provide more personalized customer experiences).

Based on their public reviews across sites like Capterra and G2, Kajabi’s customers also tend to like the “all-in-one” aspect, as it allows them to consolidate their tools and save time, money, and headache.

And even though Kajabai is one of the more expensive online course platforms out there, one reviewer says, “when you consider that you can run online programs, host your website and blog, have emails, and more, it’s really pretty reasonable.”

Reviewers also like the fact that Kajabi provides a helpful onboarding experience to new users, with one reviewer saying “I also thought the onboarding process was pretty strong in that they sent you email trainings which helped with the setup.”

Reviewers also highlighted the fact that Kajabi is constantly improving their product (multiple people said things like “they are always innovating to improve things”), which is important, as according to one of their customers, “[Kajabi] does everything. But it’s not the best at anything.”

Kajabi is rated
4.3/5 stars on Capterra
and
4.4/5 stars on G2
.

Who is Kajabi best for?

Within the e-learning industry,
Kajabi
is often considered a more “premium” option for more advanced course creators who require an all-in-one course platform with an emphasis on analytics and marketing automation.

Because Kajabi is one of the more expensive online course platforms (and there are limitations on products, customers, etc), we believe Kajabi is most ideal for advanced creators who:

Have a small number of products
Are not constrained by budget or price
Are more focused on automation and analytics
Are more technically savvy and comfortable with a learning curve
Have an established online business and want to scale their success

Kajabi’s key features

There’s a lot to love about Kajabi, from their templates to their pipelines and everything in between, but here are some of the key features that stand out to us when comparing Kajabi vs ClickFunnels.

Products

Kajabi supports all kinds of digital products including online courses, digital downloads, membership sites, subscriptions, coaching, and more.

While you can sell just about any kind of digital product on Kajabi, it’s important to know that there are limits on the number of products you can offer within each of Kajabi’s plans. For example, the Basic plan ($149/month) has a limit of 3 products while the Pro plan ($399/month) allows for up to 100 products.

Websites / landing pages

You can build your whole website (including a homepage, about page, blog, sales pages, and more) on Kajabi or create as many dynamic landing pages as you like.

Templates

Using Kajabi’s Page Builder, you can select a page type (like lead capture, sales policy, etc) then easily customize it to fit your aesthetic and content needs without needing to hire a designer or developer (though you can use their advanced customization options if you like).

Payment processing

Like most LMS’s, Kajabi offers a payment gateway that integrates with Stripe and PayPal to make payments quick and seamless. Kajabi also offers instant payouts and does not take any additional transaction fees (this is key, especially for creators who are just starting out).

Email marketing tools

Kajabi offers creators built-in email marketing tools, including one-time and automated email sequences, email templates, and a visual editor (for fast and easy customization). To cap it off, Kajabi also offers audience segmentation tools and email analytics, allowing you to track your subscribers and email performance.

Pipelines

Similar to ClickFunnels, Kajabi offers ready-to-use “pipelines” (or funnels) you can customize and use to automatically capture email addresses, nurture leads, make sales, reengage customers who abandon during the cart or checkout process, and more.

Analytics

If tracking performance is important to you (and it should be!) then you’ll love Kajabi’s built-in analytics and reporting which will allow you to easily track your growth across a variety of categories including subscribers, customers, revenue, churn rate, pageviews, and more.

Customer management

Managing your customers/students is easy with Kajabi’s built-in customer management tools, which allow you to organize/segment your contacts, communicate with your customers, automate key interactions, track student progress, and more.

Webinars/Events

If you’re a coach (or want to offer coaching products), you can use Kajabi Events, which allows you to host webinars, live trainings, virtual conferences, pre-recorded events, and more.

Quizzes and surveys

Kajabi calls them “assessments,” but they’re essentially just quiz and survey tools you can use to engage your students, gauge their progress, or assess how well they understand your material.

Chat support

No matter which plan you’re on, you can reach a Kajabi customer support agent via live chat at least 5 days a week (Monday-Friday, 6AM-5PM PST).

Kajabi university training

Have a question or want to dive deeper into a specific topic? Kajabi University has free bootcamps, trainings, and resources to help you do it, and as mentioned above, they offer a great onboarding sequence via email for new users (according to reviewers).

Kajabi pricing: A quick breakdown

With plans starting at $69/month and going all the way up to nearly $400/month, Kajabi is certainly one of the more expensive online course platforms out there, but it’s still cheaper than ClickFunnels (more on that later).

Below is a breakdown of Kajabi’s pricing across their 4 core plans and a high-level overview of what’s included in each so you can get a sense of which plan might be the right choice for you:

Kickstarter ($69 per month): 50 landing pages, 1 product, 1 funnel, 250 contacts, 50 customers
Basic ($149 per month): Unlimited landing pages, 3 products, 3 funnels, 10,000 contacts, 1,000 customers
Growth ($199 per month): Unlimited landing pages, 15 products, 15 funnels, 25,000 contacts, 10,000 customers
Pro ($399 per month): Unlimited landing pages, 100 products, 100 funnels, 100,000 contacts, 20,000 customers

ClickFunnels: A quick overview

According to their own website, “ClickFunnels is a website and sales funnel builder” that allows entrepreneurs of all industries to “quickly create beautiful sales funnels that convert your visitors into leads and then customers.”

ClickFunnels has been around since 2014 and according to their website and public review sites, they serve over 100,000 “businesses of all sizes in eCommerce, consulting, and other industries.”

On the ClickFunnels website, they emphasize the ease-of-use of the platform, claiming the platform “gives you the tools and strategies you need to market, sell, AND deliver your products online” without needing to rely on a tech team. In comparison to Kajabi, ClickFunnels takes more of a “sales-y” approach to their website, explaining the problem they solve and how the software works.

Based on public reviews on sites like Capterra, G2, and Trustpilot, customers seem to love how easy the software is to use saying things like “Clickfunnels have taken all the work out of creating sales funnels. I was amazed at how easy and clear the entire process is with them” and “I love the simplicity of this software, easy to use, logical and allows you to manage your ‘funnel/pipeline’ completely.”

Customers also rave about the free resources and trainings provided upon sign up saying things like, “the video tutorials and other available resources have been amazing. The step-by-step instructions have been so valuable to me!” and “I love the education based marketing program that Clickfunnels run – an incredible amount of very high quality information to help you succeed and a super easy to use software.”

Reviewers also tended to focus on the community and support saying things like “This community is eager to help one another and provides inspiration through personal success stories and notable achievements” and “customer service is ON POINT!!! And there are a BIZILLION educational videos that teach you everything. Talk about an amazing product with amazing education and support.”

While no one can deny that ClickFunnels has hundreds of positive reviews, it is worth noting that many of them are from early-stage customers who are engaged in a specific training challenge vs what they think about the actual software itself. This is not a knock on ClickFunnels, but if you’re looking for honest evaluations of the software, you may need to do some sifting.

ClickFunnels is rated
4.7/5 stars on G2
,
4.6/5 stars on Capterra
, and
4.7/5 stars on Trustpilot
.

Who is ClickFunnels best for?

Because
ClickFunnels
is a bit more complex and comes with a steep learning curve (more on that in the “cons” section), we believe it may be better for more advanced creators who have experience and are comfortable with sales funnels in general.

Advanced creators also tend to be more focused on marketing and sales than a beginner, which is another reason why it may be more ideal for someone who is more advanced.

Finally, because ClickFunnels is built for all kinds of businesses (vs digital content businesses, specifically), we believe it may not be the ideal choice for digital content creators, but may be more suited for businesses selling physical products.

