Introduction

When it comes to email marketing, ConvertKit vs Constant Contact: Which Platform Best Fits Your Business Needs? choosing the right platform is crucial for the success of your campaigns. In this comprehensive review, we will compare ConvertKit and Constant Contact, two popular email marketing tools, to help you determine which is the best fit for your needs. Whether you’re a blogger, small business owner, or event planner, understanding the features, pricing, and user feedback of these platforms will guide you in making an informed decision. Let’s dive into the details and find out which email marketing platform stands out.

By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each platform, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your marketing goals.

Overview of ConvertKit

ConvertKit, launched in 2013, has quickly established itself as a go-to email marketing platform for creators, bloggers, and small businesses. Its primary focus is to help users grow their audience and monetize their email lists through powerful automation and user-friendly design.

Key Features and Benefits

1. Email Design and Templates: ConvertKit offers a range of straightforward email templates that prioritize content over flashy designs. This minimalistic approach ensures that your messages are clear and effective.
2. Automation: ConvertKit’s automation capabilities are one of its standout features. With visual workflow builders, users can create complex email sequences based on subscriber behavior, ensuring personalized and timely communication.
3. List Management: ConvertKit provides advanced tagging and segmentation options, allowing users to organize their subscribers based on various criteria. This makes it easy to target specific groups with tailored content.
4. Integrations: ConvertKit integrates seamlessly with numerous tools and platforms, including WordPress, Shopify, and various CRM systems. This flexibility ensures that you can incorporate ConvertKit into your existing workflows without hassle.
5. Analytics and Reporting: ConvertKit offers in-depth analytics and reporting features, enabling users to track the performance of their email campaigns and make data-driven decisions.

Target Audience

ConvertKit is tailored for creators, bloggers, and small businesses that need robust automation and straightforward email marketing tools. Its focus on simplicity and effectiveness makes it an ideal choice for those who want to concentrate on content creation and audience engagement without getting bogged down by overly complex software.

Overview of Constant Contact

Constant Contact has been a leading name in the email marketing industry since its founding in 1995. With a comprehensive set of tools and features, it caters to small to medium-sized businesses, non-profits, and e-commerce stores. Its ease of use and wide range of capabilities make it a reliable choice for various marketing needs.

Key Features and Benefits

1. Email Design and Templates: Constant Contact offers an extensive library of customizable email templates suitable for various industries. Its intuitive drag-and-drop editor allows users to create professional-looking emails without any coding skills.
2. Automation: Constant Contact provides basic automation features that are easy to set up and manage. Users can create automated email series to welcome new subscribers, nurture leads, and follow up on purchases.
3. List Management: Constant Contact makes it easy to manage email lists with features like segmentation and list growth tools. Users can organize their contacts based on different criteria to send targeted and relevant messages.
4. Integrations: Constant Contact integrates with a wide array of tools and platforms, including e-commerce systems, CRM software, and social media platforms. This ensures seamless connectivity with your existing workflows.
5. Analytics and Reporting: Constant Contact provides comprehensive analytics and reporting tools, giving users insights into the performance of their email campaigns. Metrics such as open rates, click-through rates, and bounce rates are easily accessible and understandable.

Target Audience

Constant Contact is designed for small to medium-sized businesses, non-profits, and e-commerce stores. Its user-friendly interface and extensive range of templates make it a great choice for those who need a straightforward, effective email marketing solution without a steep learning curve.

Feature Comparison

When comparing ConvertKit and Constant Contact, it’s essential to understand how their features stack up against each other. Both platforms offer unique strengths that cater to different user needs. In this section, we’ll break down the key features of ConvertKit and Constant Contact to help you determine which platform is best suited for your email marketing needs.

Email Design and Templates

• ConvertKit: ConvertKit focuses on minimalistic email templates that prioritize content delivery. The platform offers simple yet effective templates that ensure your message is clear and engaging. This approach is ideal for bloggers and creators who prefer a straightforward design.
• Constant Contact: Constant Contact provides an extensive library of customizable templates suitable for various industries. The drag-and-drop editor makes it easy to create visually appealing emails without any coding skills. This variety is perfect for businesses that need professionally designed emails to capture their audience’s attention.

