As a small business owner, email marketing is a top priority. Choosing between platforms like Flodesk and Kit is a big decision.
It impacts your email open rates, list growth, and resource management. This post clarifies the Flodesk vs Kit debate, covering features, pricing, and support.
Contents
Flodesk vs Kit: Email Marketing Platforms Face-Off
Let’s compare these email marketing platforms.
Pricing: Flodesk’s Flat Rate vs Kit’s Scaled Pricing
Flodesk offers unlimited emails and subscribers for a flat rate, currently $19/month for the first year (with this discount code), then $38/month (or $35/month annually with this discount). This is initially appealing for those getting serious about email marketing. It removes the stress of rising costs as your subscriber count increases.
However, this unlimited approach might not be ideal with thousands of subscribers and more advanced features. Consider Kit’s Creator Pro Plan, a good option for small businesses with larger lists and high open rates, for access to a wider array of features.
Some business owners with larger lists prefer Kit (*formerly ConvertKit*) to stay on their discounted plans longer. There’s even an email sequence strategy using ConvertKit (shared in this video) for monetizing a small list with high-ticket offers.
Kit’s pricing starts free and increases with your list size, beginning at $9/month. This can become expensive past the 1,000 subscriber free tier. For large businesses with numerous subscribers, this cost is justifiable for access to advanced email marketing platform features.
Email Design: Pretty vs Practical
Flodesk’s visually appealing email templates provide layouts, design options, fonts, and flexibility. This focus on aesthetics can sometimes impact core functions like accessibility and inbox placement.
Convertkit simplifies email design, prioritizing deliverability results over visual complexity (as discussed here). This platform makes sure most emails land directly in the primary inbox and uses an intuitive drag and drop feature.
You can embed videos (YouTube, Vimeo, Wistia) along with inline forms, various form integrations, and advanced segmentation based on tags or form submissions.
Some find that fancy email design might actually reduce email effectiveness, emphasizing content quality.
Features: Beyond the Basics in Flodesk vs Kit
Both Flodesk and Kit facilitate sending basic marketing emails and setting up email welcome sequences. ConvertKit allows A/B testing for subject lines and content to improve open rates.
It provides advanced email automation based on link clicks and offers helpful email sequence templates. ConvertKit offers double opt-in by default (Flodesk requires manual setup), and both are GDPR compliant.
ConvertKit natively integrates with more online business software. This simplifies data sharing and setup compared to Flodesk’s third-party setups. It has more user-friendly options and web design integration support.
Support: A Helping Hand
Flodesk offers email support, while Kit (Convertkit) offers in-app chat. Both platforms offer free trials for exploring their tools.
Kit also allows free sign-ups for up to 1,000 subscribers. Flodesk provides helpful support content and fosters a small business owner community with in-person and online events.
Kit (formerly known as ConvertKit) connects you to a larger creator network, the Creator Network.
Integrations
Email marketing platforms are improving integrations. This expands features like advanced automation triggers and data gathering. Both platforms fully integrate with Zapier.
This commitment addresses past integration shortcomings, demonstrating responsiveness to user concerns.
Flodesk vs Kit: Which One Is Right for You?
The best platform depends on your priorities. Flodesk is suitable for sending visually appealing emails and newsletters where design matters. This 50% off discount for Flodesk makes the platform appealing. Use the free trials from both platforms, including the Flodesk free trial (accessible here) to determine the platform for you.
If consistent inbox delivery is paramount, ConvertKit might be a better choice. Evaluate features to choose the platform that supports your business growth.
| Feature | Flodesk | Kit (formerly ConvertKit) |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Flat rate | Scales with list size |
| Design | Emphasis on visuals | Focus on functionality |
| Free Trial | 30-day free trial | Free up to 1,000 subscribers + limited free trial with paid features |
| Features | Basic + beautiful email templates | Advanced automations, A/B testing |
| Support | Email, in-app chat | 24/7 chat/email, Knowledge Base |
| Double Opt-in | Off by default, not customizable | On by default, fully customizable |
| List Management | Segments only | Tags and segments + automated organization |
| Freebie delivery | Requires automation for delivery | Seamless integration during setup |
| Account Wide Analytics | Just added, still limited | Always available, recently improved |
| Email Block Functionality | Highly customizable links with individual actions available within each block for tagging, link actions, conditional display, redirect and checkout | Centralized, separate Rules feature that manages automation for triggers and other rules |
FAQs about flodesk vs kit
Is Flodesk like ConvertKit?
Both are email marketing platforms, but they have different priorities. Flodesk offers beautiful designs but lacks deeper functions. ConvertKit focuses on better deliverability, advanced automation (like tagging), and more customization.
Assess which platform aligns better with your present and future business needs. Determine what is most valuable, design options or marketing platforms with a better click rate. Test out which you prefer, including Convertkit’s email editor.
Can you a/b test with Flodesk?
No, Flodesk doesn’t directly offer A/B testing for different email content. For testing headlines or content tweaks to your email list, use a platform with robust A/B testing. Consider a visual automation builder like ConvertKit.
ConvertKit lets you identify higher-converting emails and improve open and click rates for your email platform. Kit may be a better option for maximizing deliverability.
How much does Flodesk cost per month?
Flodesk has flat monthly pricing. Discounts are available for annual subscriptions or by using codes.
What is cheaper than ConvertKit?
Flodesk remains significantly cheaper than most email marketing platforms since its pricing isn’t tied to list size. Flodesk works well for simple communication, web designers sending messages to design clients, and businesses managing communications through streamlined functions. The gorgeous format, brand color integration, and popup signup capabilities makes Flodesk suitable for sending gorgeous emails to an email list and web design clients.
Conclusion
When deciding between Flodesk and Kit, remember it’s about individual business needs. Flodesk’s stylish designs showcase visual brands, making it ideal for image-focused creators. But limited features could be problematic as you grow.
Kit (formerly ConvertKit) offers advanced features and better deliverability to scale with your business, though the cost increases with list size. By taking a look at both strategic approaches and marketing efforts, one could scale their email provider in a more practical way.
