Ontraport Vs. ConvertKit : Email Marketing Platform Comparison

Switching email marketing platforms down the line can be expensive and disruptive for your business. We’d like to help make that process easier.

If you are currently performing an Ontraport vs. ConvertKit comparison, you can use our review of key features, benefits, and pricing to get your business headed in the right direction.

Both Ontraport and ConvertKit utilize “tags” to categorize and assign properties to the members within your CRM. In each platform, these tags are automatically applied and function according to the parameters that you set. Within both platforms, these tags can be used for a variety of purposes.

For example, you might choose to segment your email list, or grant a user specific permissions based on a purchase or opt-in. Tagging is invaluable when you’re ready to really start targeting specific client groups and provide a more personal experience for them.

In ConvertKit, creating a tag happens under the automations category.

Here, there are two sides: the trigger (“when this happens”) and the action (“do this”).

First, each tag can be associated with a trigger (“user subscribes to a form > tag is added”), like in the example screenshot. From there, you can keep adding action events to build up a full automation sequence.

On the flip side, you can also use a tag as a trigger, which comes in handy when you’re using an external integration that can apply ConvertKit tags.

Ontraport and ConvertKit both automate the email marketing process by allowing you to use a drag-and-drop sequence builder.

The need for an automated sequence is what brings many users to ConvertKit or Ontraport. Typically, an email sequence is the most commonly used.However, as your online business grows, a more robust, tag-based automation system is preferred.

Ontraport’s automations are a bit more robust than ConvertKit’s, both in terms of complexity (like create multiple paths within a single automation) and capabilities (like the ability to include webhooks, a common use case when you’re working with multiple integrated systems).

If you’re looking at automated sequences alone, Ontraport definitely stands out as the system that really lets you create anything your mind can dream up.

If you are planning to sell products on your website, the e-commerce side of the Ontraport vs. ConvertKit debate is going to highlight some key differences in functionality and features.

In this area, Ontraport does come out ahead at first glance, with a really nice built-in e-commerce system.

ConvertKit doesn’t include built-in e-commerce, however, it does integrate with apps that will give you this capability.

ConvertKit only advertises a little over 30 integrated apps, but the ones that it does provide are your typical, trusted big-names.

Granted, they also connect with Zapier, which may give you an additional link to other systems that you currently use for your business.

As always, not all integrations are created equal!

So if e-commerce, for example, is a big part of your business, take the time to check through their documentation here to make sure the integration you need is going to fit the bill.

At first glance, ConvertKit seems like the obvious choice in terms of user-friendliness. And certainly the system makes navigation and basic functionality (like sending one-off emails) easy to accomplish.

But the relative simplicity of ConvertKit (when compared with Ontraport’s capabilities) means that frustration is often introduced further down the line, when your automation needs become more complex and nuanced. In this case, you might find yourself hunting for “workaround” options to accomplish your business automation needs.

Granted, because of its advanced capabilities, Ontraport does require you to take some time to learn how to navigate and take advantage of its functionality, whether you’re working on something basic or more complex.

After you’ve become familiar with the interface, you’ll probably find that the more complex things (think coupons, limited trials, and a couple hundred tags to manage) will probably perform better for you in Ontraport … Keeping in mind that these more complex functions might also require a bit of tech savviness on your part to make it happen.

Fortunately, if you’re leaning towards Ontraport and can’t (or don’t have the time to) do all the setup yourself, there are actually quite a few Ontraport certified consultants who are ready and willing to help make your Ontraport dreams a reality.

Overall, if you’re not going to get down and dirty with the more intricate features of Ontraport, you’ll probably enjoy using ConvertKit much more. But if you’re maxing out on CRM capabilities and are longing for more advanced potential, Ontraport is the stronger contender.

Setting up an affiliate program can be a great way to boost your sales and business reach. Of course, it also includes an entirely different set of responsibilities for you to manage, including unique affiliate links, sales, and refunds.

Not surprisingly (since it doesn’t include e-commerce), ConvertKit does not offer its own affiliate tracking system. However, it definitely does integrate with various 3rd party platforms (like AccessAlly) to make this feature a possibility. AccessAlly offers a robust affiliate marketing plugin that will offer key affiliate marketing features for courses and memberships.

Ontraport does include a Partner (Affiliate) program that will allow you to manage a unique set of permissions that can be applied to your affiliates.

While I can’t make the decision for you, I hope that now you have a better understanding of what each system is best used for, and which one you’ll want to investigate further.

In terms of when the right time to make the move is… I say before you’re ready. Because it takes a while to make a big move to a new platform like this. I’ll also say that it’s best to be running from a profitable place, because these monthly fees are in the triple digits.

Take a look at both ConvertKit and Ontraport’s websites and try their demos or talk to their representatives to get a feel for what they can offer.