Automation Capabilities

• ConvertKit: ConvertKit excels in automation with its visual workflow builder. Users can create complex email sequences based on subscriber behavior, ensuring personalized and timely communication. This feature is particularly beneficial for creators and businesses that rely on automated email marketing to engage their audience.
• Constant Contact: Constant Contact offers basic automation features that are easy to set up and manage. While not as advanced as ConvertKit’s automation, it is sufficient for standard campaigns such as welcome emails, lead nurturing, and purchase follow-ups. This makes it a good choice for businesses that need simple and effective automation.

List Management and Segmentation

• ConvertKit: ConvertKit provides advanced tagging and segmentation options, allowing users to organize subscribers based on various criteria. This granular control helps in sending targeted content to specific segments, improving engagement and conversion rates.
• Constant Contact: Constant Contact simplifies list management with features like segmentation and list growth tools. Users can easily segment their contacts based on different criteria, making it easy to send relevant and personalized messages to their audience.

Reporting and Analytics

• ConvertKit: ConvertKit offers in-depth analytics and reporting features, enabling users to track the performance of their email campaigns. Detailed metrics such as open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates help users make data-driven decisions to optimize their campaigns.
• Constant Contact: Constant Contact provides comprehensive analytics and reporting tools, giving users insights into their email campaign performance. Metrics are presented in an easy-to-understand format, making it simple for users to gauge the effectiveness of their campaigns and make necessary adjustments.

Integrations

• ConvertKit: ConvertKit integrates seamlessly with numerous tools and platforms, including WordPress, Shopify, and various CRM systems. This flexibility ensures that users can incorporate ConvertKit into their existing workflows without hassle.
• Constant Contact: Constant Contact offers a wide range of integrations with e-commerce systems, CRM software, and social media platforms. This extensive integration capability ensures that users can connect Constant Contact with their existing tools to streamline their marketing efforts.

Customer Support

• ConvertKit: ConvertKit provides live chat and email support to assist users with any issues or questions. Additionally, the platform offers extensive tutorials, webinars, and a community forum to help users get the most out of their email marketing efforts.
• Constant Contact: Constant Contact offers phone, email, and chat support, providing users with multiple ways to get help. The platform also provides a wealth of resources, including guides, webinars, and customer support, to ensure users have the information they need to succeed.

Pricing Comparison

Pricing is a crucial factor when choosing an email marketing platform, especially for small businesses and individual creators. ConvertKit and Constant Contact offer different pricing structures tailored to their respective features and target audiences. In this section, we’ll compare the pricing plans of ConvertKit and Constant Contact to help you decide which platform provides the best value for your needs.

ConvertKit Pricing

ConvertKit’s pricing is designed to scale with your business as your email list grows. The platform offers three main plans:

1. Free Plan:
   • Up to 1,000 subscribers.
   • Includes core email marketing features like landing pages, signup forms, and limited automation.
   • Ideal for beginners and small creators looking to start with email marketing without any upfront cost.
2. Creator Plan:
   • Starts at $29 per month for up to 1,000 subscribers.
   • Includes advanced features like automation, integrations, and email sequences.
   • Scales with the number of subscribers, ensuring that growing businesses can manage larger lists without switching platforms.
3. Creator Pro Plan:
   • Starts at $59 per month for up to 1,000 subscribers.
   • Includes all features of the Creator Plan plus priority support, advanced reporting, and subscriber scoring.
   • Designed for professional creators and businesses that need comprehensive email marketing tools and insights.

Constant Contact Pricing

Constant Contact offers two main plans, with pricing based on the number of contacts:

1. Core Plan:
   • Starts at $12 per month for up to 500 contacts.
   • Includes basic email marketing features like customizable templates, list segmentation, and reporting.
   • Ideal for small businesses and non-profits that need a straightforward email marketing solution.
2. Plus Plan:
   • Starts at $45 per month for up to 500 contacts.
   • Includes all features of the Core Plan plus advanced automation, event marketing, and online donations.
   • Suitable for businesses that need more advanced features and integrations to support their marketing efforts.

