Shape Software vs. vCita

Shape Software is well suited when using "mainstream" ad platforms that have robust integrations. It also works well when budgets are set less frequently and are allowed to run unchanged for a set period of time. Shape Software gets less accurate when frequent budget changes need to be made and when using ad platforms with little to no support built into Shape Software.

It makes client communication extremely easy - we can message and schedule online appointments. Clients really like those options. We also like the online payment portal. That way clients can pay at their convenience, and we don't end up with credit card information that requires PCI compliance. It also helps with payments. It would also help with invoicing, but unfortunately, there are only 3 linked payment options (Square, Stripe, and PayPal). If you don't use one of those payment processors, you cannot link to billing.

Incentivized

• Platform integrations
• Pacing accuracy
• Automated notifications

• Great for online appointment bookings.
• Good for taking payments.
• Good for onboarding new clients.
• Integrates with your website.
• Integrates with Facebook Pages.

Incentivized

• Automated budget pacing could be more sophisticated - it tends to conflict with platform best-practices in my opinion.
• Integration with LinkedIn leads would give more accurate picture of conversion volume I believe.
• More customizable alerts

• Payment collection: We want to have an option to allow clients to choose the amount they wish to pay.
• Improved ease of use with forms.

Incentivized

Shape Software is very easy to set up and use. The core functions and features require little explanation. The options and settings are easy to find and the capabilities of the platform are apparent to the user after just a few minutes of use.

Overall - easy to use. There are some missing features (like fillable pdf forms), and it also requires using certain credit card processors to link billing (otherwise it doesn't work).

Incentivized

I never had the need or opportunity to work with support.

I do miss the days when I could easily call up a rep and talk to them about any issues I had with the service. But I still do hear back from the customer service rep during the week within 24 hours.

Incentivized

Shape Software is very user-friendly and easy to set up. The controls and settings are very straightforward and the core functions (onboarding new accounts, creating new budgets, managing budgets, etc) are easily understood. The customizable alerts and budget intervals provide modularity for different situations and provide significant peace-of-mind. The automations are less impressive in that they generally conflict with ad platform automation in my opinion. Automated bidding and budgeting is hindered by third-party automations like Shape Software and the performance Shape Software features provide doesn't justify forgoing that technology in the ad platforms in my opinion.

I liked vCita a lot more for my home services company mainly because it handled scheduling through the software which was terrific.

Incentivized

• Reliable protection against overspend
• Precise budget control
• Cross-platform visibility

• I have no clue
• I'm assuming that we would not have people making appointments with us if we didn't have this service

Incentivized