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ConvertKit Review: What’s New for 2020

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ConvertKit brands itself as email marketing for professional bloggers.

This popular email marketing software application was built by bloggers for bloggers.

That being said, ConvertKit is a sound investment for any organization that uses email marketing (ten praiseworthy features are outlined below in this ConvertKit Review).

If you have (or plan to have) an email list for your business (and every business should have an email list), ConvertKit is worth at least trying out for free via this ConvertKit 30 Day Trial – for up to 1000 subscribers.

But if you already have over 1000 subscribers (or you know ConvertKit is right for you), you can lock in two months of ConvertKit for free today by selecting the Pricing tab on the ConvertKit website and then click on the Yearly Billing button:

Then click TRY IT FOR FREE in the column that fits your subscriber list size.

The features of this popular software application in this quick ConvertKit Review are praiseworthy, but what merits special attention is what’s new for 2018 and 2019.

ConvertKit Review – 10 Praiseworthy Features

ConvertKit’s user interface is almost too simple to be a powerful resource to segment and tag your email mailing list subscribers for strategic growth. But when you immerse yourself in complexity for so long, you expect things to be difficult to be good.

But ConvertKit is different.

Here are ten features included in this ConvertKit Review that you will discover too when you start using ConvertKit:

  1. Visual Automation Tool (Introduced in 2018)

    ConvertKit’s email automation tool lets you easily create visual funnels for your subscribers. An email funnel is a fancy marketing term for the process flow a subscriber will go through when they take certain actions as a subscriber to your email list.

    For example, if one of your subscribers clicks on a specific link in an email you send from ConvertKit, you can instruct ConvertKit to then send targeted content to just that subscriber.  This is a great way to develop a business relationship with a lead for your business. You are only sending extra information to leads who request it.

    ConvertKit also offers this capability through built-in “if this, then that” workflow rules, but now ConvertKit makes the setup of the funnel (also called a customer journey) even simpler because the process flows are visually designed by you in your ConvertKit account.  Here is a visual example:

  2. Only One List 

    Unlike email marketing services likes AWeber and MailChimp that charge you per email per list (even if it is the same email address), ConvertKit only charges you once per email because there is only one list. All subscribers to your mailing list have their unique profile where you can tag and segment them with ease. You will discover how much easier it makes email marketing to a specific segment of your list.

  3. Multiple Send From Email Addresses

    Do you have more than one custom domain or business? No worries. ConvertKit lets you send messages from different email addresses at no extra cost. You only need one ConvertKit email account to drive communication for all your websites!

  4. Nice Looking Opt-in Forms  

    One of the biggest frustrations with other email services is that their opt-in forms are well unattractive out of the box and difficult to configure.  Yes, you can customize them if you know what you’re doing (or use an opt-in designer tool like OptinMonster), but ConvertKit lets you set up simple and attractive opt-in forms when you are starting out.

  5. Built-in Landing Page Templates

    This is a very nice and unexpected benefit of ConvertKit.  Landing page templates allow you to create an entire page dedicated to your opt-in. This is a feature you can pay separately for with a more robust landing page software designer like LeadPages.  But ConvertKit lets you set up a simple landing page at no extra cost through the ConvertKit plugin for WordPress (so the landing page is on your domain).  NEW for 2020: ConvertKit offers more robust landing page designs within the tool.

  6. Easy-to-Follow Autoresponder Sequences

    Autoresponders are a term for automated sequences of emails you can send out to your subscribers. ConvertKit makes the process intuitive by displaying all of your email messages in one view in your account dashboard. You can even drag and drop your messages to change the sequence.

  7. Broadcasting While Excluding

    Broadcast emails are one-time messages that can be written and distributed at any time to your subscriber list.  Since you only have one list, ConvertKit makes it easy to send a broadcast while excluding certain segments of your list. For example, you want to send out a notice about a sale on one of your products, but you don’t want to send it to customers who have already purchased the product.

  8. Tagging Based on Your Subscribers’ Activity

    ConvertKit lets you tag (and then segment) potential leads in your subscriber list based on their activity on your website or through your email message. As mentioned as an example, you may include a link in one of your ConvertKit emails to assess interest in a new product. If one of your subscribers clicks on the link, ConvertKit can automatically tag that person as being interested.

