How Kartra Turned My Online Course Idea Into $3k Before It Was Built Even with a tiny email list
You’re about to learn exactly, step-by-step, how I made $3k from an online course that wasn’t even built yet—using Kartra. No big email list, no course recorded yet, no perfection required, and definitely no so-pushy-that-makes-you-feel-embarassed sales approach. Just a simple, smart process that works, even if you’re starting from scratch.
I know what it feels like to have a great course idea but no clue where to start. You might be thinking, “But I’m not tech-savvy. What if no one buys? Can I really pull this off?”
My friend, I’ve been there. I remember staring at my screen before my first launch, doubting whether I could actually sell something that wasn’t fully created yet. Spoiler: Not only did I sell it, but I also proved to myself—and now to you—that it’s possible.
Here’s the best part: You don’t need to be tech-savvy, have a massive email list, or even a finished course to start seeing results. Kartra simplifies everything, from creating landing pages and sending emails to handling payments and even automating your sales.
Here’s what I’ll share with you in this blog:
Step 1 – Creating something small that gets big results (without overthinking) with Kartra
FAQ about Kartra and online course creation: I’ll answer the questions you’ve probably been Googling, like:
What is Kartra used for?
How can you start selling a course that isn’t finished yet? Can I really make money before creating my course?
Is Kartra beginner-friendly for people who aren’t tech-savvy?
Kartra vs Kajabi, what is the difference between ?
And so much more
When I launched my first course idea, I didn’t have a polished product or hundreds of subscribers—just 300 people on my email list and a whole lot of doubts.
But with Kartra’s easy-to-use tools, I created a simple landing page, sent out a few emails, and made $3k in my very first launch. It wasn’t perfect, but it worked.
There is nothing better than seeing the sales notification popping up on your phone. Look at mine:
As an online entrepreneur with 30 years of business strategy experience, I’ve seen the challenges that trip people up—and the tools that simplify the process. Kartra is hands-down one of the most beginner-friendly, no-fluff-but-still-super-powerful platforms I’ve used.
So if you’ve been holding back because you’re unsure where to start, this blog is for you. Grab your coffee, and let’s turn your course idea into real results. It’s time to take that first step.
Full disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission from.
Don’t forget to pin this image!
How I started with a simple freebie using Kartra Media Center
When I first thought about growing an email list, I’ll be honest—my brain went into overdrive. “What if my freebie isn’t good enough? What if no one signs up?” Sound familiar, my friend?
Here’s the truth: You don’t need a perfectly polished masterpiece to attract your first leads. You just need something small that solves a problem for your audience.
For me, that “something small” was a simple PDF I whipped up in Canva. Canva is like your creative BFF—drag, drop, tweak, done. Your way to a professional-looking design for free.
My PDF was just a few pages with quick, actionable tips to solve a common problem my audience had. That’s it. No fancy eBooks, no endless pages of text.
I uploaded it to Kartra’s file storage so my audience could download it with one click. Boom—done. Here is a screenshot of my Kartra Media Center with my PDFs, video files and more!
No Dropbox links or cluttering up my Google Drive. *Hallelujah!*
Even better, you can also upload your videos and graphics! It keeps me organized as I have my media assets in one place, Kartra! Plus it saves me money by not having to pay other online tools for this. Look at my videos in Kartra Media Center below:
See? Starting small isn’t just doable—it’s powerful. That one freebie brought my first signups, and each one gave me the confidence to keep going. Imagine what yours could do for you.
The power of growing an email list with Kartra Forms
When I first set out to grow my email list, I was bracing myself for a tech nightmare. Forms, coding, integrations—ugh. But with Kartra Forms? It was shockingly simple.
I used one of their pre-designed Kartra templates and customized it in minutes. No tech headaches, no late-night Googling “how to embed a signup form.” Just a few clicks, and I had a polished form ready to go.
I embedded it on my website and blog—places my audience was already visiting. While I focused on creating content and preparing my online course launch, my form was quietly working in the background, capturing leads.
Here’s the thing about email lists: size isn’t everything. Even with a small list, I started seeing results.
One sign-up meant one more person interested in what I had to offer. And that adds up faster than you think.
Have a peek below at the phenomenal range of Kartra form templates that shortcut your form creation to a few clicks.
The best part? Every new subscriber felt like proof that my ideas mattered.
If you’re just starting, trust me—a small but engaged email list can lead to big results. It’s all about quality over quantity.
Here is one a couple of my Kartra forms that have brought me hundreds and hundreds of email subscribers:
Automated emails with Kartra that show you care
Let’s talk about something we both know: email marketing. It might sound an long-gone-old trend, but here’s the truth—done right, it’s one of the warmest, most personal ways to connect with your audience.
