If you’re running a SaaS business like me, you know how important it is to reach the right customers at the right time.But keeping up with all the marketing tasks can be overwhelming, right? That’s where marketing automation tools come in handy. These tools are like your personal assistants, helping you streamline your marketing efforts without all the stress.In this blog post, we’re going to dive into 15 of the best marketing automation tools specifically designed for SaaS businesses like ours. So, let’s simplify our marketing game and take our SaaS business to the next level!
List of 15 Best Marketing Automation Tools for SaaS
HubSpot
Encharge
Ortto
Eloqua
Adobe Marketo Engage
Salesforce Marketing Cloud Account Engagement
SharpSpring
Keap
Act-On
WebEngage
Mailchimp
AWeber
ActiveCampaign
ConvertKit
Constant Contact
1. HubSpot
HubSpot is the ultimate marketing automation tool trusted by over 177,000 businesses like ours. It’s like having a supercharged assistant that handles everything from attracting customers to keeping them happy. With HubSpot, you can create stunning marketing campaigns, manage your sales pipeline, provide top-notch customer service, and keep your data organized—all in one place.
Features
Automated campaigns creation
Automate routine tasks with email and form automation
Extend campaigns across SMS, in-product marketing, and more
Automate lead nurturing with email drip campaigns
Workflow visualization
Automate lead scoring, follow-ups, notifications, and more
Top 3 Features of HubSpot
1. Automated Campaign Creation
HubSpot helps you set up marketing campaigns without doing each step manually. You can create emails, forms, and messages that go out automatically. It saves time and ensures your marketing stays on track.
2. Lead Nurturing Automation
This tool helps keep potential customers interested. It sends them helpful emails at the right times, so they’re more likely to buy from you.
3. Workflow Visualization
This feature lets you see your marketing plans in a clear, easy-to-understand way. You can see what steps your customers will go through and make changes if needed. It helps you stay organized and make sure everything runs smoothly.
Pros of HubSpot
Free tools available, including CRM and landing page builder.
Extensive partner network for support and implementation.
Excellent training resources for users of all levels.
Integrated sales tools for high-touch sales processes.
Cons of HubSpot
Steeper learning curve due to the breadth of features.
Time-consuming to fully implement paid versions.
Higher cost compared to some competitors.
Pricing
Marketing hub professional $800/mo
Marketing hub enterprise $3,600/mo
Customer Support
Dedicated support team available via chat, email, and phone.
Extensive knowledge base
Community forums
Average Rating
The average rating of HubSpot is 4.4 out of 5.
Testimonials
Final Verdict
HubSpot is the ultimate marketing automation platform for SaaS businesses like ours. With its comprehensive features and unparalleled support, it’s no wonder why it’s our top recommendation. While it may take some time to master, the benefits far outweigh the learning curve. So why wait? Start your free trial of HubSpot Professional today and take your SaaS business to new heights.
2. Encharge
Encharge is a marketing automation tool that’s all about simplicity and integration. With Encharge, you can connect seamlessly with top-notch tools like Segment.com, Stripe, and Facebook ads, making your marketing efforts a breeze. Plus, it offers a visual flow builder and precise segmentation features, so you can target your audience with laser-like precision. And guess what? It starts at just $49/month for 2,000 contacts, making it one of the most affordable options out there.
Features
Broadcasts
Flow Builder
Behavior Emails
A/B Testing
Personalization
User Profiles
User Segments
Lead Scoring
Email Editor
Transactional Emails
Email Verification
Native Forms
Company Profiles
Custom Objects
Event Management
Top 3 Features of Encharge
1. Behavior Emails
Behavior email helps send emails based on what people do or don’t do on your website or app. So, if someone visits your site but doesn’t buy anything, you can automatically email them to remind them. It’s like having a smart helper who knows when to reach customers.
2. User Segments
This sorts your users into groups based on what they do. So, if some people visit your website a lot and others hardly ever do, you can send different emails to each group. It’s like organizing your friends into different groups for different activities.
