Thinking about selling courses, digital downloads, or memberships online? You’re not alone. Thousands of creators are turning their passions into income. But the big question is: which website builder should you use? That’s what we’re here to answer.
TLDR
There are many website builders out there, but only a few are truly tailored for digital creators. Platforms like Kajabi, Podia, and Teachable offer great tools for selling courses and memberships. Payhip and Gumroad are perfect for those focusing on digital products. Pick the one that fits your style and needs!
What Makes a Great Website Builder for Creators?
You need more than a pretty site. As a creator, you need tools that let you:
- Create and host online courses
- Sell digital downloads like ebooks, guides, or templates
- Run a membership or subscription service
- Accept payments easily (without jumping through hoops)
- Control your branding and messaging
Whew. That’s a lot. But don’t worry—we’ve narrowed it down for you.
1. Kajabi: For the All-In-One Visionary
Kajabi is like the Swiss Army knife for digital creators. It’s got everything: website builder, course hosting, email marketing, and more.
Best for: Creators who want all the tools in one place and don’t mind paying for it.
- Drag-and-drop website editor
- Powerful course hosting and funnel builder
- Built-in email marketing platform
- Excellent customer support and tutorials
Downside? It’s one of the priciest options. But if you’re committed to building your brand, it’s worth it.
2. Podia: Simple, Clean, Creator-Friendly
Podia is super easy to use. It looks great. And it lets you sell everything from courses to ebooks to memberships—all on your own site.
Best for: Beginners and creators who want a fuss-free setup.
- No transaction fees on paid plans
- Free messaging feature to talk with visitors
- Sleek digital storefronts for your products
- Ability to pre-sell and bundle products
Podia is loved for how fast you can go from idea to launch. You don’t need to touch code. Ever.
Bonus: Podia has a free plan—you can start selling before even upgrading.
3. Teachable: The Course Master
If your main goal is to teach, Teachable shines. It’s built around courses. Fast uploads. Great tracking. Clean layout.
Best for: Teachers, coaches, and educators.
- Supports video, audio, PDF, quizzes, and more
- One-time payments, subscriptions, and payment plans
- Student progress tracking and certificates
- Free plan available with limited features
Heads-up: You’ll need to use third-party tools for email and customization. Still, it’s a solid choice for content-heavy courses.
4. Payhip: Best Budget Option for Digital Downloads
Payhip is a hidden gem. It’s simple. And free. Or super cheap. You can upload your files and start selling in literally minutes.
Best for: Creators selling ebooks, templates, art, or any downloadable product.
- No monthly fee on free plan—just a small cut per sale
- PDF stamping, license keys, and download limits
- Customizable checkout pages
- Even allows you to run courses and memberships now!
It’s not as flashy as others—but if you want fast and simple, Payhip gets the job done.
5. Gumroad: Creator-Focused and Community-Loved
Gumroad has a cult following for good reason. It’s minimalist and focused on getting you paid.
Best for: Artists, writers, and creators who sell frequently to a fanbase.
- Zero upfront cost—Gumroad only takes a cut of each sale
- Supports memberships, courses, and digital downloads
- Embed products anywhere
- Let buyers pay what they want!
It’s not a full website builder, but it’s powerful. You can even make a simple homepage through Gumroad itself.
6. Thinkific: Your Online Classroom
Another strong choice for course creation is Thinkific. If you want structure and student engagement features, this is your spot.
Best for: Educators building a course school or academy.
- Easy drag-and-drop course builder
- Student discussions and progress tracking
- No transaction fees on paid plans
- Community feature lets students connect
The free plan is solid enough to get started. And as you grow, Thinkific grows with you.
A Quick Comparison Table
| Platform | Best For | Free Plan? | Main Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kajabi | All-in-one platform | No | Courses, email, marketing funnels |
| Podia | Selling anything digital | Yes | Courses, downloads, memberships, bundles |
| Teachable | Teaching & coaching | Yes | Courses, payment plans, student tracking |
| Payhip | Simple e-commerce for downloads | Yes | Digital products, memberships, simple store |
| Gumroad | Creators & artists | Yes | Digital goods, memberships, “pay what you want” |
| Thinkific | Course academies | Yes | Courses, communities, student engagement |
What Should You Choose?
It really depends on what you plan to sell. Here’s a fast rule of thumb:
- Courses? Go with Kajabi, Teachable, or Thinkific
- Digital Products? Choose Gumroad or Payhip
- Mix of it all? Try Podia—great mix of everything
Don’t stress too much. Most of these platforms offer free plans or trials. Test a few out. See what feels comfy. Remember—your content is the star. The tool is just the stage.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a fancy website to start earning online. Just pick a builder that matches your vibe and goals. You can always upgrade later.
Whether you’re selling your first ebook or building a six-figure course empire, the right platform can make it way easier (and more fun!).