Businesses that are laser-focused on sales and marketing
Businesses that sell physical and digital products (but more of an emphasis on physical)
Businesses that are comfortable with a more sales-y and aggressive form of marketing
Businesses that want a system for automating all of their marketing efforts, from lead generation to drip sequences and beyond (without having to hire a tech team)
Advanced entrepreneurs who can skip the in-depth training and just start using the software
Beginners who have the time and energy to learn the ClickFunnels system for marketing and the software that goes with it (may require several hours per day in the beginning)

ClickFunnels key features

If you’ve been on the ClickFunnels site, you know deciphering exactly what their software includes can be a little tricky, so we did the research for you so you can clearly see what their features are and how they’re different (or similar) in comparison to Kajabi and similar software solutions.

Pre-built sales funnels

ClickFunnels main feature is their sales funnels, which includes specific, pre-built funnels for a variety of marketing needs including capturing leads, generating sales, and running an event like a webinar (great for saving time and sanity!).

Sales/landing pages with plenty of pre-designed templates

Entrepreneurs of all levels can benefit from ClickFunnels robust library of pre-designed sales/landing page templates, which includes opt-in page templates, sales page templates, order form templates, upsell/downsell templates, webinar/event page templates, and more. Similar to theme marketplaces, you can even share, purchase, or sell ClickFunnel templates!

Easily add a variety of page elements with the drag & drop editor

Using the ClickFunnels drag & drop editor, you can customize your sales/landing pages with elements like 2-step order forms, pricing tables, surveys, videos, membership areas, webinar registration forms, affiliate areas, and more.

Advanced customization tools

Want even more control over the look and feel of your sales/landing pages? ClickFunnels offers advanced customization options including custom CSS, padding adjustment, color adjustment, and more.

Page pop-ups

Looking to capture leads? ClickFunnels allows you to add custom pop-ups to your sales/landing pages that will allow you to present an offer and capture names, email addresses, and more.

A/B split testing

Want to test or optimize a specific part of your funnel? ClickFunnels allows you to easily test different pages, headlines, videos, buttons, images, copy, and more. Simply set it up, track performance, then make adjustments based on the results.

1-click upsells

Significantly increase your average order value by adding pages with additional products or services that customers can purchase with just one click after they buy (which means they don’t have to go back through the check-out process again).

Follow-up funnels (formerly known as “Actionetics”)

The ClickFunnels “Follow-up Funnels” feature is essentially an email/SMS autoresponder that allows you to create, schedule, and deliver unlimited messages to specific groups or individual customers/subscribers on your list (pre-designed email templates are also included). The only catch is, Follow-up Funnels are not available on the Basic plan and only available on the Funnel Hacker plan ($297/month).

Smart lists & tagging

The “Follow-up Funnels” feature also includes “smart lists” and “tagging” which are essentially robust segmentation tools, allowing you to learn specific information about your subscribers/customers, track their behavior, and send them targeted messages based on the aforementioned.

Affiliates (aka “Backpack”)

ClickFunnels “Backpack” feature is essentially their version of an affiliate program, but with a little something extra: Backpack includes a “proprietary” affiliate incentive called “sticky cookies” which means affiliates earn a commission for the products connected to their affiliate ID, plus bonus commissions if that same customer purchases additional products down the road.

The ClickFunnels Backpack feature is also quite flexible — you can have different tiers of affiliates, you can run contests with prizes for top affiliates, and also add an “affiliate area” to pages that can act as a central hub where affiliates can access promotional materials related to your business.

Supports digital and physical products

One of the cool things about ClickFunnels is they support not just digital products, but physical products as well, making it an ideal choice for businesses that sell both (note: selling physical products on ClickFunnels requires an integration with ShipStation).

ClickFunnels Dashboard

Within your ClickFunnels Dashboard, you can see a visual chart of your KPI’s including page views, opt-ins, sales, and more. You can even look at the data across different time increments.

14-day free trial

Like Kajabi, ClickFunnels also offers a 14-day free trial of any of their plan options (from Basic to Pro and beyond). Like Kajabi, ClickFunnels also requires a credit card to get started.

ClickFunnels pricing: A quick breakdown

Even in comparison to Kajabi (which is one of the more expensive online course platforms), ClickFunnels is still incredibly expensive.

It’s also worth noting that if you want to leverage email marketing for your business (and what online business doesn’t?) you have to upgrade to their $297/mo plan, as the Basic plan ($147/mo) won’t provide you with the functionality you need to do that (though, it may be a good starting place for some, especially those who are only focused on lead capture).

Kajabi vs ClickFunnels pros and cons

Now that you know the basic elements of Kajabi vs ClickFunnels, let’s breakdown the pros and cons of each

As with any software, there are always pros and cons — and the platforms we’re evaluating in this article are no exception. Below we dig a little deeper into the pros and cons of both Kajabi and ClickFunnels so you can easily compare and contrast.

Kajabi Pros

What’s great about Kajabi? And on the flip side, what’s not so great? Here are some reasons to consider choosing Kajabi over ClickFunnels.

Designed specifically for course creators who are selling digital products

If you are a content creator who is selling digital products (including online courses, digital downloads, memberships, webinars, or coaching services), Kajabi is going to be a great choice for you, as it was designed specifically with your needs in mind.

Compare to ClickFunnels which is not designed for any particular kind of business and may lack some of the features and functionality you need to create amazing products, deliver a stellar student experience, manage your students, and more.

Native features for online courses, digital downloads, memberships, webinars, and more

As we touched on above, Kajabi has everything you need to build beautiful digital products, host them on your own custom website, market them with customizable sales pages, collect emails and payments, communicate with your students, track progress, and so much more.

ClickFunnels, on the other hand, really only has the tools you need to market the products and collect payments. For example, while Kajabi has a dedicated “membership” feature where creators can build their memberships (including specific free or paid products), ClickFunnels does not.

While it’s true that you can build a Membership Funnel on ClickFunnels (to collect email addresses, payments, or to simply promote your membership offering), actually delivering the content and providing a seamless membership experience is much more complicated, due to the complicated set up/registration process (for you and your members), lack of video hosting, lack of customization, lack of mobile optimization, and more.

Includes unlimited emails in basic plan

Unlike ClickFunnels (which only offers unlimited email marketing with their Funnel Hacker plan ($297/mo), Kajabi allows you to send an unlimited number of emails across all of their plans, which means you can get the email marketing tools you need for just $149/mo (50% less than ClickFunnels Funnel Hacker plan).

Includes “pipelines” feature (similar to ClickFunnels “Funnels” feature)

Like ClickFunnels, Kajabi also offers a funnels feature called “Pipelines” which are essentially pre-designed sales funnels you can use to generate leads, market a specific type of digital product, collect payments, and more. By choosing Kajabi over ClickFunnels, you don’t have to sacrifice on the sales/marketing side of things and you’ll end up saving money, as Kajabi offers nearly the same features as ClickFunnels, but for a lot less.

Community tools for students to engage

Kajabi’s built-in membership feature includes “Community” tools that allow creators to offer dedicated areas for students to chat. ClickFunnels, on the other hand, does not offer any kind of built-in community tools — you would have to send emails in order to communicate with your members, which is not ideal for that type of product.

Zero transaction fees

While Kajabi is one of the more expensive online course platforms, Kajabi does not charge transaction fees, which means creators keep more of what they earn on products, memberships, coaching, etc (compare to ClickFunnels which charges 4.9% transaction fees for all sales made through their platform).

