Constant Contact Review: Is This The Right Tool For You?

About Constant Contact

Constant Contact is an online marketing platform that provides tools and services to help businesses and organizations create, manage, and optimize their email marketing campaigns. It was founded in 1995 and has grown to become one of the leading email marketing providers.

Constant Contact offers a range of features and services designed to assist businesses in reaching their target audience through email marketing. These features include customizable email templates, contact list management, email scheduling, tracking and reporting of campaign performance, social media integration, and more. Users can create visually appealing emails using the platform’s drag-and-drop editor or customize pre-designed templates to fit their brand.

The platform also provides tools for managing contact lists, allowing users to import, segment, and organize their email subscribers. Constant Contact offers features like list segmentation, automated welcome emails, and personalized content to help businesses deliver targeted messages to specific groups of subscribers.

In addition to email marketing, Constant Contact offers other marketing solutions such as event management, surveys, polls, and social campaigns. These features allow businesses to engage with their audience across different channels and collect valuable feedback.

Constant Contact provides reporting and analytics tools that enable users to track the performance of their email campaigns. They can measure metrics like open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates to evaluate the effectiveness of their marketing efforts. The platform also offers integration with popular customer relationship management (CRM) systems and e-commerce platforms to streamline data management and enhance marketing capabilities.

Constant Contact is a comprehensive email marketing platform that aims to help businesses and organizations build and maintain effective communication with their target audience through email campaigns and other marketing tools.

Constant Contact Features

Constant Contact offers a variety of features and tools to help businesses create, manage, and optimize their email marketing campaigns. Here are some key features of Constant Contact:

1. Email Marketing: Constant Contact provides an intuitive drag-and-drop editor and customizable email templates to create professional-looking emails. Users can design emails that reflect their brand and customize them to suit their specific needs.
2. Contact List Management: Users can easily import and manage their contact lists. Constant Contact allows for segmentation of contact lists based on factors such as demographics, interests, or engagement levels. This segmentation enables businesses to send targeted messages to specific groups of subscribers.
3. Automation: Constant Contact offers automation features to streamline email marketing campaigns. Users can create automated welcome emails, birthday greetings, event reminders, and more. Automation helps save time and ensures timely communication with subscribers.
4. Reporting and Analytics: The platform provides detailed reporting and analytics on email campaign performance. Users can track metrics like open rates, click-through rates, conversion rates, and subscriber engagement. These insights help businesses understand the effectiveness of their email campaigns and make data-driven decisions.
5. A/B Testing: Constant Contact allows users to run A/B tests to compare different versions of their emails. This feature helps determine which design or content elements are more effective in engaging subscribers and driving desired actions.
6. Event Management: Constant Contact includes tools for creating and promoting events. Users can design event registration pages, send invitations, and manage event-related communications. The platform also offers features to track RSVPs, collect payments, and send event reminders.
7. Surveys and Polls: Users can create surveys and polls to gather feedback, conduct market research, or gather customer insights. Constant Contact provides customizable survey templates, and the collected data can be used to segment contacts and send targeted follow-up emails.
8. Social Media Integration: Constant Contact allows users to connect their email marketing campaigns with their social media accounts. This integration enables sharing email content on social platforms, increasing reach, and engaging subscribers through multiple channels.
9. Integration with Other Tools: Constant Contact integrates with various third-party tools and platforms, including CRM systems, e-commerce platforms, and content management systems (CMS). This integration helps streamline data management and enhances marketing capabilities.
10. Customer Support and Resources: Constant Contact provides customer support through email, chat, and phone. The platform also offers resources such as knowledge base articles, video tutorials, webinars, and marketing guides to assist users in optimizing their email marketing strategies.

These features make Constant Contact a comprehensive email marketing platform that can help businesses effectively engage with their audience, manage contacts, and analyze campaign performance.

