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BEST Website Builder For Course Creators in 2025

So, you’ve got a course, or you’re finally ready to build one, and now the big question hits:


“What’s the best website builder for course creators?”

 

It’s not a small decision. In fact, it’s one of the most important factors in building a high-performing online presence.

 

Your website isn’t just a homepage. It’s your online store, your sales engine, your brand’s first impression, and the student portal for your entire course business—all in one.

 

Choosing the right platform is like choosing the right vehicle for a cross-country road trip. 

 

You want something powerful, reliable, and built to handle every twist and turn—from design tools and mobile responsiveness to built-in features like landing pages, live chat, and e-commerce tools. 

 

The best website builders today are far more than just drag-and-drop templates—they're complete marketing and sales platforms built for creators like you.

 

But with so many options—Kajabi, Teachable, Thinkific, WordPress, Podia, Wix, Systeme.io, Hostinger, even newer AI website builder tools—how do you know which one fits your course business best?

 

In this post, I’m going to break it all down for you:

 

  • What actually matters when choosing a website builder for your online course

  • The top website builders I’ve personally tested—what they do best and who they’re ideal for 

  • How to pick the perfect platform based on your budget, tech skills, and business goals

  • My favorite pro tips to drive traffic to your site using social media, search engine optimization, and built-in tools

 

By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear plan for launching a professional-looking website that not only reflects your brand but also converts website visitors into paying students. 

 

Whether you want a free plan to test things out or you're ready to go all-in with a premium plan that includes your own domain, this guide will help you avoid common mistakes, save much time, and eliminate the guesswork.

 

Using this guide, you'll avoid wasting hundreds of dollars on platforms that look great but aren’t built with course creators in mind.

 

Key Features of a Good Website (For Course Creators)

 

Let’s dive in by looking at the key features that matter most when choosing the best website builder for your course.

 

Key Feature #1: Ease of Use

 

Let’s start with what most course creators care about first: ease of use.

 

If a platform feels like you're trying to decode ancient tech scrolls, you’re not going to use it—at least, not consistently. 

 

You need something intuitive. Something that makes website creation feel less like a chore and more like building with simple drag and drop building blocks.

 

For most creators—especially small business owners and solopreneurs—drag-and-drop website builders are the gold standard. 

 

These platforms offer a visual interface that lets you design a professional website without touching a line of code. Whether you're launching a brand-new website or rebuilding your own site from scratch, an intuitive drop editor saves you much time and frustration.

 

The best website builders for course creators today offer:

 

  • Designer-made templates that look like they came from graphic designers

  • Built-in features like landing pages, live chat, photo gallery, and e-commerce tools

  • Full mobile responsiveness for all mobile devices and mobile phones

  • Clean customization options for things like custom domain name, web address, and branding

  • Built-in integration with tools like Google Analytics, social media, and even AI-powered tools

 

If you’re someone who prefers maximum creative freedom and doesn’t mind tinkering with code website builders, there are advanced options with full control. 

 

But if you’re like most course creators who just want to launch an amazing website without needing a web designer, stick to platforms with user-friendly tools, ai builder functionality, and drop website builder capabilities.

 

Wix’s drag-and-drop editor, for example, allows you to create a professional-looking website using their AI tools, even answering a few simple questions to generate a complete online store or business website. 

 

Others, like the Hostinger website builder, offer ai-powered tools and free plans that are great for testing before committing to a paid plan or annual plan.

 

And don’t forget—great usability isn’t just about design. It's also about the user experience after the site is built. Look for platforms with:

 

  • Free trial options so you can test the interface

  • Solid customer support via live chat

  • Seamless scaling as your customer base grows

  • Free domain or free subdomain offers to help you launch quickly

 

If you're looking to boost your online presence, attract website visitors, and build a high-performing website, don't overlook this:


Ease of use isn't a luxury—it’s an essential.

 

In the next section, we’ll talk about the built-in tools and features that actually move the needle when it comes to growing your course business.

 

Key Feature #2: Built-In Course Hosting & Seamless Student Experience

 

Once you've locked in ease of use, the next important factor is course hosting—because let’s be real, what good is a professional-looking website if it can’t actually deliver your content?

 

Every course creator needs a platform that doesn’t just look good, but functions as a complete website—including hosting your actual course materials inside a solid learning management system (LMS).

 

The best website builders for course creators offer built-in tools that allow you to create, organize, and deliver your course content directly from your own website. 

 

This eliminates the need for juggling third-party platforms, external video hosts, or disconnected user experiences.

 

Here’s what you should look for in course hosting functionality:

 

  • A clean, intuitive interface for both you and your students

  • Easy navigation across web pages, photo gallery, or lessons

  • Mobile-friendly access for users on mobile devices and mobile phones

  • Built-in features like progress tracking, completion certificates, quizzes, or community discussions

  • Seamless search engine optimization support so your course can be found on search engines

 

If your platform integrates well with email marketing, social media, and analytics tools like Google Analytics, even better. These additional features can take your course business to the next level.

 

Platforms like Kajabi, Thinkific, and Podia are known for offering all-in-one solutions—allowing you to build a complete website, host your course, set up landing pages, and manage your customer base—all without needing to be a web designer or mess with code website builders.

 

You’ll also want a platform that balances design flexibility with speed. You should be able to:

 

  • Use designer-made templates or building blocks to quickly set up lessons

  • Customize your web address with a custom domain name

  • Add new pages with ease as your course grows

  • Manage your business website from a single dashboard

 

If you're on a budget, look for an ai website builder or platform with a generous free plan or free trial, so you can test everything before committing to a paid plan or annual plan. 

 

Even some best free website builders like Google Sites, Square Online, or Hostinger website builder come with LMS integrations or plug-and-play options.

 

Don’t forget: the user experience matters just as much for your students as it does for you. A clunky learning interface will lower completion rates and hurt your word-of-mouth growth. 