Pricing Comparison Summary

Cost for Small Lists:

• ConvertKit: Free for up to 1,000 subscribers, making it a cost-effective option for new users.
• Constant Contact: Starts at $12 per month for up to 500 contacts, providing affordable entry-level pricing.

Cost for Growing Lists:

• ConvertKit: Scales from $25 per month for up to 1,000 subscribers to higher rates as your list grows, with additional features available in higher-tier plans.
• Constant Contact: Starts at $35 per month for up to 500 contacts in the Plus Plan, which includes advanced features, with prices increasing based on the number of contacts.

Value for Features:

• ConvertKit: Offers robust automation and advanced segmentation in all paid plans, making it a great value for creators focused on personalized marketing.
• Constant Contact: Provides a comprehensive set of tools, including event marketing and e-commerce features, in the Plus Plan, making it suitable for businesses with diverse marketing needs.

clear visual comparison of the pricing plans of ConvertKit and Constant Contact, showing costs and features side by side:

Feature / Plan	ConvertKit Free	ConvertKit Creator	ConvertKit Creator Pro	Constant Contact Core	Constant Contact Plus
Monthly Cost	Free	$25+	$50+	$12+	$35+
Subscriber/Contact Limit	Up to 1,000	Starts at 1,000	Starts at 1,000	Up to 500	Up to 500
Email Sending	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Email Templates	Basic	Advanced	Advanced	Customizable	Customizable
Landing Pages	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Signup Forms	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Automation	Limited	Advanced	Advanced	Basic	Advanced
Segmentation	Basic	Advanced	Advanced	Yes	Yes
Reporting & Analytics	Basic	Advanced	Advanced	Yes	Advanced
Integrations	Limited	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Customer Support	Email	Priority Email & Chat	Priority Email & Chat	Phone, Email, Chat	Phone, Email, Chat
Advanced Reporting	No	No	Yes	No	Yes
Subscriber Scoring	No	No	Yes	No	No
Event Marketing	No	No	No	No	Yes
E-commerce Features	No	No	No	No	Yes

Here’s a graph that shows how the pricing scales with the number of subscribers or contacts for both ConvertKit and Constant Contact, helping readers understand long-term costs.

Summary

• ConvertKit offers a free plan up to 1,000 subscribers and scales its pricing with subscriber growth, with distinct tiers for advanced features.
• Constant Contact provides lower entry-level pricing for small lists but can become more expensive as the number of contacts increases, especially in the Plus Plan which offers more advanced features.

Ease of Use

When selecting an email marketing platform, ease of use is a critical factor, especially for those who may not have extensive technical skills. ConvertKit and Constant Contact both aim to offer user-friendly interfaces, but they differ in their approaches. In this section, we’ll compare the ease of use of ConvertKit and Constant Contact to help you decide which platform best suits your needs.

ConvertKit Ease of Use

ConvertKit is designed with simplicity in mind, making it an excellent choice for bloggers, creators, and small businesses. Here’s what makes ConvertKit user-friendly:

1. Intuitive Interface: ConvertKit’s clean and straightforward interface is easy to navigate, allowing users to quickly find and use its features. The dashboard provides a clear overview of your email marketing activities.
2. Visual Automation Builder: ConvertKit’s visual workflow builder is one of its standout features. It allows users to create complex automation sequences through a simple drag-and-drop interface, making it easy to set up and manage automated campaigns.
3. Minimalistic Email Editor: ConvertKit focuses on delivering content-driven emails with a minimalistic editor that emphasizes simplicity. Users can create text-based emails that are easy to read and engage with, without getting bogged down by complicated design elements.
4. Comprehensive Knowledge Base: ConvertKit offers extensive resources, including tutorials, guides, and webinars, to help users get the most out of the platform. The support team is also available to assist with any issues.