Constant Contact Pricing

Constant Contact offers different pricing plans based on the features and the number of contacts you have. Pricing may vary based on your location and any ongoing promotions or discounts. Here is an overview of Constant Contact’s pricing structure:

1. Email Plan: This plan is suitable for small businesses and organizations that primarily need email marketing features.
   • Pricing: Starts at $20 per month for up to 500 contacts. The price increases as the number of contacts grows. You can contact Constant Contact for pricing details specific to your contact list size.
2. Email Plus Plan: This plan includes advanced features beyond email marketing, such as automation, surveys, polls, and event management.
   • Pricing: Starts at $45 per month for up to 500 contacts. Like the Email Plan, the price increases as the number of contacts grows. Contact Constant Contact for specific pricing based on your contact list size.

Both plans offer unlimited emails, access to templates and the drag-and-drop editor, list segmentation, reporting and analytics, contact management, and customer support. The Email Plus Plan provides additional features such as automation, surveys, polls, event marketing, and coupons.

It’s important to note that Constant Contact may offer discounts or promotions, especially for new customers or those subscribing for longer terms. They also offer a free trial period, allowing you to test the platform before committing to a paid plan.

For accurate and up-to-date pricing information, it’s recommended to visit the Constant Contact website or contact their sales team directly. They can provide you with the most relevant pricing details based on your specific requirements.

Constant Contact Ease of Use

Constant Contact is known for its user-friendly interface and ease of use. The platform is designed to be intuitive and accessible to users with varying levels of technical expertise. Here are some factors that contribute to Constant Contact’s ease of use:

1. Drag-and-Drop Editor: Constant Contact offers a drag-and-drop editor that allows users to create email campaigns without any coding knowledge. You can simply choose elements from a menu, drag them into your email template, and customize them according to your preferences. This visual editor makes it easy to design professional-looking emails without any technical skills.
2. Pre-Designed Templates: Constant Contact provides a wide range of professionally designed templates for different industries and purposes. These templates are fully customizable, allowing you to add your branding elements, images, and text. The templates serve as a starting point, saving you time and effort in designing emails from scratch.
3. Contact List Management: Managing your contact lists in Constant Contact is straightforward. You can easily import contacts from various sources, segment them based on different criteria, and organize them into different lists. The platform provides clear options for adding and removing contacts, as well as handling unsubscribes and managing bouncebacks.
4. Automation and Scheduling: Constant Contact offers automation features that simplify your email marketing campaigns. You can set up automated welcome emails, birthday greetings, or event reminders to be sent to specific segments of your contact list. The scheduling feature allows you to choose the date and time for sending your emails, ensuring timely delivery to your subscribers.
5. Reporting and Analytics: Constant Contact provides easy-to-understand reporting and analytics on your email campaign performance. The platform presents key metrics such as open rates, click-through rates, and engagement statistics in a visual and comprehensive manner. This allows you to assess the effectiveness of your campaigns and make informed decisions for optimization.
6. Customer Support and Resources: Constant Contact offers a range of customer support options, including email, chat, and phone support. They also provide a comprehensive knowledge base, video tutorials, webinars, and marketing guides to help users navigate the platform and make the most of its features. The availability of resources and support ensures that users can quickly find answers to their questions and troubleshoot any issues they may encounter.

Constant Contact prioritizes user-friendly design and ease of use. Its intuitive interface, drag-and-drop editor, pre-designed templates, and extensive support resources make it accessible to users without extensive technical skills. Whether you are new to email marketing or an experienced marketer, Constant Contact strives to provide a user-friendly experience for creating and managing your email campaigns.