14-day free trial

Like ClickFunnels, Kajabi offers a 14-day free trial, however, both platforms require a credit card to get started (this could be a barrier for some creators, but it is nice that both platforms allow you to test drive the software before fully committing).

Kajabi Cons

As we already covered, there’s a lot of love about Kajabi, but the platform is not without its drawbacks, including the high price tag and having to upgrade quite a bit to get access to features that come standard on other online course platforms.

Very expensive

Starting at $149, Kajabi is definitely one of the pricier online course platforms, which can be a negative for budget-conscious creators or those who are just getting started. Of course, if you compare Kajabi to ClickFunnels, Kajabi is actually the more affordable option, as you can get nearly the same features as ClickFunnels in Kajabi’s $149/mo plan as you can with ClickFunnels $297/mo Funnel Hacker plan.

Limited number of products, customers, and members

Kajabi’s plans have restrictions on just about everything, from the number of products you can sell to the number of pipelines, emails, contacts, admin seats, and more (compare to Kajabi which also has limits on the number of funnels, pages, and pageviews for each plan).

Limitations with the email marketing tool

While Kajabi has email marketing tools built directly into the product (which could save you from having to pay for a separate Email Service Provider), customers complain about issues and limitations including issues with deliverability, inability to customize language, lack of email analytics, and in general, being “a bit behind the curve” (as one reviewer put it) in terms of options and functionality.

Does not offer built-in course completion certificates

If you’re a course creator, having access to built-in course completion certificates may be important to you and your students. If this is true for you, it’s important to know that Kajabi does not offer built-in course completion certificates (you’d have to use a third-party tool like Canva to create them then set up automated emails to deliver them upon course completion). Of course, ClickFunnels does not offer them at all, so Kajabi may be the slightly better option in this case.

May be difficult to learn and use for some creators

While Kajabi certainly offers a robust set of features, learning how to use each one (or the whole system) can be time-consuming and overwhelming, especially if you’re not tech savvy or less advanced with your online business.

That being said, it seems like ClickFunnels may be even more challenging and overwhelming to learn, as there’s a ton of resources to get through in order to understand how the platform works, how to use it in your business, and then using that knowledge to get set up and running.

No free migrations

If you’re moving from another online course platform to Kajabi, there is no migration assistance to help you make that transition quickly and painlessly (this is also true of ClickFunnels).

No native A/B testing

Unlike ClickFunnels which has native A/B split testing, Kajabi does not (though you can still run split tests by creating two versions of the page and then sending them out via email or linking to different social media campaigns, then comparing stats after a period of time).

ClickFunnels Pros

As a leading funnel-building platform, there’s plenty of love about ClickFunnels. Below we dive into the pros of the platform and why it may be a better choice over Kajabi for certain businesses.

Designed to get you more leads and sales

If marketing and sales are your main goal, ClickFunnels will help you deliver on that, as the entire product is designed to support the sales funnel, from lead capture and sales to upsells, follow-up messaging, and more.

Very robust segmentation

While Kajabi offers email marketing and segmentation, ClickFunnels “Follow-up Funnels” feature with smart lists and tagging functionality takes it to the next level, offering you detailed information about each of your customers/subscribers, robust segmentation options, and the ability to send highly targeted messages to individuals or groups (a key component of the sales process).

Offers native split (A/B) testing

Unlike Kajabi (which does not offer native A/B split testing, though there are workarounds), ClickFunnels allows you to easily test different pages, headlines, videos, buttons, images, copy, and more and track the results.

Robust and flexible affiliate marketing options

While Kajabi also offers a great affiliate marketing feature (complete with the ability to customize commission amounts, track performance, and more), ClickFunnels also offers that, and two key add-ons.

The first is a “proprietary” affiliate incentive called “sticky cookies” which means affiliates earn a commission for the products connected to their affiliate ID, plus bonus commissions if that same customer purchases additional products down the road. The second is that ClickFunnels allows you to create an “affiliate” area where you can upload promotional materials, run contests with top prizes, and more.

Useful if you’re selling physical products

As covered above, ClickFunnels allows users to sell all types of products, including digital and physical products, which is not something that can be done through Kajabi.

Can buy and sell funnel templates

Want a specific look-and-feel for your ClickFunnel pages? You can buy (or sell) themes within the ClickFunnels marketplace making it easier for you to create a customized solution that matches your brand and aesthetic.

WordPress plugin available

Already have a site that’s running on WordPress? No problem! ClickFunnels has a WordPress plugin that will allow you to use ClickFunnels pages directly on your WordPress site under the same domain.

ClickFunnels Cons

Now that you know some of the pros of ClickFunnels, let’s cover some of the potential downsides that may be important to consider when evaluating the platform and comparing it to Kajabi.

Some limitations when selling digital products

While you can use ClickFunnels to sell digital products (like a digital download or membership access), it’s not built specifically for that purpose like Kajabi is.

For that reason, there are no native tools or support to help you create the products, manage the student experience, customize the delivery method, or any of the other things that come with standard LMS platforms. That being said, ClickFunnels does offer support for physical products, which could make it a good choice if that’s what you’re selling.

Focused on market/sales, not content creation/delivery, or the student experience

As mentioned above (and throughout this article), ClickFunnels is designed to help you with marketing and sales — and it does a great job of that — but it’s not going to be the best choice if you’re focused on the student experience or trying to provide a premium delivery experience, track student progress, communicate with students, and more.

Can be incredibly overwhelming and difficult/time-consuming to learn

While many ClickFunnels customers rave about how simple and easy the software is to use, there are just as many customers who claim the opposite, saying things like “there is so much information to absorb that it is easy to get overwhelmed,” and “It is not quite as simple as it looks in his advertising. The funnels are very comprehensive, there are many functions to learn about” and finally “Scary Difficult, Generous Support, but at the end of the Day, STILL CONFUSING … building a Click Funnel funnel was NOT as easy as everyone makes it look and sound.”

Of course, there’s usually some kind of learning curve that comes with new software, but ClickFunnels seems to be particularly daunting for a good chunk of their customers.

Tends to look very sales-y with aggressive popups, upsells, and downsells

It’s not hard to see that ClickFunnels marketing approach (on their website and within the product itself) has more of a “sales-y” vibe, which can come off as aggressive or untrustworthy to some.

That being said, that approach can certainly work for many businesses and audiences, so it’s more about deciding if you want to take that approach for your business or if you prefer something more like Kajabi which tends to feel more modern and less “in your face” than ClickFunnels.

Page design can be challenging and may look clunky/dated

For some, creating beautiful sales pages on ClickFunnels may be fast and easy, but without design experience, your pages may end up looking clunky and dated vs sleek and modern, as this reviewer put it:

“CF looks like it has been designed by a toddler (my personal opinion). No clear color code. It is literally blue, yellow, green, red and black all over the place.” -2021 Trustpilot review

It’s also important to know that getting your ClickFunnels pages to look good on mobile is not always easy, as the platform doesn’t do the best job of recreating the desktop view on mobile devices. Finally, each page you create must be tied to funnel, which means creators must manually add new pages to the navigation bar, which is not very user friendly.

Each funnel can only be tied to 1 payment processing integration

For example, let’s say you want to use both PayPal and Stripe as payment options. To do that through ClickFunnels, you would need to set up a completely duplicate funnel and page for the second payment processor and add a button that moves the customer to their preferred payment gateway from the sales page (which could become annoying depending on the number of pages and funnels you have).

