Do You Really Need Kajabi to Sell a Course in 2026?

If you are asking, “Do I need Kajabi to sell a course in 2026?” here is the simple answer: No.

Kajabi is one option.

It is not a requirement.

What you actually need is:

• A place to host your course

• A way to collect payments

• A funnel to convert leads

• Automation to manage buyers

Kajabi provides some of this.

But it is not the only way.

Let’s break it down.

Quick Answer: Is Kajabi Necessary?

No.

Kajabi is a popular course platform.

But selling a course does not require Kajabi specifically.

You need infrastructure.

Not a brand name.

In 2026, automation and CRM matter more than which logo is on your dashboard.

Why So Many People Think They Need Kajabi

Kajabi has strong marketing.

Many influencers promote it.

It feels like the default choice.

But popularity does not mean necessity.

You can sell a course using:

• An all-in-one business platform

• A CRM-based system

• A funnel-driven structure

Kajabi is one tool.

It is not the only one.

[Internal link: Best Platform for Course Creators 2026]

What You Actually Need to Sell a Course

To sell a course, you need:

1. Course Hosting

A place to upload and organize lessons.

2. Payment Processing

One-time payments or payment plans.

3. Funnels

Landing pages, checkout pages, and upsells.

4. Automation

Email sequences.

Abandoned cart follow-up.

Onboarding flows.

5. CRM Visibility

A system to track leads and customers.

Kajabi covers hosting well.

But deeper automation and CRM control is where it may feel limited.

Where Kajabi Can Fall Short

Kajabi is built primarily for:

• Course hosting

• Simple marketing

• Clean dashboards

It was not originally built as a CRM automation engine.

If you are scaling, you may need:

• Advanced workflow logic

• SMS automation

• Sales pipelines

• Multi-offer tracking

This is where HighLevel-based platforms shine.

[Internal link: GoHighLevel vs Kajabi 2026]

GoHighLevel as an Alternative

GoHighLevel includes:

• Membership areas

• Funnels

• CRM pipelines

• Advanced automation

• Email and SMS

• Payment integrations

It was built as a CRM and automation system first.

Course hosting was added into that system.

If you are tech-savvy and want more control, this can be a stronger long-term choice.

Depending on your plan, you may manage up to three subaccounts.

That helps if you plan to grow.

What Is Social Connector?

Social Connector (White-Label HighLevel Platform) runs on HighLevel’s software engine.

Same tools.

Same automation.

Different support experience.

Social Connector includes:

• Training

• Guided implementation

• Customer support

• Help when stuck

After this mention, we call it Social Connector.

If you want HighLevel power but prefer guidance, this can be the better fit.

he Key Tradeoff

Here is what matters.

You are trading training and customer support for more accounts.

GoHighLevel gives you more subaccounts.

Social Connector gives you training and support.

Same engine.

Different experience.

Choose based on how you work best.

Can You Sell a Course Without Kajabi?

Yes.

Many creators successfully sell courses using HighLevel-based platforms.

In fact, some prefer them because:

• Automation is deeper

• CRM tracking is stronger

• Funnels are more flexible

• Tool stacking is reduced

Kajabi is one option.

It is not the only path.

[Internal link: Best Course Platform with Automation 2026]

Final Recommendation for 2026

You do not need Kajabi to sell a course.

You need:

• Hosting

• Payments

• Funnels

• Automation

• CRM tracking

If you want maximum control and multiple subaccounts, choose GoHighLevel.

If you want guidance and support while building, choose Social Connector.

Either way, focus on infrastructure.

Not hype.

FAQ

Do I need Kajabi to sell a course?

No. You need hosting, payments, funnels, and automation. Kajabi is just one option.

Is Kajabi better than GoHighLevel?

Kajabi is strong for hosting. GoHighLevel is stronger for CRM and automation.

Can I sell a course without Kajabi?

Yes. Many creators use HighLevel-based platforms.

What is Social Connector?

Social Connector is a white-label HighLevel platform that includes training and support.

Why do people switch from Kajabi?

Often for stronger automation, CRM tracking, and scalability.

What is the best Kajabi alternative in 2026?

HighLevel-based platforms are strong alternatives because they combine automation and hosting in one system.

[Internal link: Best Kajabi Alternative 2026]