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Cision Communications Cloud vs. Critical Mention vs. LocaliQ

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    Overview
    ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price

    Cision Communications Cloud

    Score8 out of 10
    N/ACIsion Communications Cloud is used for identifying key media and influencers, connecting with audiences, monitoring traditional and social media, and analyzing outcomes.N/A

    Critical Mention

    Score8 out of 10
    N/ACritical Mention headquartered in New York offers their eponymous media monitoring platform for public relations and crisis management.N/A

    LocaliQ

    Score8.6 out of 10
    N/ALocaliQ is a marketing platform that helps businesses attract and retain ideal customers with a suite of AI lead management and digital agents, marketing automation, omnichannel campaign management, advanced reporting, and expert-led services.N/A
    Pricing
    Cision Communications CloudCritical MentionLocaliQ
    Editions & Modules
    No answers on this topic
    No answers on this topic
    No answers on this topic
    Offerings
    Pricing Offerings
    Cision Communications CloudCritical MentionLocaliQ
    Free Trial
    NoNoYes
    Free/Freemium Version
    NoNoYes
    Premium Consulting/Integration Services
    NoNoYes
    Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeOptionalOptional
    Additional DetailsLocaliQ offers both self-serve and premium solutions. LocaliQ’s free, self-serve experience provides access to Free Website Grader, Free Inbound Call Recorder, Chatbot (free and $9.99/month options available), Scheduling Technology (free and $9.99/month options available), and Listings solutions ($9.99/month and $14.99/month options available). For LocaliQ's premium solutions, users are partnered with a LocaliQ expert to create the best marketing plan for their businesses that utilizes a full suite of marketing products.
    More Pricing Information
    Community Pulse
    Cision Communications CloudCritical MentionLocaliQ
    Considered Multiple Products
    Cision
    Chose Cision Communications Cloud
    Critical Mention is good at organizing coverage, but it is more difficult to add our own coverage that was not grabbed by the algorithm. In Cision Communications Cloud (TrendKite)*, it is as easy as dropping a link and the platform grabs all relevant metrics, but on Critical …
    Incentivized
    Chose Cision Communications Cloud
    We looked into 10 different options and narrowed down based on price and fit. Critical Mention, Meltwater, and Cision (TrendKite)* were our final 3 options. Critical Mention was out after that because their price was identical to Meltwater and Cision, but we did not get a …
    Incentivized
    Chose Cision Communications Cloud
    Cision Communications Cloud* is more intuitive than Critical Mention. I think Zignal and Cision were fairly similar...
    Incentivized
    Chose Cision Communications Cloud
    Cision has a stronger, more widely reached database and is great for enterprise teams, not just smaller PR teams. We prefer it over the other platforms.
    Incentivized
    Chose Cision Communications Cloud
    Cision Communications Cloud combines all three of these but it is hard to just search broadcast or just search online, or just print. I always receive errors and it just constantly tries to refresh itself. Think the platform has a lot of data and a lot going on but it should be …
    Incentivized
    Chose Cision Communications Cloud
    These other vendors are honestly terrible, based on my interactions with the platforms from 2014-2016, when we were in more of a "test" phase and hopping around from vendor to vendor. In almost all cases:

    • their media monitoring is not accurate
    Incentivized
    Chose Cision Communications Cloud
    Cision's media database has the best interface and most accurate information. While we don't use its media monitoring platform, we will continue to rely on the media database for years to come until another tool rises to the occasion. Big shoes to fill for sure!
    Incentivized
    Chose Cision Communications Cloud
    Each of the above platforms had strengths and weaknesses in their own right, but each one had one or more critical components that others did not (including good customer service). Cision Communications Cloud seems to have more of what I need in terms of measuring various …
    Incentivized
    Chose Cision Communications Cloud
    Most of the tools we evaluated came with some kind of built-in dashboards, but none were are interactive or visually appealing as Cision's. Many of the tools offer what Cision does, but Cision just has a much easier user interface and drastically reduces the amount of steps it …
    Incentivized
    Critical Mention
    Chose Critical Mention
    Both Cision and Meltwater are over price and undervalued in our opinion. They both cost more and provide less. If Critical Mention makes a few changes to their software and expands its online offer and social media tracking both of these software companies would be obsolete. …
    Incentivized
    Chose Critical Mention
    I've used TV Eyes as well, a similar product.
    Incentivized
    Chose Critical Mention
    I honestly do not know of any other alternatives to Critical Mention that I have personally used in a professional capacity. The only one that I am aware of is TYeye and from what I have heard about the platform from colleagues is that Critical Mention is a much better and …
    Incentivized
    Chose Critical Mention
    I've used TVEyes in the past. I like it because it's easier to point out national media hits with their search options. You can also search for key words in a given time period.
    Incentivized
    Chose Critical Mention
    I did not select Critical Mention, it was what was made available to me by my employer. Although I like Critical Mention, I prefer Cision because I'm more familiar with it.
    Incentivized
    Gannett
    No answer on this topic
    Key User Insights
    Would buy again
    92%
    Would buy again
    45 Answers
    71%
    Would buy again
    5 Answers
    88%
    Would buy again
    37 Answers
    Delivers good value for the price
    86%
    Delivers good value for the price
    32 Answers
    57%
    Delivers good value for the price
    4 Answers
    95%
    Delivers good value for the price
    35 Answers
    Happy with the feature set
    90%
    Happy with the feature set
    44 Answers
    71%
    Happy with the feature set
    5 Answers
    90%
    Happy with the feature set
    38 Answers
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    93%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    37 Answers
    86%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    6 Answers
    84%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    31 Answers
    Implementation went as expected
    97%
    Implementation went as expected
    36 Answers
    83%
    Implementation went as expected
    5 Answers
    94%
    Implementation went as expected
    34 Answers
    Features
    Cision Communications CloudCritical MentionLocaliQ
    Email & Online Marketing
    Comparison of Email & Online Marketing features of Cision Communications Cloud and Critical Mention and LocaliQ
    Feature
    Cision Communications Cloud
    -
    Ratings
    Critical Mention
    -
    Ratings
    LocaliQ
    7.6
    11 Ratings
    3% above category average
    WYSIWYG email editor00 Ratings00 Ratings7.34 Ratings
    Dynamic content00 Ratings00 Ratings6.69 Ratings
    Ability to test dynamic content00 Ratings00 Ratings8.02 Ratings
    Landing pages00 Ratings00 Ratings6.78 Ratings
    A/B testing00 Ratings00 Ratings8.06 Ratings
    Mobile optimization00 Ratings00 Ratings7.311 Ratings
    Email deliverability reporting00 Ratings00 Ratings9.06 Ratings
    List management00 Ratings00 Ratings7.17 Ratings
    Triggered drip sequences00 Ratings00 Ratings8.63 Ratings
    Lead Management
    Comparison of Lead Management features of Cision Communications Cloud and Critical Mention and LocaliQ
    Feature
    Cision Communications Cloud
    -
    Ratings
    Critical Mention
    -
    Ratings
    LocaliQ
    7.2
    42 Ratings
    7% above category average
    Lead nurturing automation00 Ratings00 Ratings7.434 Ratings
    Lead scoring and grading00 Ratings00 Ratings6.79 Ratings
    Data quality management00 Ratings00 Ratings7.438 Ratings
    Automated sales alerts and tasks00 Ratings00 Ratings7.224 Ratings
    Campaign Management
    Comparison of Campaign Management features of Cision Communications Cloud and Critical Mention and LocaliQ
    Feature
    Cision Communications Cloud
    -
    Ratings
    Critical Mention
    -
    Ratings
    LocaliQ
    7.8
    3 Ratings
    4% above category average
    Calendaring00 Ratings00 Ratings9.52 Ratings
    Event/webinar marketing00 Ratings00 Ratings6.02 Ratings
    Social Media Marketing
    Comparison of Social Media Marketing features of Cision Communications Cloud and Critical Mention and LocaliQ
    Feature
    Cision Communications Cloud
    -
    Ratings
    Critical Mention
    -
    Ratings
    LocaliQ
    7.8
    10 Ratings
    12% above category average
    Social sharing and campaigns00 Ratings00 Ratings8.19 Ratings
    Social profile integration00 Ratings00 Ratings7.69 Ratings
    Reporting & Analytics
    Comparison of Reporting & Analytics features of Cision Communications Cloud and Critical Mention and LocaliQ
    Feature
    Cision Communications Cloud
    -
    Ratings
    Critical Mention
    -
    Ratings
    LocaliQ
    7.3
    46 Ratings
    5% above category average
    Dashboards00 Ratings00 Ratings7.244 Ratings
    Standard reports00 Ratings00 Ratings7.345 Ratings