Tech issues seem to be common

Like any software product, tech issues are sometimes just inevitable, but it is worth noting that a good chunk of ClickFunnels reviews feature complaints about bugs, slow page load times, and issues with SEO. Here’s a quick snapshot of a few reviews we found across public review sites:

“ClickFunnels is notoriously glitchy, unhelpful, and more often than not, will not save your changes, or the buttons will not work.”
“The page loading times are horrible. And you can do almost nothing about it except for reducing the size of your pictures. Especially on mobile, that is an absolute no go. My CPC went through the roof after making the switch and just that alone would have disqualified CF as a service for me.”
“There are so many bugs. At every turn there’s another issue. They fix it and then another bug pops up. There were times I was spending $1000 a day on ads just to have ClickFunnels break and prevent any sales.”

Again, bugs happen — the important thing to keep in mind is your platform’s response to them; are they quick to respond? Do they fix things right away? Do problems seem to come up over and over again? These are the questions to ask yourself when making your decision.

Video hosting for courses not included

While Kajabi has unlimited video hosting for your digital products, ClickFunnels requires you to pay $99 for video hosting (supported by Wistia).

Limits on funnels, pages & payment gateways, and more

While you can remove more limits by upgrading your plan, it’s important to know that each plan comes with a variety of limits on things like funnels, pages, pageviews, payment gateways, domains, and more (this isn’t all that different from Kajabi which also places limits on each of their plans).

A third online course platform for comparison: Podia

As mentioned upfront, the purpose of this article is to provide an honest and straightforward review of
our top competitors
, as well as our own platform (yes, even the downsides) to help you make an informed and confident decision.

Obviously we have more insight into our own product than we do for Kajabi or ClickFunnels, but we’ll do our best to put our biases aside and just focus on the facts, as well as what our customers are saying on review sites and in independent reviews.

Like Kajabi, Podia is also an online course platform that gives creators everything they need to sell courses, webinars, digital downloads, memberships, and coaching services (compare to ClickFunnels, which is primarily a funnel-building tool focused on sales/marketing for all types of businesses selling a variety of products).

Podia was founded in 2014 (same year as ClickFunnels) and the platform has served over 150,000 creators.

Like Kajabi, Podia also emphasizes the “all-in-one” aspect of the platform (and solving the challenge of the “duct tape solution”) while highlighting the fact that you can sell any kind of digital product on the platform, including online courses, webinars, memberships, coaching services, and digital downloads (compare to ClickFunnels which is not a true “all-in-one” LMS platform and does not provide all of the same features and support for digital products).

The Podia site also highlights the marketing tools, including the
site builder
(which allows you to build beautiful, modern, mobile-friendly websites or landing pages), the
email marketing tools
,
live chat widget
(a feature that’s totally unique to Podia), and the
built-in affiliate marketing feature
.

Podia is also laser-focused on customer support, offering chat and email support 7 days a week, as well as
video demos
.

In public reviews, Podia customers tend to focus on the simple, intuitive design with reviewers saying things like “Since the beginning of the pandemic, I tried a lot of websites to try to sell my online courses : Podia is the best ! The UI and the UX are amazing!” and “Omg, it’s super user friendly and affordable. I cannot have made a better choice when I left other platforms for Podia.”

Reviewers also love the lack of product and customer limits, saying things like ” I looove the fact that you get unlimited everything, so no more tiers to squeeze through” and “I like the fact that Podia gives its users unlimited hosting of video content through one of the premium video platforms. This means that you can upload all kinds of videos, as well as PDF and other types of learning materials, without having to worry about potentially ‘running out of storage.’”

Reviewers also seem to like the accessible price tag (“value for money” is one of the top highlights from reviewers on Capterra).

Finally, Podia customers seem to love Podia’s premium
customer service
, saying things like “Superb experience with the support, the on-boarding, and the software itself” and “their customer support is stellar.”

The
free migration service
is also a helpful bonus for those switching from other platforms and is mentioned throughout the reviews (“the team were able to migrate me in less than 24 hours and the support is so personal and caring”).

While very close, it’s also worth noting that Podia is rated
4.8/5 stars on Capterra
, while Kajabi is rated 4.3/5 stars and ClickFunnels is rated 4.6/5 stars.

Who is Podia best for?

At its core, Podia is for creators who are looking for a simple, intuitive, and affordable all-in-one platform that supports all types of digital products, from online courses and digital downloads to memberships, coaching services, webinars, and more. It’s also ideal for creators who want the flexibility to grow their businesses without limitations and to get the support they need to succeed.

Overall, we believe Podia is best for creators who:

Want a simple, intuitive, and affordable all-in-one course platform
Sell (or plan to sell) online courses, webinars, communities, and/or digital downloads
Want to offer live chat on their own website and sales pages
Want fast, helpful, and friendly customer support 7 days a week
Don’t want limits on how many products they can make

Podia’s key features

While there’s a lot of love about Podia, below are the key features that are highlighted prominently on the Podia Features page and throughout the marketing site.

Podia’s free plan

Unlike
ClickFunnels
and
Kajabi
, Podia offers a free plan with many exciting features. Free plan users can create a full website, build an online community, sell one digital download, and offer one coaching product. Free plans also include one email campaign and make it easy to start growing your email list.

Online courses

Podia offers a simple and intuitive
course builder
that makes course creation easy. With Podia, you can build beautiful and modern standalone courses, drip courses, bundled courses, and more. You can even pre-sell courses, allowing you to validate ideas and earn sales before putting in any work.

Digital downloads

Podia supports every type of
digital download
you can imagine, for eBooks and PDFs to templates, music, audio, video, and more. Sell downloads on their own, use them as lead magnets to capture emails, or bundle them together with other products.

Webinars with live or pre-recorded videos

Host
live or pre-recorded video sessions
with unlimited participants by connecting your YouTube Live or Zoom accounts, and your audience will be able to register – and pay – for access through your Podia site.

Community

With Podia, you can create as many
community plans
– for as many members – as you want, with each featuring different perks, content, and prices.

Using Podia’s community tool, you can build free or paid memberships that include public and members-only posts, free trials for potential members, product bundling, and recurring subscriptions for members.

Affiliate programs for your customers

Turn your fans into sales reps by launching your own
affiliate program
. Within your affiliate program, you can set custom commission terms, invite affiliates, and reward them for helping you grow your business (only available on the Shaker plan).

Beautiful, easy-to-build custom website/pages (no coding required)

Using Podia’s
site editor
, you can quickly build a beautiful, custom website for your business (as well as custom landing/sales pages) without needed design or development knowledge.

Built-in email marketing tools

Send one-off emails or automated, multi-touch sequences with Podia’
built-in email marketing tools
. The built-in marketing tools also include email capture, segmentation capabilities, email analytics, and more. Podia is also the only online course platform that gives you complete revenue metrics for every email you send.

On-page chat messaging to interact with visitors and customers (Podia only!)

The same way Podia offers chat support to potential and current Podia customers, you can also offer
live chat
to your potential and current customers by enabling the “live chat” widget on your website and sales pages. This functionality is unique to Podia and is not available through Teachable or Kajabi.

Embedded checkout

Sell in more places (and increase your chances of conversion) with Podia’s
embedded checkout feature
, which features a fast and simple checkout process that’s been tested and optimized for conversion (only available on the Shaker plan).

Automatic VAT calculation for EU customers

If you’re in the EU, Podia will calculate the amount of VAT due from each customer, add the VAT to the customer’s bill, collect that money to your
Stripe
or
PayPal
account, and store all the tax data you need to make an accurate VAT return.

Payment plan options

If your customers prefer to pay in installments, use Podia’s payment plan options to give your students more financial freedom and flexibility.