Constant Contact Customer Support

Constant Contact offers customer support to assist users with any questions, issues, or concerns they may have. Here is an overview of the customer support options provided by Constant Contact:

1. Phone Support: Constant Contact offers phone support to its customers. You can contact their support team via phone during their operating hours to receive assistance with any queries or technical issues. The phone support option allows for direct communication with a support representative for real-time assistance.
2. Email Support: Users can also reach out to Constant Contact’s support team via email. You can send an email with your questions or concerns, and the support team will respond to you accordingly. Email support is useful for non-urgent inquiries or for providing detailed information about an issue.
3. Live Chat Support: Constant Contact provides a live chat feature on their website. You can engage in a real-time chat session with a support representative who can help you with your inquiries or guide you through any technical difficulties you may be experiencing. Live chat support offers a quick and convenient way to get assistance without making a phone call.
4. Knowledge Base: Constant Contact maintains a comprehensive knowledge base that contains articles, guides, tutorials, and frequently asked questions (FAQs). The knowledge base covers various topics related to using the platform effectively, troubleshooting common issues, and understanding best practices for email marketing. Users can search the knowledge base to find answers and resources for self-help.
5. Community Forum: Constant Contact has an online community forum where users can interact with other users, share experiences, and ask questions. The community forum serves as a platform for peer-to-peer support and knowledge sharing. Constant Contact staff members also participate in the forum to provide guidance and assistance.
6. Webinars and Training Resources: Constant Contact offers webinars and training resources to help users learn how to maximize the platform’s features and improve their email marketing strategies. These resources cover a wide range of topics, from getting started with Constant Contact to advanced email marketing techniques.

It’s worth noting that the availability and access to customer support may vary based on your subscription plan and location. For specific details and to get the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended to visit the Constant Contact website or contact their support team directly.

Constant Contact strives to provide comprehensive customer support options to ensure users can receive assistance when needed and make the most of their email marketing experience.

Constant Contact Security

Constant Contact takes the security of its users’ data and email marketing campaigns seriously. Here are some key security measures and features implemented by Constant Contact:

1. Data Encryption: Constant Contact uses industry-standard encryption protocols to protect data transmission between users and their platform. This ensures that sensitive information, such as login credentials and personal data, is securely transmitted over the internet.
2. Secure Data Centers: Constant Contact’s data centers are designed with physical security measures in place to protect the servers and infrastructure. They employ security protocols such as restricted access, video surveillance, and fire detection and suppression systems to safeguard the equipment and data stored on their servers.
3. Data Backups: Constant Contact regularly backs up customer data to ensure its availability and protect against potential data loss. This helps in recovering data in case of any unexpected incidents or system failures.
4. Privacy and Compliance: Constant Contact adheres to privacy and data protection regulations, including GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) compliance. They have implemented privacy policies and measures to protect personal data and ensure that users have control over their data.
5. User Authentication: Constant Contact employs user authentication mechanisms to verify the identity of users and protect their accounts. This may include secure login procedures, password policies, and optional two-factor authentication for an added layer of security.
6. Account Access Controls: Constant Contact provides users with control over access to their accounts. Users can assign different roles and permissions to team members, ensuring that only authorized individuals have access to specific features and data.
7. Anti-Spam and Anti-Phishing Measures: Constant Contact maintains robust anti-spam and anti-phishing measures to prevent abuse of their platform and protect users’ email campaigns. They have implemented various systems and algorithms to detect and prevent suspicious or malicious activities.
8. Ongoing Security Audits and Testing: Constant Contact regularly conducts security audits and tests to identify vulnerabilities and ensure their platform is secure. This includes internal assessments as well as working with external security experts to evaluate and enhance their security measures.

It’s important to note that while Constant Contact takes measures to ensure the security of their platform, users also play a role in maintaining the security of their accounts. This includes using strong and unique passwords, regularly updating account credentials, and following security best practices.

For more detailed information about Constant Contact’s security practices and measures, it is recommended to visit their website or contact their support team directly.

Is Constant Contact Worth It?

