ConvertKit has been widely popular to bloggers and online entrepreneurs. If you are curious on how it actually works, why it’s worth your money and if it can really help grow your email list this comparison post is for you.
Upside of MailChimp
We started with MailChimp because it’s free and cater up to 2,000 subscribers. I thought it was great because there are fancy email templates that you can drag and drop and play around, you can schedule your email campaigns and you can even track them with the mobile app.
Downside of MailChimp
I send a newsletter once a week to our 400 subscribers and I had a pitiful open rate of about 11% and a click rate of 1.3% and it took me almost half day to send an email. Here are other things I didn’t like:
Creating an email campaign is time consuming
There are a bunch ‘duplicate’ subscribers
The segmentation didn’t work at all
The newsletter usually landed on ‘Spam’ folder (ouch!)
Low open rates and click rates (seems no one is reading our newsletter!)
I didn’t receive any feedback/ replies from subscribers
And it’s frustrating to the point that I stopped writing newsletters at all. And so I search around for a good alternative.
Why ConvertKit?
I didn’t know anything about ConvertKit until I saw a post in a Facebook Group where a another blogger shared her amazing results using it.
I check them out and saw a free webinar so I took at opportunity to learn more about them if it’s really that great or just another hype.
After the webinar, they gave 30 day trial and so I grab it and tried for myself. I am impressed on how amazing the features are.
Upside of ConvertKit
ConvertKit is “subscriber-centric provider” they don’t count a subscriber more than once so “no duplicates!” You pay for the real and actual people on your list and not the number of email address. Here are other good things about using ConvertKit.
ConvertKit Automation allows you to use the “if this then that logic” which means you can track subscriber behavior.
You can create unlimited forms and easily integrate them with your blog posts, side bar or even use it as landing page.
There are about 30 great tools you can integrate with ConvertKit, such as: WooCommerce, GumRoad, Teachable etc.
You can segment your subscribers depending on their interest. This is especially helpful if you have several topics in your blog.
You can create a Sequence which is perfect for offering E-mail Courses like this one.
Increase Open Rates and Click Rates (while increasing your subscribers count).
Create a more personalized “humanly” emails that your readers will thank you for.
I love that they have a knowledge base which is so helpful when you get confused or overwhelmed with all the features.
The first time I send out an email using ConvertKit, which that time I have 400+ subscribers all of them came from my old MailChimp list and as expected, a big percentage of the people unsubscribed.
Clearly, it’s not ConvertKit’s fault because I’ve been inconsistent (only one email within several months) and maybe some of those people already forgot that they subscribed to my blog in the first place.
ConvertKit Pricing
The price will vary depending on your list size. For someone starting out, it’s a little bit expensive but with a 30 Day Money Back Guarantee there’s nothing to lose. Honestly, it took me a while to convince myself to invest but looking back now, I’m happy I did the right thing!
Here’s a quick look on the price range.
- 0-1,000 subscribers, you will pay $29/month
- 1,000 – 3,000 subscribers, you will pay $49/month
- 3,000 – 5,000 subscribers, you will pay $79/month
If you have bigger list, you will get a custom price.
Is ConvertKit effective?
After 4 months of using ConvertKit and released my FREE e-course titled “Cheer Up” I got over 5,000 people in my list after three months, 89% average open rates, 73% average click rates and the best part? I knew that people read my emails and I was able to build friendships around it.
I just want to made this clear that ConvertKit is an amazing tool but it is not enough to grow your email list.
If you’re just starting out with ConvertKit, I highly suggest you download the sample workflow that I created below. That will help you get rid of confusion and from there, make adjustments based on how your readers interact with your blog.
My Veteran Woman Life
I’m currently using Mailerlite but considering switching over to Convertkit
Kristi
I’m using MailChimp right now. I’m debating whether or not to move to a paid subscription. It’s good to know with Convertkit there is a lot of added benefit.
Janica Khemlani
Hello Kristi! Thank you so much for reading. Honestly,I invested in ConvertKit when I’m making $0 to this blog and I was so hesitant because of the cost but after 3 months…it all paid off! I totally regret the fact that I didn’t switch earlier. If you have any more questions, feel free to keep in touch! ????