3. Lead Scoring
This rates how likely it is that someone will buy your product. It looks at things like how often they visit your site or open your emails. Then, it helps you focus on the most interested people. It’s like having a list that tells you who’s most likely to become a customer.
Pros of Encharge
Customization is available
Intuitive visual flow builder
Precise segmentation capabilities
Cons of Encharge
Advanced event segmentation feature still in development
Steep learning curve
Performance issues
Pricing
Growth $79/month (billed yearly)
Premium $129/month (billed yearly)
Enterprise with custom pricing
Customer Support
Free concierge services available for SaaS startups
Consultation calls to discuss marketing challenges
Average Rating
The average rating of Encharge is 4.7 out of 5.
Testimonials
Final Verdict
Encharge is a game-changer for SaaS businesses looking for an affordable and integrated marketing automation solution. With its deep integrations, intuitive visual builder, and precise segmentation capabilities, it’s a must-have tool for your marketing needs.
3. Ortto
Meet Ortto, your go-to marketing automation platform trusted by over 11,000 active customers. Unlike others, Ortto specializes in advanced features customized to your needs, making it a standout choice. With Ortto, you get everything from marketing automation to push notifications and live chat—all in one place. Plus, its smart AI capabilities take your marketing game to the next level, suggesting subject lines and predicting open rates.
Features
Lead management
Email marketing
Automated workflows
Segmentation
Analytics and Reporting
Email marketing
Live chat
Inbox
Advanced AI Capabilities
Knowledge base
Specialized Template Library
In-app messages
Popups, forms & surveys
Lead scoring
Security & privacy
Integrated Push Notifications and SMS
Integrations
Top 3 Features of Ortto
1. Advanced AI Capabilities
Ortto’s AI offers advanced features like subject line suggestions and open rate predictions, giving your marketing efforts a competitive edge.
2. Integrated Push Notifications and SMS
With Ortto, you can reach your audience instantly with push notifications and SMS, keeping them engaged and informed.
3. Lead Management
This feature ensures no leads fall through the cracks and provides insights into their behavior, helping prioritize efforts towards the most promising prospects.
Pros of Ortto
Lower cost compared to many competitors
Modern and user-friendly interface
Advanced AI capabilities for enhanced productivity
Built-in push notification and SMS features
Discounted startup package available for qualifying SaaS companies
Cons of Ortto
Additional tools like CRM and CMS may be required
Self-serve customer service model may not suit everyone
Some users report issues with Salesforce integration
Pricing
Professional $509 USD/mo
Business $849 USD/mo
Enterprise $1,699 USD/mo
Customer Support
Mostly self-serve customer service model
Live chat
Customer support
Contact form
Average Rating
The average rating of Ortto is 4.6 out of 5.
Testimonials
Final Verdict
Ortto is the perfect solution for SaaS companies seeking specialized marketing automation without unnecessary extras. With its intuitive interface and advanced AI capabilities, creating impactful campaigns and boosting productivity is a breeze. Its integrated features, like push notifications and SMS, keep your audience engaged.
4. Eloqua
As one of the oldest players, Eloqua has set the standard for marketing automation tools. With its comprehensive feature set, including broadcast email marketing, CRM integration, lead management, and more, Eloqua is a powerhouse for enterprise-level businesses. While it comes with a hefty price tag starting at $2,000 per month, its capabilities are unmatched.
Features
Email marketing
Cross-channel marketing
Personalization
Lead scoring
Lead nurturing
Campaign management
Analytics and reporting
Top 3 Features of Eloqua
1. Email Marketing
Eloqua helps send emails to lots of people at once. You can make them look nice and see who opens them. It’s like sending out flyers to let people know about your business.
2. Cross-channel Marketing
This lets you reach people on different platforms, like email, social media, and websites. You can make sure your message is seen by lots of people, no matter where they are. It’s like spreading the word about your business in different places.
