Best Drip Email Tools for Course Creators in 2026

Email's Role in Online Courses

For course creators, email isn't just marketing - it's part of the product. Well-designed drip sequences can:

• Launch courses: Build anticipation and drive enrollment
• Onboard students: Set expectations and ensure a strong start
• Improve completion: Nudge students to keep progressing
• Prevent dropout: Re-engage students who fall behind
• Upsell programs: Guide students to advanced offerings
• Build community: Connect students and foster engagement

Key Features for Course Creators

Course Platform Integration

• Teachable, Thinkific, Kajabi integration
• Enrollment triggers (purchased, started, completed)
• Progress-based triggers (finished module 1, etc.)
• Cohort management for live courses

Launch Campaign Support

• Webinar integration
• Countdown timers
• Cart open/close sequences
• Waitlist management

Student Journey Automation

• Progress-based drip content
• Completion celebrations
• Re-engagement for inactive students
• Certificate and review requests

Top Drip Tools for Course Creators

#1 ConvertKit - Creator Standard

Starting at $29/month

ConvertKit is the most popular choice for course creators:

• Creator-focused: Built for people selling digital products
• Commerce features: Sell directly through ConvertKit
• Tag-based automation: Segment by course, progress, interest
• Course platform integrations: Works with major platforms
• Landing pages: Launch pages included

Best for: Most course creators, especially those with multiple products.

#2 ActiveCampaign - Advanced Funnels

Starting at $29/month

For complex launch sequences and sophisticated funnels:

• Powerful visual automation builder
• Conditional logic for complex journeys
• CRM for tracking student relationships
• Deep integration capabilities

Best for: Course creators with sophisticated launch funnels and multiple products.

#3 MailerLite - Budget-Friendly Start

Free up to 1,000 subs / $10/month paid

Great for course creators just starting out:

• Generous free tier
• Landing pages and forms included
• Simple automation for core sequences
• Website builder for course landing pages

Best for: New course creators testing their first courses.

#4 Kajabi - All-in-One Platform

Starting at $149/month

Kajabi includes both course hosting AND email:

• Course hosting + email in one
• Native course progress triggers
• No integration needed
• Pipelines for launches

Best for: Course creators who want everything in one platform.

#5 Sequenzy - For Subscription Courses

Starting at $19/month

If your courses are subscription/membership based:

• Native billing integration
• Subscription event triggers
• Churn prevention for memberships
• MRR tracking

Best for: Membership sites and subscription-based learning platforms.

Essential Sequences for Course Creators

Pre-Launch Sequence

Build anticipation before enrollment opens:

• Announcement and waitlist signup
• Behind-the-scenes content
• Early-bird or founder pricing preview
• Testimonials from beta/past students
• Launch date countdown

Cart Open Sequence

During enrollment period:

• Doors open announcement
• Course overview and benefits
• Student success stories
• FAQ and objection handling
• Bonus announcements
• Last chance / doors closing

Student Welcome Sequence

After enrollment:

• Welcome + course access details
• How to get the most from the course
• Community introduction (if applicable)
• First module prompt
• Check-in after first week

Progress-Based Drip

Deliver content as students progress:

• Module completion celebration
• Next module teaser
• Bonus content unlocks
• Mid-course check-in
• Course completion celebration

Re-Engagement Sequence

For students who've stalled:

• "Haven't seen you lately" check-in
• Common obstacles and solutions
• Quick win to rebuild momentum
• Support offer

Post-Course Sequence

After completion:

• Congratulations + certificate
• Review/testimonial request
• Referral opportunity
• Next step recommendation
• Advanced course promotion

Launch vs. Evergreen

Live Launch Model

Open enrollment periodically with launch sequences:

• Higher urgency and conversion rates
• More work per launch
• Revenue concentrated in launch windows
• Requires sophisticated launch sequences

Evergreen Model

Always-open enrollment with automated funnels:

• Consistent revenue
• Fully automated
• Can simulate launch urgency with deadlines
• Requires strong evergreen sequences

Most established course creators use a hybrid: core evergreen funnel with periodic live launches for spikes.

Our Recommendation

ConvertKit is the default choice for most course creators. It's designed for digital product sellers, has the integrations you need, and the commerce features let you sell directly.

If you want everything in one platform, Kajabi combines course hosting with email - simpler but less flexible.

If your courses are subscription-based (membership sites, ongoing learning), Sequenzy offers billing integration that course-focused tools lack.