ConvertKit vs. Carrd

Jessica Li
Chief of Staff

Link-in-bio products are crucial for online creators as they centralize their online presence, making it easier to manage and direct their audience. We'll compare ConvertKit and Carrd to determine which platform best supports a creator's business needs.

A Quick Overview of ConvertKit and Carrd

What is ConvertKit?

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ConvertKit is an email-first operating system designed for creators focused on building valuable businesses. It offers features like a customizable email editor, visual automations, and tools for selling digital products. The platform is user-friendly, with a free plan for up to 10,000 subscribers and various customer support options, including a knowledge base and free migration services for eligible users.

What is Carrd?

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Carrd enables users to create simple, free, and fully responsive one-page websites. It stands out for its ease of use, offering a variety of templates and a free tier that includes core features. Users can upgrade to a Pro version for additional functionalities like custom domains and Google Analytics integration.

Comparing ConvertKit and Carrd: Features and Pricing

ConvertKit Features

ConvertKit offers several features that are beneficial to creators.

  • Email Editor: Create unique and customizable emails with ease.
  • Visual Automations: Automate customer journeys to save time and enhance engagement.
  • Tags & Segments: Manage your audience with detailed tagging and segmentation for personalized content.
  • Sell Products: Directly sell digital products through the platform.
  • Recommendations: Grow your email list through recommendations from other creators, a unique feature that sets ConvertKit apart from competitors.

Carrd Features

Here are some special features that Carrd offers:

  • Custom Domains: Publish your sites to custom domains with SSL support.
  • Forms: Add various types of forms, including contact and payment-enabled forms.
  • Widgets + Embeds: Embed custom code and third-party widgets to enhance functionality.
  • Google Analytics: Track and report site traffic with Google Analytics integration.
  • Free Sites: Build up to three fully functional, responsive one-page sites for free, a unique feature that sets Carrd apart from competitors.

ConvertKit and Carrd Similarities

ConvertKit and Carrd both excel in providing user-friendly tools for creators to build their online presence. While ConvertKit focuses on email marketing and automation, Carrd specializes in creating simple, responsive one-page websites. Despite their different primary functions, they share several key features:

  • Forms Integration: Both platforms support the integration of signup forms, making it easy to capture leads and grow your audience.
  • Ease of Use: Designed with simplicity in mind, both ConvertKit and Carrd offer intuitive interfaces that allow creators to set up their online tools quickly.
  • Customization: Each platform provides customizable templates and options, enabling creators to tailor their pages and emails to their brand.

ConvertKit and Carrd Differences

ConvertKit and Carrd cater to different aspects of a creator's online presence, with ConvertKit focusing on email marketing and Carrd on one-page websites. Here are the biggest differences in features between the two platforms:

  • Visual Automations: ConvertKit offers a visual automation builder for email marketing workflows, a feature Carrd does not have.
  • Custom Domains: Carrd allows users to publish sites to custom domains with SSL support, which is not a feature of ConvertKit.
  • Creator Profile: ConvertKit provides a mini website feature for creators, whereas Carrd focuses on one-page site creation without this specific functionality.

ConvertKit and Carrd Pricing

ConvertKit offers three pricing plans: the Newsletter Plan at $0 per month, the Creator Plan at $25 per month (or $290 yearly), and the Creator Pro Plan at $50 per month (or $590 yearly). Each plan includes a range of features, with the Creator and Creator Pro plans offering advanced options like unlimited visual automations and priority support.

In contrast, Carrd provides a free tier that includes core features and a Pro version for $19 per year, which adds functionalities like custom domains and Google Analytics integration. Carrd's pricing is straightforward and budget-friendly, especially for those needing simple one-page websites.

Overall, Carrd offers more affordable options for basic website needs, while ConvertKit provides more comprehensive tools for email marketing and automation.

Why Choose One Over the Other?

Why Choose ConvertKit Over Carrd

Consumers who prioritize email marketing and need advanced automation features would prefer ConvertKit. This platform is ideal for content creators, entrepreneurs, and digital product sellers who want to build and grow their businesses through targeted email campaigns.

