After being a long time user with Convertkit, I thought it was finally time to do an in depth review of my experience.
As you can see from the image below, I’ve been using Convertkit for well over a year now and honestly, it’s been amazing…
But if you’re somoene who’s in the market looking to use a new email-sending provider and not sure what to use, then you may have seen Convertkit popping while searching around and you’re wondering if it’s the best option for you.
And in this post,you’re going to find out.
Let’s beign.
Quick Overview of ConvertKit
Convertkit is a cloud-based email-sending provider created by Nathan Barry.
I can say that ConvertKit is one of the best email-sending providers I’ve used, but it might not be for everyone.
So if you’re a content creator like a Youtuber, podcaster, or blogger of any kind that owns an audience, Convertkit is no doubt a good option.
But first, let me go into a bit more detail on all of its features before you make a decision.
Who is ConvertKit for?
And not only that, creating opt-in forms and email sequences makes it simple to start generating cashflow from your audience.
Not only that, Nathan Barry has recently introduced the ‘ConvertKit Sponsor Network’ allowing people who own an email list (Who meet certain requirements) to monetize their audience through sponsorships in their emails.
ConvertKit Pricing
Convertkit can get a bit on the pricey side when you start to gain more subscribers.
Simply, the more subscribers you gain, the more your bills will increase.
Although Convertkit is one of many ESPs that follow this model, it can still be a not-very-nice surprise at the end of the month if you’re not expecting it.
But then again, this is a good incentive to consistently and effectively monetize your email list!
Here’s what ConvertKit’s pricing structure looks like:
As with most email-sending providers, you also get a 14-day free trial when you get started.
So you can see if you like it and get started with it, without paying a penny.
If you want to take advantage of that, make sure you follow the button below –
ConvertKit's Key Features
Convertkit has some really useful features that make the whole process of engaging with your audience simple and easy to do.
Here are some of my favorites:
Visual Automation Builder
This is a super common function on a lot of email-sending providers, but the Convertkits version of this is super easy to use.
The user interface is simple to navigate and allows you to create email automation (As pictured below).
AutoResponders
If you’re any kind of solopreneur, a one-man band, or have a small business, setting up email autoresponders is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your business.
Automating areas of your business that can generate, nurture and build relationships with potential customers is an amazing asset to have in your business,
This is what my welcome sequence looks like below:
Selling Digital Products
One of the most amazing things about ConvertKit is how it has everything you need to run your business from.
And one of its best features in my opinion is its ability to easily and simply sell your digital products to your audience through email.
Here are a couple of benefits to selling your products on ConvertKit:
1) You can sell any type of digital product:
You’re not limited to what you can sell…
For example, you have no restrictions on how you generate income.
From selling ebooks and offering coaching to receiving sponsorships and creating a Tip Jar for followers to support you, the possibilities for monetization are endless.
2) Low Transaction fees
Our ConvertKit plans offer a simple and affordable way to sell digital products, with low transaction and credit card processing fees of 3.5% + $0.30 so there are no hidden fees to worry about.
For new sellers, there’s no need to pay a monthly subscription either as you only pay when you make a sale.
If you have an email list and want to monetize it, make sure you consider selling your products with ConvertKit.
For example, if you sell a $100 product with a 2% conversion rate and a list of 5,000 subscribers, you’d pay $429 in fees with ConvertKit, compared to $1,290 in fees with something like Gumroad.
This is a savings of 2.5x on average. Plus, ConvertKit offers more advanced email marketing features when compared to a lot of other services that help you sell your digital products.
3) Utilize upsells and crossells:
The best time to offer an upsell is when a customer is already committed to purchasing your product.
And with ConvertKit Commerce, you have the ability to add up to two additional standard products to the checkout page, and even offer exclusive discounts to incentivize customers and increase your average order value.
Now, there are more benefits to using ConvertKit Commerce, but these are some of the most notable if you’re considering using ConvertKit.
ConvertKit Sponsor Network
Now, this is one of my favoruite parts about using ConvertKit.
If you didn’t know, this is what ConvertKit Sponsor Network is a service created by ConvertKit that helps you monetize your email list with sponsorships.
This is how it works:
1) You apply to join the ConvertKit sponsor network.
2) ConvertKit will help you find, maintain and develop relationships with advertisers.
