How to build an online course in Kajabi from scratch (Kajabi tutorial)

 I personally use Kajabi, a robust all-in-one platform, simplifies the process of creating and selling online courses, to run both of my businesses - eLearning Partners and Athlete with Asthma. With its user-friendly interface and AI-driven tools, Kajabi helps you easily build powerful online courses quickly to sell to your customers.

Suppose you want to learn my easy step-by-step method of building an online course in Kajabi from scratch. In that case, I highly recommend that you watch the YouTube video embedded above (and linked here), and grab your 30-day free trial of Kajabi (and free bonus online course), so you can follow along.

Getting Started with Kajabi

Before jumping into the nitty-gritty of course creation, it's important to understand Kajabi's powerful AI capabilities and how they can enhance your course development. Kajabi simplifies the process, making it accessible for everyone, from first-time course creators to seasoned e-learning professionals.

When you sign up for Kajabi (for free!), you'll gain access to a range of tools, including drag-and-drop course builders, customizable templates, and email marketing automation. These tools not only help you craft an engaging learning experience but also ensure your course runs smoothly from start to finish. Kajabi’s AI features can even assist with content recommendations, enhancing the learning experience and saving you time in the process.

Step 1: Outlining Your Course

The first step in building an online course is creating a solid outline. This is where you set the foundation for your entire course, so it’s essential to plan your content carefully. Start by identifying the key topics you want to cover and the milestones your students will need to reach to complete the course successfully.

Creating the Learner Transformation Statement:

• Identify the starting point: Where are your learners now, and what challenges are they facing?
• Define the end goal: What will learners achieve by the end of the course?
• Establish milestones: Break down the journey from start to finish into smaller, digestible lessons or modules. Each milestone should feel like a step forward in the learning process.

If you want to learn more about creating your Learner Transformation Statement and Milestones for your Learners to get the best results from your course, I highly recommend you sign up for my free masterclass (right here).

A strong outline ensures that your course has a clear, logical flow, keeping learners engaged and motivated to move from one lesson to the next. Think of it as the map that guides both you and your students throughout their learning journey.

Step 2: Content Development

With your course outline in place, it’s time to dive into content creation. Kajabi allows you to upload a variety of content, including video lessons, quizzes, downloadable resources, and more. The platform also supports integration with third-party tools, giving you the flexibility to create a rich, multimedia experience.

Tips for Content Creation:

• High-Quality Videos: Videos are one of the most powerful tools in online education. Use platforms like Descript (grab your free trial here) or Adobe Premiere Pro to create engaging and professional-quality videos that capture attention.
• Interactive Assessments: To reinforce learning, incorporate quizzes, polls, and other interactive elements. Kajabi offers built-in tools for assessments that help learners review their progress and deepen their understanding.
• Downloadable Resources: Provide your students with PDFs, cheat sheets, templates, or guides that complement your lessons. These resources add value to your course and help learners retain the information they’ve learned.

The goal is to create a variety of content that appeals to different learning styles and keeps students engaged throughout the course. Be sure to balance information-heavy lessons with interactive and hands-on activities that allow learners to apply what they’ve learned.

Step 3: Customizing the Design

The design of your course plays a crucial role in engaging your learners and reinforcing your brand. Kajabi offers customizable templates to help you create a visually appealing course layout that aligns with your branding and resonates with your audience.

Design Elements to Consider:

• Themes: Choose a theme that reflects your brand’s colors, fonts, and overall aesthetic. Kajabi’s pre-designed themes are customizable, allowing you to create a unique look and feel for your course.
• Thumbnails and Graphics: Visual content is important for grabbing attention and making your course more approachable. Use tools like Canva to create eye-catching thumbnails, banners, and other graphics to enhance your course materials.
• User Interface: Ensure your course is easy to navigate. Clear menus, intuitive course structures, and visually appealing lesson layouts make the learning experience smooth and enjoyable for your students.

The key is to keep the design clean and focused on enhancing the learning experience, not overwhelming it with distractions.

Step 4: Onboarding and Email Sequences

A well-crafted onboarding experience is essential for keeping students engaged and ensuring they’re prepared for your course. Kajabi allows you to automate your email sequences, helping you stay in touch with students and guide them through the learning process.

Steps for Creating Email Sequences:

• Welcome Email: Send an immediate welcome email when someone purchases your course. This email should outline what they can expect and how to get started.
• Guidance Emails: Over the next few days or weeks, send additional emails that help students navigate your course. Provide valuable tips, reminders, and encouragement to keep them on track.
• Highlight Additional Resources: Use email sequences to promote other offerings, such as bonus content, upcoming webinars, or related courses.

Effective email sequences will keep learners engaged, provide ongoing support, and encourage them to complete the course.

Step 5: Building Your Offer

Kajabi makes it easy to create and package your course offering. An “offer” is how your course is presented and sold, and it can include various pricing options, upsells, and bonuses. This is where you’ll decide how to position your course to maximize its value.

Key Considerations for Offers:

• Pricing: Choose a pricing strategy that reflects the value of your course. Whether you use a one-time payment, subscription, or installment plan, make sure the pricing aligns with your target audience.
• Upsells and Order Bumps: Increase your revenue by offering additional products or services at the point of sale. Kajabi allows you to easily add upsells, downsells, and order bumps to your checkout process.
• Strategic Pricing: Consider offering discounts, early bird pricing, or bonuses to incentivize potential buyers and create a sense of urgency.

Your offer should feel like a no-brainer to your potential students, showing them the immense value they’ll receive.

Step 6: Integrating Sales Pages

A great sales page is essential for converting potential learners into enrolled students. Kajabi’s sales page builder allows you to create persuasive, high-converting pages that showcase the value of your course and encourage sign-ups.

Building a Sales Funnel:

• Persuasive Narrative: Craft a compelling story about your course. Highlight the pain points your course addresses, the transformation it offers, and the outcomes learners can expect.
• Social Proof: Use testimonials, case studies, and success stories to demonstrate the effectiveness of your course.
• Clear Call-to-Action: Make it easy for students to take action by including clear, inviting buttons that direct them to your checkout page.

A strong sales page is persuasive and easy to navigate, making it clear why your course is worth every penny.

Step 7: Launching Your Course with Confidence

Once your course is ready to go, it’s time to launch! Kajabi offers a suite of tools to help you market your course and drive enrollments, from email marketing to social media integrations.

Tips for a Successful Launch:

• Social Proof: Use testimonials, reviews, and success stories to build credibility and trust.
• Free Trials and Bonuses: Offer free trials or bonuses to encourage sign-ups and build momentum.
• Engagement Metrics: Monitor student engagement and feedback during the launch phase to make adjustments as needed.

A well-executed launch ensures your course reaches the right people and starts generating revenue right away.

Final Thoughts

Kajabi is a powerful tool for creating, marketing, and selling online courses. By following the steps outlined in this blog post (and watching the video embedded above and linked here - you really should watch it), you can build a course that not only educates but also engages and inspires students. From outlining your content to launching with confidence, Kajabi provides all the tools you need to succeed in the digital education space.

Remember to grab your 30-day free trial of Kajabi so you can start building your online course today with Kajabi, and unlock the potential to reach and transform learners across the globe.