    Custom reports00 Ratings00 Ratings7.335 Ratings
    Platform & Infrastructure
    Comparison of Platform & Infrastructure features of Cision Communications Cloud and Critical Mention and LocaliQ
    Feature
    Cision Communications Cloud
    -
    Ratings
    Critical Mention
    -
    Ratings
    LocaliQ
    9.0
    6 Ratings
    53% above category average
    Customizability00 Ratings00 Ratings9.06 Ratings
    Best Alternatives
    Cision Communications CloudCritical MentionLocaliQ
    Small Businesses
    Help a Reporter Out (HARO)
    Score5 out of 10
    Help a Reporter Out (HARO)
    Score5 out of 10
    HighLevel
    Score9.3 out of 10
    Medium-sized Companies
    Critical Mention
    Score8 out of 10
    Cision Communications Cloud
    Score8 out of 10
    OutboundEngine
    Score10 out of 10
    Enterprises
    Meltwater
    Score7.6 out of 10
    Meltwater
    Score7.6 out of 10
    No answers on this topic
    All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
    User Ratings
    Cision Communications CloudCritical MentionLocaliQ
    Likelihood to Recommend
    8.0
    (280 ratings)
    1.6
    (21 ratings)
    8.4
    (51 ratings)
    Likelihood to Renew
    7.0
    (17 ratings)
    10.0
    (7 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Usability
    8.0
    (54 ratings)
    9.0
    (2 ratings)
    7.9
    (38 ratings)
    Availability
    9.1
    (2 ratings)
    8.0
    (1 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Performance
    9.1
    (2 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Support Rating
    9.0
    (192 ratings)
    10.0
    (1 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Online Training
    8.0
    (3 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Implementation Rating
    10.0
    (3 ratings)
    10.0
    (1 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Product Scalability
    7.3
    (1 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    7.8
    (37 ratings)
    Vendor post-sale
    9.1
    (1 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Vendor pre-sale
    9.1
    (1 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    User Testimonials
    Cision Communications CloudCritical MentionLocaliQ
    Likelihood to Recommend
    Cision
    For a small start-up, the cost-benefit to add lift to press releases [and] particular milestone accomplishments is definitely there with the Cision [Communications] Cloud. Much of what we do, by necessity, is done internally without the benefit of outsourced press folks, so the Cision [Communications] Cloud ease of use and reporting is very important.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Critical Mention
    Critical Mention is great for schools/businesses/etc. that want to know when they are in the news. Sometimes a brand's reputation can suffer greatly if you are not aware of an issue that was posted by a competitor or media outlet If you are not in the news a lot, there is no need for this product.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Gannett
    LocaliQ is well-suited, in our experience, for B2B marketing and, specifically, hyper-targeted and personalized marketing efforts. The geofencing capability is excellent at helping us deliver messages literally to the doorsteps of our target prospects. The proprietary software they use for this targeting is worth the money, and their reps, specifically Nikki Rowell and Sarah Pena, are fantastic and delightful people to work with. The only scenario that was slightly underwhelming was LinkedIn. Their tools don't deliver any additional value to LinkedIn ad campaigns, so it's not worth paying LocaliQ to run these campaigns; we can run them ourselves, which doesn't require much effort. That is just a small downside. We are extremely pleased with LocaliQ and their whole team.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Pros
    Cision
    • Their upgraded press release templates and ability [to] pull in an entire, completed release makes the [process] faster and easier, and allows for more graphics, such as company mastheads, [are done well].
    • The media tracking offers the ability to find relevant placements across the entire country.
    • The journalist database streamlines the process of finding relevant reporters to directly connect [to] on news releases that are relevant to their beats.
    • The process of setting up, creating, and distributing a release is seamless, easy to use, and not labor-intensive.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Critical Mention
    • Critical Mention's customer service is excellent. Any time we've had a challenge finding a clip or anything, they are on top of it and go above and beyond to make sure we have what we are looking for quickly.
    • The ability to create tailored clips of each mention and quickly share them is unparalleled.
    • The reporting feature is fantastic. It makes it very simple to pull detailed reports and share them with interested parties.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Gannett
    • ThriveHive is a smaller marketing team dedicated to helping small to medium sized businesses perfect their marketing messages. ThriveHive is particularity good at understanding how Google, and other search engines work, and have been instrumental in helping my company to grow and evolve.
    • With ThriveHive, you get a dedicated coach who is matched to your type of business. This experience with similar businesses gives your coach a better understanding of your business and the challenges your company faces.
    • My coach is very good at responding to my needs within 1 to 2 business days. Email contacts are fluent and as often as I need, to discuss ideas or questions. I can only speak of my relationship with my coach, and I am very pleased.
    • I feel that ThriveHive makes every effort to take excellent care of their clients, and makes you feel like you are their most important customer. I definitely believe that this is one of ThriveHives' greatest assets.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cons