3. Personalization
This makes your messages feel like they’re just for the person reading them. You can use their name or talk about things they’re interested in. It’s like having a conversation with someone instead of just sending a generic message.
Pros of Eloqua
Extensive marketing functionality
Ability to create targeted campaigns across multiple channels
Strong alignment between sales and marketing teams
Custom implementation and integration services are available
Cons of Eloqua
Expensive pricing
Long implementation process
Primarily suited for enterprise-level companies with over 1,000 employees
Pricing
Basic $2000/month
Standard $4000/month
Enterprise – contact sales
Customer Support
Chat support
Call support
Email support
Average Rating
The average rating of Eloqua is 3.9 out of 5.
Testimonials
Final Verdict
While Oracle Eloqua may not be the first choice for SaaS companies due to its high price and complex implementation process, it remains a top contender for enterprise-level businesses. With its extensive marketing functionality and seamless alignment between sales and marketing, Eloqua is a powerhouse in the world of marketing automation. If you’re looking for a solution and have the budget to match, Eloqua could be the perfect fit for your enterprise.
5. Adobe Marketo Engage
Adobe Marketo Engage is a powerhouse marketing automation platform trusted by around 30,000 websites. Customized for scale-up SaaS companies, Marketo is your go-to solution for advanced marketing campaigns. While it doesn’t include a CRM, Marketo shines in email marketing, lead nurturing, landing pages, and more. Plus, it offers a chatbot and content recommendation engine to engage visitors and drive conversions.
Features
Cross-channel marketing
Engagement map
Social marketing
Email marketing
Interactive webinars
Mobile Marketing
Digital advertising
Adobe Dynamic Chat
Sales insights
Account profiling
Target account management
Predictive audiences
Lead generation
Segmentation
Targeting
Sales and marketing partnership
Content personalization
Web personalization
Predictive content
Marketing analytics
Advanced journey analytics
Multi-touch attribution
Data and insights
Top 3 Features of Adobe Marketo Engage
1. Cross-channel Marketing
Adobe Marketo Engage helps you reach customers on different platforms like social media, email, and websites. You can make sure your message is seen everywhere your customers are, making it easier to connect with them.
2. Sales and Marketing Partnership
This feature helps sales and marketing teams work together better. By giving sales teams useful leads and insights, both teams can work together to turn leads into customers more effectively.
3. Content Personalization
This makes your messages feel like they’re just for each person. It uses data to show customers content they’re interested in, helping create better experiences and increasing the chances they’ll buy from you.
Pros of Adobe Marketo Engage
Advanced marketing automation capabilities
Extensive customization options for multi-channel campaigns
Highly granular data analytics and reporting
Content recommendation engine for personalized experiences
Cons of Adobe Marketo Engage
Dated design and tooling interface
Steeper learning curve compared to other platforms
Narrower product offering and higher cost than some competitors
Requires integration with external CRM and CMS systems
Pricing
Growth – contact sales
Select – contact sales
Prime – contact sales
Ultimate – contact sales
Customer Support
Dedicated support team available for assistance
Comprehensive resources and training materials
Average Rating
The average rating of Adobe Marketo Engage is 4.1 out of 5.
Testimonials
Final Verdict
While Adobe Marketo Engage is ideal for scale-up businesses with a need for deeper enterprise functionality, its higher cost and complexity may not suit every company. However, for those prioritizing advanced automation and personalized experiences, Marketo’s content recommendation engine can be a valuable asset.
6. Salesforce Marketing Cloud Account Engagement
Marketing Cloud Account Engagement, previously known as Pardot, is the automation tool acquired by Salesforce in 2007, making it a trusted choice for businesses worldwide. Designed to optimize marketing efforts, it offers a range of features, including Email Studio for email marketing, lead nurturing, and advanced AI-powered campaigns. While it’s popular among larger organizations due to its enterprise functionality, Marketing Cloud Account Engagement’s high cost and complex interface may pose challenges for some users.
