Comparison of Keap and Close.io in CRM Tools
Keap and Close.io are two prominent players in the CRM (Customer Relationship Management) space, designed to enhance sales and customer engagement. Keap, formerly known as Infusionsoft, primarily targets small businesses with its automation capabilities, focusing on streamlining marketing efforts and managing customer relationships. Close.io, on the other hand, caters more towards sales teams by providing a comprehensive platform for managing calls, emails, and customer interactions in a single interface.
Users gravitate towards these tools for their robust functionalities that aim to increase efficiency and drive revenue. Keap is often chosen for its marketing automation and e-commerce features, while Close.io is favored for its sales pipeline management and communication tools.
When evaluating these two CRM solutions, key comparison aspects include:
- Features: An assessment of automation, communication, integration capabilities, and overall functionality.
- Pricing: A breakdown of their pricing structures, including subscription models and what is included at various tiers.
- Ease of Use: User interfaces, learning curves, and overall user experience.
- Customer Support: Availability and quality of support services offered to users.
This comparison will provide potential users with insights to make an informed decision tailored to their business needs.
Keap VS Close.io: Which tool is the most popular?
| Tool | Number of Reviews | Average User Rating | Positive Reviews | Neutral Reviews | Negative Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keap | 74 | 3.03 | 39 | 6 | 29 |
| Close.io | 12 | 4.38 | 11 | 0 | 1 |
Analysis reveals Close.io as the most popular tool based on average user rating at 4.38 despite having only 12 reviews. In contrast, Keap, while having a significantly higher number of reviews at 74, holds a lower average rating of 3.03. This highlights a stronger user satisfaction perception for Close.io, despite its fewer total reviews. Keap has a larger user base but also a higher count of negative reviews, indicating potential areas for improvement.
Keap and Close.io: Quick Comparison Overview
| Feature/Aspect | Ahrefs | SEMrush |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Features | – Site Explorer – Keyword Explorer – Backlink Checker – Content Explorer – Rank Tracker |
– Keyword Research – Site Audit – Position Tracking – Content Analyzer – Marketing Insights |
| Target Audience | – SEO professionals – Digital marketers – Agencies focusing on content marketing and backlink analysis |
– Digital marketers – SEO experts – Content marketers – Social media marketers and PPC specialists |
| Main Advantages | – Robust backlink analysis – Comprehensive keyword data – Intuitive user interface – Constantly updated index |
– All-in-one digital marketing tool – Extensive competitor analysis – Wide array of tools for SEO and PPC – Integrated social media management |
| Core Value Proposition | Focused on providing in-depth SEO insights, particularly strengths in backlink profiles and organic keyword rankings. Ideal for users prioritizing content strategy and link-building efforts. | Offers a holistic view of digital marketing, making it easier to manage all aspects of online presence through an extensive range of tools for SEO, PPC, and social media marketing. |
| Ideal Use Cases | – Conducting comprehensive link audits – Developing effective content strategies – Tracking backlinks and organic rankings – Keyword planning for SEO campaigns |
– Managing and optimizing PPC campaigns – Conducting competitive analysis for market positioning – Comprehensive content analytics and SEO tracking – Social media metrics and management |
Most liked vs most disliked features of Keap and Close.io
| Platform | Most Liked Features | Most Disliked Features |
|---|---|---|
| Keap | – Responsive customer service ready to assist with various situations. – Effective email marketing capabilities offering affordable solutions. – Excellent contact management crucial for marketing automation. – Automation setup helping small business owners manage leads efficiently. – A reliable tool integrating functions beyond simple email marketing. |
– Significant internet data usage, which can be costly for small businesses. – Learning curve for new users; time-consuming setup. – Dependence on a stable internet connection for full functionality. – Need for more updates to meet user needs. – Additional costs for required features. |
| Close.io | – Combines SMS, calling, and email campaigns in one platform for streamlined workflow. – Intuitive interface needing little to no training. – Efficient lead management and follow-up sequences. – Automation enhances productivity by managing follow-ups. – Quick and helpful customer support team ensuring positive experience. |
– Desire for more control over email send timing. – Occasional minor bugs, such as wrong email sender selection. – Suggestions for user interface improvements. – Requests for easier workflow setup processes. – Current lead selection methods for campaigns seen as cumbersome. |
Key Features of Keap vs Close.io
Key Features of Keap and Close.io
Keap:
-
CRM & Sales Automation:
- Benefit: Streamlines repetitive tasks, allowing users to focus on more strategic sales activities.