Constant Contact Ease of Use

Constant Contact is known for its robust set of features and ease of use, making it a popular choice for small to medium-sized businesses. Here are some key aspects that contribute to its user-friendliness:

1. Drag-and-Drop Email Editor: Constant Contact’s drag-and-drop editor makes it easy to create professional-looking emails without any coding skills. Users can customize templates, add images, and format text effortlessly.
2. Template Library: With a vast library of pre-designed templates, Constant Contact allows users to quickly choose and customize email designs that suit their needs. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who want visually appealing emails.
3. Guided Setup: Constant Contact provides a guided setup process for new users, helping them get started quickly. This step-by-step approach ensures that users can set up their accounts and start creating campaigns with ease.
4. Comprehensive Support: Constant Contact offers multiple support options, including phone, email, and chat support. The platform also provides a wealth of resources, such as articles, videos, and webinars, to help users navigate the platform.

Pros and Cons

When evaluating email marketing platforms, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of each to make an informed decision. Below, we will outline the advantages and disadvantages of ConvertKit and Constant Contact, focusing on the key aspects that matter to users.

ConvertKit Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. User-Friendly Interface: ConvertKit is designed with simplicity in mind, making it easy to navigate and use, even for beginners. The intuitive dashboard and minimalistic design help users focus on their email marketing tasks without getting overwhelmed.
2. Powerful Automation: ConvertKit’s visual automation builder allows users to create complex email sequences through a drag-and-drop interface. This feature is particularly beneficial for creators who want to automate their email marketing campaigns effectively.
3. Segmented Lists and Tags: ConvertKit offers advanced segmentation options, enabling users to target specific groups of subscribers with tailored content. The tagging system helps in organizing and managing subscribers efficiently.
4. High Deliverability Rates: ConvertKit is known for its high deliverability rates, ensuring that emails reach the intended inboxes. This reliability is crucial for maintaining effective communication with your audience.

Cons:

1. Limited Design Options: While ConvertKit’s minimalistic email editor is easy to use, it lacks advanced design features and customization options compared to other platforms. Users looking for highly customized and visually rich emails may find this limiting.
2. Cost: ConvertKit can be relatively expensive, especially for larger lists. While the free plan is great for beginners, the costs increase significantly as your subscriber base grows.
3. Limited A/B Testing: ConvertKit’s A/B testing capabilities are somewhat limited, which can be a drawback for users who want to optimize their campaigns through extensive testing.

Constant Contact Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Comprehensive Feature Set: Constant Contact offers a wide range of features, including a drag-and-drop email editor, social media integration, event management, and e-commerce tools. This makes it a versatile platform for various marketing needs.
2. Extensive Template Library: With a vast collection of customizable templates, Constant Contact allows users to create visually appealing emails quickly. This feature is ideal for businesses that want to maintain a professional look in their communications.
3. Robust Customer Support: Constant Contact provides multiple support options, including phone, email, and chat support. Additionally, their extensive knowledge base and resources help users find answers and learn how to use the platform effectively.
4. Guided Setup and Onboarding: Constant Contact offers a guided setup process for new users, making it easy to get started. The step-by-step approach ensures that users can quickly set up their accounts and start creating campaigns.

Cons:

1. Higher Costs for Advanced Features: While Constant Contact offers affordable entry-level plans, the costs can increase significantly for users who need advanced features and larger contact lists.
2. Steeper Learning Curve: Despite the guided setup, some users may find the wide range of features and customization options overwhelming initially. It may take some time to fully explore and utilize all the available tools.
3. Basic Automation: Compared to ConvertKit, Constant Contact’s automation features are more basic. Users looking for highly advanced automation capabilities may find this limiting.

Use Cases and Suitability

When choosing between ConvertKit and Constant Contact, understanding the specific use cases and suitability of each platform is essential. In this section, we will explore which types of users and businesses benefit most from each email marketing tool.

ConvertKit Use Cases and Suitability

1. Bloggers and Content Creators: ConvertKit was initially designed with bloggers and content creators in mind. Its features cater to individuals who need to manage and grow their email lists effectively while focusing on content delivery. The platform’s powerful automation tools help creators nurture relationships with their audience through personalized email sequences.

