ConvertKit
The email platform built for creators.
Free up to 10,000 subscribers — Paid from $25/mo
Visit ConvertKitPros
- Visual automation builder with intuitive drag-and-drop interface
- Creator monetization tools including paid newsletters and tips
- Generous free tier supporting up to 10,000 subscribers
- Built-in landing page and signup form builder
Cons
- Email template editor is fairly basic and limited
- A/B testing restricted to subject lines only
- Reporting and analytics lack depth compared to competitors
Feature Checklist
Overview
ConvertKit has carved out a unique position in the email marketing landscape by focusing exclusively on creators. Unlike general-purpose platforms that try to serve everyone, ConvertKit is purpose-built for people who create content and want to build an audience around it. The platform combines a visual automation builder, landing pages, signup forms, and creator-specific monetization tools like paid newsletters and tip jars into a cohesive package.
At its core, ConvertKit treats subscribers as the primary unit rather than lists. This subscriber-centric approach means you never pay for the same person twice, and you can tag and segment your audience with fine-grained control. The visual automation builder lets you create complex email sequences triggered by subscriber behavior, purchases, or tag changes — all without writing a single line of code.
Who It's For
ConvertKit is designed for bloggers, podcasters, YouTubers, course creators, newsletter writers, and anyone building an audience through content. If you describe yourself as a "creator" and your primary goal is growing and monetizing an email list, ConvertKit is built for you. It's particularly well-suited for solo creators and small teams who don't have a dedicated developer or marketing ops person. The platform's simplicity is a feature, not a limitation — it means you spend less time configuring tools and more time creating content.
Our Take
ConvertKit's automation builder is genuinely the best in class for non-technical users. The visual interface makes it easy to create sophisticated email sequences that respond to subscriber behavior, and the subscriber-centric data model prevents the duplicate-subscriber billing problem that plagues list-based platforms. The free tier supporting up to 10,000 subscribers is remarkably generous and makes it an easy recommendation for creators just getting started.
The tradeoff is in email design. ConvertKit intentionally keeps its email editor simple — the philosophy is that plain-text-style emails perform better for creators than heavily designed ones. While there's merit to that argument, it means you'll hit a wall quickly if you want rich HTML templates, advanced layouts, or pixel-perfect branded emails. Reporting is also basic compared to platforms like Klaviyo or Mailchimp — you get open rates, click rates, and subscriber growth, but not the deep funnel analytics that data-driven marketers expect.
If you're a creator building an audience and want an email platform that just works without a steep learning curve, ConvertKit is an excellent choice. If you need advanced email design, deep analytics, or developer-centric features, look elsewhere.