When someone signed up for my freebie, I wanted them to feel like I was talking directly to them (because I was!).
So, I used Kartra to tag each subscriber based on what they downloaded. This simple step let me understand what they cared about most.
Guess what? It made every email feel tailored—like a one-on-one conversation instead of a mass blast.
My first email? A heartfelt thank-you. No hard sell, just a genuine, “Hey, I’m so glad you’re here, and I can’t wait to help you solve this problem.”
Kartra email marketing capabilities made it so easy to set up that thank-you email, and with Kartra analytics I could see how many people actually opened it. Spoiler: a lot did, 78%!
From there, I used Kartra to schedule weekly emails that kept the momentum going. Some were quick tips, others were stories from my journey.
Each one built trust. By the time I hinted at my course launch, my subscribers were already saying, “I can’t wait to know what you’re planning to launch, Isabel” (Okay, maybe not those exact words, but you get the point.)
With automation, I didn’t have to stress about “what to send next.” I could focus on creating valuable content, knowing my emails were building connections on autopilot.
Trust me, my friend—this is where your audience turns into your biggest fans.
Want to know how to boost your email list? Here is the blog you’ve been waiting for:
➜ Top 3 Content Creation Hacks To Boost Your Creativity And Grow Your Email List
How I used Kartra surveys to understand what they really wanted
Imagine walking into your favorite boutique. You’re ready to spend, but no one asks what you’re looking for—they just keep showing you stuff that almost works but isn’t quite right. Frustrating, isn’t it?
That’s what happens when we try to create offers or content without really asking our audience what they want. It’s like guessing their style without ever peeking into their closet.
When I first started brainstorming my course, I thought I knew what they needed. But let’s be real—assumptions only get you so far.
So, I turned to Kartra surveys, and oh boy, click-click-click went the responses. Suddenly, it was like my audience was saying, “Hey, here’s exactly how you can help me!”
I asked simple, specific questions: “What’s your biggest struggle right now?” “What would make your life easier?” Their answers? Gold. I discovered pain points I hadn’t even considered and desires that helped me tweak my course idea into something truly irresistible.
One response stuck with me: “I want to sell my course without feeling like a pushy salesperson.” Boom. I knew right then that my audience didn’t just need help with strategy—they wanted a way to attract their leads and sell that felt natural and aligned with who they are. Pinterest (and my course, The Profitable Pinterest Secrets) was the answer!
My friend, this is your secret weapon. Knowing what your audience really wants isn’t just helpful—it’s game-changing.
You’re not just guessing anymore; you’re building a bridge straight to their hearts. That’s where the magic happens.
Here is a simple carousel of screenshots of how I use Kartra surveys to gather inputs from my clients for some of my coaching services. It makes it simple and automated. It saves me a ton of time. And I can always refer to it in the client related information in Kartra. All in one place!
And when you understand deeply what your ideal client desires, you’ll get stunning testimonials for your online course as mine below:
How I hosted my first event with Kartra without the stress of going live
Launching can feel like throwing a dinner party when your house isn’t “guest-ready.” The floors need sweeping, the decorations aren’t quite right, and—ugh—the appetizers aren’t perfect.
But here’s the thing: your friends aren’t coming for a picture-perfect evening; they’re coming for you.
That’s exactly how I approached my first online launch.
My course wasn’t finished—I had not recorded a single lesson yet.
I didn’t want the stress of going live, and honestly? I wasn’t ready for tech hiccups or stage fright.
So, I leaned into a simple, stress-free plan: a pre-recorded workshop.
I used Canva to create workshop slides that were clear, helpful, and (yes!) pretty. Canva’s free templates made it a breeze—I just dragged, dropped, and voila!
Then I recorded the presentation at my own pace. No pressure, no awkward pauses, just me sharing value the way I wanted.
True fact: I recorded a few times before I was ok with it!
Kartra handled the rest like a dream. I used Kartra features to set up a seamless flow—signups, email reminders, and even an instant watch now workshop page with Kartra countdown timers for the workshop to expire to drive urgency to watch it.
It was like having a virtual event planner on my team.
That first event was far from perfect, but it still connected with my audience and sparked my first course sales, in fact $3k for a course that wasn’t even recorded yet!
Done is always better than perfect—and that’s where the magic happens.
Here is a screenshot of my Kartra automated email sequence to promote my online course. Once you set it in Kartra, all happens on the background and you see the sales notifications popping! Yesss!
Selling before building—my honest approach with Kartra memberships
Selling a course before you’ve built it can feel a bit like sending out dinner invites before you’ve even decided on the menu. Scary, right?