Coupons

Create custom coupons for sales or for unique situations (i.e. for individual customers, a one-time purchase, or a limited-time deal) to entice customers and make more sales.

Pre-sell courses

Have an idea for a course, but not ready to launch yet? Use Podia to pre-sell your course, which means you can promote it, capture email addresses, and even collect payments before putting in any work.

Bundles

Have similar products you want to sell together? Use Podia’s Bundle feature to sell complementary products together at a discounted rate as a way to increase sales.

Upsells

Increase the size of every order by offering relevant upsells (like additional products) to customers who purchase your digital downloads.

Quizzes

Test your students’ knowledge or ensure concepts are being properly absorbed by incorporating quizzes throughout your online courses.

Drip content

Want your content to arrive at specific intervals? Use Podia’s Drip Content feature to automatically deliver specific content at specific times throughout the customer journey.

Student comments

See student questions, get their feedback, or just start a conversation by allowing customers to comment directly within your course content.

Course completion certificates

When students complete a course, automatically recognize and reward their effort with a simple yet elegant course completion certificate (available on the Mover and Shaker plans).

Podia pricing: A quick breakdown

With a robust free plan and paid plans starting at just $9/month (or $4/month when you pay annually!), Podia is considered much more accessible to creators at every level, which is why “good value for the money” tends to be a highlight across public reviews.

When you compare
Podia’s pricing
to Kajabi and ClickFunnels, Podia is the least expensive option across the board.

For some creators, paying the difference may be worth it to get access to features like pre-built sales funnels, but it’s important to know that you can absolutely build sales funnels through Podia — the funnels won’t be templated for you, but Podia is so easy to use, building your own sales pages and/or funnels is a piece of cake.

Below is a high-level breakdown of what’s included in each of Podia’s plans:

Now that you know a bit more about Podia, let’s dive further into the pros/cons, so you can compare them to the pros/cons of Kajabi vs Teachable

We’ve covered the pros and cons of Kajabi and ClickFunnels, but what about Podia? What’s good about Podia? And what’s not so good? Let’s take a closer look together so you can make an informed and confident decision.

Podia Pros

In addition to all of the key features listed above, below are some of the reasons creators love Podia, according to our internal data as well as public data on review sites.

Simple, intuitive, and easy to use

Podia was designed to be as simple and as straightforward as possible, making it accessible for creators at every level, regardless of design or technical ability. This makes Podia incredibly easy to understand and use (for course creation, design, marketing, and more), which is why it’s rated so high for “ease of use” on review sites like Capterra and within independent reviews.

In contrast, Kajabi and ClickFunnels are known for being more complex with a bigger learning curve, which could become overwhelming and/or time consuming for some businesses.

Affordable monthly plans

Podia offers more than 90% of the same features and functionality as Kajabi, but for much less. And the same goes for ClickFunnels, which could cost up to 7x more than what you’d pay with Podia — check out the chart below to see what we mean.

It’s true that both Kajabi and ClickFunnels have somewhat of an advantage with their pre-built funnels and slightly better segmentation, but if those things are not as important to you, Podia may be the better (and more affordable) option.

Unlimited creativity

With Podia, you can start selling on the free plan and unlock unlimited products on all Mover and Shaker plans. All plans come with unlimited customers, so you don’t have to worry about hitting arbitrary limits as your business grows.

Free migrations

Moving from another platform? Podia will
migrate all of your content for free
if you become a paying customer on one of Podia’s annual Mover or Shaker plans (compare to Kajabi and ClickFunnels which do not offer migration support of any kind).

Instant payment processing

Like Kajabi and ClickFunnels, Podia also offers a secure payment gateway with instant payouts for any sales you make through Podia, regardless of which payment method you use.

Podia Cons

Just as Kajabi and ClickFunnels, Podia also has some potential downsides you may want to consider when evaluating all 3 platforms and making your final decision.

No advanced CSS/HTML customization options

While Kajabi and ClickFunnels both offer advanced customization options on their premium plans, Podia does not.

That being said, Podia does offer plenty of design customization within their product (i.e. – selecting a basic theme, adjusting colors, fonts, adding logos, favicon, content sections, videos/photos, etc.), allowing you to create a beautiful and professional-looking website, sales pages, and more.

With Podia, creators have the tools they need to create a visually appealing website, storefront, or sales pages without getting bogged down in complex design options. This is especially helpful for creators who are not as design or technically savvy.

However, for creators who have a very specific aesthetic or those looking for the ability to customize down to the pixel, Podia may not be the right choice. If you’re on the fence,
you can create a free Podia account
to test the website building features for yourself.

Slightly less robust analytics + reporting

Like Kajabi, Podia also captures a variety of metrics related to your online business, including sales and revenue, subscription metrics, email performance, product progress, and more (in fact, Podia is also the only platform that provides built-in revenue metrics for every email you send).

However, Podia does not yet offer tracking for pageviews, nor does it allow you to parse the data by a specific timeframe (you can, however, integrate your store with
Google Analytics
to get those metrics). Kajabi’s Dashboard is also a bit better in terms of presentation, but Podia is also working to improve their Dashboard so the analytics are clearer and easier to track over time.

How does Podia compare to Kajabi vs ClickFunnels?

Now that you know the general pros and cons of Podia, let’s compare Podia more specifically to each platform — Kajabi and ClickFunnels — so you can see the main differences, as well as the potential upsides and downsides.

Kajabi vs Podia

While Kajabi and Podia are very similar in terms of features and functionality, there are a few key differences between the two platforms that could be reasons to choose one over the other.

Podia is simpler and easier to use

One of the things creators love most about Podia is the simplicity of the product, especially in comparison to Kajabi, which is known to be more complex and may have more of a learning curve.

While it is true that many Kajabi customers also find Kajabi’s platform easy and intuitive, we’ve also seen reviews (and heard from previous Kajabi customers) that it can be very time-consuming and difficult to learn, even if you have experience and some technical skill.

Similar (and in some cases, more) features for less money

As you can see from the chart further down the page (in the section “Let’s compare all 3 across every feature and offering”), Podia offers over 90% of the same features as Kajabi, but Kajabi costs anywhere from double to four times as much as Podia (the range depends on the plan).

It’s true that Kajabi offers advanced customization options, more templates, and slightly better analytics (more on that below), but you have to ask yourself if those 3 nuances are worth the massive price hike (for some, the answer will be yes, for others it’s a hard no).

Kajabi offers more advanced customization

Unlike Podia, Kajabi offers advanced customization options on their “Pro” plan, which will allow you access to the code editor so you can edit the HTML/CSS of your Kajabi site.

This is a key selling point for creators who have a specific aesthetic, but only if they can afford the hefty price tag ($399/mo) that comes along with it (and don’t forget, unless you’re design and tech savvy, you still have to pay a designer and/or developer to do the work for you in the code editor, which is another added expense on top of the pricey monthly premium).

And remember, Podia is designed to be incredibly simple and easy to use (regardless of technical or design skill), which may outweigh access to advanced customization options.

Kajabi offers more templates

One of Kajabi’s strengths is the fact that they offer a variety of templates for products, websites, and pipelines/funnels. This can be a time-saver and also helpful for beginners who may not know where to start. Podia currently offers time-saving email templates.

Kajabi has slightly more advanced analytics

As covered in the chart a few sections above, Kajabi and Podia offer almost exactly the same analytics, but Kajabi offers two analytic options that Podia does not: Tracking pageviews and being able to parse the data by a specific timeframe (but again, you can get those metrics by integrating with Google Analytics).