  9. Easy to Understand Analytics

    When you log in to your ConvertKit account, you will see an easy-to-understand subscriber graph that shows you by the day which forms are growing your subscriber list.

  10. Integration with Other Software Applications

    ConvertKit integrates directly with other software apps like LeadPages, OptinMonster, and Shopify (plus it integrates with countless other apps like Typeform and Acuity Scheduling through Zapier). ConvertKit is also one of only a handful of email marketing services that have been selected to integrate directly with the Rainmaker Platform.

ConvertKit Review – What’s New for 2020

In addition to more landing page design templates, ConvertKit also introduced a new ConvertKit Free Account to its offerings.

But what exactly is a ConvertKit Free Account and how does it compare to a ConvertKit Free Trial?

ConvertKit Free Account

In short, the ConvertKit Free Account gives you unlimited (no expiration) access to most – but not all – product features for up to 100 subscribers. To unlock all features (most prominently the ability to create automatic email sequences – often call autoresponders), you will need to get on a paid plan.

The ConvertKit Free Account does let you create landing pages and forms.

Important Note: The public ConvertKit Free Account via the ConvertKit website does not permit any broadcast or message capabilities until you refer another active user. This ConvertKit Free Account referral link will let you get started with broadcasts for up to 100 subscribers – without any referral requirement.)

ConvertKit Free Trial

The ConvertKit Free Trial, in comparison, gives you limited (e.g. 30-Day ConvertKit Free Trial) access to all product features for up to 1000 subscribers.

If you already have over 1000 email subscribers, this direct link to ConvertKit will also get you started.

(Important Note: The public ConvertKit Free Trial via the ConvertKit website is for 14 days. This One Month ConvertKit Free Trial lets you test-drive all ConvertKit features for an additional 16 days.)

ConvertKit Free Trial vs ConvertKit Free Account

So which ConvertKit offer is better?

If you are not comfortable referring other people or businesses to use a particular type software like ConvertKit, the ConvertKit Free Trial is probably the way to go.

If you already have over 1000 email subscribers (or likely to have over 1000 email subscribers), the ConvertKit Free Trial is probably the way to go.

If you like to test out all software features before buying, the ConvertKit Free Trial is probably the way to go.

But if you are concerned about going to a paid plan ($29/month for up to 1000 subscribers) after one month and then canceling, the ConvertKit Free Account is probably the way to go.

ConvertKit Discount: Free Month or More

If you are now ready to try out this powerful yet affordable software after reading this ConvertKit Review, here again are three ways to save money with a ConvertKit discount:

  1. If you use this ConvertKit promotional link, you can fully test out ConvertKit free of charge for up to one month.
  2. Then set up an annual plan to get two more months free of charge over the next year via the additional ConvertKit discount available to customers – just ask for the annual plan discount after your free trial period ends.
  3. Sign up for a ConvertKit annual plan today and start saving by selecting the Pricing tab on the ConvertKit website and then click on the Yearly Billing button for two months free.

ConvertKit Review: Full Transparency

Graceful Resources has an affiliate relationship with ConvertKit so if you decide to invest in ConvertKit via this ConvertKit free month promo link or the direct ConvertKit setup link, this website is eligible for a nominal commission from the good folks in Idaho at ConvertKit if you decide to pay for the service. There is no extra cost to you.

If you start using ConvertKit, you are encouraged to set up an affiliate relationship with them as well.  You’ll want to spread the word too.  The software is that good, and I would use and recommend ConvertKit even if there was no affiliate program.

 

I hope this article has helped in your decision making.

Acuity Scheduling Review: 7 Praiseworthy Features

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Acuity Scheduling is an online scheduling tool for any business that needs to regularly book client appointments.

Behind the popular software application is Acuity, a quirky software company based out of New York City. Acuity was started by software developer Gavin Zuchlinski to help his mother better handle appointments for her massage therapy business. Today, Acuity supports over 50,000 businesses.