Whether Constant Contact is worth it depends on your specific needs and requirements as a business or organization. Here are some factors to consider when evaluating if Constant Contact is the right choice for you:

1. Email Marketing Features: Constant Contact offers a range of email marketing features, including a user-friendly editor, customizable templates, list management, automation, and reporting. If you require these features and find them valuable for your email marketing campaigns, Constant Contact can be worth it.
2. Ease of Use: Constant Contact is known for its user-friendly interface and intuitive tools. If you prefer a platform that is easy to navigate and doesn’t require extensive technical skills, Constant Contact can be a suitable option.
3. Customer Support: Constant Contact provides customer support through phone, email, and live chat. If having access to responsive and helpful customer support is important to you, Constant Contact’s support options may be beneficial.
4. Pricing: Constant Contact offers various pricing plans based on the number of contacts you have. Consider your budget and how the pricing aligns with the features and benefits you expect to gain from using the platform.
5. Additional Features: Apart from email marketing, Constant Contact offers additional features like event management, surveys, polls, and social media integration. If these features align with your marketing needs and can contribute to your overall strategy, it adds further value to Constant Contact.
6. Integration Options: Constant Contact integrates with popular CRM systems, e-commerce platforms, and other tools. If you already use or plan to use these integrations, Constant Contact’s compatibility can make it a valuable choice.
7. Industry Fit: Constant Contact caters to various industries and has pre-designed templates suitable for different sectors. Consider if the platform aligns well with your industry and if it provides the necessary tools and features specific to your needs.

Ultimately, it is recommended to try out Constant Contact’s free trial or demo to get hands-on experience with the platform. This will help you determine if it meets your expectations, is easy to use, and provides the necessary features and support for your email marketing efforts. Additionally, comparing Constant Contact with other email marketing platforms in terms of features, pricing, and user reviews can further inform your decision-making process.

Conclusion

Constant Contact is a popular and user-friendly email marketing platform that offers a range of features and tools to help businesses and organizations create, manage, and optimize their email campaigns. With its intuitive interface, drag-and-drop editor, customizable templates, and automation capabilities, Constant Contact simplifies the process of designing and sending professional-looking emails.

The platform provides contact list management, segmentation options, and reporting features that enable targeted messaging and performance tracking. Constant Contact also offers additional features such as event management, surveys, polls, and social media integration, allowing businesses to engage with their audience across multiple channels.

While the pricing of Constant Contact varies based on the number of contacts, it provides value through its features, ease of use, and customer support options. The availability of phone support, email support, live chat, a knowledge base, and a community forum ensures that users can receive assistance and find resources to address their questions and concerns.

To determine if Constant Contact is worth it for your specific needs, consider factors such as the features you require, your budget, the ease of use, and the industry fit. Trying out the free trial or demo and comparing Constant Contact with other email marketing platforms can help you make an informed decision.

Remember that the effectiveness of any email marketing platform depends on how well you utilize its features, understand your audience, and craft engaging content.

FAQs

Can I try Constant Contact before purchasing a subscription?

Yes, Constant Contact offers a free trial that allows you to explore and test the platform’s features before committing to a paid subscription. The trial period duration may vary, so it’s best to check their website for the most up-to-date information.

Is Constant Contact suitable for small businesses?

Yes, Constant Contact is popular among small businesses due to its user-friendly interface, customizable templates, and affordable pricing plans. It offers features and tools that can help small businesses effectively manage their email marketing campaigns.

Does Constant Contact provide mobile app support?

Yes, Constant Contact offers mobile apps for iOS and Android devices. These apps allow you to manage your email campaigns, view reports, and engage with your audience on the go.

Can I integrate Constant Contact with other platforms or tools?

Yes, Constant Contact integrates with various third-party platforms and tools such as CRM systems, e-commerce platforms, and content management systems (CMS). This integration allows you to streamline your data management and enhance your marketing capabilities.

Does Constant Contact provide analytics and reporting on campaign performance?

Yes, Constant Contact provides reporting and analytics features that allow you to track important metrics such as open rates, click-through rates, and engagement statistics. These insights help you assess the effectiveness of your email campaigns and make data-driven decisions for optimization.

Is Constant Contact compliant with data protection regulations?

Yes, Constant Contact is committed to data protection and privacy. They adhere to regulations like GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and have implemented measures to ensure the security of user data. They provide options for managing consent and offer tools to help users comply with privacy regulations.