Kajabi’s analytics Dashboard is also a little clearer and easier to follow, but these are all things Podia is working to actively improve in 2021 and beyond.

Podia offers
live chat
on storefronts and sales pages — Kajabi does not

Unlike Kajabi or ClickFunnels, Podia is the only online course platform that offers on-page live chat so you can answer questions and close deals with site visitors and communicate with customers who are logged in to Podia.

Not only is this a huge differentiator for Podia, it’s also a big added bonus for creators who want more opportunities to sell without having to shell out hundreds of dollars per month on expensive live chat software (or to try and build it themselves).

Podia offers course completion certificates — Kajabi does not

Podia offers built-in course completion certificates, but Kajabi does not (you’d have to use a third-party tool like Canva to create them then set up automated emails to deliver them upon course completion). While this may seem minor, it may be an important differentiator for certain creators and their students.

Podia offers more flexibility — Kajabi has limits on every plan

While Podia allows you to make unlimited products on all Mover and Shaker plans, Kajabi has very strict limits on pretty much everything you need to run a successful online business (including products, pipelines, contacts, and more).

This is not only limiting but can also become extremely expensive as your business grows since you’ll need to keep upgrading to more and more expensive plans in order to get more flexibility.

Podia offers free migrations — Kajabi does not

If you’re switching from another platform, Podia offers a
free migration service
with any annual Mover and Shaker plan to help you make the transition.

All you have to do is give the Podia team your login info and they’ll move all of your content and customers to Podia for free. Kajabi does not offer this as a paid or free service.

ClickFunnels vs Podia

Now that you know how Podia and Kajabi compare, let’s do the same for ClickFunnels so you can clearly see the differences, as well as the potential upsides and downsides.

Podia is built specifically for digital products and content creators — ClickFunnels is not

Like Kajabi, Podia was also designed specifically for content creators who sell digital products which means the platforms include the specific features and functionality content creators need to create, host, market, and sell products while also delivering a seamless student experience.

In contrast, ClickFunnels is made for any type of business selling any type of product and is focused on helping businesses capture and convert more leads. It may be a great complement to something like Podia or Kajabi, but it’s not going to give you everything you need to build a successful knowledge-sharing business.

Podia offers native online course, digital download, community, coaching, and webinar features — ClickFunnels does not

As noted above, Podia was designed specifically for content creators, which means the platform includes native functionality and support for common digital products including online courses, digital downloads, communities, coaching services, and webinars.

ClickFunnels, on the other hand, allows you to sell digital downloads and memberships, but doesn’t have a native course builder or other product-creation tools. This can be tricky when trying to create first-class products, present your products in the most cohesive way, deliver a seamless student experience, and engage with your students.

Podia is simple and easy to use — ClickFunnels requires tons of training and knowledge

There’s a reason Podia is top rated when it comes to usability — it’s designed to be dead simple and doesn’t require much (if any) training to use it. It also has a similar style to other LMS platforms, making it an easy tool to use if you’re coming from another e-learning platform.

While ClickFunnels may provide users with a lot of training and resources upfront, it can quickly become overwhelming and time consuming to learn everything and then to apply those learnings to your own business, especially if you’re a beginner.

ClickFunnels is significantly more expensive than Podia

When you compare ClickFunnels lowest tier plan to Podia’s lowest tier plan, ClickFunnels is almost four times more expensive; and, if you compare Podia’s most expensive plan ($89/mo) to ClickFunnels most expensive plan ($297/month), we’re talking over $200 more each month.

Granted, you’re getting a lot of trainings and bonus resources with that price (and two features Podia lacks: The funnels and advanced segmentation), but for many creators, that is not enough to justify the massive price hike.

Podia includes unlimited email marketing — ClickFunnels does not

On nearly every paid Podia plan, you can send as many emails as you like and there’s no limit on the number of subscribers you can have.

ClickFunnels only offers unlimited email marketing with their Funnel Hacker plan, which means in order to have the most impact, you’d need to pay for the Premium $297/month option.

ClickFunnels offers pre-built sales funnels — Podia does not (but offers something similar)

As their name suggests, ClickFunnels is known for their “funnels” feature, which includes specific, pre-built funnels for a variety of marketing needs including generating leads, generating sales, and running an event like a webinar.

While Podia does not offer pre-designed funnels, you can build something very similar with Podia’s sales pages, which can be easily customized to fit your brand/aesthetic and can be used for a variety of needs, including generating leads, marketing products, collecting sales, getting sign-ups for your webinar, and so much more.

ClickFunnels offers A/B split testing — Podia does not

If you’re a more advanced marketer, having the ability to run split or A/B tests on your sales/landing pages may be important, and with ClickFunnels, you can test different pages, headlines, videos, buttons, images, copy, and more. Podia, on the other hand, does not offer built-in split or A/B testing.

ClickFunnels has more robust segmentation than Podia

While both platforms include segmentation capabilities, Podia’s segmentation is more limited while ClickFunnels is a bit more advanced with “smart lists” and “tagging” which allow you to learn specific information about your subscribers/customers, track their behavior, and send them targeted messages based on the aforementioned.

ClickFunnels offers tons of “bonuses” — Podia does not

If you sign up for ClickFunnels Platinum plan ($297/mo) they throw in a whole bunch of bonuses, including free events, trainings, books, courses, access to their private community, and more, which can be incredibly appealing for beginners and advanced creators alike.

That being said, Podia does have plenty of free resources for customers and non-customers.

ClickFunnels can be used to sell physical products — Podia cannot

With ClickFunnels, you can sell both physical and digital products, which is a big plus for businesses that sell a variety of products (versus one type). As a platform built specifically for digital products, Podia does not have the ability to support physical products at this time.

ClickFunnels offers advanced customization options — Podia does not

If you have a specific aesthetic, ClickFunnels offers advanced customization options (i.e. – custom CSS) that can help you achieve the look you desire, however you’re still sort of “stuck” with the overall ClickFunnels look-and-feel, which as we covered throughout this article, might look too “sales-y” for some businesses.

While it’s true that Podia does not offer advanced customization options at this time, you can still change things like colors, fonts, logo, favicon, add imagery, videos, sections, and more. The editor is also very easy to use (i.e. – drag-and-drop functionality) and the output (i.e. – sales pages, storefront, etc) always looks clean, modern, and trustworthy, no matter what you’re selling.

Podia offers unlimited video hosting built into the product — ClickFunnels does not

On any paid Podia plan, you can host as many videos as you like with as many products as you like, making it the ideal choice for content creators – particularly those who rely more on video or have a lot of products. ClickFunnels, on the other hand, does not offer video hosting built into the product.

Podia looks clean and modern — ClickFunnels looks cluttered and sales-y

Everything about Podia — from the product itself to our customer’s websites, sales pages, emails, and more — is simple, clean, and modern. It was purposefully designed to be easy for creators to build beautiful websites, pages, and emails that focus on their products and help them sell, without getting bogged down in too much customization or distracting elements.

In comparison, ClickFunnels pages tend to look more “sales-y,” dated, and cluttered, which can be distracting and a turn off for some customers.

You can build your entire website on Podia — this is not true of ClickFunnels

While both platforms allow you to create sales pages and landing pages, you won’t be able to build a true website on ClickFunnels, which can be difficult when you’re trying to create a “home” for your business, as well as a cohesive sales experience.

Podia, on the other hand, allows you to build an
entire custom website
complete with your sales/landing pages, as well as your “core” pages like a Homepage, about page, services page, and more.

