ConvertKit Review

Understanding ConvertKit

ConvertKit is an email marketing platform tailored specifically for creators. This versatile tool offers a range of sophisticated automation capabilities, including an integrated landing page builder. Its primary mission is to empower creators by helping them capitalize on their content, whether through newsletter monetization or the sale of digital products. Notably, ConvertKit boasts several key features, such as paid newsletter subscriptions, a tip jar functionality, and the ability to vend digital products.

Exploring ConvertKit’s Key Features

Email Newsletter Builder
ConvertKit’s email newsletter builder offers a user-friendly platform with ample customization options. Notable features include the ability to effortlessly embed video links, which are automatically converted into 10-second GIFs, as well as the capacity to insert products or countdown timers. Additionally, there are 20 pre-designed email templates available for easy personalization. These templates vary, with some primarily text-based and others incorporating images.
On the downside, there are limitations to the design flexibility.

Adding images with specific dimensions to fit within frames is necessary, as some images may be cropped with no option for adjustment.
The distinction between updating the spacing or font size of a particular section versus the entire email can be unclear.
The absence of a copy or duplicate section feature for layouts with similar designs and spacing.
Lack of a preview or test option within the email editor.
A noteworthy feature is the reusable content blocks, such as header or footer blocks, which can be added to any email template. These blocks can serve various purposes, such as calls to action, question prompts, or event registration.

Email Automation Builder
ConvertKit’s automation builder offers a comprehensive array of trigger options, events, and actions for crafting targeted email workflows. It provides four trigger options to initiate sequences:
When a user joins a form
When a user is added to a tag
When a custom field is updated
When a user makes a purchase
Remarkably, you can employ up to five entry points and trigger the same or different emails for each entry point. This feature allows for tailored communication with users entering through various channels.

Another noteworthy aspect is the inclusion of pre-made automation workflows within the product, offering a unique convenience. These pre-designed workflows cover a range of scenarios, such as new album releases, promotion of paid newsletters, and email list growth strategies.

Landing Page and Form Builder
ConvertKit provides a signup form and landing page builder to facilitate the collection of email addresses and the expansion of your subscriber list. The builder is straightforward, offering in-product access to images from Unsplash and your Instagram profile. While it suffices for basic landing page creation and form embedding, users seeking more elaborate landing pages may want to explore other options.

On the positive side, the platform offers over 50 pre-made landing page templates, sparing you the need to start from scratch. However, it lacks a mobile device preview feature, which could be considered a limitation for those who prioritize mobile-responsive designs.

Pricing Plans

For Aspiring Creators – Free

$0/month
Free for up to 1,000 subscribers
Sign up for free

For Advancing Creators – $9/month

$108 billed annually for up to 300 subscribers
Start your free trial

For Established Creators – $25/month

$290 billed annually for up to 300 subscribers
Start your free trial

All Tiers Include:

Unlimited Landing Pages
Unlimited Forms
Unlimited Broadcasts
Audience Tagging and Segmentation
Sell Digital Products & Subscriptions
Community Support
Free Recommendations
Paid Recommendations
Free Migration from Another Tool
Automated Email Sequences
Visual Automation Builders
Third-Party Integrations
Newsletter Referral System
Subscriber Scoring
Advanced Reporting

Advancing Creators Also Enjoy:

Live Chat & Email Support
One Additional Team Member
Established Creators Get the Added Benefits Of:

Priority Live Chat & Email Support
Unlimited Team Members

ConvertKit’s Strengths and Weaknesses:

Pros of ConvertKit

Advanced Automation Builder: ConvertKit boasts an advanced automation builder, allowing users to create intricate sequences triggered by multiple conditions. However, it’s worth noting that this feature is accessible to users on their paid plans.

Exceptional Deliverability Rate: ConvertKit shines in terms of email deliverability, maintaining an impressive average rate of 88.2%. This high deliverability rate ensures that your emails reach their intended recipients effectively.