 

A smooth, visually appealing, and mobile-responsive experience? That turns students into raving fans.

 

And with growing concerns around privacy, ensure your platform supports frameworks like the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework for secure hosting, especially if you serve international clients.

 

Just remember that a high-performing website isn’t complete without solid course hosting and delivery. 

 

Whether you’re using ai tools, a drop website builder, or a traditional setup with advanced features, make sure your course content is central, seamless, and designed for both your success and your students’ experience.

 

Key Feature #3: Customization & Built-In Marketing Tools

 

Once your course is up and running, your website doesn’t just sit there looking pretty—it needs to work hard for you. 

 

That’s why customization options and built-in sales and marketing tools are non-negotiable features when evaluating the best website builders for course creators.

 

Let’s break this down.

 

First, you need a flexible balance between plug-and-play functionality and design freedom. 

 

Some platforms offer gorgeous designer-made templates and building blocks that allow you to get a brand-new website up quickly. Others offer more advanced design flexibility and drop tools, ideal for those with a clear vision or experience in website creation.

 

Whether you’re using Wix’s editor, Square Online, or an AI website builder, you should be able to:

 

  • Adjust layouts with a drop editor or simple drag interface

  • Control branding with custom colors, fonts, and logos

  • Customize your web address with a custom domain name or upgrade to a free domain with a premium plan

  • Add new pages, build a photo gallery, or integrate social media feeds

  • Maintain consistent branding across your entire site

 

That’s the design side. But remember—your own website should also function as a professional online store, actively helping you generate revenue.

 

That’s where built-in features like these come into play:

 

  • Landing pages to collect leads or promote your offers

  • Email automations to nurture your audience

  • Order bumps and upsells to boost revenue per student

  • Live chat to support prospective buyers in real-time

  • Integration with ai-powered tools for predictive analytics or content generation

  • Connection with Google Analytics and search engine optimization tools to drive more traffic from search engines

 

A course site without these tools is just a pretty brochure. But with the right platform, it becomes a high-performing website that actively converts website visitors into paying students—even while you sleep.

 

This is especially important for small businesses, small business owners, and solopreneurs who don’t have marketing teams or the time to cobble together multiple platforms.

 

A complete website with everything in one place—especially if it comes with a free trial, free subdomain, or business plan—is often the smartest path forward.

 

Platforms like Kajabi, Podia, and Hostinger website builder offer a solid mix of user-friendly tools, ai builder functionality, and e-commerce tools—all tailored for creators. 

 

And if you’re just starting out, some of the best free website builders (like Google Sites or Wix sites) can help you launch fast without a hefty investment.

 

A few more things to consider as you scale:

 

  • If you’re working with graphic designers or a web designer, opt for platforms with strong advanced features

  • Choose a solution that complies with the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework for better protection if you're handling global student data

  • Make sure the platform supports customization options specific to your course type, customer base, and specific needs

 

Bottom line: You need more than a pretty design. You need a business website that works as hard as you do—and makes your life easier in the process.

 

Key Feature #4: SEO & Blogging Capabilities

 

Let’s face it—if you want to build a sustainable online presence and attract a steady stream of qualified website visitors, you need more than just a pretty homepage. 

 

You need a website builder that gives you real leverage with search engines.

 

That’s where SEO and blogging capabilities come in.

 

For course creators, this is non-negotiable. Blogging allows you to share your knowledge, rank for key terms, and build trust with your customer base. 

 

And when your platform is optimized for search engine optimization, your content can drive organic traffic around the clock—without relying entirely on paid ads or social media.

 

The best website builders today offer:

 

  • Built-in integration with Google Analytics for traffic insights

  • SEO-friendly features like meta titles, descriptions, and clean web addresses

  • New pages that are indexable by search engines

  • Blogging tools that work with custom domain names and support simple drag formatting

  • Fast-loading professional-looking websites optimized for both desktop and mobile devices

 

Some platforms like Wix sites, Square Online, and Hostinger website builder provide strong SEO frameworks even on their free plan or business plan tiers. 

 

Others, like code website builders, offer more granular control for experienced creators or those working with web designers or graphic designers.

 

When blogging is built into your own site, it’s easier to connect your content to your landing pages, online store, or course offerings. 

 

You can guide your customer base from helpful articles directly into your sales funnel—turning readers into buyers.

Here’s what to prioritize:

 

  • Platforms that offer visual interface editors or drop editor tools for writing posts quickly

  • AI-powered tools or ai builder support to help you draft content, headlines, or SEO tags faster

  • Support for photo galleries and media embeds to enhance the post experience

  • Free trial options so you can test the blogging workflow before committing to a paid plan or annual plan

 

Whether you’re writing weekly how-to articles, sharing success stories, or publishing thought leadership for small businesses, your blog becomes your voice—and your long-term traffic asset.

 

And don’t underestimate this: consistent blogging improves user experience and keeps visitors returning to your entire site, helping your online course, e-commerce tools, or business website reach that crucial next level.

Want to make it even easier?

 

Some platforms offer ai tools that generate blog outlines based on simple questions, and even suggest keywords for better search engine optimization. 

 

Combined with designer-made templates, these features help you create a unique website that doesn’t just sit there—but performs.

 

If you're planning to build a blog and want strong SEO performance without investing much time, platforms like Wix’s editor, Google Sites, or AI website builder platforms offer a low-barrier entry point with a free subdomain, user-friendly tools, and the power to grow.

 

To wrap this up:


Your website’s SEO and blogging features aren’t extras—they’re essential parts of a high-converting, high-performing website for course creators.

 

Key Feature #5: Pricing & Scalability

 

Choosing the right platform isn’t just about what fits your budget today—it’s about whether your own website can grow with you. 

 

That’s why pricing and scalability are two of the most important factors when evaluating the best website builders for course creators.

 

Let’s start with price.

 

If you're just getting started, many platforms offer a free plan, free trial, or free subdomain—perfect for testing the waters without a big investment. 

