Kajabi Vs Patreon: Which Platform Is Best For Creators

Trying to choose between Kajabi and Patreon can be a tough decision, especially for creators deciding which platform fits their needs the best. As someone who has used Kajabi for quite some time, I've come to appreciate how it suits my business style. For those who are building a community and want to monetize their fan base, Patreon might be the way to go. It's especially useful for entertainers who don’t sell digital products but need to fund their creative projects. Patreon allows creators to gather financial support from fans without needing technical skills to get started.

On the other hand, Kajabi offers a more comprehensive business platform where creators can create various digital products and services. If you're someone looking to build a business with online courses, coaching, or other offerings, Kajabi provides the tools to make that happen. It may require some investment upfront, but the benefits for someone with a business mindset can be worth it. The decision comes down to what you want to achieve and which platform offers the features that align with your goals.

Key Takeaways

• Patreon is great for creators wanting to monetize a fan community.
• Kajabi offers tools for building a business with digital products.
• Both platforms have different cost structures and features.

A Look at Kajabi and Patreon

Kajabi User Experience

I've been using Kajabi for years, and it's a great platform to run a business. On Kajabi, you can create various digital products, like courses, podcasts, and membership communities. The interface allows you to customize your homepage with ease. You get a lot of features right away, especially if you start with the Kickstarter plan.

Users appreciate the chance to create and manage their entire business from one platform. Support is solid, and there's a sense of reliability. Kajabi is especially suitable if you're serious about growing and selling different kinds of products. You get access to numerous tools to help you connect with your audience.

Advantages of Using Patreon for Creators

Patreon is an option if you're a creator seeking a community-driven experience. It's centered on helping you connect with supporters or fans who want to back your work. Patrons get special access, and you get funding to continue creating art, podcasts, or videos.

It's simple to start, and you can build a fan-funded business without a tech background. It's free to start, but keep in mind that Patreon takes a percentage of your earnings. This might be okay if you're just beginning to earn, but it can be costly if your revenue grows significantly. It's a good starting point for creators who don't have products to sell yet but want to monetize their audience.

Choosing the Right Platform

Opting for Patreon

When considering Patreon, it is ideal if you are a creator focused on building a community. If you have a loyal fan base and want to offer exclusive content, Patreon can help you with that. It allows you to share your work and gather support from fans. This is especially useful if you don't have any other products to sell yet.

For instance, if you're a podcaster or an entertainer, Patreon provides an excellent way to raise funds without needing a technical background. Starting is free, which makes it attractive for beginners earning a few hundred dollars a month. But, be mindful that Patreon takes a percentage of your earnings. Starting here can be a good choice but think about potential costs if your earnings grow.

Opting for Kajabi

On the other hand, Kajabi suits those looking to establish a solid business framework. If you're interested in selling courses, memberships, and other digital products, Kajabi might fit your needs. It's an all-in-one platform designed to support your creative business.

Kajabi allows you to create and sell various digital products, such as online courses and podcasts, all from one place. It's designed for those who want more control over their business and are looking to grow. While it requires a monthly fee, the investment is worth it if you're planning to create multiple products and need a more comprehensive platform.

If you're focusing on expanding your business with structured offerings, Kajabi provides the tools needed to build and scale effectively.

Beginning with Patreon

Patreon's Crowdfunding Approach

Patreon is a platform that supports creators like podcasters, musicians, artists, and more by allowing them to crowdfund their work. If you have a strong fan base and are looking for ways to monetize your artistic creations, this platform can be an excellent choice. For creators without digital products to sell, Patreon provides a way to raise funds through fan support. This is especially helpful for those without a tech background, as it is free to get started, making it accessible for newcomers.

Revenue Share Considerations

When using Patreon, it’s important to be aware that the platform takes a percentage of your revenue. For creators earning a few hundred dollars monthly, an 8% cut might be manageable. However, for those making thousands, this percentage can add up. For higher earnings, if you’re on the premium plan, the cut can be 12%. Carefully calculate whether this fee structure fits your financial goals and consider the potential costs as your income grows.