Features
Lead Generation
Cross-Channel Journeys
Account-Based Engagement
AI Scoring
Engagement History Insights
Real-Time Sales Alerts
Full-Funnel Multi-touch Attribution
Account-Based Marketing Dashboard
Out-of-the-Box Analytics
Top 3 Features of Marketing Cloud Account Engagement
1. Lead Nurturing and Scoring
Marketing Cloud Account Engagement helps find the best leads and turn them into customers. It looks at what people do online to figure out who’s most interested. Then, it sends them helpful messages to keep them interested until they’re ready to buy.
2. Cross-Channel Journeys
This lets you connect with customers in different places, like email, social media, and ads. It’s like following them around online to make sure they see your messages wherever they go.
3. Full-Funnel Multi-touch Attribution
This helps figure out which marketing efforts are working best. It looks at all the different things you do to promote your business and shows which ones are bringing in the most customers. It’s like having a map that tells you the best route to take to reach your destination.
Pros of Marketing Cloud Account Engagement
Enterprise functionality suitable for larger scale-ups
Ability to implement marketing automation campaigns of varying complexities
Cons of Marketing Cloud Account Engagement
High cost compared to other platforms
Dated and non-intuitive user interface
Requires technical skills for basic functions like segmentation
Hosting landing pages on a separate subdomain negatively impacts SEO
Pricing
Marketing Cloud Engagement Starting at $1,250 Org / Month*
Marketing Cloud Account Engagement Starting at $1,250 USD / Month*
The average rating of Marketing Cloud Account Engagement is 4.0 out of 5.
Testimonials
Final Verdict
While Marketing Cloud Account Engagement offers enterprise-level functionality and is trusted by businesses within the Salesforce ecosystem, its high cost and complex interface may deter some users. Consider Marketing Cloud Account Engagement if you require advanced marketing automation capabilities and have the resources to manage its intricacies.
7. SharpSpring
SharpSpring is the go-to marketing automation tool for agencies. With its all-in-one platform, SharpSpring offers a comprehensive suite of features designed to optimize marketing efforts. From behavior-based emails to CRM and sales automation, SharpSpring has everything agencies need to succeed. While its UI may need some improvement and there have been reports of glitches, SharpSpring stands out for its cost-effectiveness, starting at just $450/month for 1,500 contacts. Perfect for agencies with its fully brandable white-label option and custom pricing, SharpSpring is a solid choice for those seeking a robust marketing automation solution.
Features
Full-funnel Marketing & Sales Automation + CRM
Email Marketing
Marketing Automation
Sales Automation
CRM
Social Media
Retargeting Ads
Tracking & Analytics
Top 3 Features of SharpSpring
1. Full-funnel Marketing & Sales Automation + CRM
It’s like having a supercharged tool that helps you attract leads, close deals, and manage customer relationships all in one place. No more switching between different apps – everything works together to boost sales.
2. Email Marketing
With this feature, you can send targeted emails to potential customers, making sure they get the right message at the right time. It’s like having a personal assistant that helps you reach out to leads and keep them engaged.
3. Marketing Automation
This feature handles repetitive tasks like sending follow-up emails and tracking customer interactions automatically. It’s like having a robot assistant that helps you stay organized and frees up your time to focus on more important things, like growing your business.
Pros of SharpSpring
Ideal for agencies with fully brandable white-label option
Free support included
Comprehensive suite of features in all plans
Cons of SharpSpring
UI could use improvement
Reports of glitches and bugs reported by some customers
Unreliable Salesforce integration
No self-serve signup process available
Pricing
Starter $4,680
Pro $15,300
Enterprise $50,400
10k contact plan $11,988
Customer Support
Free support included with all plans
Dedicated support team available for assistance
Average Rating
The average rating of SharpSpring is 4.6 out of 5.
Testimonials
Final Verdict
While SharpSpring may not be the top choice for SaaS companies, it shines as a marketing automation solution for agencies. With its cost-effective pricing, fully brandable white-label option, and comprehensive feature set, SharpSpring is a solid choice for agencies looking to streamline their marketing efforts.