 

Some of the best free website builders, like Google Sites, Square Online, or Hostinger website builder, provide basic website creation tools with enough power to build a professional-looking website or simple online store for your digital products or coaching services.

 

But here's the key: as your customer base grows and your needs evolve, will the platform grow with you?

 

You want to be able to upgrade seamlessly to a paid plan, premium plan, or even a business plan that unlocks critical built-in features like:

 

  • Landing pages for lead generation

  • E-commerce tools for digital and physical products

  • Email marketing automations and live chat support

  • Advanced features like membership portals, affiliate tools, or team collaboration

  • Integration with ai-powered tools, ai builder options, and scalable analytics like Google Analytics

 

For small businesses and small business owners, scalability is a deal-breaker. A platform that locks you into limited design or tech functionality can slow down growth—and cost you much time (and money) trying to migrate to something better later.

 

Instead, choose platforms that support a full transition from starter tools to high-performing websites that serve thousands of website visitors and handle your entire site with ease.

 

Look for:

 

  • Designer-made templates with upgradeable design capacity

  • Seamless domain upgrades from a free domain to a custom domain name

  • Drop website builder features that don’t break under the weight of more web pages, photo galleries, or customization options

  • Support for a google workspace account if you're operating as a team

  • Compliance with frameworks like the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework as you grow internationally

  • Flexible billing through an annual plan (often with discounts compared to monthly)

 

Some top website builders, like Wix sites, offer this gradual growth approach with tools like wix’s editor, wix’s drag system, and robust drop editor features that make scaling feel easy—even without a web designer.

 

And if you want design flexibility but also need automation, platforms like Podia, Kajabi, or even AI-enhanced builders can help bridge that gap. 

 

These tools use ai tools and visual interface editors to adapt as your business website matures.

 

Even platforms that are slightly more expensive upfront (think more expensive plans) often end up being the better long-term investment when they save you from needing third-party plugins or re-platforming later.

 

Bottom line? Don’t just ask what it costs today. Ask:

 

Can this platform support my journey from “just starting” to a thriving course business with a complete, scalable, and beautifully functional site?

 

If the answer is yes, you’ve likely found an excellent choice that’s worth every penny.

 

Key Feature #6: Seamless Payment Processing

 

Let’s talk money—because a course website that can’t take payments reliably isn’t a business... it’s a brochure.

 

Your own website should make it effortless for students to pay, whether it's a one-time purchase, multi-payment plan, or ongoing subscription. 

 

That means your platform needs robust, secure, and flexible payment processing capabilities built in.

 

The best website builders today offer built-in features that handle transactions directly through your online store, without the need to patch together third-party tools. 

 

This is especially important for small businesses and solo course creators who don't have marketing teams or tech support on standby.

 

Here’s what to look for in payment processing:

 

  • Support for major payment gateways like Stripe, PayPal, or Apple Pay

  • One-click refunds for smoother customer support

  • Upsell and order bump integration right at checkout

  • Secure payment encryption and compliance with frameworks like the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework

  • Compatibility with e-commerce tools and your business website backend

 

Platforms like Square Online, Podia, Kajabi, and even Hostinger website builder include these tools within their paid plan, while some best free website builders allow basic transaction tools under a free plan or free trial.

 

If you're just starting out, the platform should make it easy to add your custom domain name, connect a google workspace account, and start accepting payments fast—without hiring a web designer or digging into code website builders.

 

Whether you're building a brand-new website or scaling your entire site, strong payment processing impacts every part of your sales strategy—from landing pages and checkout flow to refunds and recurring revenue.

 

Also consider:

 

  • Mobile optimization—can users easily buy from mobile phones or mobile devices?

  • Integration with ai-powered tools for tracking abandoned carts or optimizing pricing

  • Use of ai builder systems or user-friendly tools that automate invoices, taxes, and discounts

  • Compatibility with simple drag and drop editor workflows so you can update payment pages quickly

 

And yes, things like issuing refunds shouldn’t feel like launching a rocket. A good platform keeps the user experience smooth for both you and your buyers—because no one wants to stress about the tech side of giving money back.

 

If your site can’t handle flexible pricing or easy checkout experiences, you’ll miss out on opportunities to convert more website visitors and grow your customer base.

 

Choose a complete website solution that lets you build, sell, and scale—without getting stuck in the weeds every time someone pulls out their credit card.

 

Key Feature #7: Community & Membership Features

 

In today’s creator economy, delivering a course is only part of the equation. If you want to build trust, retention, and recurring revenue, your own website should also support community features and membership capabilities.

 

Whether you're planning to launch a subscription-based model, add a members-only area, or create a full-blown online store with group coaching or forum access—your website platform needs to handle it smoothly.

 

The best website builders for course creators offer built-in tools for:

 

  • Member logins and gated content

  • Subscription plans with flexible pricing

  • Group messaging or forums

  • Integration with live chat tools for real-time engagement

  • Seamless access across mobile devices and desktops

  • Integration with ai tools or ai-powered tools to personalize the experience

 

Platforms like Podia, Kajabi, and Square Online make it easy to launch membership communities with designer-made templates, automated workflows, and drop editor layouts that look and feel like you hired a web designer—even if you didn’t.

 

You should also consider how well these community features tie into the user experience of your entire site. 

 

Look for platforms that let you easily create new pages, connect content to your custom domain name, and build a clean web address structure to keep things organized.

 

Here’s what matters most for community features:

 

  • Ease of use for both creators and members

  • Support for e-commerce tools if you're charging for access

  • Compatibility with your business plan and long-term goals

  • Strong search engine optimization so your community-based content can be discovered on search engines

  • Integration with social media, email tools, and landing pages to drive sign-ups

  • Compliance with frameworks like the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework for user protection

 

Some top website builders, like Wix sites, include these features on a premium plan, while others like Google Sites or best free website builders may require third-party integrations or drop tools to build a similar experience.

