ConvertKit review: Best (and the worst) features, according to 31 previous customers |
This ConvertKit review, you'll hear from 31 former ConvertKit customers on ConvertKit's pros and cons and why many made the switch to Email.
ConvertKit is a well-loved email marketing platform among designers. It is known for its graphic automation tool, pre-designed sign-up forms and landing pages with detailed audience statistics, but is it a good option for you?
In this ConvertKit review, you'll be able to hear from 31 former ConvertKit customers about what they loved, what they disliked, as well as reasons why they switched to Email.
The email marketing tool you use is one of the key pieces of your online business This is how you'll expand your customer base, communicate with followers, and promote your online products. Important doesn't need to mean complicated and expensive.
In this blog We share our results and discuss:
What ConvertKit's users like best about their tools for marketing emails
The ConvertKit customers who have previously used the product faced issues with their product
The reason why some customers decided to use an email marketing platform
While we'd obviously would lovefor you to pick , we've tried to give an honest assessment instead of simply critiquing ConvertKit because we want you to find the right thing for your company, no matter what you choose.
TL;DR
- Previous ConvertKit clients were happy that there was a free package, but the limitation of features make it a challenge to utilize. 37% of users said that ConvertKit's expensive cost was the biggest issue with the platform.
- Some users liked being able to create complex automations but others found ConvertKit to be confusing and complicated to configure.
- ConvertKit provides attractive templates for landing pages as well as emails, however these templates are difficult to modify. Users who wanted greater flexibility were frustrated.
- 54% of respondents stated that the primary reason why they switched from ConvertKit to ConvertKit was that they needed their whole business (email, website, products, etc.) all in one location. 's affordable pricing was the third most frequent factor that prompted people to change.
Easy automations that do what you need them to with a fully-featured plan for free with unlimited landing pages that are customizable in any way you want - test Email for free today .
What are the most effective characteristics of ConvertKit?
ConvertKit is an email platform where creators can grow their audience, connect with followers, automate their email marketing and make money through digital products.
It is possible to start by creating an email opt-in form that can be embedded and standalone landing pages to guide people to join your mailing list. When you're ready to send a broadcast or newsletter, ConvertKit has a point-and-click email editor and a set of templates you can use as a starting point, or you can build a customized email from the ground up.
It is also possible to create automated campaigns by using the builder for visual automation and then add tags and segments to your target audience based on actions they take (like clicks on links in an email, or buying the digital item).
Of all these ConvertKit features of which there are many, here are the ones that our 31 survey respondents liked best:
ConvertKit has a free plan
The free ConvertKit plan allows you to be able to have as many as 1,000 users, as well as create unlimited broadcasts. It is possible to create any number of forms or landing pages you'd like however, you don't have access to integrations or automations on this level.
The free plan is a good opportunity to try some of the fundamental features offered by the service, including the builder for emails and design of landing pages, before committing to a paid plan.
Create visual automations
ConvertKit is well-known for its builder of visual automation, which lets you build detailed pathways, workflows, and funnels for your subscribers. An earlier user of ConvertKit specifically stated that they liked having "multiple funnels, triggers and tags" to use, and that you could utilize as many segments or tags you want to manage your list of subscribers.
ConvertKit is a great choice for designers who want to create elaborate customer journeys that include multiple entrance and exit points, or require hyper-specific automatizations for promoting specific products.
Create pages and emails using ready-made templates
Others who were former users said they appreciated the fact that ConvertKit's editor for emails and landing page builder had pre-designed templates that allowed them to create email templates, opt-in page pages as well as landing pages in a matter of minutes.
Although there are some limitations to what you can customize (particularly for your pages or forms that we'll discuss below), the designs look good out of the box. The only thing you have to do is insert your text, images, or links and you'll be on your way.
ConvertKit can also help you create your own email templates that you can use again and again.
Stats and tracker data for every subscriber
Another area where ConvertKit gets top marks is audience analytics. One user said that they appreciated the fact that they had "more details about each individual within my target audience, such as where they click, which emails they open, etc."
You'll have access to subscriber stats and subscriber scoring (available on the Creator Pro plan) so you can see plenty of data about your customers. You can, for instance, find out which opt-in form types have the highest popularity and which customers have gone cold and which email messages have the highest deliverability and open rates.