8. Keap
Keap is the perfect solution for small service businesses and solopreneurs seeking an affordable all-in-one marketing automation platform. With Keap, you get a comprehensive set of features to automate your business operations, from email marketing to CRM and online selling. While it may lack some advanced automation capabilities, Keap stands out for its affordability, starting at just $79/month. Whether you need to accept payments, manage invoices, or follow up with leads, Keap has you covered.
Features
Marketing and sales automation
Automation templates for various needs
Define triggers and actions for automations
CRM
Payments and invoicing
Email and text messaging
Appointments and scheduling
Lead capture and pipeline
Reporting
Dedicated business phone line
Integrations
Top 3 Features of Keap
1. Marketing and sales automation
Keap helps you send personalized messages without doing lots of manual work. You can set up automatic responses based on what your customers do, like filling out a form or moving to the next stage of a deal.
2. Automation templates
Choose from pre-made templates or make your own custom automation. These templates cover common needs like following up with new leads or reminding clients about invoices.
3. Define triggers and actions
Decide what starts your automation and what happens next. For example, a customer filling out a form could trigger sending them a booking link. You can also set up delays, like waiting a few days before sending a reminder.
Pros of Keap
Ideal for small service businesses and solopreneurs
Affordable pricing plans
All-in-one platform for managing various business operations
CRM and segmentation capabilities for effective lead management
Cons of Keap
Lacks sophisticated marketing automation flows
Does not include event-based campaign automation
Pricing
Pro $159 /mo
Max $229 /mo
Ultimate $279 /mo
Customer Support
A dedicated support team is available for assistance
Comprehensive resources and training materials
Average Rating
The average rating of Keap is 4.2 out of 5.
Testimonials
Final Verdict
Keap is the go-to choice for small service businesses and solopreneurs seeking an affordable and comprehensive marketing automation solution. While it may lack some advanced features, its affordability and all-in-one platform make it an excellent choice for optimizing business operations.
9. Act-On
Act-On offers a comprehensive suite of features to optimize your marketing efforts. From drip campaigns to dynamic content and adaptive lead nurturing, Act-On has everything you need to engage your audience effectively. While its complex features and overwhelming UI may pose challenges for some users, Act-On stands out for its pricing based on active contacts and outbound email capabilities.
Features
B2B Demand Generation
B2C Sales and Transactions
Customer Marketing
Automate Buyer Journeys
Personalize Digital Experiences
Improve Brand Loyalty
Onboarding and Training Programs
Product Adoption and Retention
Launch New Products and Services
Top 3 Features of Act-On
1. B2B Demand Generation
Act-on helps attract and capture customers by optimizing the sales funnel, tracking visitor behavior, and analyzing return on investment (ROI).
2. B2C Sales and Transactions
It automates transactions and engages customers with personalized content to drive interest and increase sales.
3. Customer Marketing
This extends the conversation beyond the sale point, expanding the business through customized communications to retain and grow the customer base.
Pros of Act-On
Pricing based on active contacts only
Outbound email capabilities
Comprehensive suite of features for effective marketing automation
Cons of Act-On
Complex features and overwhelming UI
No self-serve model available
Lack of drag and drop flow builder
Pricing
Professional $900/month
Enterprise – contact sales
Customer Support
Dedicated support team available for assistance
Comprehensive resources and training materials
Average Rating
The average rating of Act-on is 4.1 out of 5.
Testimonials
Final Verdict
While Act-On offers a comprehensive suite of features for effective marketing automation, its complex features and overwhelming UI may deter some users. However, its pricing based on active contacts and outbound email capabilities makes it a viable option for businesses looking to engage their audience effectively.
10. WebEngage
WebEngage can be your go-to solution for full-stack marketing automation and customer data management. Designed for consumer businesses, WebEngage empowers you to drive more revenue from your existing customers and anonymous users through personalized user engagement across multiple channels. With features like unified customer view, campaign analytics, and dynamic user segmentation, WebEngage offers a comprehensive solution to enhance your marketing efforts.