Podia offers free migrations — ClickFunnels does not

If you’re moving your business from another platform or just need help getting all of your products and email lists set up and ready to go, Podia offers a
free migration service
to help you do just that (available on all annual Mover and Shaker plans). ClickFunnels does not provide a migration service of any kind.

TL;DR: Why choose Podia over Kajabi and ClickFunnels as your online course platform?

At this point, we’ve covered the three platforms from a high-level and detailed perspective. We’ve laid out the key features, the pros, the cons, and everything in between. Now it’s time for you to decide which platform is right for you.

But before you do, we’ll make one final case for why you should choose Podia over Kajabi, ClickFunnels, or any of the other alternatives out there.

Podia is built specifically for content creators who are selling digital products

As we’ve covered through this article, Podia was built specifically for content creators who sell online courses, digital downloads, communities, webinars, and coaching services.Because of this, Podia is a true “all-in-one” online course (or LMS) platform which provides all of the native tools and support you need to create, host, market, and sell your products, while also delivering a stellar student experience, managing and communicating with customers, and so much more.While it’s true that Kajabi is designed for the same purpose and audience, the same cannot be said of ClickFunnels, as it is a platform built for businesses focused on creating sales and marketing funnels.

Simple and easy to use, regardless of experience or skill

On Capterra, Podia is rated highest across all 3 platforms for “ease of use” with a
4.6/5 rating
(ClickFunnels is rated 4.3/5 and Kajabi is rated 4.0/5 for “ease of use”), making it a great choice for creators of all levels who want a platform that’s simple, intuitive, and easy to use.With Podia, there’s no technical or design skills required, and there’s no lengthy training or hundreds of hours worth of resources to get through before you can understand how to use the platform.Yes, you may need to spend a couple of hours getting your bearings, but that’s true of any software and if you ever have questions, you can always reach Podia’s
world-class support team
7 days a week on chat or email.

More product flexibility

With Kajabi, just about everything is limited, including restrictions on the number of products you can sell, who you can sell to, how many websites you can have, and more. And the same is true for the ClickFunnels Basic plan, which limits the number of funnels, pages, and visitors you can have.Podia, on the other hand, lets you make unlimited products, enroll unlimited students, and build as many webpages as you like on nearly every paid plan.

More affordable and better value

As you may have seen from the price comparison chart above, Podia offers the
most affordable plans
with the most features and least limitations, making it an ideal choice for beginners and advanced creators alike.

A true “all-in-one” platform with more built-in tools

While Kajabi is certainly on par with Podia in terms of being an “all-in-one” platform for content creators, ClickFunnels is not, especially when it comes to the features required for a knowledge-based business.

Podia offers
built-in features and support
for creating, hosting, marketing, and selling digital products (including online courses, digital downloads, memberships, webinars, coaching services), but ClickFunnels does not, nor do they provide you with the tools you need to provide a high-quality student experience, manage and communicate with your students, track progress, and more.

If anything, ClickFunnels could be a good complement to something like Podia, but it can never truly replace it as an all-in-one online course platform.

Websites and sales pages that look clean, modern, and trustworthy

Using Podia’s simple
drag-and-drop editor
, anyone (regardless of their technical or design skill) can build a totally custom website and sales pages that look clean, modern, and professional (which often translates into a sense of trust).

While it’s true that you can create modern and professional-looking websites and sales/landing pages on Kajabi, that may prove more challenging with ClickFunnels, as their overall style and approach tends to look and feel more sales-y, cluttered, and dated.

Live chat included on YOUR website and sales pages

There’s a reason live chat is featured on the websites of the world’s most successful companies — it’s an effective tool that can help you engage your visitors, overcome objections, and make more sales.

Knowing this, Podia has a
live chat feature
built into the product that you can add to your website and sales pages, so you can offer a more personalized customer experience and close more sales. This feature is exclusive to Podia and is not available through Kajabi, ClickFunnels, or other “all-in-one” online course platforms.

Free migration included

If you’re moving from another platform to Podia, you’ll love Podia’s
free migration service
which is included in all annual Mover and Shaker plans. Simply provide your login information to the Podia team and they’ll move all of your products, customers, and more to the Podia platform for free.

There’s no headache, frustration, or wasted time — you can just pick right back up where you left off. Neither Kajabi or ClickFunnels offers a migration service of any kind, which means you have to make the time-consuming and sometimes frustrating “move” on your own.

Always evolving to accommodate industry trends & customer requests

If you want a platform that’s always open to your feedback and constantly making updates to the product, Podia is the right place for you (in fact, just about every new feature or improvement is based on customer feedback or requests).

Every month, the team ships updates to existing products while building out new ones to accommodate industry trends and customer requests, ensuring the product is always up-to-date and secure.

Try Podia for free to see how it compares to Kajabi and ClickFunnels

When it comes to finding the perfect “home” for your online business, there’s no substitute for hands-on experience. That’s why we recommend
creating a free Podia account
to try it for yourself. You can also try a free trial of Kajabi and ClickFunnels to do a side-by-side comparison.When you try each tool, be sure to ask yourself questions like:

Is this platform easy for me to learn and understand?
Can I quickly create and launch things that work (without bugs or technical assistance)?
How reliable and accessible is the support?
Am I enjoying the experience or feeling frustrated and overwhelmed?

Having answers to the questions above (coupled with hands-on experience) should give you everything you need to make an informed and confident decision.

While we hope you become a Podia customer, we also want you to select the online course platform that’s right for you, so no matter what you decide, we wish you the best of luck on your journey and hope you find success!

If Podia is of interest and you'd like more information, please do make contact or take a look in more detail here.

Credit: Original article published here.

How to Promote Online Courses on Social Media [12 strategies]

Software Stack Editor · July 11, 2024 ·

With a global growth rate of 900%, online learning is the fastest-growing market in the education industry. 98% of American universities and 77% of US companies offer online learning opportunities.

The rapid growth of platforms like Udemy indicates that also individual creators and entrepreneurs decide to turn their expertise into online courses (and a source of passive income).

This isn’t surprising. AI tools make it easy to create educational content, and with course platforms like LearnWorlds, building and delivering online courses has never been easier.

But here’s the thing: Increasing competition in already saturated niches makes it difficult for new educators to sell their courses.

If you’re in this situation, skillfully promoting your course on social media could be a way to break through.

This article will teach you 12 ways to leverage social networks to market your online course.

12 strategies to promote your online courses on social media

Social media is a powerful tool for promoting online courses, offering a variety of strategies to engage potential students and boost sales. Here are 12 tried-and-tested methods to leverage social media for your course marketing.

1. Team up with influencers

Influencer marketing is one of the more effective ways to leverage social media for your course promotion. According to SproutSocial data, nearly half of consumers make at least one purchase a month because of influencer recommendations. And just under 90% at least once a year.

Here’s how it works, in a nutshell:

You identify influential authors and creators with large followings and ask them to promote your course, for example, by reviewing it for their audience.

These don’t need to be TikTok or Insta celebrities with millions of followers.

Here’s an example of a LinkedIn post by Roxana Stingu, the Head of Search & SEO at Alamy, promoting a Blue Array SEO course.

Roxana is a perfect person to promote the course but not because of her follower count. She’s an SEO expert and thought leader and the ‘mere’ 4k followers are a highly relevant audience, closely matching the course’s target customer profile.

Such endorsements drive conversions!

2. Build anticipation with polls

Because of their interactive nature, polls on X or LinkedIn can be an effective way to engage your target audience and promote your course.

Even before it is ready.