 

And don’t overlook the backend experience. You’ll want:

 

  • An intuitive interface for managing members

  • Customization options for branding your community space

  • Scalable infrastructure so it grows with your customer base

  • A strong ai builder or visual interface to help you set up the system quickly

 

If you're a solo creator or one of many small businesses looking to create an amazing website that builds loyalty and connection—not just transactions—a strong community system is a must-have.

 

When done right, your membership or community hub becomes the heartbeat of your online presence—keeping your website visitors engaged long after their initial purchase and taking your brand to the next level.

 

Key Feature #8: Support & Security

 

Let’s wrap up with something that doesn’t always get the spotlight—but can make or break your success: customer support and security.

 

As a course creator, your own website isn’t just a hub for content—it’s your online store, your student platform, and your brand’s digital HQ. So when something breaks or you hit a roadblock, fast and reliable customer support is essential. 

 

And when you're handling sensitive user data, strong security protocols are non-negotiable.

 

The best website builders for course creators offer:

 

  • 24/7 live chat or email-based customer support

  • Automated backups and secure hosting infrastructure

  • SSL certificates and payment protection

  • Compliance with global standards like the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework

  • Easy-to-understand dashboards and user-friendly tools for managing site health

 

Your online presence depends on reliability. One security breach or long support wait time can severely impact your user experience, your customer base, and your reputation.

 

Look for platforms with:

 

  • Built-in tools for managing performance and uptime

  • Free trial or free plan access so you can test their customer support firsthand

  • Advanced ai tools and ai-powered tools for diagnosing site issues or recommending fixes

  • Visual interface options and drop tools to help you make changes without waiting for a web designer

 

Whether you're on a premium plan, annual plan, or exploring one of the best free website builders, knowing that your platform is secure and backed by a competent support team will give you peace of mind—and let you focus on what matters: delivering your course content and growing your business website.

 

Plus, if you’re managing your entire site solo (like many small businesses do), having user-friendly tools and an intuitive interface will save you much time and stress. 

 

You won’t need to hunt through documentation just to fix a broken web address or update web pages.

 

And with mobile responsiveness, privacy, and automation becoming even more critical, the right builder should support:

 

  • Mobile phones and mobile devices with no lag or issues

  • Secure payments with your online store or e-commerce tools

  • Safe data practices for you and your users

  • Instant troubleshooting via wix’s editor, hostinger website builder, or ai builder-enabled dashboards

 

To build a high-performing website, you don’t just need features—you need a foundation you can trust.

 

So yes, that was a lot to consider—because building a course website that sells isn’t just about how it looks. It’s about how it works.

 

Now that you know what really matters—from ease of use to built-in features, search engine optimization, community tools, and security—let’s dive into the platforms themselves.

 

These are my top website builders for course creators that I’ve personally tested, used, and recommended—starting with...

 

Best Website Builder #1: Kajabi

 

If you're serious about turning your knowledge into income, Kajabi is—without question—one of the best website builders for course creators. 

 

It’s an all-in-one platform built specifically to help experts like you launch and scale a high-performing website that sells digital products, builds a thriving online store, and grows your customer base with ease.

 

I’ve personally used Kajabi to build a six-figure coaching business, and it has completely streamlined my tech stack. Instead of juggling a dozen tools, I manage everything from one dashboard with a single login. And I mean everything.

 

Why Kajabi Stands Out

 

Kajabi was built with course creators in mind. It includes:

 

  • A built-in learning management system (LMS)

  • Full email marketing and sales funnel automation

  • Powerful landing pages with drop editor functionality

  • Built-in e-commerce tools for multi-payments, subscriptions, and upsells

  • Community and membership features

  • Integrated live chat support and strong customer support

  • Seamless checkout with refund capabilities

  • Robust analytics via Google Analytics and conversion tracking

  • 100% mobile-optimized for mobile phones and mobile devices

 

It's a complete website solution that takes care of hosting, website creation, course delivery, and marketing—all under one roof.

 

If you're someone who values ease of use, Kajabi’s intuitive interface, clean dashboard, and user-friendly tools make it easy to set up your own website, even without being a web designer or using code website builders. 

 

The platform includes designer-made templates, simple drag functionality, and a variety of customization options for a truly professional-looking website.

 

Price vs. Value: The Kajabi Equation

 

Yes, Kajabi comes with a higher paid plan compared to some best free website builders. Pricing starts at $89/month and can go up to $399/month depending on your needs.

 

But let’s put that in perspective.

 

Most course creators end up spending $30–$50 on email tools, another $20 on landing pages, $15 on webinar software, and so on. 

 

When you piece together all those services, you’re easily spending more than Kajabi’s growth plan, which is $199/month (the same plan I personally use).

 

So while it may look like one of the more expensive plans on paper, Kajabi actually saves you money in the long run. And more importantly, it saves you much time by consolidating your tool stack into one powerful platform.

 

Special Bonus: 30-Day Free Trial + Exclusive Coaching Support

 

Normally, Kajabi offers a 14-day free trial, but through my affiliate link, you’ll get an extended 30-day free trial—giving you an entire month to build your business website, test the built-in features, and launch your first product.

 

And I’m not just handing you a link—I’m giving you real support. When you use my link, you’ll also get:

 

  • A free course (from a six-figure Kajabi user—yours truly) walking you through what to focus on inside Kajabi

  • A private 1-on-1 coaching session where we can solve tech issues, map out your funnel, or talk strategy—perfect for first-timers or anyone migrating from another platform

Just keep in mind: my schedule fills up fast, so these personal coaching calls won’t be available forever.

 

Kajabi is an excellent choice if you want a platform that can handle your entire site, support your long-term growth, and give your online presence the polish and power it needs to stand out.

 

From ai tools to built-in integration, from custom domain name setup to full business plan automation—Kajabi checks all the boxes. It’s ideal for small businesses, coaches, course creators, and experts ready to go to the next level.

 

Want to give it a try?