3) Then ConvertKit will help you place sponsorships in the emails you send out, and that is what you get paid for.
Before you apply, there are some requirements you need to meet:
– You must have 10,000 email subscribers.
– And you must send out emails consistently (At least once a week).
If you want to learn more about it –
Or, you can watch the video below of Nathan Barry (Owner of ConvertKit) where he talks about it in detail:
Integrations
This is perfect to use if you’re using other software like WordPress, Gumroad, Shopify, and Zapier to name a few.
In fact, Convertkit is integrated with 70+ other platforms, helping you monetize your business all the easier. Just with a few simple clicks, you can have a ConvertKit opt-in form embedded wherever you like.
Split Testing Feature
This is a really cool feature, especially when it comes to email marketing.
It allows you to see what works best for your audience and you can do this by split-testing the likes of subject lines or the style in which you send the emails out.
However, the split testing feature is fairly limited – something I talk more about further down on this post.
Opt-In forms and landing pages
One of the best things about Convertkit is that you don’t even have to have a website to run your business.
You could simply set up a landing page to capture emails and that’s it. Although I have a WordPress, I’ve worked with clients in the past who just have this and it works perfectly well.
In fact, sometimes simple is the best option when it comes to this and you could have your whole email list and landing page set up by the end of today without having to worry about coding or WordPress sites…
Here’s a few examples of the templates they provide –
Email Templates
Although my personal preference for sending out emails is plain text, Convertkit has a whole host of email templates that make your emails look professional and clean when contacting your audience.
As you can see, ConvertKit has a wide range of templates that you can pick from.
You can either pick one that’s pre-made or just have a simple and straightforward one (Like I do) that’s plain text.
What ConvertKit doesn't do well...
This would only be a fair review if I also looked at some of the things that I don’t really like with Convertkit and how it could be improved.
So here they are:
Reporting Data and Analytics
Of course, ConvertKit has all the basic tracking features that you need like open rates, click-through rates, and tracking recipients who click on specific links.
But when it comes to some more advanced features, this is where there could be some improvement.
And if you were looking for an email-sending software that has in-depth analytics for things like your broadcast emails and email sequences, ConvertKit may not be right for you.
FAQ
The cost of Convertkit is dependent on the size of your email list and works on a sliding scale.
If you’re starting a fresh account, it starts at $9/month all the way up to $25/month for the pro plan.
However, if you have more subscribers (in the 5,000+ range), you’ll be looking at around $79/per month to $111/per month with the creator pro.
For someone who has experience with email-sending providers, yes.
However, if you’re completely new to using something like this, it may take a bit more time to get to grips with it.
But with its easy-to-use interface and responsive help chat, looking for whatever you need won’t be too hard.
Nope, you can run your whole operation from a ConvertKit account.
ConvertKit offers a number of different landing page options and you can easily split test or use multiple ones to see which one you like best.
Yes, ConvertKit easily interoperates with a number of different platforms, I’ve personally integrated with Carrd and now WordPress and it’s been super easy.
In fact, ConverKit can actually integrate with 70+ different platforms.
ConvertKit says they do allow affiliates, however, you must have your own business outside of affiliate marketing.
And, the affiliate has to be related to your niche.
If you want to find out more, you can click here.
Summary
Will I continue to use Convertkit?
Yes.
It’s software that I’ll continue to use for the foreseeable future.
Especially with Nathan Barry introducing the creator fund, making it even easier to make money from your audience.
I’d consider ConvertKit to be the Youtube of the email-sending providers.
And if you’re a creator, I honestly believe this is your option.
ConvertKit caters to this audience and if you want to give it a shot –
Not what you were looking for? Here are some alternatives.
Have you just read this review and don’t think it’s for you?
Well, here are a couple of alternatives to see if there is something else out there for you:
- Looking for something a bit more technical and has more automation? ActiveCampaign is a good choice. Although more expensive and ultimately more complicated to use, it has everything you need when it comes to automation, segmenting, and tagging your audience.
- Looking for something a bit cheaper? You’ll be hard-pressed to find something that’s cheaper and worth the money… But, you do always have MailerLite as an option. Free for the first 1,000 subscribers. Check out my full review.
- Focused on selling affiliate products and don’t want to get your account put on hold? GetResposne is your go-to.
If you’d like to read a bit more of an in-depth analysis of different email-sending providers and who they’re best suited for –
