Kajabi vs Wishlist – Is that what we should debate?
People have been debating the merits of these two for a long time. The reality is that they're really different.
Kajabi is a complete solution that's hosted for you. There's no plugin updates. There's no server issues – no updating version of PHP or determining how much RAM your VPS should have.
But it's not WordPress. And it won't shock you to learn that it's not easy to figure out.
Of course, not all WordPress things are easy, are they?
Spin up a Wishlist Member site and you'll have one set of tabs to pick from.
When you're done, you'll see another set of tabs below it.
And then, if you are new, you'll see four more panels.
Configure them all and soon you'll have a membership site. And that's assuming you don't need anymore plugins, extensions or anything else.
It's enough to make you look at other options.
LeadPages vs OptimizePress – is that the real debate?
When you start looking around, you might easily find yourself checking out LeadPages or OptimizePress.
OptimizePress is still WordPress but it comes with less options to configure so you might be inclined to use it.
Both suggest that you can look good easily. And they're right.
And both have tons of features.
What about Rainmaker?
But if you're going to go for a hosted solution (like Kajabi or LeadPages), you'll discover that one is hard to use (Kajabi) and one doesn't get you all the way to where you want to be (LeadPages).
That's because while Kajabi is set to help you create and deliver products, LeadPages is there to help you sell them. Not build/run them.
What you need instead is a platform that helps you look good, while also letting you create and sell products.
And if it's WordPress, that's even better (because it's easier), right?
We haven't yet mentioned WooCommerce, MemberPress or Exchange
Of course, if you want to build your own membership site and not worry about hosted platforms, then you likely want to check out some of my favorite membership plugins.
- They're great code.
- They're inexpensive.
- They let you add your own additional plugins.
- They let you pick your own hosting.
I'm talking about WooCommerce & Subscriptions, MemberPress or iThemes Exchange.
(I know, they're not even on the list. But everything depends on what you're up to, and what you want.)
The decision is based on you
The truth, and you already know this, is that it totally depends on you.
Hosted Platforms mean you don't have to update or tinker. That means you can focus on content and get going.
Plugins for WordPress mean you can do anything you want – wherever you want to.
Are you a Builder?
If you want to build your own thing from scratch, and you like building up servers, then WordPress plus a plugin is the way to go.
And while you'll initially be interested in OptimizePress because it can make you look good, you may want to consider buying graphics elsewhere and using a theme that's a bit faster to load and not as “hefty.”
I give you several video walk-thru tutorials on this post.
Are you a Mechanic?
Mechanics like to optimize things. They like to get them just right.
That often means tweaking little things but not necessarily building things from scratch.
In that case, you might consider the hosted platforms. And if you do, then I'd have to recommend Rainmaker because it's more than just a platform.
It's the total solution. And it still lets you tweak and adjust your site.
Are you an Idea Guy? or Gal?
I know we're talking about running a membership site, but if you're just at the start and you have a ton of ideas, then maybe you're not ready for a full blown solution.
In that case, you want something like LeadPages – which makes you look good right away.
And you don't have to do anything technical except fill in the blanks.
LeadPages can help you create offer pages, sales pages, squeeze pages, and more. You can even create simple free online courses that serve to capture and build an audience.
Maybe that's all you need.
Are you a Business Owner?
But if you're a business owner, I have to remind you that there's more to all this than just features.
I know, you'll likely point out that documentation is helpful, and I agree.
But I'm not talking about that. I'm talking about resources to help you build your business.
The folks behind Wishlist Member are known for this. But so are the CopyBlogger folks.
And in this comparison, only one stands up above the rest.
If you're a business owner, here's what I know:
- You don't want to mess with your server.
- You don't want to mess with plugins.
- You don't want to mess with updates.
- You want to look good.
- You want to create and make content available.
- You want to earn money.
- And any help you can get, you'll take.
That's why the ultimate winner has to be Rainmaker – check out the kinds of resources you get when you use their platform.
And in case you want details on how to create your membership site on Rainmaker I already wrote it all down for you.
Here's my video summary
Want some customized help?
I answer questions every day when people schedule me for personalized phone calls on my Clarity account. You can too – where you pay by the minute and only pay for the time we're talking.
Most calls don't last more than 20 minutes if you're clear on exactly what you're trying to do, and what questions you have.