As we mentioned earlier, you can also use ConvertKit to create unlimited tags and segments for your target audience to ensure that you deliver the correct message to the appropriate individuals.
What didn't previous customers like the most about ConvertKit?
However, the former 31 ConvertKit users we surveyed were not a fan of the high pricing, the complicated automations builders and the limited the design of landing pages.
The cost of ConvertKit's services is high.
37% of past users reported that their main issue with ConvertKit was the high price charge.
The plan is free however it comes with basic features for up to 1,000 subscribers. If you want more functionality, you'll need to choose an upgrade to a Creator paid or Pro plan.
For both plans, the price goes up when the size of your list increases. Here are a few examples of what you might be expecting to pay for different ConvertKit levels:
So, what's the difference between these two plans?
The ConvertKit free plan (up to 1,000 users), you get:
Unlimited landing pages
Unlimited forms
Unlimited television
Tags for the audience and segmentation
Sell digital products & subscriptions
Community-based support
With Creator, you get everything you need for nothing, including:
Support via email and live chat
Free transfer from another program
Automations
Integrations from third parties
Another team member
In addition, with Creator Pro, you get everything from the two plans, and more:
Unlimited team members
Referral system for newsletters
Scores of subscribers
Advanced reporting
It's good having a plan that is free but it's not a good fit for many users because ConvertKit restricts key features like integrations, automations and customer support for premium plans exclusively.
You'll need to shell out at least $15/month (for the plan Creator with 300 members) for the first time to experiment with automated campaigns or get help with your company.
Plus, the visual automation tool is among ConvertKit's most popular features, but it's not available until you sign up for a Creator plan. It can drastically jump up in cost as you add more items to your wish list.
Building automations and funnels can become complicated
Regarding the builder for visual automation Many users were dissatisfied with ConvertKit's automated systems as they are too complicated to manage and set up. Some reviewers liked having lots of options, but others mentioned issues such as, "UI (user interface) was clunky" as well as "segmentation was so complicated" as their top cons.
Although it's true that you can do a lot of complicated workflows and campaigns using ConvertKit but most designers need a system that will send emails and run some simple automations, like welcome emails, sales funnels, or nurture-based sequences.
If the process becomes too complex, email marketing can feel like a chore. Additionally, nobody likes accessing their email account and seeing a whole web of automations with no idea how to use it.
Creators typically don't want their businesses to be much more complex. There's no reason to pay premium prices for features that you don't actually need. If you're not certain that you require very specific automations to your business, ConvertKit could be more costly and complicated than is needed.
Landing pages and opt-in forms have design limitations
There's no doubt that ConvertKit provides attractive landing page templates and form for opting-in to emails, however it's not without limitations on the types of templates it is possible to modify. A former user said, "I didn't like the constraints on the opt-in form I designed, and also the images weren't real viewable."
Presently, ConvertKit doesn't have a method to create form pages or landing pages by hand. Instead, you have to edit the existing templates that you're given.
In the case of example, if you select a landing page template with two columns you only have the option to incorporate elements (like images buttons, dividers or bulleted lists) in those columns. There's no option to include extra sections that go beyond the basic design. It can be difficult to make the right choices in the event that you've a layout in mind that doesn't align with a design template.
Also, ConverKit's landing pages are created to collect email, not selling products or redirecting people to different URLs. Nearly all landing page templates have an email sign-up form as a default feature, but you'll have to use customized CSS in order to take away the email opt-in field from your site.
It's very difficult to utilize ConvertKit's landing pages to do anything outside of gathering emails, so you could end up needing to pay extra for the creation of a landing page by a third party.
Why are people switching from ConvertKit to?
When asked to explain why they moved from ConvertKit to , respondents highlighted the cheaper price as well as the easy email builder as well as the convenience of everything being together.
It is cheaper for almost all users
Unless you have less than 100 or 1,000 subscribers it is the case that all Email plans are cheaper in comparison to the ConvertKit equivalents. Here are a few instances of how the pricing shakes out for ConvertKit as well as based on the lists size
Alongside a cheaper price, Email plans also have other features that can help you run an online business.
Its editor for email is very simple to operate
Make a design you love? You can use it as a custom template in your broadcasts or email campaigns as many times as you'd would like.