👉 Get your 30-day Kajabi trial + free bonuses here

 

Next up, let’s look at another great option that’s perfect for creators on a budget or looking for maximum simplicity...

 

Best Website Builder #2: Teachable

 

If you’re looking for a platform that prioritizes ease of use and affordability, Teachable is a solid option—especially for new course creators and small businesses wanting to launch fast without feeling overwhelmed.

 

Teachable shines in simplicity. It offers one of the most user-friendly tools for getting your course content online. 

 

You’ll find that website creation and course setup are streamlined and easy to navigate—even if you're not a web designer or familiar with code website builders.

 

What Teachable Does Well

 

Teachable was designed for one clear purpose: hosting and delivering online courses. That’s why it offers:

 

  • A straightforward intuitive interface for uploading lessons and building course structure

  • Reliable built-in tools for video hosting, quizzes, and student progress tracking

  • Simple checkout options for one-time payments or subscriptions

  • Access to a growing customer base of creators and coaches

  • Strong user experience for students—boosting course completion rates

 

You can also use Teachable to build your own site, though the design flexibility is limited. If you're expecting a visually stunning, professional-looking website or want advanced customization options, you might find Teachable lacking in that area compared to tools like Kajabi, Wix sites, or WordPress.

 

Where Teachable Falls Short

 

While Teachable includes some built-in features, it does not offer the robust e-commerce tools, landing pages, or automation found in more advanced top website builders. 

 

There's no drop editor, visual interface, or simple drag and drop setup like you’d get with a drop website builder or ai website builder.

 

Its lack of advanced design tools, ai-powered tools, and designer-made templates makes it difficult to build a fully branded professional website. 

 

So if you're aiming to create an amazing website with a custom layout, custom fonts, photo gallery, or new pages, you’ll likely feel limited.

 

And while there’s a free trial, the free plan is extremely basic. The real concern comes with the basic plan, which costs $59/month (or $39/month on an annual plan) but includes a 5% transaction fee on every sale—in addition to the standard 3% from Stripe or PayPal.

 

That means you're effectively losing 8–10% per transaction—money that could go toward your growth, team, or content.

 

If you want to remove those transaction fees, you’ll need to upgrade to their Pro Plan at $159/month. But at that point, you're paying the same price (or more) than Kajabi, which includes far more built-in integration, marketing teams features, and a much better online presence overall.

 

Final Thoughts on Teachable

 

Teachable is great for creators who want to keep things simple and don’t need a full business website or heavy customization. 

 

If your primary goal is to upload a course, take payments, and start building a customer base without the need for advanced marketing or design, Teachable could be an excellent choice.

 

But if you're planning to scale your business, launch an online store, or optimize your site for search engine optimization and search engines, you’ll likely outgrow Teachable quickly.

 

Try the free trial and see how it feels. That’s the best way to know if this platform fits your specific needs. If it clicks, stick with it. If not, platforms like Kajabi, Wix’s editor, or even Hostinger website builder might give you the flexibility and built-in features you need to take things to the next level.

 

Best Website Builder #3: Thinkific

 

If you're looking for a platform that offers a solid mix of customization options, ease of use, and simplicity, Thinkific is a strong contender among the top website builders for course creators. 

 

It's particularly great for creators who want more design control while keeping the interface intuitive and student-friendly.

 

I’ve taken countless courses hosted on Thinkific, and I’ve built plenty myself. From both a user experience and instructor standpoint, Thinkific does an excellent job delivering a clean, modern learning management system.

 

What Makes Thinkific a Standout

 

Thinkific gives you the power to create a professional website with tools built specifically for course delivery. Here’s what you’ll get:

 

  • No transaction fees on any paid plan

  • Flexible drop editor for creating course pages and landing pages

  • Built-in ai-powered tools like smart recommendations and ai builder landing pages

  • Easy-to-navigate course layout with side menus, big video displays, and expandable sections

  • A smooth user-friendly tool set for both creators and students

  • Seamless integration with tools like Zapier, Google Analytics, email marketing platforms, and more

  • Clean web address and custom domain name options for branding your own website

 

Thinkific also allows you to create unique course content blocks like checklists, icons, and photo galleries, giving you that polished, professional-looking website feel without needing a web designer or diving into code website builders.

 

And for creators who care about the student experience (you should), Thinkific’s structured course layout—with large content windows and well-organized navigation—makes a big difference. 

 

The intuitive interface helps ensure your students stay focused and actually complete your course.

 

Thinkific Website Builder + Customization

 

As a drop website builder, Thinkific isn’t overloaded with bells and whistles, but it provides everything you need to create an amazing website that’s easy to manage. You’ll get access to:

 

  • A visual interface to edit pages and course structure

  • Multiple designer-made templates that you can customize

  • The ability to build a full business website with your own site, web pages, new pages, and sales funnels

  • Compatibility with mobile devices and mobile phones for seamless learning

  • Strong search engine optimization support to boost your visibility on search engines

 

While Thinkific doesn't have the same level of automation as Kajabi or some ai website builder platforms, it does offer built-in features like email automation, course scheduling, and integrated e-commerce tools—more than enough for most small businesses just getting started.

 

Thinkific Pricing & Plans

 

Pricing ranges from $49/month on their Starter plan to $199/month for the Pro plan. If you're on an annual plan, you'll save even more. At $49/month, you're getting a lot of value—especially with:

 

  • Full access to the website builder

  • AI-enhanced landing pages

  • Email marketing automation

  • Membership and subscription tools

  • Zero transaction fees

 

For creators on a budget or those who want to test the waters, Thinkific offers a free trial and even a free plan, though it’s limited in features. 

 

It’s a great way to explore the platform and see if it meets your specific needs before committing to a premium plan.

 

Final Thoughts on Thinkific

 

Thinkific is ideal for creators who want more design flexibility than Teachable, without the higher price tag of Kajabi. 

 

It’s a powerful, easy-to-use platform that supports your course business at any stage—whether you're building a brand-new website, launching your first product, or growing a large customer base.