- Unique Aspect: Keap’s emphasis on automation helps small businesses manage growth efficiently without needing extensive administrative resources.
-
Email Marketing:
- Benefit: Users can create, send, and track marketing campaigns directly from the CRM.
- Unique Aspect: Integrated email campaigns allow for better segmentation and targeting, directly linking marketing efforts to customer insights.
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Lead Management:
- Benefit: Centralizes lead information, making it easier to track interactions and manage the sales pipeline.
- Unique Aspect: The visual pipeline in Keap offers a clear view of where leads are in the sales process, boosting conversion rates.
-
E-commerce Capabilities:
- Benefit: Users can manage online sales transactions through the platform.
- Unique Aspect: This feature is especially beneficial for businesses that blend online and offline sales processes.
-
Task Management and Reminders:
- Benefit: Ensures that users stay on top of their follow-ups and important deadlines.
- Unique Aspect: The ability to automate task assignments based on user behaviors enhances efficiency.
-
Client Portal:
- Benefit: Clients can access their own information, leading to improved communication and satisfaction.
- Unique Aspect: This empowers clients, adding a layer of transparency and trust to business relationships.
Close.io:
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Built-in Calling:
- Benefit: Users can make calls directly from the CRM, streamlining the sales process.
- Unique Aspect: The built-in calling feature distinguishes Close.io by reducing reliance on third-party applications for communication.
-
Email and SMS Integration:
- Benefit: Centralizes all communication in one place, which improves tracking and responses.
- Unique Aspect: Close.io’s deep integration with communication channels allows for better outreach and higher engagement rates.
-
Sales Pipeline Management:
- Benefit: Users can visualize their sales process and easily move leads through different stages.
- Unique Aspect: The flexibility in customizing and managing multiple pipelines for different products or services is a strong point.
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Reporting and Analytics:
- Benefit: Provides actionable insights into sales performance.
- Unique Aspect: Close.io offers advanced reporting capabilities that allow teams to track performance metrics effectively.
-
Tasks and Follow-ups:
- Benefit: Keeps teams organized with reminders and follow-ups integrated into the workflow.
- Unique Aspect: The emphasis on task automation helps prevent leads from falling through the cracks.
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Customizable Views:
- Benefit: Users can tailor their CRM experience based on their preferences and workflow.
- Unique Aspect: The high level of customization makes Close.io adaptable to a variety of business models and user needs.
Summary
Both Keap and Close.io provide robust CRM tools designed to enhance sales processes and customer relationships, but they cater to slightly different user needs. Keap shines with its focus on automation for small businesses and integrated marketing features, while Close.io excels in communication integration and advanced sales pipeline management. Each offers unique elements that cater to their target markets, making them effective tools for CRM needs.
Keap vs Close.io Pricing Comparison
Pricing Comparison of Keap and Close.io
| Pricing Tier | Keap | Close.io |
|---|---|---|
| Free Trial | 14-day free trial available | 14-day free trial available |
| Lite | $79/month (annual) | $29/user/month (annual) |
| $99/month (monthly) | $35/user/month (monthly) | |
| Features Included | – 500 contacts | – 1 user |
| – Marketing automation | – Basic CRM features | |
| – Email marketing | – Calling capabilities | |
| – Landing page builder | – Email integration | |
| Pro | $159/month (annual) | $69/user/month (annual) |
| $199/month (monthly) | $99/user/month (monthly) | |
| Features Included | – 25,000 contacts | – 3 users |
| – SMS marketing | – Advanced CRM features | |
| – E-commerce functionality | – Reporting and analytics | |
| – Customizable dashboard | – Task and lead automation | |
| Max | $239/month (annual) | $109/user/month (annual) |
| $299/month (monthly) | $149/user/month (monthly) | |
| Features Included | – 100,000 contacts | – 5 users |
| – Dedicated account manager | – Custom dashboards | |
| – Marketing support | – Call tracking and recording | |
| – Advanced automation | – API access | |
| Enterprise | Custom pricing based on needs | Custom pricing based on needs |
| – Tailored features | – Tailored features |
Summary of Key Differences:
- User vs. Contact Focus: Keap pricing is based on the number of contacts, while Close.io pricing is on a per-user basis.
