ConvertKit Review: Is It Worth The Investment?
70% of marketers agree that email marketing is one of the effective strategies for increasing your client base and revenue. According to Omnisend, you get a $40 return for every $1 spent on an email marketing strategy.
So, it is no news that email marketing is an important strategy for every business, irrespective of the niche. No wonder there are a lot of email marketing tools around, but one of the software that stands out is Convertkit.
Apart from sending and automating emails, you can add online forms, build landing pages, choose from several templates, and even sell your digital products using ConvertKit.
But the question still stands... Is Convertkit good for my email marketing? Is it really worth the investment? If these are the questions running through your mind, then sit back and read this detailed Convertkit review aimed at answering all your questions.
What is ConvertKit
Convertkit is an email marketing software that allows you to grow your email list and send out automated emails while giving you access to other great features like creating landing pages for your business, managing your list, automating your emails, and even selling products.
Founded in 2013, ConvertKit was built mainly for creators, bloggers, vloggers and the like. It was tailored to make sending an email as easy as possible. While many people find its basic features helpful, it isn't perfect for everyone. So, let's take a closer look at the features it has to offer
ConvertKit: Pros & Cons
Pros
Easy to use and straightforward interface
Reduces the need for lists by using tags
Built for creators and solopreneurs
Great online forms and landing page templates
Cons
Not the cheapest alternative if you're building a large audience
Doesn't have sophisticated tools for high-level marketers
Its very basic email editor can be a huge problem.
Ease of Use
Regarding ease of Use, most Convertkit users have mixed feelings. However, based on our testing, Convertkit is super straightforward to use. First, the dashboard comes with all the necessary information, such as adding your first subscriber, creating an email sequence, adding forms, and starting a broadcast. All you need to do is take the necessary actions, and Convertkit will guide you.
ConvertKit: Features
Email Builder
Starting with the essential feature of any email marketing tool, Convertkit email builder is basic and only allows the most critical actions: writing and sending emails.
An instance is an inability to make major customizations to your emails; the only changes allowed text changes, such as bold, italics, font, and color. While this may not appeal to high-level marketers, Convertkit's purpose as a basic email editor is to reduce distraction and help you focus on the most important task: sending emails.
Unlike Mailchimps, Convertkit lacks features like previewing your emails, carrying out spellcheck, and making major email deliverability options. So, unless you take the time to read your emails, you may have some errors.
Generally, Convertkit believes you shouldn't waste much time making your email look fancy. Instead, you should work on a converting copy. However, that may be detrimental for someone who wants more customization options.
Templates
If you think Convertkit is one of those email marketing software that allows you to choose between tons of email templates, that's not Convertkit. You get access to only three email templates to choose from, and it actually has a good side because you won't have to worry about choosing from a plethora of templates. Besides, these templates do their job well.
Also, once you put in mind that Convertkit was made to be minimal and straightforward, then there won't be a problem. However, it offers more template options for landing pages and forms.
Email Automation
Every email marketing platform had to be good at automation, and Convertkit didn't disappoint. First, they provide you with an intuitive template you can choose from, ranging from a product launch to hosting a webinar. It is more interesting that each template already has a list of steps you can easily follow to achieve a great result.
For example, you can set up an evergreen email sequence that automatically sends specific emails to your new subscribers based on their actions. Without a doubt, Convertkit email marketing automation is state-of-the-art.
Whatever Convertkit lacked in its email editor, it made up for it with email automation. So, if you're looking for badass email automation for your user's journey, then you should definitely consider Convertkit.
Convertkit makes mail sequencing easy by adding an 'if... then' or trigger and action method. You can set Convertkit to send a separate email if a specific action is taken.
In other words, if a customer clicks a link to a landing page (take action), then Convertkit will send them a congratulations email. Convertkit has one of the best email automation around regarding different email marketing tools.
Email Lists & Segmentations
Unlike other email marketing counterparts, Converkit takes a different approach to managing your subscribers. Instead of creating hundreds of lists that may become frustrating as your subscribers grow, you can easily segment them using tags. So, it is similar to having one wardrobe but different compartments. You can group them into segments and decide what you want to send to these segments. In fact, you can also segment based on their actions. An instance is automatically tagging subscribers that click on the link sent in your recent email.