Let’s be real—turning your ideas into a paid offer can feel like a lot.
Cue the endless spiral of “Is my course idea good enough? Will anyone actually buy this? What if it flops?” My friend, if that’s you right now, deep breath. This is where it gets exciting.
But here’s the twist—it’s not only okay; it will actually work in your favor.
Because here’s the thing: the magic isn’t in perfection—it’s in progress. You don’t need all the bells and whistles to start selling.
When I first sold my course, I didn’t have a single course module ready. Nada.
Instead, I was upfront with my audience: “This course will be delivered week by week, designed in real time to meet your needs.” That honesty? It created a sense of collaboration.
My students felt like they were part of the process, and that built trust.
What mattered? I believed in the transformation it could deliver, and so did my audience.
(Side note: No one’s refreshing their inbox waiting to catch your typos. They’re too busy wondering if your course will solve their thing. Spoiler: It does!)
Kartra made the setup ridiculously easy.
I used Kartra sales page templates to craft a polished, persuasive sales page for my online course offer.
Then, with Kartra’s digital product tools, I set up pricing options and checkout flows without stressing out.
I set up my sales page with Kartra’s drag-and-drop templates—think sleek, professional, but zero tech headaches.
The focus? Clear, no-fluff-but-still-compelling messaging about who the course was for and the juicy results they’d get. It wasn’t about shouting, “BUY THIS!” It was about saying, “Here’s how I can help.”
This is my signature course sales page, The Profitable Pinterest Secrets, that I have fully created with Kartra landing pages functionality (I love the countdown timers to offer time-limited offers, all included in Kartra!):
Everything was ready to roll before I’d even written the first lesson!
And today, my friend, those long hours of staring at your blank sales page, scratching your head desperately not knowing how to write highly-converting-but-not-sleazy sales copy are gone with Kartra AI!
Let Kartra AI guide you through how to create engaging copy that sells again and again! *Yeah!*
Once the course sold, I delivered the content week by week through Kartra memberships.
Each week, my students got fresh content accessible in their Kartra course space plus a personalised email telling them about it, keeping them engaged while giving me time to create the next module.
This approach not only funded my course before it was built, but it also gave me real-time feedback to tweak and improve as I went.
Selling before building isn’t just doable—it’s empowering.
Then week after week, after I made $3k of sales, I built my my online course with Kartra memberships. Have a peek at how fab it looks!
Automating your launch with Kartra
Picture this: you’re sipping your morning coffee, still in your cozy pajamas, when you check your email and see sales notifications lighting up your inbox. *Cha-ching!*
That’s what automating your online course launch can do—it gives you the freedom to focus on what matters most while your business keeps humming along.
For my first course launch, I leaned on Kartra’s automation tools to create a seamless, relationship-building-but-not-pushy sales funnel.
I crafted a 7-day email sequence with Kartra email marketing designed to gently guide my audience from “interested” to “I need this in my business.”
Each email added value—answering objections, sharing my success stories, and sprinkling in limited-time bonuses to keep things exciting.
After my webinar, I used Kartra’s tagging features to pinpoint exactly who had watched, who had clicked, and who hadn’t.
That meant I could send highly-personalized-but-still-scalable follow-ups.
The best part? Kartra kept the wheels turning while I focused on crafting meaningful, lesson-packed content for my students. Instead of juggling endless tasks, I could spend my energy creating a course experience that over-delivered.
And let me tell you, there’s no better feeling than seeing those sales roll in while you’re busy doing what you love.
This wasn’t just about automating a process; it was about building a sustainable, heart-driven business that works for me—not the other way around.
My friend, if I can make sales while sipping coffee, so can you.
Turning your launch into evergreen success with Kartra funnels
Real talk: Pouring your heart (and coffee) into a launch only to watch it fizzle out after a few days? The actual worst.
But what if that same launch could work for you on autopilot? Buckle up, my friend, because that’s where evergreen funnels come in.
And no, I don’t mean “set it and forget it” like a crockpot dinner (although, yum). I mean “set it up once, tweak as needed, and let it keep bringing in sales while you do the fun stuff—like dreaming up your next big idea or binge-watching your favorite show guilt-free.”
Here’s the gist: Kartra makes turning a one-time event into an evergreen funnel ridiculously smooth.
After my live webinar wrapped, I simply updated the email sequence and swapped the live session for a pre-recorded replay. Bam—instant evergreen mode. (Side note: pre-recorded doesn’t mean impersonal, my friend. More on that in a sec.)
Here’s what went down:
I used Kartra’s automation tools to set up a 7-day email sequence, targeting new leads and webinar attendees.