    Cision
    • In the media influencer database, the classic Cision allowed us to do a zip code radius search to really drill down to the neighborhood level. That's because we do localized media advisories and press releases for events at neighborhood schools. One part of a big city like Chicago really doesn't care what's happening in another part of Chicago that's too far away. The zip code radius search was a feature in the classic Cision but not with the current Cision Communications Cloud. We've asked for this to be restored several times, but nothing's happened. In fact, we were told to use DMA — which actually goes wider in a search (bigger than a city), not more narrow as needed. This reflects a basic misunderstanding of what we need.
    • Another missing feature involves a merge field when sending out an email press release through Cision. This is the "select insert field" button in the upper right that's used to personalize a release with the media contact's name and other information. This is key for localization of the release. Many media outlets won't run a release unless it's local. While "county" is a feature in the influencer database when putting together a media list in Cision, "county" is not available to insert into a press release as a merge field. Counties are important because this is how many newspapers and health departments are organized and identify themselves. I've asked for this to be implemented, to no avail. As a workaround, we've had to use "contact city" or "outlet city."
    • After refining a media list in Cision using filters, I've had to download the list and take it offline to see the big picture, screen for duplicates, etc. While there is a button on the bottom left intended to help with this, it doesn't do the trick. That's because there may be multiple contacts with the same email address. In addition, one media contact may represent numerous media outlets, so this same contact could show up several times. It would be nice to have a better way to see the whole list online and eliminate both duplicates as well as those who previously opted out.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Critical Mention
    • I believe the one frustration I have with searching in general that if the closed captioning is not correct on the broadcast end Critical Mention will miss that data. Which is not a Critical Mention issue and does overcome depending on the search. Also, it would be great if you wanted to capture a complete 30 minutes newscast, it could be done by using the search. The clips need to be about to handle 30-minute programs.
    • One nagging issue when using Critical Mention is that it does not save e-mail addresses when sending a report and this requires a waste of time having to type in e-mails that should be able to be pulled from the customers' contacts.
    • Also, it would be great if you wanted to capture a complete 30 minutes newscast, it could be done by using the search. The clips need to be able to handle 30-minute programs.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Gannett
    • LocaliQ could improve how it tracks and reports on customer journeys across those channels to provide a clearer view of ROI.
    • The pricing structure is not fully transparent, making it hard to understand the true costs associated with campaigns. Breaking down the fees associated with LocaliQ would make budgeting easier.
    • LocaliQ is able to provide basic ad creative, but there tends to be a disconnect between our brand voice and what is expected with creative. It would be nice to be able to get all design work within LocaliQ rather than have to use and outside designer all the time.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Likelihood to Renew
    Cision
    While I am happy with the product performance overall, TrendKite's recent merger with Cision is cause for concern. When we first signed on with TrendKite, I spoke with several users and the best response I received was that the company was a startup and we could expect there to be hiccups along the way as the company grew and the platform got more robust. That has certainly been the case. However, now that they have merged with Cision — a company that has grown too fast, has not focused on improving its product and has poor customer service — I have concerns that TrendKite will lose some of the qualities that have made it a great company and great product to work with.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Critical Mention
    I gave this a 5 only because I do not make the decisions to renew. When I used this at my previous company, I also recommended to the decision maker to renew this tool as it was a crucial piece to the overall client objective
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Gannett
    No answers on this topic
    Usability
    Cision
    The flexibility and customization of Cision Communications Cloud (TrendKite)* is among its most important features. Changing the dashboards, using keywords in the saved searches to pull out the best stories and the integration with marketing automation tools gives me confidence that I will able to continue using this tool well into the future. The future implementation and integration of the media contact database will complete the suite, making list management and email marketing programs much smoother. *This review was written before Cision acquired TrendKite. TrendKite is now part of Cision Communications Cloud.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Critical Mention
    It's great for quickly looking up a specific clip, but this platform makes it difficult to select and accurately report on a high volume of clips
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Gannett
    Overall usability pretty good. If we would have gotten better return on our advertising dollar I would have continued with them - their dashboard was very easy to use and the recaps they provided were helpful. They try to put data in bite-sized pieces for the client that are understandable (unlike google's reporting page itself which can be a bit difficult to understand at times). Their team was friendly, semi-responsive, and provided explanations when requested