Kajabi as a Business Platform

Variety of Digital Offerings

Kajabi allows me to create and sell a wide range of digital products. I can set up online courses, coaching sessions, podcasts, and even membership communities. Patreon also offers memberships, but Kajabi expands with additional options that meet my various business needs. The platform lets me build a website linked to all these products and even create blogs, stories, and host live webinars. Everything is organized under one roof, making it simple to manage my business.

Costs and Plan Options

Kajabi provides different pricing plans to fit the growth of my business. I can start with the basic plan, which costs $55 per month if I pay annually. If I choose to pay monthly, it's $69. The basic plan includes one product, one funnel, up to 250 contacts, a website, and 50 landing pages. As my business grows, I can move to the Growth plan, priced at $199 a month. This plan offers more: 15 products, unlimited landing pages, and unlimited marketing emails. The plans help me decide how quickly I want to grow my business while keeping costs in mind.

Opinions on TrustPilot

I always check TrustPilot to see what others think about services. For Patreon, there are 642 reviews, giving it a 1.3-star rating, which is labeled as poor by TrustPilot. The low score might cause some concern, so it's wise to go through the reviews before deciding to use it.

As for Kajabi, it has 1,917 reviews with a 4.4-star rating, considered excellent. From my experience, Kajabi provides stellar support and robust tools, which reflect in its higher rating. This platform suits those wanting to grow their business by offering digital products.

Kajabi's In-Depth Functions

Web Pages and Offerings

In Kajabi, I can set up a wide array of online items such as courses, coaching sessions, memberships, and podcasts. These can be sold directly from the platform. When creating a landing page, it gives me up to 50 pages if I'm starting out, which grows as I move up plans. It supports customizing each page so they align perfectly with my brand.

Email Promotions and Personalization

Kajabi offers unlimited email marketing opportunities on certain plans. I can craft tailored messages to connect with my audience effectively. It helps in segmenting contacts, making my communication more targeted and personal. The platform also supports automation, which saves me time on repeating tasks and helps manage relationships with my audience.

Other Options Besides Patreon

YouTube Channel Subscriptions

YouTube Channel Subscriptions let creators make extra content just for paying members. If you have enough subscribers and watch hours, you can start this on your channel. This means viewers pay a monthly fee to see special videos that others can't, like behind-the-scenes clips or early access to new posts.

Here’s an example of what you get with YouTube Channel Subscriptions:

• Special Badges: Members get special icons next to their names in comments and live chats.
• Custom Emotes: You can create unique emojis for members to use.
• Exclusive Videos: Offer content only for paying members.
• Community Posts: Share updates that only members can see.

These features provide a way to earn money while giving loyal fans more content.

Wrapping Up My Thoughts

When I've tried out different platforms, I've noticed each one has its own set of strengths and challenges. With Kajabi, I've been able to build a comprehensive business presence. I love how everything is integrated in one place, whether it's creating courses or managing contacts. The pricing structure on Kajabi, starting with options like the Kickstarter plan, has been very accommodating for my needs, allowing for growth and expansion over time.

On the flip side, Patreon provides an excellent starting point for creators who are more focused on community and audience support, rather than selling digital products. It's user-friendly and free to start, which is great for those with smaller earnings. Yet, Patreon takes a cut from revenue, which can add up, especially if your earnings increase.

For me, the decision largely rides on what you need for your next step. If building a business with multiple offerings resonates, Kajabi might be the route worth taking. If community and simple monetization are your goals, then Patreon is a solid choice. Both have their communities of creators and experiences.

Evaluating platforms like this helps ensure you're moving in a direction that aligns with your vision and ambitions. Both services have their place, and finding the right fit is all about what you want to achieve as a creator or entrepreneur.