Check out this LinkedIn poll by Jan Rutherford in which he asks followers for insights about add-on resources for his courses.

This poll kills two birds with one stone:

First, the poll can build the ante for the upcoming course and lay the foundation for the marketing efforts once the course goes live.

Second, it helps Jan validate his ideas. So that he doesn’t waste time and resources on developing materials that nobody will use.

3. Pre-sell your course and offer early-bird discounts

Another way to build the hype around your course is through pre-sales.

That’s what Rob Eisenberg, the Chief Software Architect at Blue Spire, did when he was launching his Web Component Engineering course.

In his LinkedIn post, he announced the new course, provided details about its contents, and offered a $100 early-bird discount to drive interest.

If it isn’t your first course and people trust you to deliver high-quality content, you may even be able to ask customers for money upfront, just like Rob does.

Their willingness to pay early can perfect evidence that there’s demand for such a course. And you could use the money from pre-sales to fund its development.

4. Create trailer videos for your courses

A trailer video can also create a buzz around your course. And boost its sales.

Here’s an example of such a trailer for a University of Leads course ‘Create a Social Media Marketing Campaign’ on FutureLearn.

The video was used to promote the course which they posted on YouTube, Facebook, and X.

It introduces the course content, highlights its benefits to learners, and explains how it fits other University of Leeds offerings. And as it features one of the instructors, it’s a chance to build initial rapport with the potential students.

If you’re wondering if it’s worth the effort, videos are 12x more likely to be shared than other types of content and 87% of marketers attribute sales to their video content.

5. Create short videos

Creating YouTube shorts, Instagram Reels, or TikToks is another way to harness the power of video to sell online courses.

Hubspot has found that short-form videos have the highest ROI compared to other content types. This may be because video content is easier to digest, and has more potential to go viral. And repurposing videos as shorts is a breeze with AI-powered video tools like Pictory or Submagic.

If you want to give it a bash, here are a few tips:

If you want to see a good example, check out the YouTube channel of our customer, PT Collective.

To promote their online courses for personal trainers, they post shorts with marketing advice to help PTs grow their business.

6. Post it on Pinterest

With over 518 million active users globally, Pinterest is worth considering when designing your course marketing strategy. Especially as 83% of regular Pinterest users make purchases based on the content they’ve seen on the platform.

Whether it’s the right medium to promote your course, depends on your niche and target audience demographics.

Most Pinterest content revolves around cooking, DIY, fashion, home design, travel, and personal growth. The largest user segments are women aged 20-34 and nearly 90% are based in the USA.

Sounds like a good match?

If yes, post your course poster and link back to your course website, just like 5 Minutes for Mom promoting their interactive cooking classes. 30 to 90-second videos are the best-performing Pinterest content, so it’s also a good place to share your course trailer.

7. Use social proof

Sharing customer reviews, testimonials, and feedback with your social media followers can boost your course sales.

People trust positive online reviews or testimonials, even if they are from strangers, more than a company’s marketing pitches. In fact, 88% of consumers find online reviews and testimonials as trustworthy as personal recommendations.

Video testimonials are particularly impactful, but you don’t need to go to such great lengths. Share screenshots of online reviews of your course or emails from satisfied customers.

Just like Chima Mmeje, the Senior Content Marketing Manager at Moz, did in her update post about her 10x Topic Authority course.

8. Create LinkedIn carousels

Buffer has also found that LinkedIn carousels get almost as much engagement as videos and images (and way more than text posts).

No wonder. They are visually appealing and help your posts stand out.

Course creators know that and use them for marketing their offerings regularly.

Here’s an example of a carousel created by Beatrize Ronchetti to promote her course for property professionals. It’s made of 7 screens introducing course content, sharing a customer testimonial, and highlighting the course benefits.

Here’s another idea:

Create carousels with useful insights, tips, or best practices from your course to give potential students a taste of the value they will receive once they sign up.

If you haven’t posted a LinkedIn carousel yet, you can upload it as a PDF file. You can create them in no time from templates in tools like Canva.

9. Offer free modules

Free course modules are like free software trials: they showcase the value of your course without satisfying all customer needs.

They get to experience how you deliver your courses and may even learn a thing or two, but to fully realize the course benefits, they need to swipe their credit card and buy the whole thing.

As the content to share is ready, this tactic requires very little effort. All you have to do is upload videos from your course to YouTube.

Here’s an example of such a channel. It promotes an online course preparing British citizenship applicants for the Life in the UK test. The author offers quite a few full-length videos but they don’t cover the whole curriculum.

To increase your YouTube content visibility, optimize your channel for SEO. This helps potential customers find the course via search.

Here are a few tips:

Useful? #yourewelcome.

10. Leverage paid ads

Paid social ads are the least organic way to promote your courses but they offer multiple benefits.

They get your course in front of audiences straightaway and allow you to address specific user groups. For instance, Facebook enables you to target users based on their interests, age, gender, and location.

You can also retarget them to re-engage people who have visited your course landing page before.

All the major platforms offer paid ads and these come in various forms and shapes:

11. Engage audience with quizzes and challenges

CPD Solutions is a UK-based company that offers professional development courses for veterinary surgeons and nurses. One of the tactics they often use to advertise their course is by providing their audience with real-life cases to assess.

For example, in the post below they include an ultrasound image and ask viewers to provide diagnoses. This engages the audience and their comments increase the reach of the post which advertises their U/S course.

Sounds interesting?

Great. Give it a go.

You can also use polls to create quizzes to engage your audience and drive interest in your courses.

12. Run competitions

Competitions can generate excitement around your courses, increase their visibility, and drive bookings.

One of our customers, Droneit, uses them to promote their drone pilot license courses. These are already excellent value, especially when combined with the free upgrades, but the opportunity to win a drone can be the final nudge that some customers need to book the course.

You can also run competitions to promote your courses less directly.

For example, use them as a lead magnet and ask participants to provide their contact details. To grow your email list for future marketing campaigns.

Social Media Course Marketing Best practices

To wrap up, let’s have a look at a few best practices for selling online courses on social media.

How-to-promote-online-courses-on-social-media-infographic

Choose the right social media channels: To reach your target audience, pick a social platform where they hang out. For example, LinkedIn is the place to advertise professional courses, and TikTok will work best if you’re targeting 18-34-year-olds.

Vet your partners: When looking for influencers, ensure their profiles are legit. Don’t look at follower count only. Check their activity and follower engagement too.

Track performance: Monitoring user engagement with your posts and conversion rates enables you to identify best performing channels and content, and inform your future social media strategy.

Invest in a social media management platform: Social media tools like Hootsuite or SproutSocial will help you automate your social media campaigns and track their performance.

Share your student success stories: Just like testimonials and reviews, they are evidence of your course value and the positive impact it can make.

Include a CTA button: Your main goal is to drive course bookings, so always add a relevant call-to-action to your social media posts and ads.

Use high-quality content: To stand out from the crowd, your images, infographics, videos, and carousels need to be top-notch.

Is there anything else we should add? We’d love to hear from you!

Final thoughts

As more and more educators, thought leaders, and subject matter experts launch their online courses, the competition can be fierce.

To stand out from the crowd, creating quality educational content may not be enough. You must also get the course in front of the potential audience and convince them you’re offering good value for their hard-earned money.

Social media platforms, the dominant B2C digital marketing channel, offer plenty of opportunities to attract and engage potential customers.

And if you’re still looking for a platform to build, deliver, and sell your course, why not check out how LearnWorlds can help?

The post How to Promote Online Courses on Social Media [12 strategies] appeared first on LearnWorlds.