In this review, we’re going to have a look at the ConvertKit tool for email marketing.
ConvertKit appears to have really nice features like automations, landing pages, etc. But let’s have a look at how the software actually works so you can decide for yourself if the tool is worth considering.
What Is ConvertKit?
ConvertKit is a relatively new email marketing tool that targets bloggers, YouTubers, podcasters, and other creators.
At the first glance, ConvertKit offers all the features you’d expect from an email marketing software. You can create newsletters, email sequences, and automations. Additionally, you can use landing pages and forms from ConvertKit for lead generation.
Sounds good so far, right?
ConvertKit Features Review
Let’s dig deeper and see if the features are really that powerful and easy to use as ConvertKit advertises them!
Broadcasts
One-time emails (broadcasts in ConvertKit) are one of the core features for any email marketing solution. The process of the broadcast creation is straightforward. However, the look of the editor is very unusual.
The email editor in ConvertKit is fast and intuitive but it reminds a regular text editor.
If you used other email marketing tools before you’d expect to see more formatting options and elements. But in ConvertKit your options are limited to one font, adding lists, dividers, simple images, and file uploads.
Some users may like this look of the editor, but if you prefer to send sleek emails you may want to use another tool.
Automation
Automation is another important feature for any email marketing software but, to be honest, it’s very basic in ConvertKit.
You can create simple automations based on the contact’s behavior. However, the number of triggers, actions, and conditions you can use is very limited.
The automation editor has a visual representation of the whole automation flow. And the editor itself is quite fast and user-friendly. But if you want to create powerful automation, it won’t get the job done for you.
Also, automations and email sequences are NOT available on the free ConvertKit plan which seems a bit strange as those are the most important features for any email marketer.
However, if you want to test this particular feature, you can use a 14-day free trial where the automations builder is available.
Landing Pages & Forms
Surprisingly, the landing pages and forms building is available on a free plan.
Currently, ConvertKit offers 40+ templates that look nice and stylish. However, there’re not a lot of options to modify the layout and design of templates in the editor. Especially when you compare them to some competitors’ like GetResponse or ActiveCampaign.
You can’t easily add new sections, rows, multiple columns, etc. The selection of the elements you can insert on your landing page is also small and includes only basics like button, list, divider, image, video, etc.
ConvertKit lets you build different kinds of forms like inline, modal, slide-in, or bar. Although the editor you use for the forms is the same as for the landing pages, it’s functionality is enough to edit a form as it’s a simple web element.
ConvertKit Pricing Review
One of the advantages of ConvertKit is their free plan. However, as good as it may sound, the plan is quite limited feature-wise.
As mentioned, you can’t create email sequences and automations on the free plan although it’s the main feature users are looking for in an email marketing tool.
The subscribers’ number you’re allowed to manage on the free plan is quite generous (up to 1,000 contacts). You also can create an unlimited number of landing pages and forms.
If you’re using the free plan, the ConvertKit branding will appear in your emails and on your landing pages.
Sounds like something that would work for you? You can create your free account now and start using the tool.
The Creator plan is priced at $29/mo for up to 1,000 subscribers which we consider pretty expensive, especially if you take into account relatively basic features ConvertKit offers.
Besides the possibility to create automations and email sequences, you get access to premium support and integrations. Also, ConvertKit offers free migration from the email marketing software you may be currently using.
The Creator Pro plan, $59/mo for up to 1,000 contacts, includes everything from the Creator plan and advanced features like deliverability reports, sub-users, engagement scoring, priority support, and others.
ConvertKit Pros&Cons
Pros:
- fast and intuitive email editor
- free plan
- flexible tagging system
Cons:
- no email templates
- a limited set of tags, conditions, and actions for automations
- limited customization options for landing pages
- relatively expensive especially if you compare with the price of more advanced tools like ActiveCampaign or GetResponse
Conclusion
As you can see from the review, ConvertKit definitely got some things right! For example, free plan, flexible subscribers’ management, quick support.
Landing pages and forms will let you collect email addresses even if you don’t own a website. This may be beneficial for creators who are the main target audience of ConvertKit. However, we were a bit disappointed to see how limited are the customization options in the landing page editor.
The automations are another weak spot of ConvertKit. The automation flow has a visual representation (which is comfortable) but the variety of tags and actions you can use in automations, is very limited. So if you need an email marketing tool that can create advanced automations, you should better check out ActiveCampaign.
Additionally, ConvertKit is quite pricey especially if you consider that other tools like ActiveCampaign or GetResponse charge less although they provide more powerful features.