This quick Acuity Scheduling review is based on the following key business requirements for a Graceful Resources client:

  1. Business leads and returning clients can schedule their own appointments online – based on available time slots.
  2. Information about clients is captured via an online form.
  3. Appointment confirmations are immediately sent out at time of booking.
  4. Appointment reminders are sent out automatically via email and text.
  5. Clients can reschedule their own appointments – as long as it is done outside of a specific timeframe (e.g. changes must be done at least two days before the appointment).
  6. Clients will be charged a fee if they no-show.
  7. Multiple appointment calendars for one business.
  8. Software must be easy to use by clients and by the business.

Acuity Scheduling Review

With these business requirements in mind, Acuity Scheduling software was put to the test for Graceful Resources client Rita Lynn Gilman, a professional fastpitch softball instructor.

After a couple weeks of configuration and testing, all of these requirements were successfully met with Acuity Scheduling.

Acuity offers a solid online knowledge tutorial base to guide you along, and if you get stuck on a couple of process steps, the Acuity customer service team can help via their ticket system.  You should expect a response via email within one business day.  If you are seeking more hands-on Acuity project help, please see my Acuity Scheduling Help page.

The following seven praiseworthy features stand out for this Acuity Scheduling review.

Acuity Scheduling gives businesses the ability to:

  1. Trigger different emails internally and to the client based on which calendar is booked.
  2. Re-use custom forms for any calendar.
  3. Combine multiple forms into one appointment flow.
  4. Customize email notifications (great for cross-branding).
  5. Equip their clients with the power to update their own online profiles.
  6. Capture but not charge credit cards (great way to charge people for no-shows).  You can also give clients the option to prepay for appointments online.
  7. Integrate with email marketing services like ConvertKit – see ConvertKit Discount: Free Month of More (Plus 8 Benefits).

Click Here for Acuity Scheduling Help

Acuity Scheduling is free to try out for a week. After the trial, the cost is very reasonable based on your business needs.

Here is a breakdown of the costs for this Acuity Scheduling review:

Note: The plan used to meet the business requirements outlined in this Acuity Scheduling review is the Growing Business plan.

Acuity Scheduling Review – In Summary

While several WordPress scheduling plugins (plus other scheduling applications) were considered initially for this project, only Acuity Scheduling could fulfill the requirements – at least on paper.

When the software was actually put to the test and questions were successfully addressed by Acuity customer support, it proved that Acuity Scheduling was the right fit.

You can preview the process flow for Acuity Scheduling by visiting my Acuity Scheduling Help page. I loved the software so much, I became one of the first Acuity Certified Experts (ACE) in the world!

If your business also handles client appointments (in alignment with the business requirements outlined in this post), you should test out Acuity Scheduling for free for 7 days.  The software interface is fun to use and in the end, client appointments and reminders are processed seamlessly.

Hope this quick Acuity Scheduling review helps your online business goals.

Cheers,

Brent

Note: The link in this post to Acuity Scheduling is an affiliate link.  There is no extra cost to you and if you start using Acuity, you are encouraged to set up an affiliate account with them too. I’d recommend Acuity even without an affiliate program.

3 Occasions Email List Building is a Poor Use of Your Time

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Many online entrepreneurs have an obsession with email list building.

Thousands of websites (this one included) strive to inspire you to submit your email address to a mailing list – often with an email opt-in incentive – also called a lead magnet (see what is a lead magnet).

Depending on your surfing habits, your Facebook feed may already be inundated with sponsored ads to sell you a course to teach you the secrets of email list building.

FYI: Did you know when you keep Facebook open in a browser tab, Facebook tracks the pages you visit on other tabs (to then share this information with its advertisers)?

While this site does not pay for Facebook sponsored ads at this time, it did throw a lead magnet project into the mix of email list building schemes.

LeadMagnetProject

Email List Building isn’t Necessarily Bad

Email list building is a legitimate online business strategy – and with good search engine optimized content on your site, email list building can be on autopilot to a degree.

As the old adage goes, it’s a numbers game.

The more people you add to your email list, the greater chance you have to sell your products or services to people on your email list.