The emails were designed to feel personal, not pushy—think highly-inviting-but-not-suffocating “Hey, let me help you” vibes.
Here is an example for you of my thank you email (part of my automated Kartra sequence) that Kartra sends when someone signs up to watch my FREE workshop (yes, yes, my evergreen funnels for sales while I sleep):
Oh, and tagging? A lifesaver. I tagged everyone who signed up for the replay, so my follow-ups felt tailored instead of spammy.
Now, let’s talk analytics. (Stay with me—this is the good stuff.)
Kartra dashboard gave me all the juicy details: who opened my emails, who clicked, and who bounced faster than a toddler on a sugar high.
With this info, I could tweak subject lines, swap out webinar titles, and even test different offers. Translation? My funnel got smarter, and my sales got stronger.
Analogy alert: Think of it like planting a garden. Your first “launch” is the seed, but evergreen funnels are the water, sunlight, and a bit of weeding to make sure your flowers (aka sales) keep blooming season after season.
The struggle of starting from scratch every launch? It’s officially over. This is your ticket to more freedom, fewer late nights, and—dare I say it—enjoyable marketing. File under: Things you’ll wish you did sooner.
Doubling (or more) your sales with a live workshop with a Kartra webinar
Here’s the thing: nothing—and I mean nothing—sparks trust and excitement like hanging out live with your audience.
Think of it as hosting a mini-get-together, but instead of hors d’oeuvres, you’re serving up expertise and solutions. People love seeing the real, unfiltered you—it’s magnetic.
And here’s the kicker: live workshops aren’t just about connection; they’re a secret weapon for skyrocketing sales.
I’m talking a jaw-dropping leap from a 1% conversion rate to a juicy 3-5%. Yup, you heard that right. Double, triple, or even quadruple your sales simply by showing up live. (Don’t sleep on this one!)
But let’s be real—tech headaches can take the shine out of any good idea.
That’s where Kartra webinars swoop in like the superhero you didn’t know you needed. Everything from registration pages to automated reminders is handled seamlessly. You focus on wowing your audience, and Kartra handles the nitty-gritty.
Let me paint the picture: imagine logging in to your beautifully branded Kartra webinar, chatting with attendees in real-time, and delivering your workshop without worrying if the slides will load or the connection will crash.
No stress. Just you, your audience, and your magic. Here I am in one of my live Kartra webinars!
Have a look below! Here I am in one of my live Kartra webinars. This is the green room, where you get ready before you go live. Kartra webinar give you plenty of customisation, includes surveys, links for promotions and live chat. I love it to pieces. It is super reliable and easy to use. Nothing better than Kartra webinars to feel zero stress about the tech on the day!
All without the stress you have in Zoom, where you get everyone on video and you feel the silent pressure of seeing everyone.
So, are you ready to double—or more—your sales? Because your audience is out there waiting to connect with you. And Kartra? It’s got your back every step of the way. File under: game-changer.
Want to learn more about live webinars to launch your online course? Don’t miss my blog:
➜ The 3 Secret Content Components For A Successful Free Online Webinar For Your Course Launch
Mindset Action: Reframe the Fear
Instead of thinking about going live as “performing,” think of it as having a casual coffee chat with a friend.
Your audience isn’t expecting perfection—they’re showing up because they already trust you and want to hear from you.
Here’s a little trick: write down one person in your audience you know would benefit from your workshop. Imagine you’re speaking just to them. It’s not about dazzling everyone; it’s about helping someone.
And if the fear creeps in, remember this: nerves mean you care. Channel that energy into passion for your topic.
Plus, live isn’t about perfect—it’s about being real, relatable, and connecting. (Spoiler: that’s exactly what converts.)
Don’t leave this blog without strengthening your mindset. It’s the number one thing that you can not go without. I’ve got the blog you need for it:
Let me tell you, my friend, selling online courses doesn’t have to feel like walking a tightrope without a safety net.
If the thought of launching your first course makes your palms sweaty (been there), let me introduce you to a game-changer: Louise Henry’s free workshop, 3 Steps to Turn Your Expertise into an Online Course that Sells on Autopilot.
This workshop is like your go-to playlist for simplifying everything—from conquering your launch jitters to creating a seamless process that practically runs itself. Louise breaks down her approach step-by-step, so you can stop stressing and start focusing on creating a course your audience will love.
And if you’re ready to go all in, her Passive Profit Accelerator course is the ultimate toolkit to turn your online course idea into income.
Think highly-streamlined-but-still-flexible course creation strategies, launch plans without the overwhelm, and automating your sales with Kartra’s powerful features.
Yes, it’s that good. That’s the way I learned it all!
