Kajabi just raised their prices, and it's forcing many pre-revenue coaches to make tough decisions. In this episode, I share why I'm now recommending Wix as a more affordable alternative for course creators just starting out, plus strategies for existing Kajabi users who are deeply invested in the platform. If you're feeling the pinch from the latest price hike, this episode is for you.

The recent Kajabi price increases have created a challenging situation for pre-revenue coaches and new course creators. In this candid episode, I discuss the trend I've been seeing with clients canceling their subscriptions, my theory on why Kajabi is making these changes, and practical alternatives for coaches at different stages of their business.

The Kajabi Price Hike Reality ⏱️ 0:00

• Basic plan increased by $30/month (from $149 to $179)
• Growth plan up $50/month
• Pro plan jumped from $399 to $499
• New fees: 2% charge on PayPal and third-party payment processors

Why This Hurts Pre-Revenue Coaches ⏱️ 3:15

• The impact on coaches just starting their online business
• Why timing matters when you're building your brand
• Real stories from clients who've had to fold their websites

My Theory: Kajabi's Strategic Shift ⏱️ 7:30

• Why I believe Kajabi is intentionally filtering out pre-revenue users
• The support burden of lower-tier customers
• How their homepage now features only established entrepreneurs

The Wix Alternative ⏱️ 12:45

• Why Wix is an underrated option for course creators
• Features you might not know about: Wix Programs, Groups, paywalled blogs
• Pricing: $300-500/year vs. Kajabi's $2,148+/year
• Real example: A six-figure client considering the switch

If You're Staying on Kajabi ⏱️ 16:20

• How to maximize your subscription value
• Utilizing unlimited products on the Pro plan
• Increasing customer lifetime value to offset costs
• Making use of underutilized features like private podcasts

If You're Planning to Leave ⏱️ 19:00

• Stop building new infrastructure in Kajabi NOW
• Don't use Kajabi's email marketing if you're migrating
• Export your website and take screenshots before canceling
• Understanding what data you'll lose in migration

Alternative Tech Stack Considerations ⏱️ 20:30

• Kit (ConvertKit), Klaviyo, or MailChimp for email marketing
• Why you need to plan your exit strategy early
• The importance of owning your data

✅ If you're pre-revenue, consider starting with Wix ($35/month) instead of Kajabi ($179/month minimum) ✅ If you're already on Kajabi and making money, maximize every feature to justify the cost ✅ Plan your migration strategy BEFORE you need it - don't build new funnels in a platform you're leaving ✅ Always export and backup your content before canceling any platform

• Wix
  • Course platform alternative (no affiliate link)
• Kajabi Payments
  • Built-in payment processing
• Kit (ConvertKit)
  • Email marketing alternative
• Klaviyo
  • Email marketing alternative
• MailChimp
  • Email marketing alternative

Raya is a Digital Systems Operator and Kajabi expert who specializes in lifecycle marketing, funnels, and helping coaches and consultants build their digital presence. She works with various course platforms and ecosystems to help entrepreneurs launch and scale their online businesses.

🌐 Website: www.wethrivebydeisgn.com 📧 For help with lifecycle marketing, funnels, and course launches

This is my first live episode of 2026!

If you want the full breakdown I mentioned, I’ve linked the step-by-step content repurposing guide here: https://www.wethrivebydesign.com/post/content-repurposing-tutorial

In this episode, I talk openly about content creation, digital systems, and why I believe every coach or educator should understand how their content actually supports their business. This conversation was sparked while I was creating a content tutorial for a client, and it turned into a real-time reflection on authority, consistency, and the role of organic content in building trust over time.

I share insights from a recent discovery call about course launches and hype-driven marketing, and why long-term positioning, clarity, and intentional calls to action matter—especially for coaches, educators, and B2B brands. We also talk about a common but important question I hear all the time: “How does content actually make money?”

This episode is part journal, part teaching, and part thinking out loud. It’s about showing up consistently, sharing what you know, and building systems that support your work long-term—without pressure, burnout, or pretending to be someone you’re not.

If you’re a coach, educator, or thought leader navigating content, authority, and alignment in 2026, this episode is for you.

If you found this episode helpful, make sure to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss future conversations.

You can find more resources and my work at wethrivebydesign.com.

This is the official debut of The Digital Systems Operator Podcast — a rebrand that reflects the real work happening behind the scenes. In this episode, Raya shares why the shift was necessary, what the new direction represents, and what founders can expect moving forward.

Whether you’re a course creator, consultant, coach, or founder building a digital empire… this is where you’ll learn to think in systems, move with clarity, and scale without the chaos.

This episode breaks down:

→ The purpose behind the rebrand

→ Why “Digital Systems Operator” reflects a higher level of execution

→ What this podcast will now focus on

→ How to build and operate a digital ecosystem with clean structure and intentional growth

If you’re ready to grow with more precision and less overwhelm, you’re in the right place. Visit: www.digitalsystemsarchitect.com