But what if email list building is the wrong current strategy for your online business?

Here are three notable occasions email list building may not be your best marketing strategy.

3 Occasions Email List Building is a Poor Use of Your Time

1. Client Work to Do

The most valuable form of marketing you will ever have is word of mouth.

You have probably heard this adage too: People prefer to do business with people they know, like, and trust.

If someone doesn’t already know about your business, they will lean on the advice of a friend they do know, like, and trust.

That friend may be your client.

Before you invest more time in email list building schemes, don’t overlook the marketing power of an existing client.

But that marketing influence is lost if you do not follow through on agreed-upon commitments to that client.

2. Your Service is High-End Work

If your market niche is more service-oriented (e.g. consulting, project management, technical design) for only a few clients at a time, you don’t need to focus on building a big email mailing list.

You need to focus on attracting your target client through lead generation forms on your website.

Two lead generation forms used and recommended by this site are Typeform (see 8 Typeform Examples and a Typeform Discount) and WP Forms (see WP Forms and a WPForms Discount).

These two lead generation web tools allow you to create customized experiences for your site visitors.

After all, if you can make online forms or surveys kind of cool, you stand a good chance of getting a response from your target client.

3. You Have Products or Services to Create

It’s a catch-22 with email list building if the purpose of your email list building is to sell a product or service that you don’t yet have available to sell.

You need an email list to help communicate your product or service, but you need to actually create a product or service. Your offering doesn’t have to be perfect, but it has to be at least as good as the expectations you are setting.

In the end, email list building takes time.

Blogging is a sound strategy to generate organic traffic to your site, but the results happen through repetition not one-time inspiration.

If you find yourself focusing more of your available time on your email list building and not on your unfinished product, email list building is a poor use of your time.

 

Resources for Email List Building (if email list building is a good use of your time)

  1. Lead Magnet Guide (5 essential characteristics of a lead magnet)
  2. Lead Magnet Survey (share your own opinion about email sign up incentives and discover what other entrepreneurs recommend)
  3. Lead Magnet Project (an interactive online project for professionals building email lists)
  4. Lead Magnet Examples (Graceful Resources email subscribers can add their own web address for free)
  5. Recommended Website and Email Software Resources (you’ll also discover why these resources are recommended)

Cheering for your online success – one project step at a time!

Brent

One of the Best Lead Generation Ideas

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Generating online leads for your business or non-profit cause requires some creativity.

There are countless lead generation ideas and it takes time to figure out the best strategy.

If your goal is to build an email list, you need to inspire people to sign up for your list (here are 10 different opt-in email marketing offers to help you decide on a creative lead magnet).  Once leads are on your email list, you can then guide them through a journey of new discoveries and resources.

If your goal is to inspire your website visitors to directly inquire about your products or services, you need a creative lead generation form (the next post on this site will add a second form software product review to the Graceful Resources recommended website resources to help you out).

The Story of Notch, the Rescued Dolphin

Martina S. Wing is a manta ray and marine life advocate, educator, author, and underwater photographer.

Her work is based on the Kona coast on the big island of Hawaii.

MartinaWing

In January 2013, she recorded underwater the true story of a wild dolphin in need and the humans who helped it.

Here’s the spectacular video itself of the dolphin (named Notch) rescue:

If you would like to watch the complete (10 minute) film festival edit of Notch’s rescue and opt-in for free to Martina Wing’s mailing list, you can do so via this film festival video landing page.

Martina is a very gifted storyteller and educator, and her email newsletter is an absolute treat to read every other Sunday.

You can sign up for her email list via this same video landing page.

One of the Best Lead Generation Ideas

Inspired by her video with over 30 million YouTube views, Martina is now sharing the amazing story of the rescued dolphin Notch with children around the world through a new children’s book (planned release later this year).

To build her email list in support of the book and all of her inspirational work, Martina’s free lead magnet is a downloadable coloring book.

The coloring book is one of the best lead generation ideas you will encounter. This lead generation idea aligns with her children’s book project, and the coloring book is just as popular with adults as it is with kids.

To date, her active email list is now over 1,600 subscribers.

