ConvertKit vs. Milkshake: Which One is Better for Your Business?

Jessica Li
Chief of Staff

Link-in-bio products are essential for online creators as they centralize various aspects of their creator business into a single, accessible point. We'll compare ConvertKit and Milkshake to determine which platform best supports this centralization for creators.

A Quick Overview of ConvertKit and Milkshake

What is ConvertKit?

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

What is Milkshake?

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Milkshake is a mobile app that enables users to create free websites directly from their phones. It features a card-based design, allowing for easy customization with text, images, and videos, and provides insights on link clicks and card views. The app is user-friendly, requiring no technical skills, and supports multiple websites for different Instagram accounts.

Comparing ConvertKit and Milkshake: Features and Pricing

ConvertKit Features

ConvertKit offers several unique features that cater to creators.

  • Email Editor: Create unique and customizable emails with ease.
  • Visual Automations: Automate customer journeys to save time and enhance engagement.
  • Tags & Segments: Personalize and target your communication effectively.
  • Sell Products: Use the platform to sell digital products directly to your audience.
  • Recommendations: Grow your email list through recommendations from other creators, a feature that sets ConvertKit apart from competitors.

Milkshake Features

Milkshake offers several features that are beneficial to consumers.

  • Create a free website on your phone in minutes.
  • No need for desktop or web design skills.
  • Customizable with text, images, GIFs, videos, and more.
  • Insights feature to track performance.
  • Manage multiple websites for different Instagram accounts.

ConvertKit and Milkshake Similarities

ConvertKit and Milkshake both excel in helping creators build and manage their online presence. While ConvertKit focuses on email marketing and automation, Milkshake offers a mobile-friendly website builder. Despite their different primary functions, they share several key features:

  • Ease of Use: Both platforms emphasize simplicity and user-friendliness, making it easy for creators to manage their content.
  • Customization: They allow for extensive customization, enabling users to tailor their content to match their brand aesthetics.
  • Mobile Accessibility: ConvertKit offers mobile-friendly email solutions, while Milkshake is designed for mobile website creation.
  • Content Integration: Both platforms support various content types, such as text, images, and videos.
  • Analytics: They provide insights into content performance, helping creators optimize their strategies.

ConvertKit and Milkshake Differences

ConvertKit and Milkshake cater to different aspects of a creator's online presence, with ConvertKit focusing on email marketing and Milkshake on mobile website creation. Here are the biggest differences in features between the two platforms:

  • Visual Automations: ConvertKit allows creators to automate their workflows, a feature not available in Milkshake.
  • Card System: Milkshake uses a unique card-based design for website pages, which ConvertKit does not offer.
  • Sell Products: ConvertKit enables creators to sell digital products directly, a functionality not provided by Milkshake.

ConvertKit and Milkshake Pricing

ConvertKit offers three pricing tiers: the Newsletter Plan at $0/month, the Creator Plan at $25/month or $290/year, and the Creator Pro Plan at $50/month or $590/year. Each plan includes various features, with higher tiers offering more advanced options like unlimited visual automations and priority support.

Milkshake provides a Lite Plan at $2.99/month and a Pro Plan at $6.99/month or $59.99/year. The Pro Plan includes additional features such as SEO tools, email list integration, and the ability to remove Milkshake branding. The annual Pro Plan offers a discount, reducing the effective monthly cost to about $5.00.

Overall, Milkshake's pricing is more affordable, especially for those opting for the annual Pro Plan, making it a better deal for budget-conscious creators.

Why Choose One Over the Other?

Why Choose ConvertKit Over Milkshake

Consumers who prioritize email marketing and need advanced automation tools will find ConvertKit more suitable. This platform is ideal for content creators, authors, and entrepreneurs who want to build a sustainable business through targeted email campaigns and product sales.

Why Choose Milkshake Over ConvertKit

Milkshake is perfect for users who need a quick, mobile-friendly website without any technical skills. Social media influencers and small business owners who want to enhance their Instagram bios and create visually appealing content will benefit most from Milkshake's easy-to-use, card-based design.

Considering Beacons vs. ConvertKit and Milkshake

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 millions of users worldwide, Beacons offers unique features like customizable link-in-bio, email marketing, online stores, media kits, invoicing, and AI-powered brand outreach, all aimed at simplifying and enhancing your creator journey.

Beacons's Pricing

Beacons Pricing

  • 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 Milkshake

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

  • All-in-One Platform: Unlike ConvertKit and Milkshake, Beacons combines link-in-bio, email marketing, online stores, media kits, and more into a single platform.
  • AI-Powered Tools: Beacons leverages AI for brand outreach, product descriptions, and email subject lines, streamlining your workflow.
  • Income Dashboard: Track and manage your earnings effortlessly with Beacons' integrated income dashboard.
  • Audience Manager: Gain deeper insights into your audience and tailor your content strategy accordingly.
  • Additional Utilities: Beacons offers unique tools like a pricing calculator, W-9 generator, and QR code generator, which are not available in ConvertKit or Milkshake.
  • Cost-Effective: With a free plan that includes all features, Beacons provides significant cost savings compared to its competitors.

For a more detailed comparison, visit Get More From Your Link in Bio | Beacons.

What Are the Customers Saying?

ConvertKit Reviews

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

"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 mentioned a learning curve for new users but found the overall experience positive.

"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 images, embed audio, and track metrics for subscriber segments. He also criticized the strict refund policy.

For more reviews, visit Milkshake Reviews.

Milkshake Reviews

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

"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 images, embed audio, and track metrics for subscriber segments. He also criticized the strict refund policy.

"My list is growing with the Creator Network!"

Rating: 5.0 out of 5

- Jordan G.

Jordan G. praised ConvertKit for its focus on creating referral opportunities, which helped him grow his email list quickly.

For more reviews, visit Milkshake Reviews.

Beacons reviews

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

"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, Milkshake, or Beacons?

All three platforms—ConvertKit, Milkshake, and Beacons—offer valuable tools for online creators looking to grow their audience. However, Beacons stands out as the all-in-one solution, combining link-in-bio, email marketing, online stores, and more into a single, user-friendly platform. If you're looking for a comprehensive tool to manage and monetize your online presence, Beacons is the way to go.

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