 

From built-in integration with your favorite tools to a sleek, student-first design, Thinkific helps you create a complete website for your course with minimal fuss—and maximum impact.

 

Best Website Builder #4: WordPress

 

When it comes to flexibility, longevity, and total control, WordPress remains one of the most iconic and best website builders on the internet. It’s especially ideal for course creators who want advanced customization options, a powerful blogging engine, and full ownership of their online presence.

 

If you’re a tech-savvy creator or want to build a truly unique website, WordPress paired with a plugin like LearnDash delivers an unmatched level of control over both your own website and the student learning experience.

 

Why WordPress Is Still a Powerhouse

 

As a code website builder, WordPress doesn’t offer the same plug-and-play experience as an ai website builder or drop website builder, but it gives you complete freedom to build your site exactly how you want it.

 

Here’s what makes it a top-tier option:

 

  • Highly customizable visual interface with thousands of designer-made templates and themes

  • Access to thousands of plugins for extending functionality—email marketing, automation, gamification, membership tools, and more

  • Best-in-class search engine optimization (SEO), giving your content a strong chance of ranking on search engines

  • Perfect for creators focused on content, blogging, and long-form marketing strategies

  • Supports full e-commerce tools, ideal for building an online store or offering multiple product types

  • Scalable structure for both small businesses and enterprise-level course platforms

  • Easy integration with Google Analytics, ai tools, and your google workspace account

 

Whether you're building a business website, a brand-new website for your digital products, or a highly branded coaching platform, WordPress is designed to handle it all.

 

You can fully control your site layout with drop tools, add photo galleries, insert web pages and landing pages, and customize every part of your web address. 

 

You can even build an entire site that’s responsive on mobile phones and mobile devices, ensuring a premium user experience across the board.

 

What You Need to Know About Setup

 

Technically, WordPress is a free plan platform—you can get started at no cost through WordPress.org. However, to launch a professional-looking website, you’ll need to pay for:

 

  • A custom domain name

  • Hosting (SiteGround, Bluehost, or other providers)

  • A theme or page builder (such as Elementor or Divi)

  • Plugins like LearnDash for your course

  • Security and maintenance (backups, updates, etc.)

 

These costs can add up, and managing the platform requires more setup time than tools like Kajabi, Thinkific, or Wix sites. You'll need to be comfortable handling the website creation process yourself or hiring a web designer.

 

That said, if you're detail-oriented, love design, or have specific needs that simpler platforms can’t accommodate, WordPress gives you the flexibility to build an amazing website tailored to your exact vision.

 

Who WordPress Is Best For

 

  • Creators who want total creative control
  • Those focused on blogging and content marketing
  • Course builders with tech experience or a marketing team
  • Businesses looking for a scalable, high-performing website
  • Instructors who want to implement complex advanced features

 

If you're short on time or prefer an all-in-one setup, WordPress may feel like much work compared to platforms with built-in features and drag-and-drop editors. 

 

But for those who want the next level of freedom and power, it’s a top contender.

 

Pro tip: Consider pairing WordPress with LearnDash (for courses), WooCommerce (for your online store), and Elementor (for layout customization). This combo gives you a complete website solution with enterprise-level functionality.

 

Best Website Builder #5: LearnDash

 

If you're looking to build a powerful, scalable online course platform with full ownership and complete control, LearnDash—paired with WordPress—is one of the most important factors to consider. 

 

It’s not just a plugin; it’s a full-featured learning management system (LMS) that transforms your own website into a professional, profit-generating course hub.

 

For creators who are tech-comfortable and want advanced customization options, LearnDash is a serious contender in the lineup of top website builders.

 

Why LearnDash Works for Course Creators

 

LearnDash installs directly onto your WordPress site, giving you unlimited flexibility through code website builders, robust plugin support, and third-party integrations. 

 

It's designed for high-end course functionality while allowing full design freedom using tools like drop editor page builders or ai builder plugins.

 

Key benefits include:

 

  • Drag-and-drop course creation via a simple drag builder

  • AI-powered course outline and quiz generation using ai tools

  • Support for subscriptions, bundles, memberships, and one-time purchases

  • Full integration with your online store or e-commerce tools

  • Compatibility with mobile devices and mobile phones

  • Unlimited course hosting on your own site

  • Deep integration with Google Analytics, marketing teams tools, and third-party CRMs

  • Structured landing pages, web pages, and custom user experiences

 

You can also add photo galleries, video content, and building blocks for truly interactive lessons, creating a highly engaging professional-looking website and optimized user experience.

 

Pricing & Scalability

 

LearnDash starts at around $199 per year for one site, making it one of the more affordable options when you consider long-term ROI. 

 

You can upgrade to a 10-site or unlimited license under their annual plan for $399–$799, though most small businesses and solo creators will be perfectly fine with a single-site license.

 

Do note that LearnDash is a paid plan plugin that requires self-hosted WordPress, which itself comes with costs for hosting, a custom domain name, themes, and additional plugins—often purchased separately.

 

However, these costs are offset by what you gain:

 

  • Full data ownership and long-term scalability

  • The ability to build a complete website exactly how you envision it

  • Unrestricted design flexibility using visual interface tools and design tools

 

It’s a long-term investment, but for those who want a next level, high-performing website without platform-imposed limitations, it’s an excellent choice.

 

Pros and Considerations

 

Pros:

 

  • Full control of your online presence

  • Endless plugin options for built-in integration with tools like Mailchimp, ConvertKit, and payment processors

  • Compliance with frameworks like the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework

  • Flexible web address management and access to free domain offers from hosting providers

  • Ideal for SEO-focused creators with top-tier search engine optimization capability

  • Total brand ownership of your business website

 

Cons:

 

  • Steeper learning curve compared to drop website builder tools or best free website builders like Google Sites or Wix sites

  • Requires much time to configure if you're not tech-savvy

  • Plugin costs can add up, especially when integrating advanced ai-powered tools or specific membership features

 

If you enjoy building things your way and want full control of your entire site, LearnDash on WordPress is the most powerful combination for serious creators. 