The best part? You don’t have to master every tech tool on the planet or turn into a marketing wizard overnight.
With Louise’s guidance, you’ll have the clarity—and confidence—to launch like a pro.
Pssst… Don’t wait on this. Snag a spot in her free workshop here and start building your dream course today. Because, yeah, your future students are out there waiting for you.
What is Kartra used for?
Kartra is your all-in-one online business toolkit, designed to handle everything you need to run and grow your business in one seamless place.
It’s like the ultimate handbag—you know, the one that magically holds everything you need, keeps it all organized, and somehow still looks good doing it.
For an online course creator like the one you are (or are becoming)—it’s your website builder, email marketing system, membership and course platform, sales funnel creator, checkout system, and so much more.
Whether you’re launching an online course, selling digital products, or running a service-based business, Kartra gives you the tools to attract leads, nurture relationships, and make sales—all without needing to be a tech wizard.
Here’s what makes it so powerful: Kartra doesn’t just offer features; it makes sure they all work together so easily.
For example, when someone signs up through a Kartra form, they’re automatically added to your email list, tagged for segmentation, and even enrolled in a membership or course—all in a few clicks. No more wasting time trying to duct-tape different tools together!
Can I really make money before creating my course?
Absolutely, you can!
Here’s the thing: you don’t need a fully-built course to start earning.
In fact, selling before you create is a smart move. Why? It validates your idea before you invest time and energy into building something that might not sell.
When I launched my first course with Kartra, I pre-sold it to a tiny email list of engaged subscribers—just 300 people. The result? $3k in sales before I even created a single lesson.
Here’s how I did it:
I used Kartra’s sales page templates to craft a professional-yet-relatable sales page.
I outlined the course content so potential buyers knew exactly what they’d get.
I was transparent, letting them know the course would be delivered week by week, and that honesty built trust.
The bonus? It gave me the momentum—and the accountability—to create my best content. If I can do it, so can you, my friend.
Test your idea, build as you go, and watch the sales come in.
Want to get the best advice possible from successful online course creators without any marketing c*&%p or filters? Here is the blog for you:
Look at what one of my first online course clients said (yeah!). She joined before the course was created. You can too!
How much time will this process take if I’m starting from scratch?
It depends on your pace, but the beauty of tools like Kartra is how much time they save you.
If you’re starting with no audience or materials, expect to spend a few weeks laying the foundation: creating a simple lead magnet, setting up a landing page, and starting to build your email list.
When I launched my first course, I spent about 6-8 weeks on the prep—using evenings and weekends—while Kartra’s templates and automations streamlined the tech side.
Here’s the secret: you don’t need everything to be perfect to get started. Focus on the essentials—a clear course idea, a way for people to sign up, and a plan to deliver content—and let the rest evolve.
The process is flexible, and with tools like Kartra, you’ll feel more confident taking it one step at a time. Trust me, the time you invest upfront will pay off when you’re selling on autopilot.
What is the difference between Kartra and Kajabi?
I’m loving your Q, my friend. You’re actively thinking of taking action to sell your online course! The key difference between Kartra and Kajabi lies in their focus and functionality.
Kartra is a complete all-in-one business platform designed to help you run and scale your entire online business.
It goes beyond course creation by offering tools like high-converting freebies with quizzes, interactive video features, integrated calendar, advanced automations, native surveys, unlimited sales funnels, and webinar integration.
With Kartra, you can manage everything—email marketing, course launches, customer research with surveys, customer management, payment processing, and even helpdesk support—all in one place.
Kajabi, on the other hand, primarily focuses on course creation and delivery. While it’s a good option for building and hosting online courses, its features are more limited when it comes to interacting with your audience and scaling your business. And that, my friend, matters.
Here is a set of simple comparison tables for you:
For example, Kajabi does NOT have:
unlimited products
native survey and quizzes
native webinar integration
interactive video capabilities
native calendar integration
funnel mapping
unlimited funnels
funnel simulation
real-time funnel analytics
native SMS integration
tiered affiliate management
multi-step checkout pages
product downsells
That means that with Kajabi you’re very likely to need additional tools to achieve what Kartra offers out of the box.
That’s more money out of your pocket, more tech integration headaches and time. (You don’t want that!)
With Kartra, I love being able to offer free consultation calls with me for my high-end VIP intensive, as well as being able to automate the whole VIP experience through Kartra. All thanks to Kartra native calendar integration.
Kartra calendar also supports me with one-on-one coaching session upsell, to fully automate and manage my calendar right from the point my client decides to buy. *Yeah*
Kartra surveys and quizzes are a powerful insights tool right in Kartra that will increase your conversion rate—that means more sales for you!