This is super helpful, especially if you're managing thousands of subscribers, because you won't have to worry about duplicate lists or managing endless lists. In my humble opinion, Convertkit has one of the easiest and best audience management lists around.
Forms
Creating forms with Convertkit has never been easier. You get access to unlimited forms that you can integrate on your landing page or website to build your email list and offer freebies. Apart from gaining access to unlimited forms on any Convertkit plan you are on, these forms are customizable, and you can choose different styles such as modal, sticky bar, slide-in, or inline forms. You can also set a dropdown menu to add options.
When it comes to customization, you can change the font, color, and board radios or even add advanced customization using CSS. So, you are covered whether you want to set up sign-up forms or offer a freebie.
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Starting with A/B testing, Convertkit only allows that on your subject lines, which is useful since your subject line can determine whether or not people open your emails. However, it falls behind because of its A/B testing limited features. If you're more concerned with testing emails against each other, then Convertkit has little to offer.
Analytics isn't the biggest strength of this email marketing tool, but it provides fundamental insights. You can view your subscribers, open rate, click rate, and other analytical insights. However, Convertkit analytics will only be that helpful in the long run with the help of a third-party app. Fortunately, you can integrate with different analytics software such as Google Analytics.
Convertkit provides a basic analytics dashboard compared to other email marketing platforms, but you can get more advanced features on higher plans.
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Another helpful feature that comes with Convertkit is its landing page builder. You get access to 18 landing page templates that you can easily use to build a landing page for your business. It is easy to use, and you don't need a full-blown website to do that. Fortunately, the landing page also has an editor that allows you to work on SEO, track analytics, and other necessary things. The landing page editor is straightforward to use.
If you're not looking for a unique landing page and are okay with using the few templates available, then landing pages are super easy to build on Convertkit.
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If you are a creator who runs an online business or sells digital products, Convertkit got you covered with its E-commerce feature. You can create a product page, add digital products, and sell to multiple people. Convertkit also allows you to set up a sales funnel to increase your revenue further and personalize the users' experience.
You can set a recurring payment option if you're offering subscriptions and exclude previous buyers from making another purchase. And if you're not selling products but want your subscribers to tip you, there is an option to set up a tip jar.
Convertkit also integrates with Stripe but not with Paypal. You'll need a third-party app for that. However, you must pay a 3.5& + 30c on each transaction if you are on the free plan. Fortunately, you won't have to worry about this on paid plans.
Convertkit commerce is excellent if you sell a few digital products, coaching classes, albums, etc.
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When problems arise, the first place we often think of is Customer Support. Convertkit offers robust customer support that replies via emails from 8 am - 8 pm Eastern Time, and they are available daily to take in your complaints. However, Convertkit doesn't offer phone support, but you get replies to your emails within one hour.
Another helpful support is its full articles and guides that provide information on your questions. There are how-to guides, informational blogs, and so much more.
If that isn't enough for you, there is a robust community where you can find answers to your pending questions. There is a high chance that there is already an answer to the question you may have in mind in the community.
Lastly, Convertkit did a great job providing detailed Workshops on growing your email list and expanding your business. So, without a doubt, Convertkit support is one of a kind.
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There is usually a need for extra features which can't be easily found on your software of choice, and that is where Integrations come in. While Convertkit provides the necessary features to manage and grow your email list, you also get access to almost a hundred integrations.
While there may be some bad reviews on Convertkit integrations, they are worth it. You get an integration for everything you need as an online creator, such as Squarespace, Shopify, and Teachable. Here are some categories that you'll find integrations for
Lead capture
List tracking and analytics
Email verification
Workflows
Membership and courses
Webinars
Website platforms
Affiliate management
Scheduling
Facebook Ads
e-Commerce
CRM
Surveys & Quizzes,
Giveaways.
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Regarding pricing, Convertkit doesn't have the cheapest plans, but they are decent if you have the proper budget and are interested in growing your business.
Free Plan
The first plan you can opt for, especially if you are starting your email marketing campaigns, is the free plan allowing you to grow your business to 1,000 subscribers.
Some of the features that you have access to are;
Unlimited landing pages: Create as many landing pages as you need for your business. You also have access to Convertkit templates for free.
