Better than most alternatives...
June 16, 2020

Better than most alternatives...

Lianna Patch | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Software Version

Small Business

Overall Satisfaction with ActiveCampaign

I've used ActiveCampaign for one of my two copywriting businesses since 2016, and recently migrated my other business to ActiveCampaign from ConvertKit. As a marketing consultant and copywriter for SaaS and ecommerce businesses, I look for email service platforms that integrate well with store software and other tools. I preferred AC's old interface (I think it changed about a year and a half ago?), which I thought was more intuitive, but regardless, it still offers a MUCH better user experience and much more flexibility of use than ConvertKit.
  • WYSIWIG automations - Easy to map out branching flow logic and If/Then branches.
  • Integrations - Can use API or built-ins to connect with other tools.
  • Preview screen before sending - Nice to have a concise review before hitting Send.
  • Email editor - Can't insert images in-line in a text block, which is absolutely maddening.
  • Email editor's image tool itself is limited, and navigation is not intuitive (mostly hovering over graphic buttons and guessing what they might do).
  • It's not always clear when to use segments vs. groups vs. tags.
  • They insist on branding forms even on paid plans, which they didn't do in the past — If I'm paying $49+/month for a tool, I should be able to turn off the ActiveCampaign branding (I asked and was told I'd need to upgrade to the *next* level. Not cool).
  • A simple 1-email automation, sent monthly, keeps clients checking in with me and requesting new projects.
I generally recommend AC to most people looking for an email platform, especially those whose email automation and segmentation needs will grow (e.g. stores, software founders, thought leaders with small teams). Alternatively, for those with lower budgets who need a slightly friendlier UI, I recommend MailChimp. For larger ecommerce stores, I recommend going straight to Klaviyo.

ActiveCampaign Feature Ratings

WYSIWYG email editor
6
Dynamic content
Not Rated
Ability to test dynamic content
Not Rated
Landing pages
5
A/B testing
5
Mobile optimization
9
Email deliverability reporting
9
List management
8
Triggered drip sequences
10
Lead nurturing automation
Not Rated
Lead scoring and grading
Not Rated
Data quality management
Not Rated
Automated sales alerts and tasks
Not Rated
Calendaring
Not Rated
Event/webinar marketing
Not Rated
Social sharing and campaigns
Not Rated
Social profile integration
Not Rated
Dashboards
Not Rated
Standard reports
Not Rated
Custom reports
Not Rated
API
8
Role-based workflow & approvals
Not Rated
Customizability
Not Rated
Integration with Salesforce.com
Not Rated
Integration with Microsoft Dynamics CRM
Not Rated
Integration with SugarCRM
Not Rated