Needless to say, having Kartra webinar capabilities is going to save you a ton (both money, and time). Nothing like going live with your audience!
Plus, as you, my friend, start diving into your Kartra funnel mapping and get your online business engine performing at its best!
If you’re looking for a comprehensive solution to run your online business seamlessly, Kartra provides more versatility and scalability at an incredibly competitive price.
Is Kartra beginner-friendly for people who aren’t tech-savvy?
Let’s be real—there’s a bit of a learning curve when you first dive into Kartra. But here’s the thing: it’s designed to be all-in-one, meaning you won’t have to juggle multiple tools or stitch together a complicated tech stack. *Oh yes!*
Plus, Kartra offers plenty of tutorials, FAQ, and prerecorded webinars to get you through those “Wait, what do I click?” moments.
The super helpful support team will help you solve those moments where you need some tech issue fix. Frankly, there aren’t many if those.
Want to make it even easier? Louise Henry’s Passive Profit Accelerator course is your way to shortcut the learning.
It breaks down only what you actually need to know and comes with done-for-you templates that sell—so you can skip the overwhelm and focus on creating and launching.
It’s like having a tech-savvy friend do the heavy lifting for you, saving you hours (and sanity) while helping you get to that “sales while you sleep” sweet spot faster.
How does Kartra compare to Kajabi, Teachable, or Podia?
Kartra stands out because it’s truly all-in-one—sales funnels, email marketing, memberships, webinars, landing pages—it’s all baked in.
With tools like Teachable, or Podia, you often still need separate platforms for things like email marketing or advanced automations, which means extra cost and the headache of integration.
Kartra simplifies everything by giving you every tool you need under one roof.
That said, platforms like Kajabi and Teachable are also often praised for their ease of use, especially for beginners who prioritize simplicity over flexibility.
So what the difference? Let’s look at some of the essential functionality Teachable is missing and Kartra has:
Plus, don’t miss the tables I’ve created for you with a the comparison with Kajabi.
And if tech isn’t your thing, here’s the secret weapon: Louise Henry’s Passive Profit Accelerator course.
It shows you how to use Kartra like a pro without spending weeks figuring it out.
Plus, you’ll get plug-and-play templates for sales pages and funnels to save you time and ensure your setup converts.
Check your special offer for Louise Henry’s Passive Profit Accelerator here:
Do I need a large email list to see results?
Nope, my friend, you don’t need a massive email list to start seeing sales.
In fact, I made $3k during my very first course launch with fewer than 300 subscribers. It’s not about the size of your list; it’s about how well you connect with the people on it.
A small, engaged list can outperform a large, uninterested one. Think of it like hosting a cozy dinner party—wouldn’t you rather chat with a few close friends than shout over a noisy crowd? (Too many dinner party analogies? Haha!)
The key is delivering value and building trust, even with a small audience. With Kartra’s tools, like tagging and email sequences, you can tailor your messaging to speak directly to your audience’s struggles and desires.
Here is a must-read blog to crash your email list growth:
➜ The email marketing strategy to 10x your email list building
Oh, and if your list is tiny or non-existent right now, don’t forget to grab my FREE treat for you: 7 Essential Steps To Grow Your Online Traffic On Autopilot With The Power Of Pinterest:
What if I’m shy about hosting webinars or being on camera?
The thought of hosting a webinar or being on camera can make even the most confident entrepreneurs break into a cold sweat.
But here’s the truth: your audience isn’t looking for perfection—they’re looking for connection.
You don’t need to be polished or bubbly; you just need to show up as you.
Think of it like having coffee with a friend who needs your advice. They care about your expertise, not whether your lighting is award-worthy.
And here’s the kicker: you don’t have to go live or even be on camera if it’s not your thing. When I first started, I created workshop slides in Canva and pre-recorded my sessions.
Kartra made it easy to automate signups, reminders, and replays, so I could still deliver value without the pressure of being live.
Baby steps, my friend—your voice is more than enough.
Louise Henry’s Passive Profit Accelerator course can also guide you through this process, showing you how to create high-value workshops (even pre-recorded ones) that build trust and sell without stepping too far outside your comfort zone.
Is it hard to create landing pages and emails with Kartra?
Not at all—it’s surprisingly easy to create beautifully-designed-yet-totally-functional landing pages and emails with Kartra.
Think of it like assembling a pre-decorated Christmas tree—you just fluff it up, add a few personal touches, and it’s ready to shine.
Kartra’s drag-and-drop editor means you can build pages that look sleek and professional without needing to touch a single line of code (hallelujah!).