Unlimited forms: Create forms to build your email subscribers, offer your freebies, and share important
Unlimited broadcasts: Want to send broadcast messages to your list? You don't have to worry about a thing. Even on the free plan, you have access to unlimited broadcasts.
Audience tagging and segmentation: Every email isn't for every subscriber. Managing your audience by segmenting them with tags will go a long way in tailored made emails.
Selling digital products & subscriptions: If you are an online creator wanting to sell courses, digital products, or recurring subscriptions? Then you have access to Convertkit commerce on a free plan.
Community support.
While you don't get every feature on the free plan, this is decent for someone without a budget.
Creator Plan - $9/Month
The first paid plan on Convertkit is the Creator Plan, which starts at $9/month (annual payment) for up to 300 subscribers but increases subsequently as your subscribers increase. Some of the features you have access to are;
All free plan features
Free Migration from another tool: You can migrate all your data from another email marketing platform to Convertkit for free. Fortunately, the process is straightforward.
Automated Email Sequence: Unlike the free plan, you can easily set a series of automation for your emails and create email campaigns.
Visual automation builder: Convertkit allows you to build visual automation that guides your subscribers through some automated steps if they take specific actions.
Third-party integrations: You can integrate with Zapier, Squarespace, and so much more for extra features
Additional team member
Creator Pro - $25/month
The last paid feature on Convertkit is the creator pro plan. You get to pay $25/month (annually) for up to 300 subscribers, which increases as your subscriber list grows. The only difference between this plan and the former is that you have access to
Newsletter referral system
Advanced reporting, and
Subscriber scoring
While these plans may look cheap at first glance, they can become quite expensive as your subscribers increase, making them a more expensive option than other email marketing software.
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It isn't a doubt that Convertkit is only for some. However, it is perfect for certain types of people.
Online creators
From the onset, Convertkit has branded itself as the email marketing solution for online creators such as bloggers, vloggers, freelancers, small service providers, etc. That is why it makes everything simple and minimal.
If you are an online creator with a small business looking to grow and sustain a healthy email list, then Convertkit is perfect for you. It has every feature you'll need to meet your desired email goals. From sending unlimited emails to managing subscribers, you have everything you need. Don't forget the ability to create landing pages from the comfort of your home.
Convertkit is not perfect for marketing gurus that are looking for sophisticated email software that comes with a lot of advanced features and design templates. If that is what you're looking for, then Convertkit isn't for you.
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MailChimp
Mailchimp is an excellent alternative to Convertkit if you want to grow a larger audience while having access to more features. They provide more automated campaigns and have more design freedom.
Active Campaign
ActiveCampaign provides more flexibility in creating your automation and has better tracking and analytics features. It offers all the features that Convertkit and Mailchimp offer at similar prices.
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In our honest opinion, Convertkit is suitable for any online creator wanting to take their business to the next level. It has the basic features to send converting emails, a form builder, and a landing page. The only pet peeve is its need for features such as advanced A/B testing, analytics, and design customizations. But, if you look at Convertkit from the lens of Minimalism and utmost functionality, you'll realize that it was designed to be purely functional and accessible.
I hope you can get an insight into what ConvertKit offers and make the right decision!
If you are wondering about the best website builder, check out the detailed Squarespace Review.
FAQs
Can I sell digital products on Convertkit?
Yes! Selling digital products has never been easier. Convertkit Commerce allows you to build sales funnels and upsell your products alongside other packages. You have access to different landing pages, and you can also include form builders on your pages. Not just that, you can create a sales sequence that converts new subscribers to buyers and even define their user journey after their purchase.
Can I migrate to Convertkit?
Convertkit offers a free migration process on their cheapest paid plan. You can migrate your data, lists, etc., to Convertkit without starting over again. However, this isn't available on the free plan.
Are Convertkit integrations good?
Convertkit offers 94 integrations in different niches, such as website builders, automation, etc. These integrations include Zapier, Squarespace, teachable, Shopify, and more. This integration costs additional money but works well with your Convertkit account.
Is Convertkit better than Mailchimp?
Both platforms have different target audiences, so they offer unique features. However, Convertkit offers more robust audience management and user journey features, while MailChimp gives you more design freedom and a few advanced features. Overall, it depends on your email marketing goals.