Why Choose Carrd Over ConvertKit

Consumers who need a simple, cost-effective solution for creating one-page websites would prefer Carrd. This platform is perfect for individuals, small businesses, and non-technical users who want to quickly set up responsive sites without the need for complex features or high costs.

Considering Beacons vs. ConvertKit and Carrd

What is Beacons

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Beacons is the all-in-one creator platform designed to help you manage and monetize your online presence. With over 1 million users worldwide, Beacons offers unique features like customizable link-in-bio pages, email marketing, online stores, media kits, invoicing, and AI-powered brand outreach, all from a single, integrated solution.

Beacons's Pricing

Beacons Pricing

At Beacons, we offer a range of pricing plans to suit different needs and budgets:

  • Free Plan: $0 (Free forever)
  • Creator Pro: $8.33 per month (billed annually) or $10 per month (billed monthly)
  • Store Pro: $25 per month (billed annually) or $30 per month (billed monthly)
  • Business Pro: $75 per month (billed annually) or $90 per month (billed monthly)

Comparing Beacons to ConvertKit and Carrd

Choosing Beacons over ConvertKit and Carrd offers a comprehensive solution for creators looking to manage and monetize their online presence.

  • All-in-One Platform: Unlike ConvertKit and Carrd, Beacons integrates multiple tools into a single, cohesive system, eliminating the need for multiple subscriptions.
  • AI-Powered Features: Beacons leverages AI for brand outreach, insights, and automation, providing advanced capabilities that neither ConvertKit nor Carrd offer.
  • Customizable Link-in-Bio: Beacons offers a fully customizable link-in-bio page, combining the strengths of both ConvertKit's email marketing and Carrd's website creation.
  • Comprehensive Tools: From email marketing and online stores to media kits and invoicing, Beacons covers all aspects of a creator's needs.
  • Cost-Effective: Beacons provides a free plan with all features included, making it a budget-friendly option compared to the combined costs of ConvertKit and Carrd.
  • Ease of Use: Designed for creators, Beacons requires no coding or design skills, ensuring a user-friendly experience.

For more details, visit Beacons.

What Are the Customers Saying?

ConvertKit Reviews

Overall, users have given ConvertKit a rating of 4.4 out of 5. While many appreciate its ease of use and automation tools, some find the pricing and limited features frustrating.

"Easy to use and great customer service"

Rating: 5.0 out of 5

- Verified User in Arts and Crafts

The user praised ConvertKit for its great pricing, customer service, and good deliverability. They noted that the platform keeps up with technology over the years.

"Why I left Convertkit after just 45 days (and ate $750)"

Rating: 1.0 out of 5

- Zak F.

Zak F. highlighted several issues, including the inability to organize uploaded images, embed audio, and track metrics for subscriber segments. He also criticized the strict refund policy.

For more details, visit Carrd Reviews.

Carrd Reviews

Overall, users have given ConvertKit a rating of 4.4 out of 5. While many appreciate its ease of use and automation tools, some find the pricing and limited features frustrating.

"Easy to use and great customer service"

Rating: 5.0 out of 5

- Verified User in Arts and Crafts

The user praised ConvertKit for its great pricing, customer service, and good deliverability. They noted that the platform keeps up with technology over the years.

"Why I left Convertkit after just 45 days (and ate $750)"

Rating: 1.0 out of 5

- Zak F.

Zak F. highlighted several issues, including the inability to organize uploaded images, embed audio, and track metrics for subscriber segments. He also criticized the strict refund policy.

For more details, visit Carrd Reviews.

Beacons reviews

Overall, users have given Beacons an impressive rating of 4.9 out of 5.

"Incredible app with a bunch of useful creator business tools"

Rating: 5.0 out of 5

Love the email marketing and store apps! - Christopher Wong

"Probably the most outstanding link app w/ tons of features"

Rating: 5.0 out of 5

Especially for building and connecting community! - Viva Stylez

Final Decision: ConvertKit, Carrd, or Beacons?

Whether you're looking to grow your audience with ConvertKit's email marketing or create stunning one-page websites with Carrd, both platforms offer valuable tools for online creators. However, if you're seeking an all-in-one solution that combines the best of both worlds, Beacons stands out. With its comprehensive features and user-friendly design, Beacons is our top recommendation for managing and monetizing your online presence.

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