Within your emails it is possible to include columns, text-based sections with featured callsouts, social media links, videos, CTAs, and files that your clients can download.
can run your entire business from one place
The majority of people polled (54%) stated that the top one reason they switched to ConvertKit to ConvertKit was because they wanted to control everything they do in one place.
ConvertKit is an excellent choice for marketing via email, but the ecommerce features are limited as is the website and community-based tool. The majority of creators who we spoke to found ConvertKit's integrated approach to be more straightforward and cost-effective because they don't need to integrate (and purchase) many additional software.
This means you can customize the method of emailing your followers based on whether or not they've purchased an item, joined a waitlist, or expressed an interest on a certain topic. This is without a lot of complex tags and integrations.
If you were to establish waiting lists for a course online you're hoping to market.
With ConvertKit In ConvertKit, you'll need to create an opt-in or landing page that is specifically designed for your waitlist. You'll also need to tag any subscribers who join through that form. During the launch it is possible to send out messages to those with this tag in order to advertise the service.
However, once your course is in place, you may not wish to continue to send messages to customers who've already purchased the course, which is why you'll have to connect ConvertKit to your course's online platform. You would then need create a tag for those who have made a purchase and use the tag to block them from any future marketing messages that you'll send out to waitlist members.
In , your course, email, and clients are all in the same place. All you need to create the course and place it in waitlist mode. automatically generates a landing page for the course and anyone who sign-ups is added to the waitlist for that course.
There's no need to perform any fancy setup in the background or to remember the different tags that a dozen are, and you'll never be worried about having your lines crossed as it contains all the information about the customers you serve in one location.
Here are some ways 's one platform that is all-in-one can make life easier:
Run automated welcome emails whenever someone joins your email list
Send customized emails to customers after they purchase an item
Only message recipients who have (or haven't) purchased a particular product
Follow up with people who are on your waitlist. 's waitlist feature is available for all plans, even the no-cost plan.
Set up lead magnets that funnel people into automated marketing automations
Link clicks can be used to add tags to subscribers. Then, make automated emails about the topics they are interested in.
If you are looking to streamline your business online into one location and eliminate of any additional fees or connections, it could be the right fit to you, too.
Is ConvertKit right for me?
ConvertKit is an ideal choice for creators of content and small business owners who need an email platform that comes with many complicated automated features. ConvertKit is priced at a higher price point than platforms like and, but could be worth it for you if you need a visual automation builder. ConvertKit can also be a great choice if you only want landing pages that collect email addresses (not selling products) since that's what ConvertKit's templates are built for.
This is an ideal choice for creators on the web who wish to simplify their business with all the necessary information in one spot. You can make unlimited emails or campaigns, utilize beautiful email templates (or create your own) and build your own site, create landing pages completely from scratch for whatever purpose you require they serve, and even sell any kind of product that you think of.
As you will not require lots of extra tools and plugins Your overall expenses are probably lower than in the event that you had to put it all on your own.
For affordable, easy-to-use, and powerful features for marketing which don't seem too overwhelming, try. It's free to begin .
We're eager to see what you create.
FAQS
Email marketing FAQS
What exactly is ConvertKit?
ConvertKit is an email marketing tool which lets you increase your list of email subscribers through sign-up forms and landing pages, build automated campaigns, create broadcasts, and also sell digital downloads. There's a limited free plan for up to 1,000 subscribers. Paid plans start at only $15 per month.
What are the best ConvertKit alternatives?
Unsurprisingly, our favorite ConvertKit alternative is Email! It is also possible to learn about different email marketing tools that are similar to ConvertKit through these articles.
What are the advantages of ConvertKit?
ConvertKit lets you make unlimited broadcasts and create unlimited campaigns. There are pre-designed email templates and a simple email creator, as well as an automated visual builder. Additionally, you can offer digital downloads through the feature for e-commerce.
What are the negatives to ConvertKit?
ConvertKit is a great tool for managing your email. However, it's necessary to integrate with other software to construct your site and sell items beyond downloads. The more tools you have, the more technology you'll need to manage and potentially more fees. In addition, ConvertKit's prices become costly as you add more tools to your arsenal and as you'll need more options.
What is the most effective email marketing program?
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