7 Kajabi Course Design Mistakes That Could Cost You Success (And How to Avoid Them)

We've partnered with hundreds of clients on Kajabi, guiding them through every aspect of course development—from planning and structuring content to design and marketing.

Throughout this journey, we've noticed common mistakes that can undermine even the best course ideas.

To help you avoid these setbacks, here are seven frequent pitfalls and tips to steer clear of them.

1. Overloading the Course with Content

While it is tempting to include everything you know, overloading your course can overwhelm students. Too much information can lead to confusion and disengagement, reducing completion rates.

• Example: A client launched a 20-module course filled with dense material. Students struggled to keep up, and feedback indicated it was too much to handle. Engagement and satisfaction improved significantly after simplifying the course to 10 modules with concise lessons.

• Solution: Prioritise the essential content that directly supports the learning objectives. Keep each module focused and actionable.

2. Skipping Audience Research

Creating a course without understanding your audience’s needs is like setting sail without a map. You may end up far from where you intended, and your course might miss the mark entirely.

• Example: A client designed a marketing course aimed at small business owners. However, their target audience needed foundational guidance, not advanced strategies. As a result, sales were low.

• Solution: Conduct surveys, interviews, or casual conversations to learn about your audience. Tailor your course to their current level of knowledge and their most pressing challenges.

3. Poorly Structured Course Flow

A poorly structured course can confuse students, leaving them unsure about what to do next. This can reduce their confidence and their likelihood of completing the course.

• Example: One course jumped between topics without clear transitions, causing frustration for learners. After reorganising the content into a logical sequence, the course became much easier to follow, and completion rates improved.

• Solution: Plan your course layout carefully. Each lesson should build logically on the previous one, guiding students step by step toward their goals.

4. Neglecting the Visual Experience

Visual appeal plays a significant role in how students perceive your course. Poorly designed slides, inconsistent fonts, or cluttered layouts can distract students and make the course feel unprofessional.

• Example: A client’s materials, with mismatched colours and fonts, looked disjointed. Creating a cohesive design made the course feel more polished and credible, leading to better student feedback.

• Solution: Maintain a consistent visual style throughout your course. Use clean layouts, clear fonts, and a colour palette that aligns with your brand.

5. Ignoring Engagement Strategies

Even the best content can fall flat if students aren’t actively engaged. Passive content delivery often leads to low completion rates and diminished learning outcomes.

• Example: A client added quizzes, discussion prompts, and downloadable worksheets to their course after receiving feedback that it felt too passive. These additions significantly boosted engagement.

• Solution: Include interactive elements such as quizzes, live sessions, or challenges to keep students involved. Engagement tools not only make learning more enjoyable but also improve retention.

6. Not Testing the User Experience

Assuming your course is easy to navigate can be a costly mistake. Minor issues like unclear navigation or broken links can frustrate students and detract from their learning experience.

• Example: A client’s course had navigation problems that made it difficult for students to find the next lesson. Fixing these issues improved the overall experience and increased positive feedback.

• Solution: Test your course thoroughly before launching. Ask a colleague or friend to review it as a student and highlight any usability issues.

7. Underestimating Marketing

Even the best course won’t sell itself. Many creators focus so much on building their course that they neglect to develop a strong marketing plan.

• Example: A client initially relied on a single social media post to promote their course, resulting in disappointing sales. Enrollments increased significantly after implementing a comprehensive marketing strategy, including email campaigns and targeted ads.

• Solution: Plan your marketing alongside your course creation. Use a combination of email sequences, social media, and other strategies to build anticipation and drive sales.

Final Thoughts

Avoiding these common pitfalls can be the difference between a course that struggles and thrives. By focusing on clarity, engagement, and user experience, you can create a course that sells and delivers real value to your students.

Let's connect if you need expert support in designing your Kajabi course. We're here to help you succeed.