Danielle Fairhurst
Great post – I’ve done exactly the same. I started out using MailChimp and then switched to Convertkit and saw a huge jump in my subscribers. I love how much you can do with Convertkit
Dani x | http://www.flourishingfreelancer.com
Falak
I have been currently using Mailchimp and having so much trouble with it. Thanks for doing this comparison, I will have to check out ConvertKit now.
Kristin Longacre
I’ve been tossing around the idea of growing my list more and right now just have it on mailchimp. I LOVE This comparison thank you for sharing!
kiki
Thanks so much for sharing – there are so many options, plugins etc,.. out there is great to hear of someone else’s experience!
Janica Khemlani
Yes! Thank you so much I’m so happy you loved it. I’ll do another set of comparison post soon <3
Dannielle Alphonse
Thank you so much for this valuable information! I will definitely look into ConvertKit!
Dannielle
http://www.beyouandthrive.com
Janica Khemlani
Hey Dannielle, thank you so much it means a lot to me <3 Be sure to download the guide so you're starting off right and don't hesitate to ask me if you have any questions – I love to help!
Janine
Thanks for the tips! Not ready for this yet, but will bookmark for later on!
Janica Khemlani
No worries dear, you’ve got to decide for your blog. Just let me know if you need anything 🙂
Ashley Z
Oh my, this article was so helpful! Thank you so so much… I don’t have a mailing list right now but I’m definitely going to start one soon!
xx Ashley | mysouthernsweettooth.com
Janica Khemlani
Hey Ashley, happy you find these helpful! I am writing a tutorial as well and I’m so excited to share it with you when it’s out! 🙂
Ruth
I will definitely have to check that out. It does seem a little bit pricey, I am assuming you are doing well with your business though. Thank you for sharing that.
Janica Khemlani
Hello Ruth! I honestly started using it the time I didn’t make a single penny on my blog – phew! I made the investment and thank God it is paying off (big time!) If you need help with anything please let me know 🙂
Ruth
That is great. I may look into it more and may eventually use it myself. I’m saving for a diabetes event at the moment. We will see how it goes.
Crystal Coffee D
Perfect timing- Mail Chimp did not send out my blog today. 🙁 I really can’t afford to pay for anything else though. Any other suggestions?
Janica Khemlani
Hello Crystal! If you can’t afford to pay for ConvertKit I think you can try “MailerLite” though I didn’t personally tried it myself some blogger friends of mine used it before they switched to ConvertKit. Let me know how it goes 🙂
Namira Gemma
Great post. I’m set up with mailchimp by haven’t done anything with it yet and really should. I’ve been hearing a lot about convertkit.
Kimanis Ome
This is perfect timing as I am considering the switch to Convert Kit. Indeed Mailchimp is clunky to use. It’s really interesting to read that that open rates increase with Covert Kit. Good to know!! Thanks for the perspective.
Lettuceliv
Woah that’s pretty cool! I actually use mailer lite right now, I was using mail chimp but I really hated it. So this is a great option for me to look into!
Janica Khemlani
Hello Girl, haven’t tried MailerLite so I don’t have much to say about it. All I can say is I regret not using ConvertKit when I got started (it is really worth every penny) Let me know if you need help with anything:)
Krista Bauer
Yep! Great post, girl! Imma fan of CK too. I know I’m probably not using it to its fullest advantage either but I prefer it so much more than MC
Janica Khemlani
Hey Krista! What do you mean not using it to the fullest? Let me know if you need help on anything I’d be happy to write a guide if you need it 🙂
Krista Bauer
I just don’t know if I’m using tags properly! Also, I think I should be creating forms for every opt-in so I can track conversions but I haven’t been doing that either. Sometimes I don’t know where the form is getting sign ups from so it can get confusing.
Janica Khemlani
Yay that’s a great question! I remember I had the same problem when I got started. No worries, I’ll write a guide post (step-by-step) to help you out <3 I'll let you know when it's up and ready.
Angela Penton
Have been doing research on the best program for mailing list, many bloggers have mentioned convertkit. Will seriously look into it.