2. Small Businesses and Startups: For small businesses and startups, ConvertKit offers an easy-to-use interface that doesn’t require a steep learning curve. Its visual automation builder and segmentation options allow businesses to create targeted campaigns that drive engagement and conversions.

3. Online Course Creators: ConvertKit is ideal for online course creators who need to automate their email marketing. The platform allows them to send timely and relevant content to subscribers, such as course updates, lesson reminders, and promotional offers.

4. Authors and Podcasters: Authors and podcasters can benefit from ConvertKit’s ability to manage and grow their audience. The platform’s minimalistic email editor ensures that messages are focused on content, making it easier to share updates, book releases, and new podcast episodes.

Constant Contact Use Cases and Suitability

1. Small to Medium-Sized Businesses: Constant Contact’s comprehensive feature set makes it a strong choice for small to medium-sized businesses that require more than just email marketing. Its tools for event management, social media integration, and e-commerce support make it a versatile option for various marketing needs.

2. Retail Businesses and E-commerce: Retail businesses and e-commerce stores can leverage Constant Contact’s advanced features to promote products, manage customer relationships, and drive sales. The platform’s e-commerce tools, such as product recommendations and online store integration, help businesses maximize their marketing efforts.

3. Non-Profit Organizations: Non-profits can benefit from Constant Contact’s event management and online donation features. These tools enable organizations to manage events, raise funds, and communicate with donors effectively.

4. Event Planners: Event planners will find Constant Contact’s event marketing tools particularly useful. The platform allows users to create and manage event invitations, track RSVPs, and send follow-up emails, making event management seamless.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

Understanding customer reviews and feedback is essential when choosing an email marketing platform. ConvertKit and Constant Contact both have a range of reviews from various users, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. In this section, we’ll explore what customers are saying about each platform, focusing on the key points that matter most to users.

ConvertKit Customer Reviews and Feedback

Positive Feedback:

1. Ease of Use: Many users praise ConvertKit for its intuitive and user-friendly interface. Bloggers and content creators appreciate the simplicity and efficiency of the platform, making it easy to create and manage email campaigns without a steep learning curve.
2. Powerful Automation: ConvertKit’s visual automation builder receives high marks from customers. Users find it easy to set up complex workflows and automation sequences, which helps them save time and improve engagement with their audience.
3. Customer Support: ConvertKit’s customer support is frequently highlighted as responsive and helpful. Users appreciate the quick and effective assistance they receive when encountering issues or needing guidance.

Negative Feedback:

1. Limited Design Options: Some users feel that ConvertKit’s email editor lacks advanced design features. While the minimalistic approach is appreciated by many, those looking for highly customized and visually rich emails may find it limiting.
2. Cost: The pricing of ConvertKit, especially for larger subscriber lists, is mentioned as a concern by some users. While the platform offers robust features, the cost can be a significant factor for those with a tight budget.

Constant Contact Customer Reviews and Feedback

Positive Feedback:

1. Feature-Rich Platform: Customers often highlight the extensive range of features offered by Constant Contact. From email marketing to event management and e-commerce tools, users appreciate the versatility and comprehensive nature of the platform.
2. Template Library: The wide variety of customizable templates available in Constant Contact receives positive feedback. Users find it easy to create professional-looking emails using the pre-designed templates, which saves time and effort.
3. Support and Resources: Constant Contact’s customer support is highly rated for being accessible and helpful. The platform’s extensive knowledge base, tutorials, and webinars also receive praise for providing valuable guidance.

Negative Feedback:

1. Learning Curve: Despite the guided setup process, some users find Constant Contact’s wide range of features overwhelming initially. It may take time to explore and utilize all the tools effectively, especially for new users.
2. Pricing: Similar to ConvertKit, the cost of Constant Contact is mentioned as a drawback by some users. While the platform offers numerous features, the pricing can become steep, particularly for businesses with large contact lists.

FAQs

1. What is ConvertKit best for?

ConvertKit is best for bloggers, content creators, small businesses, online course creators, authors, and podcasters. Its user-friendly interface, powerful automation features, and high deliverability rates make it ideal for those who prioritize simplicity and effective email marketing.