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Reliability and Availability
    Cision
    Easily accessible 24/7.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Critical Mention
    No answers on this topic
    Gannett
    No answers on this topic
    Performance
    Cision
    Generally, Cision performs well day to day, but it's got some annoying bugs that slow down usage/require user workarounds which is inefficient. More seriously, a few months ago, as a result of a major system upgrade, certain critical functionality was not working and I was unable to use the service for more than a day when I had time-sensitive work to execute
    Read full review
    Critical Mention
    No answers on this topic
    Gannett
    No answers on this topic
    Support Rating
    Cision
    For Cision TrendKite in particilar, support always responded, but it was sometimes slow. For some of our booleans and search queries, we would need help refining and excluding terms/phrases that weren't relevant to our client or campaign. This sometimes took 1-2 days just to get a response back, which sometimes was too late when a last-minute report was due. This was only with the support staff, not necessarily our customer success manager or sales rep.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Critical Mention
    Look, Critical Mention follows up on an or phone call immediately or in the AM the following business day. I have called them after hours and get a live person to work through any issues that may have come up. Support seems to be job one with Critical Mention.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Gannett
    No answers on this topic
    Online Training
    Cision
    The online training sessions available for the Cision Communications Cloud are helpful and informative. There's more than one option - initially, I signed up for the live webinar classes on basic functions and that is what I recommend other new users do as well. If I have specific questions or something I want to learn more about, I can search the online database and find article or online training videos to get the information I need.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Critical Mention
    No answers on this topic
    Gannett
    No answers on this topic
    Implementation Rating
    Cision
    There is no implementation at the customer's end so this doesn't really apply to my instance of Cision (possibly to all instances of it).
    Read full review
    Critical Mention
    Critical Mention implementation was easy and fast. Their support and training were awesome.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Gannett
    No answers on this topic
    Alternatives Considered
    Cision
    It's a similar product. I think Meltwater sells itself as being a bit more niche, but I have not found many significant differences between Meltwater and Cision. Meltwater's sales process is a very high pressure and their prices are inflated.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Critical Mention
    Burrelles is confusing and outdated. Critical Mention works on the side of the account team and understands our needs better. I was able to share hundreds of outlets that I wanted to be included in my online search and Critical Mention added all of them in less than a day I was seeing better results in my searches. The possibilities with Burrelles seem limited while Critical Mention's online monitoring service really lets me craft reports the way I want to
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Gannett
    LocaliQ is more economical that marketing agencies we've used in the past. Our dollar goes farther. We've also used services from phonebook providers that were getting into the online advertising field. At the time, it was just being introduced so the reps knowledge on the topic was quiet limited.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Scalability
    Cision
    Easy to use, but still room for improvement.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Critical Mention
    No answers on this topic
    Gannett
    As mentioned prior, their ability to utilize and maximize our resources so that we receive the best results on all avenues of marketing and advertising. We see better lead generation, brand recognition and top of mind awareness due to LocaliQ efforts
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Return on Investment
    Cision
    • Cision has a net positive impact on time savings for staff so we can be quicker to market
    • Cision has a positive impact on internal savings as it is used internally across multiple accounts and with the internal PR team
    • Cision is extremely useful when it comes to resourcing and conducting outreach in those DMA's where our agency doesn't have a physical presence
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Critical Mention
    • Every week the department I am a part does dozens of searches on Critical Mention. We use it as our primary search engine for all things broadcast.
    • One negative aspect is that we do not know where Critical Mention gets their audience viewing numbers from so we just have to take it as their word.
    • Another negative aspect is that we are limited on the amount of time that one clip can be so we have to share several clips of the same show with our clients.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Gannett
    • It's hard to quantify but I know I've had at least 5 to 10 new clients in the last 6 months come from efforts related to my website
    • Not having to work on my website myself also helped free up my time, I don't need to worry!
    • Customer service is good, the team doesn't wait till there is a problem, they schedule check ins regularly
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    ScreenShots