- Feature Set: Close.io focuses more on sales features (like calling and deep CRM functionalities), while Keap offers extensive marketing automation and e-commerce capabilities.
- Entry-Level Pricing: Close.io provides a lower entry-level price for its basic features.
- Contact Capacity: Keap’s tiers accommodate a significantly higher number of contacts compared to Close.io’s user tiers.
Discounts:
Both platforms offer a 14-day free trial to allow potential users to explore service offerings before making a commitment.
Support Options Comparison: Keap vs Close.io
| Support Feature | Keap | Close.io |
|---|---|---|
| Live Chat | Available on all pricing plans. | Available on all pricing plans. |
| Phone Support | 24/7 phone support for the Pro and Max plans; limited hours for the Basic plan. | Phone support available; hours not specified. |
| Documentation | Comprehensive knowledge base, guides, and FAQs accessible online. | Extensive documentation and help articles available. |
| Webinars | Hosts regular webinars for product training and updates. | Offers live and recorded webinars for user education. |
| Tutorials | Provides introductory tutorials and video resources to help users get started. | Includes a series of video tutorials on various features and best practices. |
| Community Support | Access to a user community for sharing tips and support. | No dedicated community forum mentioned. |
| Email Support | Email support available for all plans with response times varying by plan. | Email support accessible with a general response timeframe. |
Keap offers extensive resources with a strong emphasis on live chat and community engagement, while Close.io also provides significant support options but with a more streamlined approach to community resources.
Unique Features of Keap Vs Close.io
| Feature | Brand | Description | Added Value | Decision Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automated Follow-up Sequences | Keap | Automates email and marketing follow-up sequences based on user behavior and engagement. | Reduces manual effort and ensures timely communication with leads, enhancing engagement rates. | Increases efficiency in lead nurturing, allowing businesses to focus on closing sales rather than managing communications. |
| Lead Scoring | Keap | Scores leads based on their interactions and engagement with the business. | Helps prioritize leads that are most likely to convert, optimizing sales efforts. | Enables sales teams to focus on high-potential leads, improving conversion rates. |
| Workflow Automation | Keap | Offers customizable workflows that automate repetitive tasks across different departments. | Streamlines operations and increases productivity by reducing the time spent on administrative tasks. | Enhances team efficiency, allowing staff to spend more time on strategic initiatives rather than routine processes. |
| Reporting and Analytics Dashboards | Keap | Provides visual dashboards with real-time insights into marketing performance, sales activities, and customer interactions. | Facilitates data-driven decision-making and allows for quick identification of performance trends. | Empowers teams to adjust strategies rapidly based on performance metrics, improving overall effectiveness. |
| Built-in E-commerce Functionality | Keap | Integrates e-commerce capabilities directly within the CRM platform, allowing for seamless sales transactions. | Simplifies the sales process and improves customer experience by offering direct purchasing options. | Attracts businesses that need a robust sales functionality integrated with CRM, reducing the need for separate tools. |
| Email Marketing Integration | Close.io | Offers deep integration with various email platforms, allowing users to conduct email campaigns directly from the CRM interface. | Enhances email marketing strategy while keeping the communication flow centralized. | This feature leads to a more cohesive marketing strategy, allowing for efficient tracking and management of campaigns. |
| Call Tracking and Recording | Close.io | Provides built-in capabilities for call tracking and recording, integrated with the CRM workflow. | Enables sales teams to analyze calls for training and quality assurance, allowing for improvement in sales techniques. | Essential for companies relying heavily on phone outreach, ensuring leads are managed effectively and training opportunities are maximized. |
| SMS & Communication Tools | Close.io | Facilitates SMS messaging and multi-channel communication directly from the CRM. | Increases responsiveness and enhances communication with leads, improving engagement through various channels. | Critical for businesses whose target demographic prefers quick, text-based communication, ensuring higher engagement. |
| Predictive Dialing | Close.io | Allows users to call multiple leads in succession without manual dialing, optimizing the calling process. | Increases productivity of sales reps by minimizing downtime between calls. | Significantly benefits teams engaged in high-volume outbound outreach, maximizing contact rates and sales opportunities. |
Most frequently asked questions about Keap vs Close.io
What are the key differences between Close.io and Keap?