Free Lead Magnet Guide

Martina is a client of Graceful Resources, and you can preview the Marine Life Coloring Book via this link.

If you are equally inspired by her team’s work, you are encouraged to directly opt-in to her list and coloring book via this book announcement landing page as well.

For more information on her children’s book project – which recently exceeded its Kickstarter campaign goal by 20% – please reference the following video and campaign-funding link.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/martinawing/notch-the-rescued-dolphin

What are the Best Lead Generation Ideas?

As Martina Wing’s lead magnet demonstrates, the best lead generation ideas don’t have to be the most sophisticated.

But lead generation ideas do have to be creative.

And when in doubt for your next lead generation ideas, never forget that we are all kids at heart.

That’s where inspiration begins!

Other Resources for Your Lead Generation Ideas

  1. Lead Magnet Guide (5 essential characteristics of a lead magnet)
  2. Lead Magnet Survey (share your own opinion about email sign up incentives and discover what other entrepreneurs recommend)
  3. Lead Magnet Project (an interactive online project for professionals building email lists)
  4. Lead Magnet Examples (Graceful Resources email subscribers can add their own web address for free)
  5. Recommended Website and Email Software Resources (you’ll also discover why these resources are recommended)

Cheering for your online success – one project step at a time!

Brent

Discovered: Great Online Lead Generation Guide

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Online lead generation refers to the automatic processes in place on your website, landing page, or advertisement to attract relevant leads to your business.

For many entrepreneurs, online lead generation represents an email list opt-in and this online lead generation guide from Typeform is a treasure.

Online Lead Generation Guide Title:
Lead Generation: Nearly Everything You Need to Know

Online Lead Generation Guide Outline:

  1. Build Your Funnel
  2. Hack H.E.R. Brain Maps *
  3. Swap Value for Email
  4. Optimize Landing Page
  5. Approach Your Audience
  6. Track Led Gen Metrics
  7. Parting Words

* H.E.R. refers to three influencers or systems in your brain:

  1. Habit System (The Searchlight for Stimuli)
  2. Executive System (The Project Manager)
  3. Reward System (Where Feelings are Born)

The article was written by Eric Johnson, a cognitive psychologist and a member of Typeform’s Marketing and Growth team.

But don’t let the brain lingo deter you from this 16-minute online lead generation guide.

It is a fun and engaging read.

Lead-Generation-Guide

Section 3 (Swap Value for Email) of the online lead generation guide is all about the importance of lead magnets to grow a relevant email list.

Free Lead Magnet Guide

Typeform Online Lead Generation Guide

Typeform is an online software company, based in Barcelona, that allows customers to create engaging and conversational online forms, surveys, quizzes, and landing pages called typeforms.

While the Typeform Online Lead Generation Guide is technically a long blog post, it reinforces the company’s creativity.

Typeforms make data collection kind of a cool experience for users – which says a lot when you consider the bland experience most of us run into with Survey Monkey or Google Forms.

If you can make data collection seamless and fun for your leads and customers, you will set yourself apart from the competition in the digital economy.

Typeform_Cover

8 Typeform Examples and a Typeform Discount

Typeform is used on this site and will be taught as an online lead generation tool in the Lead Magnet Project if there is interest from participants.

If you would like to discover several examples of Typeform (plus a Typeform discount link), please reference 8 Typeform Examples and a Typeform Discount.

For your immediate reference, the Lead Magnet Survey was created in Typeform and it is the most successful online lead generation tool on this site.

Discovered: Great Online Lead Generation Guide

Whether you decide to add Typeform to your online lead generation toolkit or not, the company’s Online Lead Generation Guide is worth bookmarking.

Other Resources for Your Online Lead Generation

  1. Lead Magnet Project (an interactive online project for professionals building relevant email lists)
  2. Lead Magnet Guide (5 essential characteristics of a lead magnet)
  3. Lead Magnet Examples (Graceful Resources email subscribers can add their own web address for free)
  4. Recommended Website and Email Software Resources (you’ll also discover why these resources are recommended – includes Typeform)

Cheering for your online success – one project step at a time!

Brent