Monetization Opportunities: ConvertKit provides monetization avenues for creators. This includes a paid newsletter service, enabling creators to generate revenue by offering premium content to subscribers. Additionally, the ‘tip jar’ feature encourages subscribers to show appreciation by providing tips, adding a unique revenue stream to your newsletter.

Cons of ConvertKit

High Pricing: One of the primary drawbacks of ConvertKit is its relatively higher pricing when compared to competitors like GetResponse and SendinBlue. The cost factor may deter budget-conscious users from fully embracing the platform.

Confusing Navigation: Users have reported confusion in the platform’s navigation structure. The organization of options is task-centric rather than feature-centric. For instance, when seeking to design an email, users must navigate through a “send” option to access email templates, which can be counterintuitive and less user-friendly.

In summary, ConvertKit offers robust automation capabilities and strong deliverability, along with opportunities for creators to monetize their content. However, the tool’s higher pricing and at times confusing navigation may pose challenges for some users.

Is ConvertKit the Right Choice for You?

The decision to use ConvertKit as your email service provider hinges on a few critical factors. Here are key considerations to assist you in making an informed choice:

When ConvertKit Is Recommended:

Monetization Goals: If your primary objective is to generate revenue through your email marketing efforts, ConvertKit offers a range of options to achieve this. You can sell digital products, offer a paid newsletter, or even utilize the “tip jar” feature, making it a suitable choice for those seeking to monetize their campaigns.

For Creators, Solopreneurs, and Bloggers: ConvertKit is especially well-suited for creators, solopreneurs, and bloggers. Its list growth tools and user-friendly dashboards cater to the needs of content creators, making it an excellent fit for this demographic.

When ConvertKit May Not Be the Ideal Choice:

Limited Budget: While ConvertKit’s initial pricing is reasonable, it can become prohibitively expensive as your email list expands. For instance, for 50,000 subscribers, ConvertKit charges $379/month and $519/month, which is notably higher than some competitors. An alternative like Mailmodo, offering competitive pricing with similar features, may be more budget-friendly.
ConvertKit Alternatives:

If you find ConvertKit’s email builder lacking in flexibility and customizability, you might explore alternatives that offer more extensive editing options. ConvertKit’s editor has limitations, such as the inability to move sections, duplicate them, or easily delete sections. In this regard, several alternatives to ConvertKit are not only more cost-effective but also offer greater email builder flexibility.

The decision to use ConvertKit depends on your specific needs and budget. While it excels in certain areas, such as monetization options and suitability for content creators, it may not be the most budget-friendly choice as your subscriber list grows. Consider your priorities and explore alternatives that align with your goals and preferences.

ConvertKit’s User Base

ConvertKit serves as an email marketing solution specifically tailored for a diverse community of content creators. This includes professional bloggers, podcasters, YouTubers, Freelancers, other Creatives  and course creators. The platform’s feature set is carefully crafted to empower these creators, assisting them in audience expansion, seamless marketing automation, and the effective monetization of their content.

Final Thoughts

ConvertKit serves as a dedicated partner for content creators, spanning bloggers, podcasters, YouTubers, and course creators. Equipped with a robust array of features, it equips them with the necessary tools to nurture and expand their audience, streamline marketing efforts, and effectively monetize their digital offerings. This email marketing solution, finely tailored for creative professionals, opens the door to enhanced audience engagement and revenue generation.

In a broad assessment, ConvertKit excels in several key aspects. For example, its automation features are notably advanced, offering a multitude of triggers and event options. The user-friendly landing page builder boasts over 50 pre-designed templates, allowing you to host your page on a custom domain and capture leads for email list growth. Additionally, ConvertKit’s monetization feature proves valuable for those seeking to generate revenue through newsletters and digital products.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The reporting dashboard is relatively simple and lacks in-depth insights into campaign performance. Furthermore, the navigation can be challenging due to the somewhat disorganized arrangement of features.

Lastly, the cost can escalate as your contact list expands, presenting a significant concern for content creators despite the rich feature set it offers.