2. What are the key features of ConvertKit?

ConvertKit offers several key features, including:

• Intuitive interface
• Visual automation builder
• Advanced segmentation and tagging
• Minimalistic email editor
• High deliverability rates
• Comprehensive knowledge base and customer support

3. Who should use Constant Contact?

Constant Contact is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses, retail businesses, non-profit organizations, and event planners. Its extensive range of features, including email marketing, event management, and e-commerce tools, makes it a versatile choice for various marketing needs.

4. What are the main features of Constant Contact?

Constant Contact provides a variety of features, such as:

• Drag-and-drop email editor
• Extensive template library
• Social media integration
• Event management tools
• E-commerce support
• Comprehensive support and resources

5. How does the pricing of ConvertKit and Constant Contact compare?

ConvertKit and Constant Contact have different pricing structures. ConvertKit offers a free plan for up to 1,000 subscribers and scales its pricing based on the number of subscribers, with additional features available in higher-tier plans. Constant Contact’s pricing starts at $12 per month for up to 500 contacts, with costs increasing for additional contacts and advanced features.

6. Which platform has better customer support?

Both ConvertKit and Constant Contact are known for their strong customer support. ConvertKit’s support is praised for its responsiveness and helpfulness, while Constant Contact offers multiple support options, including phone, email, and chat, along with a wealth of resources and tutorials.

7. Can I use ConvertKit and Constant Contact for e-commerce?

Yes, both platforms support e-commerce activities. ConvertKit allows you to manage and grow your subscriber list, which can be used for promoting products and services. Constant Contact offers advanced e-commerce tools, including product recommendations and online store integration, making it a strong choice for retail businesses.

8. Which platform is better for automation?

ConvertKit is particularly strong in automation, offering a visual automation builder that allows users to create complex workflows with ease. Constant Contact also provides automation features, but they are more basic compared to ConvertKit’s advanced capabilities.

9. Are there any free trials available?

Yes, both ConvertKit and Constant Contact offer free trials. ConvertKit provides a free plan for up to 1,000 subscribers, while Constant Contact offers a 60-day free trial for new users to explore its features.

10. How do I choose between ConvertKit and Constant Contact?

Choosing between ConvertKit and Constant Contact depends on your specific needs, budget, and technical skills. If you are a blogger, content creator, or small business looking for simplicity and powerful automation, ConvertKit is an excellent choice. If you need a comprehensive set of features, including event management and e-commerce tools, Constant Contact may be more suitable for your needs.

Conclusion

Choosing the right email marketing platform is crucial for the success of your marketing efforts. Both ConvertKit and Constant Contact offer robust features and cater to different user needs. By understanding their strengths and weaknesses, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your goals.

ConvertKit

stands out for its simplicity and powerful automation capabilities. It’s an excellent choice for bloggers, content creators, and small businesses that prioritize ease of use and personalized communication. With its intuitive interface, visual automation builder, and high deliverability rates, ConvertKit helps users create effective email campaigns without a steep learning curve. However, its limited design options and higher costs for larger lists may be a drawback for some.

Constant Contact

offers a comprehensive set of features that cater to small to medium-sized businesses, retail, non-profits, and event planners. Its drag-and-drop email editor, extensive template library, and robust support resources make it a versatile option for users with diverse marketing needs. The platform’s advanced features and guided setup process provide valuable tools for managing email marketing, social media, and events. On the downside, its pricing can become steep, and the wide range of features may require a longer learning curve.

Final Recommendation

• For bloggers, content creators, and small businesses: ConvertKit is an ideal choice with its ease of use and powerful automation features.
• For small to medium-sized businesses, retail businesses, non-profits, and event planners: Constant Contact is a strong contender with its comprehensive feature set and versatile tools.

By considering your specific needs, budget, and technical skills, you can choose the platform that best supports your email marketing goals. Both ConvertKit and Constant Contact have proven to be reliable and effective tools, ensuring that your marketing campaigns achieve the desired impact.

This balanced overview of ConvertKit and Constant Contact aims to provide clarity and help you select the best email marketing platform for your unique requirements.