Close.io focuses more on sales-oriented CRM features, providing tools for call management and lead scoring. As one reviewer noted, ‘Close.io’s ability to integrate calling and emails in one platform is a game changer for sales teams.’ In contrast, Keap is designed with an emphasis on automation and marketing workflows, making it a better fit for businesses looking to streamline their marketing processes.
Which CRM offers better automation features?
Keap is often praised for its automation capabilities, especially in managing follow-ups and customer engagement. A user mentions, ‘Keap’s automation tools significantly reduced our manual work, letting us focus on nurturing leads instead.’ Close.io, while it has automation features, is considered more manual and focused primarily on sales processes.
How does the user interface compare between Close.io and Keap?
Users generally find Close.io’s interface more tailored to sales operations, with a straightforward layout that simplifies the sales process. A user stated, ‘The dashboard in Close.io is really intuitive; it makes managing calls and leads effortless.’ In contrast, Keap’s interface is often described as cluttered due to the extensive features available, which can overwhelm new users initially.
What are the pricing structures for Close.io and Keap?
Close.io typically offers pricing that scales with the features needed, starting at around $29/month, while Keap’s plans, beginning at $79/month, can be more expensive due to its advanced automation features. A review highlighted, ‘While Close.io’s pricing is attractive for small teams, Keap offers more comprehensive tools for managing complex sales funnels despite the higher cost.’
Which CRM is better for small businesses?
Small businesses may find Close.io more aligned with their sales needs, especially if they rely on calling as a primary sales strategy. One user mentioned, ‘For small teams, Close.io’s simple setup and focused tools are ideal.’ However, Keap might serve businesses with a broader range of automation needs more effectively.
How well do these CRMs integrate with other tools?
Both CRMs offer integrations, though users report that Close.io excels in integration with sales tools, while Keap connects seamlessly with marketing applications. A reviewer pointed out, ‘Close.io’s integration with various sales tools makes it easy to centralize our operations, but Keap truly shines with email automation tools.’
What are the customer support options available for each CRM?
Close.io is known for its responsive support team, with multiple reviews stating, ‘Their customer service is quick to resolve our issues.’ Keap, while also providing robust support, has mixed reviews—some users express a need for faster response times, commenting, ‘Keap’s support can be a bit slow during peak times.’
Which CRM provides better reporting and analytics?
Close.io typically offers more robust reporting tailored to sales performance, with users noting, ‘The sales analytics in Close.io are detailed and valuable for measuring team success.’ Meanwhile, Keap’s reporting is more focused on marketing campaigns and customer interactions, making it harder to measure sales performance directly.
Is it easy to migrate data between different CRMs to Close.io or Keap?
Migration experiences can vary; however, several users have reported that Close.io provides a smoother data import process with its user-friendly features. One reviewer stated, ‘Transferring data to Close.io was way simpler than I expected.’ Keap’s data migration has received some criticism, with a user mentioning, ‘The process was a hassle and required more manual adjustments than anticipated.’
Which CRM has more customizable features?
Keap generally offers greater customization options, allowing users to tailor the software to their specific marketing and sales needs. A review highlighted, ‘The customization in Keap helped us specifically target and automate our workflows.’ Close.io, while customizable, is seen as less flexible due to its focus on a particular sales-centric workflow.