Plus, Kartra’s pre-made templates are like a gift from the tech gods—optimized-for-conversion-but-still-pretty layouts that do half the work for you.
You just swap out the placeholder text and images for your own, and boom—your page is ready to go. (Side note: I still remember spending hours on other platforms trying to “perfect” a landing page, only to have it look like a middle-school art project gone wrong. Not here, my friend.) File under: easy, breezy, and efficient.
Can I use Kartra if I have a tight budget?
Absolutely! Kartra’s 30-day free trial lets you dive in risk-free—build your course, create lead-generating pages, and even make sales without spending a dime upfront.
Okaaaay, so *drumroll* imagine this (and stick with me here, bestie) – you know how when you're at your friend's place and they're like "OMG you HAVE to try this super-fancy-schmancy coffee machine I just got"?
That's basically what a 30-day free trial is! It's like your tech-savvy friend going "Here, play with all these cool-as-a-cucumber features for a whole month!" (zero pressure, zero awkwardness)
During your coffee-machine-equivalent adventure, you can:
Push aaaaaall the shiny buttons and go "ooooh" at every feature (we've all been there)
Figure out if it fits into your daily groove (or if it's just another pretty face sitting on your digital counter)
Do the whole price-vs-awesomeness math (because who doesn't love a good value-for-money moment?)
And here's the best-thing-since-sliced-bread part – if it's not your cup of tea (see what I did there? 😉), you can just wave goodbye and skip away into the sunset. No drama, no awkward breakup conversations!
For long-term affordability, Kartra’s Starter plan starts at $119/month and packs sooooo much: 0% transaction fees, email marketing, course creation tools, and landing pages—all with the ease of Kartra AI to guide you.
And yes, that includes unlimited pages, forms, and videos, plus an on-boarding call and plenty of support resources ready for you when you need it.
Side note: You don’t need a massive budget to build a profitable online business—just the right tools and a focused plan. (Hint: This is both.)
Look at Kartra special Black Friday / Cyber Monday offer right now (you’d better be quick!), and you just pay every month:
My heartedly recommendation? Invest in yourself and secure a FULL year at this rate. The Growth plan is a no-brainer and the one you want including helpdesk, full access to Kartra support, webinars, surveys and quizzes, affiliate management and advanced automations.
How does Kartra help with audience research?
Kartra makes audience research feel less like guesswork and more like having a cheat sheet for an open-book test.
With Kartra Analytics, you can track what your audience clicks on, how long they linger on your pages, and which emails they actually read. It’s like getting a peek into their thought process. (No, not literally—that would be weird—but close enough.)
Kartra’s email marketing features let you use tags and list segmentation to understand your audience better. Want to know who clicked on your webinar invite but didn’t sign up? Tag them. Curious about what freebies are converting best? Segment those leads.
Combine this with Kartra Surveys and Quizzes, and you’ve got a powerful way to dig into their struggles, desires, and interests—without feeling like you’re pulling teeth.
And let’s not forget Kartra Webinars for real-time feedback and engagement. All these tools work together to help you understand what your audience truly needs—and deliver it like a pro.
Can I really automate sales while I sleep?
Kartra makes automating sales feel like setting your coffee maker to brew before bed—you wake up to everything already working for you.
Absolutely, you can automate sales while you sleep—thanks to Kartra’s all-in-one platform.
By setting up automated funnels, email sequences, and payment integrations, Kartra does the heavy lifting for you.
The result? Sales kept rolling in while I focused on building my course content.
The power lies in Kartra’s ability to run everything seamlessly behind the scenes. From tagging leads to sending reminders and delivering bonuses, it’s like hiring a 24/7 sales assistant without the steep payroll.
Whether you’re working, relaxing, or catching up on Netflix, Kartra ensures your offers are presented at the right time to the right audience. It’s not just a dream—it’s how I made $3k before my course was even built. (File under: Seriously game-changing.)
You, my friend, are going to go "Wow!!!” with this blog:
➜ Profitable Online Course Business Secrets Unveiled: The Blueprint For Results No One Talks About
How do I deliver a course that isn’t built yet?
Here’s the deal: you don’t need a fully finished course to start delivering value.
In fact, creating and delivering your course week-by-week can actually make the experience better for both you and your students.
With Kartra, you can drip-release content effortlessly using their membership feature. That means you only need to be one step ahead—crafting each module or lesson as you go. (Are you taking notes? This is your way into less overwhelm and more progress.)
For my first course,
I sold the idea first, then outlined the lessons based on what my audience told me they needed most.
Each week, I uploaded a new lesson to Kartra, and it was automatically delivered to my students.
The best part? It kept them engaged while giving me real-time feedback to tweak and improve along the way.