 

You can use designer-made templates, tailor your web pages, and develop a unique website that no cookie-cutter builder can replicate.

 

Best Website Builder #6: Podia

 

If you're looking for a simple, affordable, all-in-one platform that’s packed with features for online course creators, Podia is a great option—especially for small businesses or solo creators who want to launch fast without sacrificing power.

 

Podia offers a clean, beginner-friendly interface with everything you need to build your own website, host digital products, manage a community, run a membership site, and sell through your online store. 

 

It’s designed with creators in mind, combining ease of use with practical tools for marketing and monetization.

 

What Makes Podia an Excellent Choice

 

Podia stands out in the best website builders category because of its versatility and value. With just a few clicks, you can:

 

  • Launch a professional-looking website using drop tools and user-friendly tools

  • Host and sell online courses, coaching, digital downloads, or memberships

  • Create landing pages, collect emails, and deliver content through a built-in LMS

  • Use built-in email marketing, testimonials, and upsell tools

  • Add photo gallery, social media links, and customization options to your pages

  • Offer subscriptions, bundles, and one-time purchases

  • Use your custom domain name to strengthen your online presence

 

The drop website builder allows you to drag and drop blocks (text, video, image, CTA, testimonials, etc.) for quick website creation. 

 

You can add web pages, organize content using categories, and even build out complete product funnels without hiring a web designer or messing with code website builders.

 

Your business website will look and perform well on both mobile devices and desktops, delivering a great user experience that keeps website visitors engaged.

 

Course Creation & Platform Structure

 

The course builder inside Podia is straightforward. You can easily add:

 

  • Video and text-based lessons

  • Embeds from YouTube or Vimeo

  • Section-based navigation with collapsible menus

  • Interactive elements to improve engagement

 

This structure allows for clear content delivery, which is key to helping students actually finish your course—something many platforms overlook.

 

Pricing, Plans, and Considerations

 

Podia keeps things simple with just two main pricing tiers:

 

  • Mover Plan: Ideal for creators just starting out

  • Shaker Plan: Includes affiliate marketing, advanced features, and more built-in integration

 

Both plans include:

 

  • Unlimited products and web pages

  • Free domain mapping with a custom domain name

  • Built-in email marketing and customer support (7 days a week)

  • A professional blog

  • Full access to your entire site, including web address, landing pages, and more

  • A generous 30-day free trial (longer than most free plan offers)

 

However, be aware of the 5% transaction fee on the lower-tier Mover Plan—this is in addition to Stripe or PayPal fees, which can raise your total deductions to 8–10% per sale. 

 

If you're looking to eliminate those fees, the $89/month Shaker Plan becomes a smarter choice—especially if you’re earning consistent sales.

 

Compared to more expensive plans on platforms like Kajabi or WordPress + LearnDash, Podia offers excellent value for creators who want a clean, intuitive setup without the heavy lifting or tech overhead.

 

Final Thoughts on Podia

 

  • Podia is perfect for course creators who want to:
  • Get up and running fast
  • Build an amazing website without technical experience
  • Combine multiple digital products into a single platform
  • Enjoy built-in tools without managing third-party plugins

 

It’s not as advanced as Kajabi or as customizable as WordPress, but it’s an excellent choice for creators who want to simplify their stack and stay focused on growing their customer base.

 

Podia gives you a great balance of power and simplicity, while offering key tools like live chat, ai tools (for copy prompts and email marketing), and search engine optimization features to help your course content rank well on search engines.

 

Choosing the Right Website Builder for You

 

So, how do you choose the best website builder for your course business?

 

It starts with one simple question:

What are your specific needs?

 

Do you want an all-in-one platform—something like Kajabi or Podia—that gives you a complete website, online store, email marketing, landing pages, and e-commerce tools all under one login? 

 

Or are you more interested in flexibility and prefer a modular setup—where your online course is hosted on a platform like Thinkific or Teachable, but your own website is built separately on WordPress, Wix sites, or even a hostinger website builder?

 

Each approach has its strengths, and which one you choose depends on:

 

  • Your current budget

  • Your technical comfort level

  • Your business plan

  • Your long-term goals

  • How much design flexibility and customization you need

  • Whether you prioritize ease of use, automation, or full ownership

 

All-in-One vs. Modular Flexibility

 

Platforms like Kajabi, Podia, and Systeme.io are ideal for creators who want built-in features like ai-powered tools, drop editor page building, and customer support baked into the same platform. 

 

They reduce the need for third-party ai tools, code website builders, or external payment processors.

 

On the other hand, modular platforms like Thinkific or LearnDash + WordPress are better suited for creators who value more control over their website creation, need specific features, or already have a business website and want to add a dedicated course platform to it.

 

Even best free website builders like Google Sites, Wix’s editor, or Square Online may be enough for small businesses looking to launch a professional-looking website without investing in a premium plan right away.

 

Consider Pricing as a Long-Term Investment

 

When reviewing any paid plan, don’t just focus on the upfront cost. Consider what the platform offers in terms of scalability, built-in integration, and how it will support you as your customer base grows.

 

Spending a bit more on a tool that offers marketing teams features, search engine optimization, and advanced user experience options (like mobile phones responsiveness, photo gallery support, and custom domain name setup) can save you much time and frustration down the line.

 

Whether you’re paying $39/month or $200/month, make sure your chosen platform can evolve with your business—from brand-new website to high-performing website with automated workflows and global compliance (like the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework).

 

Always Test with a Free Trial

 

Here’s the biggest tip I can offer: Don’t skip the test drive.

 

Nearly all top website builders offer a free trial, and some include a free plan or free subdomain to get started. Try building your course, setting up web pages, and previewing your visual interface before you commit to an annual plan or more expensive plans.