Janica Khemlani
Hello Angela! Sorry to get back to you late. Yes it’s great to start with the right one – if there’s anything I can help you with just let me know 🙂
Mama Fish Saves
This definitely gave me something to think about! I am still new with just over 50 subscribers, but I hate how my newsletter ends up in everyone’s junk or promotion folders. Such a waste of time. I will have to check out ConvertKit
Janica Khemlani
Yes dear. Don’t be like me who wasted 7 months trying to figure out MailChimp and emails go straight to spam folder :/ Let me know if you need any help in brainstorming 😉
Rachel Gadiel
ConvertKit is fantastic and a great tool to help build and grow your list but also get smart about your subscribers and being able to segment them into interests etc. I’m a huge fan of them!
Janica Khemlani
Hey girl! SO sorry to respond to you late. Happy to see another satisfied ConvertKit fan! 😀
Jade
I’ve definitely been thinking about switching to Convertkit, so this was very helpful.
Janica Khemlani
Thanks Jade! Happy you liked this post 🙂 Let me know if there’s anything I can help when you setup your account ‘z
Rose Clearfield
Given the price tag, I’m not sure I’m ready to take the plunge and sign up for ConvertKit yet. But I really appreciate your honest perspective on it and why you’ve stuck with ConvertKit over Mailchimp!
Janica Khemlani
Rose, sorry for a late response. Definitely don’t take the plunge if you don’t have a firm plan yet. Just take your time and let me know once you’re ready to try ConvertKit (maybe I can help you with something) 🙂
Rose Clearfield
I won’t be paying for a $29/month mail subscription program any time soon, but I appreciate you following up with me!
Janica Khemlani
Ofcourse! It’s up to you. I remember I had to think about this decision for 3 months before actually dive in. 🙂
Claire Brotherton
I’ve heard good things about ConvertKit – I know quite a few folk who are using it. It’s good to see what a difference it made for your email list size and open rates.
Janica Khemlani
Hello Claire! Sorry for the late response. Thank you for your sweet words happy you find this useful 🙂
Zoe Linda
Yes! I LOVE ConvertKit and rave about it to anyone that will listen! <3
Janica Khemlani
Hey Zoe! Sorry for the late response, it’s great that you are a fan of ConvertKit too! Yes! 🙂
Terryn Winfield
Congratulations on your list! I tried Convertkit for a bit and went back to MailLite. It is very comparable, but so much cheaper! Glad to see it is going well for you though!
Janica Khemlani
Hey Terryn! Love to see you here 🙂 I haven’t tried MailerLite but its great if its working for you!
Kirstie Ganobsik
Hi, thanks for this – I currently use aWeber, but I’m not sure it has the range of features that you mention in this article. I’ve signed up for their free webinar.
Janica Khemlani
Hi Kirstie, I’m glad you find this article helpful 🙂 After the Webinar let me know if you need anything – I’ll be more than happy to help you out 😉
Brittany Dyer
I have heard about this and always wondered what all the hype was about! Thank you for the help!
Janica Khemlani
Hey girl! Yep apparently the “hype” makes sense after all. LOL! Give it a try coz the 30 day money back guarantee is real deal (psst. I’ve tried it then come back with the annual plan) Let me know if you need help 🙂
Nicole Kauffman
I was just thinking about switching email providers this morning! This was so helpful!
Janica Khemlani
Nicole, just register to the FREE Webinar (above) to see if ConvertKit is right for you. I’ve received a lot of bonus stuff when I attended last time 😀 Feel free to reach out if you need anything! :*
Margo
I love reading what other bloggers use and like! 🙂
Janica Khemlani
Hello Margo! I’m constantly on the look out for new resources as well (esp. those that will grow my blog). Happy to know you liked the post 🙂
Summer @ Coffee With Summer
I love using Mailchimp for now, as I’m just now starting to dedicate time to building my email list! I have actually a huge open rate! Convertkit sounds awesome for if blogging ever does become a full-time salary for me!
Janica Khemlani
Hi Summer! Yep totally right to start with MailChimp when your testing the waters. I am not making a full time income (or huge bucks) out of blogging but I want to really get serious with email marketing and to see how this goes. Thanks for sharing your thoughts 🙂