    Cision Communications Cloud Screenshots

    Screenshot of Media Monitoring and Analytics are just part of the complete Comms Cloud. It combines deep data dive with a database of journalists and influencers, and a media relationship management tool.Screenshot of Track brand mentions in real time across the millions of online stories on the internet. Monitor millions of stories and breaking news happening daily across the web. Professional services consultants teams are in place to ensure best practices while setting up a monitoring account.Screenshot of Cision’s media and influencer relationship management tools include audience insights, combined with a pitchable database that enables brands to uncover the best media contacts and social influencers to reach their target audience.Screenshot of Identify the social conversations and influencers that are impacting a brand. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube monitoring capabilities track brand mentions across all major social channels. Analyze results for social mentions or campaigns on the fly with its reporting features.

    LocaliQ Screenshots

    Screenshot of the Dash lead management dashboard and engagement centerScreenshot of the Marketing Dashboard, which provides access to reports 24/7, or can be used to listen to phone calls and recordings, and manage a lead inbox. LocaliQ customers receive access to the Marketing Dashboard with the purchase of any other products at no additional cost. Upgrades available for automated lead nurture solutions.Screenshot of LocaliQ’s search ad technology includes expertise from account setup and keyword creation to data analysis and reporting across multiple search engines.Screenshot of Social ads, based on a business's unique goals and budget.Screenshot of LocaliQ listings solutions to get a business accurately listed, with lower cost or premium options.Screenshot of the AI-powered Dash SMS Agent that qualifies leads and convert customers. AI responses are generated using website content to provide a customer experience as good or better than a human interaction.