How to Choose the Right Platforms for Your Evergreen Funnel

If you're creating an evergreen funnel for your course, picking the right platform is one of the first big decisions you'll face. Yet, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with choices or feel pressured to go with a platform just because it’s popular or budget-friendly. But choosing a platform without considering your unique business needs and funnel requirements can lead to headaches down the line. I see this mistake often: course creators ask others which platform they use, then pick based on price or popularity without digging deeper.

In this post, I’ll help you understand why choosing the right platform for your funnel is crucial, what factors to consider beyond price, and how to make a decision that aligns with your business goals and the user experience you want to create.

Start with Your Funnel Goals, Not the Platform

Before you even look at platforms, it’s essential to outline what your funnel will look like and the goals you have for your course. Many course creators make the mistake of choosing a platform first, then trying to adjust their funnel to fit the platform’s capabilities.

• Map Out Your Funnel: Start by outlining each stage of your funnel, from lead generation to purchase and follow-up. Determine if you’ll need multiple landing pages, sales pages, email sequences, upsells, or one-time offers. This will help you identify what functionalities are critical.
• Define Your Course Delivery Needs: Consider how many courses or products you plan to offer. Some platforms charge based on the number of products or offer only limited product types at different price points. Make sure the platform can support your current and future needs.
• Identify Automation Requirements: If you want to automate parts of your funnel, such as lead nurturing or abandoned cart follow-ups, make sure the platform has built-in automation capabilities or integrates well with tools like Zapier.

Tip: Choosing a platform that aligns with your funnel strategy upfront will save time, reduce frustration, and allow you to focus on creating a cohesive experience for your students.

Consider Platform Capabilities and Integrations

Once you have a clear picture of your funnel, it’s time to examine what each platform offers. Not all platforms are created equal, especially when it comes to automation and integrations. If your funnel strategy includes advanced automations or integrations with other tools, you’ll want a platform that can handle this.

• Built-In Automations: Some platforms, like Kajabi, offer powerful built-in automation tools that allow you to trigger emails, tags, and more based on user behavior. Membervault also has unique tagging and engagement options that are useful for nurturing leads and encouraging action.
• Third-Party Integrations: If the platform doesn’t have the automation capabilities you need, check if it integrates with tools like Zapier, ActiveCampaign, or payment processors. This flexibility is crucial if you want to create a streamlined experience without switching platforms down the road.
• Long-Term Scalability: Consider how the platform will support your growth. If you plan to offer multiple products or build an extensive course library, choose a platform that won’t limit you or require expensive upgrades to accommodate expansion.

Example: If you’re running a high-ticket evergreen program, you might want a platform that supports payment plans, offers abandoned cart emails, and can track user engagement. Without these features, you may struggle to convert leads who need extra touchpoints to make a purchase.

Don’t Make Cost the Deciding Factor

It’s natural to want to save on expenses, especially in the early stages of setting up your course. However, choosing a platform solely because it’s affordable can create costly roadblocks in the future.

• Hidden Costs of Low-Cost Options: Cheaper platforms often lack essential features, requiring you to use (and pay for) third-party tools to fill in the gaps. In the end, you might end up paying as much as a premium platform would have cost.
• Value vs. Price: Focus on value instead of just the monthly fee. A higher-cost platform that covers all your needs may actually be a better investment than a cheaper one that requires more workarounds.
• Trial Periods and Demos: Use trial periods to test platforms with your actual content and workflows. This is the best way to see if a platform feels intuitive, if the support meets your needs, and if it integrates well with the other tools you use.

Example: Imagine choosing a low-cost platform that doesn’t support one-click upsells or order bumps. You might miss out on potential revenue, and adding those features later could be more complicated and expensive than starting with the right platform.

Think About the User Experience for You and Your Clients

When choosing a platform, think about both the backend experience for you and the frontend experience for your students. A great platform makes it easy for you to manage your courses and funnels while providing a seamless experience for clients.

• Ease of Use for Course Delivery: Make sure the platform provides an intuitive, organized experience for your clients, with easy access to course content, progress tracking, and customer support.
• Backend Usability: If you’ll be managing your course and funnel, choose a platform that’s easy for you to navigate and update. Some platforms are more user-friendly, while others may have a steeper learning curve.
• Customer Support: Quality customer support is essential. If you run into tech issues during a launch or when updating your course, having reliable support can save you from losing time and revenue.

Example: If you’re not comfortable with tech, a more intuitive platform like Kajabi might save you time and frustration compared to a platform that requires more hands-on technical work.

How to Get Expert Support with Choosing the Right Platform

Not sure where to start with selecting a platform? Book a Funnel Intensive with me, and we’ll assess your funnel needs and business goals to recommend the best platform for you. Save time and avoid costly mistakes by setting up your funnel on the right foundation.

Key Takeaways for Choosing Your Ideal Platform

Choosing the right platform for your evergreen funnel isn’t just about following popular recommendations or opting for the cheapest option. Here’s a recap of the critical points to keep in mind:

• Start with Your Funnel Goals: Define the structure and requirements of your funnel before selecting a platform.
• Look Beyond Cost: Focus on the value each platform offers, including essential features and scalability, rather than just the monthly fee.
• Consider Automation and Integrations: Make sure the platform supports the level of automation and integrations you need to create a seamless experience.
• Prioritize User Experience: Choose a platform that makes life easier for both you and your students, with an intuitive backend and quality customer support.

Ready to build a seamless, high-converting evergreen funnel? Schedule a Funnel Intensive to find out which platform is the right fit for your course and goals. Let’s set your funnel up for success from the start.