 

Use this time to check:

 

  • How intuitive the drop website builder is

  • Whether the ai builder features (if any) actually help

  • How fast you can publish new pages or launch an online store

  • If the user-friendly tools work with your google workspace account, analytics, or integrations

  • What kind of support you receive via live chat or email

 

The only affiliate recommendation I personally make is for Kajabi, because it's what I use to run my entire digital business—and I’d stake my reputation on it. 

 

But that doesn't mean it’s the right fit for everyone.

 

At the end of the day, you need to try these tools for yourself and choose the one that makes the most sense based on your specific needs, vision, and workflow.

 

Website Traffic Tip #1:

 

One of the most effective ways to drive targeted website visitors to your own website or online store is to create content that answers real questions your audience is already searching for.

 

Whether you're using YouTube, a blog, a podcast, or social media, your goal is to consistently publish content that solves your audience’s specific problems—and naturally leads them to your course as the next step.

 

Here’s how to do it:

 

  • If you help people create an online course, make content titled:
    👉 “How to Create an Online Course in 7 Days”

  • If you support small businesses or new moms, try:👉 “The 5 Biggest Mistakes New Moms Make—and How to Avoid Them”

  • If you teach Instagram growth strategies:
    👉 “Top Tools to Grow Your Instagram Following in 2024”

 

No matter the niche, make sure your content is tied to your course topic. When someone lands on your video, blog post, or landing page, your professional-looking website should make enrolling in your course feel like the obvious next step.

This is where having the right platform matters.

 

The best website builders—like Kajabi, Podia, or Wix sites—make it easy to link content directly to your course sales pages, add simple drag-and-drop web pages, or embed call-to-actions within your professional website. 

 

You can track how your content performs using Google Analytics, optimize visibility with strong search engine optimization, and boost conversions with built-in e-commerce tools.

 

And even if you’re using a best free website builder like Google Sites or a more advanced tool like hostinger website builder, what matters most is this:

 

  • You solve a problem
  • You show up where people are searching (via search engines, social media, or email)
  • And you guide them back to your own site—where your course and offer live

 

Pro Tip: Make sure your site is mobile-responsive so your content performs well on mobile phones and mobile devices, and always direct viewers back to a custom domain name with a clear web address—not a generic free subdomain.

 

When you align your content with your course and present it inside a well-structured, high-performing website with a clean user experience, you not only grow your online presence—you grow your customer base and revenue.

 

Website Traffic Tip #2:

 

One of the smartest ways to drive long-term traffic and increase conversions on your own website is by offering a lead magnet—a free, high-value resource that solves a very specific problem your audience is facing.

This could be:

 

  • A downloadable guide

  • A checklist

  • A mini video training

  • A toolkit or swipe file

  • Or even an ai-powered tool or template

 

Whatever format you choose, the goal is simple: exchange value for an email address.

 

Unlike social media followers or passive website visitors, your email list becomes a customer base you truly own. When someone joins your list, they’ve given you permission to continue the conversation—which builds more trust, connection, and ultimately more sales for your course or online store.

 

Where Your Website Builder Comes In

 

The best website builders make this process seamless. Whether you’re using Kajabi, Podia, Wix sites, or even a hostinger website builder, your platform should allow you to:

 

  • Easily create landing pages using a drop editor or simple drag builder

  • Embed opt-in forms directly into web pages, sidebars, or pop-ups

  • Collect and store emails with built-in integration for automation

  • Offer instant downloads or access to your free plan or lead magnet

  • Send follow-up sequences using built-in tools like email autoresponders

  • Customize branding with your custom domain name and a clean web address

Look for platforms that also offer ai builder support or ai-powered tools to help you draft your email sequences faster, or platforms with a visual interface that lets you monitor and improve user experience over time.

 

The Power of Email Marketing

 

Once someone joins your list, use a follow-up email series to:

 

  • Deliver value

  • Share stories

  • Answer simple questions your audience is asking

  • Guide them naturally to your course offer

 

Unlike search engines or social media algorithms, email gives you full control of the conversation—making it one of the highest-converting marketing assets you can build for your business website.

 

Platforms with great email tools—like Podia, Kajabi, or even square online—let you schedule automated sequences that are mobile-responsive, formatted for mobile phones, and designed to move subscribers toward your paid offer.

 

And because most of these platforms include a free trial or affordable paid plan, there’s no excuse not to start building your list now—especially if you're aiming to launch a high-performing website that supports real growth.

 

Final Takeaway

 

Even if you build the most professional-looking website using the top website builders with the best design tools and most beautiful designer-made templates—it won’t generate results if you’re not actively building a relationship with your audience.

 

A strong lead magnet helps you: 

 

  • Convert website visitors into warm leads
  • Own your traffic instead of renting it from platforms
  • Build a scalable list that grows with your business plan
  • Create an automated sales engine that supports your entire online presence

 

So yes, launch your amazing website, but make sure it’s set up to grow your email list, nurture trust, and drive consistent sales.

 

Building a profitable course business starts with the right foundation—and your website builder plays a major role in that.

 

  • Clarify your needs: Do you want an all-in-one platform or a modular setup with maximum customization options?

  • Compare features: Look for tools with strong ease of use, built-in tools, mobile optimization, and customer support.

  • Think long term: Prioritize scalability, paid plan flexibility, and integrations with email, automation, and analytics tools like Google Analytics.

  • Test everything: Use free trials to test the best website builders like Kajabi, Podia, Thinkific, or WordPress + LearnDash before committing.

  • Drive traffic: Create high-value content that solves real problems, and build a lead magnet that grows your email list on autopilot.

  • Own your growth: A beautiful professional-looking website is powerful, but your real asset is traffic you control and relationships you nurture.

 

Whether you choose a drop website builder like Wix, a robust platform like Kajabi, or the flexibility of WordPress, your own site should support your business goals, reflect your brand, and help you sell more—while saving you much time and giving you peace of mind.

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