Can Kartra help me sell other products besides courses?
Absolutely. Kartra isn’t just for course creators—it’s like having a multi-tool for your entire online business.
Whether you’re selling digital downloads, memberships, coaching packages, Kartra has you covered.
With its customizable sales pages, built-in payment processing (0% transaction fees, by the way), and advanced upsell features, it’s designed to help you turn browsers into buyers—effortlessly.
For example, I’ve used Kartra to sell a mini course, my signature online pprogramme, digital templates, a workshop recording, and even one-on-one coaching sessions. It’s seamless.
You can create bundles, offer discounts, and even set up recurring subscriptions. It’s all handled in one place, so you’re not juggling 10 platforms to make a single sale. (Real stress-free selling.)
Whether you’re starting small or scaling big, Kartra adapts to you.
What if I get stuck—does Kartra offer support?
Getting stuck happens—it’s part of learning anything new.
But with Kartra, you won’t stay stuck for long. Their support system is a chef’s-kiss combination of hands-on tech resolution and self-paced resources. Let’s break it down:
First, you get a 1:1 onboarding call to walk you through the essentials of getting started—think of it as your Kartra crash course.
Have questions? Stuck on setting up automations? Need help tweaking a sales page? Get clarity from an extensive library of video tutorials and step-by-step guides.
Just pop into the Kartra website and watch an instant webinar, and bam, problem solved.
Oh, and their community in Faebook is super active—perfect for crowdsourcing quick tips and tricks. (Side note: Sometimes, it feels like having a tech-savvy bestie on call.)
Plus, the Kartra Helpdesk is available for troubleshooting on the Kartra Growth plan.
So, while there’s a learning curve, you’ll never feel alone on the journey.
Is Kartra worth it for a first-time course creator?
If you’re a first-time course creator, Kartra is like having a complete team in one intuitive platform—without the hefty payroll.
It streamlines everything: from designing your sales page to building email campaigns, creating course memberships, and tracking analytics. And let’s not forget its beginner-friendly automations, so you can look like a pro while keeping things simple.
Plus, it’s built to grow with you.
You don’t need a massive audience or an expensive tech stack to get started. With Kartra, you can test your idea, validate your course, and start earning—all with the tools in one place.
Pssst… Start with the 30-day free trial, and you’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish.
Still feeling unsure? Watch Louise Henry’s free workshop, 3 Steps to Turn Your Expertise into an Online Course that Sells on Autopilot. She’ll show you how to simplify your process, overcome fears, and use Kartra to launch confidently—even as a beginner.
How can I make the most of Kartra’s features without feeling overwhelmed?
The key to making the most of Kartra without feeling like you’re drowning in features is to start small and build as you go.
Think of Kartra like a Swiss Army knife—you don’t need to use every blade on day one.
Begin with the essentials: set up your landing page, create a simple email sequence, and outline your membership area.
Once you’re comfortable, you can explore advanced features like automation, tagging, and analytics.
Kartra also makes learning easy with step-by-step onboarding, instant video tutorials, and a helpdesk at your fingertips. (Side note: the 1:1 onboarding call is a game-changer—use it!)
Pro Tip: Remember, progress beats perfection every time! Start small, learn the ropes, and watch your confidence grow.
For even more guidance, Louise Henry’s Passive Profit Accelerator course simplifies everything, with done-for-you templates and focused lessons to keep you out of overwhelm.
Well, my friend, one thing is clear! You deserve to be successful with your online course. I’me thrilled you’ve made it to this point of the bloog. Now please don’t forget to leave me a comment:
I absolutely love hanging up with you! It is a real privilege to know that you read and find value in my blog!
A BIG thank you for being here with me until the end.
Don’t forget to watch Louise’s FREE training:
Hi! I’m Isabel
For years and years I have created and produced content, in particular visual content. You can find me very often with my cameras and tripod out and about!
My passion is to help solopreneurs and small business owners like you grow your online audience and biz using Pinterest. Yes, I’ll show you hacks and tools, but I believe that you need more than that to be successful. That’s why I combined my Pinterest expertise with powerful content marketing, business and mindset strategies to get your online presence to the next level! 🥳
Ah, I have also worked for 24+ in the corporate world, leading quite a mix: transformation, marketing, coaching, sales, productivity, programme management, investments and product management.
I love sharing all these skills with you in my blog.
I am also founder of Agavea Properties, our family holiday rental business. My husband and I lead it with the passion with one goal in mind: serving our customers to create a memorable holiday experience for them.
So there you have it, that’s me! Ah... I almost forgot, my happy place is by the sea.
Thanks for being here with me!