Features
Multichannel engagement
Visual drag-and-drop workflows for cross-channel campaigns
Integration with Third-Party Platforms
Comprehensive user data and event tracking
Real-time insights on campaign performance
Top 3 Features of WebEngage
1. Multi-Channel Engagement
WebEngage enables you to engage with your audience across various channels, including WhatsApp, Facebook, Email, Mobile, Web Push Notifications, SMS, and more, ensuring maximum reach and impact.
2. Comprehensive user data and event tracking
Get a complete picture of your users, including their behavior and preferences, to customize your campaigns for maximum effectiveness.
3. Real-time insights on campaign performance
See how your campaigns are doing in real-time on one dashboard. This helps you make quick adjustments to improve results and get the most out of your marketing efforts.
Pros of WebEngage
Multi-channel engagement, including WhatsApp and Facebook
Journey designer for complex lifecycle campaigns and customer journey mapping
Integration with every major third-party platform
Cons of WebEngage
Price may be on the higher side for early-stage startups
Lack of user acquisition data; primarily focused on retention and engagement metrics
Pricing
Solo Plan – contact sales
Orchestra (Enterprise) Plan – contact sales
Choir Plan – contact sales
Band Plan – contact sales
Customer Support
Live chat
Email support
Ticketing
Average Rating
The average rating of WebEngage is 4.4 out of 5.
Testimonials
Final Verdict
WebEngage offers a powerful suite of features for businesses looking to improve their marketing automation and customer engagement strategies. Consider WebEngage if you prioritize multi-channel engagement and advanced journey mapping in your marketing efforts.
11. Mailchimp
Mailchimp is one of the best marketing automation tools for SaaS businesses. Mailchimp simplifies email marketing with its user-friendly interface and intuitive features. From email list management to basic contact segmentation, Mailchimp has everything you need to kickstart your email campaigns.With its intuitive interface and useful features, Mailchimp enables SaaS companies to automate their marketing efforts effectively. Its user-friendly platform and advanced capabilities make it an indispensable tool for SaaS companies looking to optimize their marketing strategies and achieve growth.
Features
Customer Journey Builder automation
Unified data view for organized customer insights
Multichannel engagement capabilities
Automated emails for order confirmation
Advanced segmentation for personalized communications
Automated reward programs for loyal customers
Top 3 Features of Mailchimp
1. Customer Journey Builder automation
Mailchimp helps create personalized and automated marketing campaigns that adapt to customer behavior. It saves time and effort by automatically sending targeted messages based on customer actions, leading to increased engagement and sales.
2. Unified data view for organized customer insights
With this feature, all customer data is consolidated into one place, providing a clear and comprehensive view. It helps in understanding customer behavior, preferences, and demographics, enabling better-targeted marketing efforts.
3. Multichannel engagement capabilities
This feature allows businesses to engage with customers across various channels like email, SMS, and social media. It ensures consistent communication and helps reach customers where they are most active, increasing brand visibility and fostering stronger relationships.
Pros of Mailchimp
Free plan with up to 2,000 contacts
Intuitive and easy-to-use email template builder
Attractive website forms for enhanced email capture
Cons of Mailchimp
Lack of sophisticated event-based triggering
Clunky and hard-to-use user segmentation
Limited marketing automation capabilities without a visual flow builder
Pricing
Free
Essential $13month
Premium $20/month
Standard $350/month
Customer Support
Knowledge base and tutorials available
Email and chat support for paid plans
Average Rating
Testimonials
Final Verdict
Mailchimp serves as the MVP of email marketing for SaaS companies, offering a simple and free solution for startups and small businesses. While it excels in ease of use and basic email marketing functionalities, it may lack the sophistication required for advanced marketing automation strategies as your business grows.
12. AWeber
AWeber stands out as one of the top Marketing Automation Tools for SaaS businesses. With its user-friendly interface and powerful features, Aweber helps SaaS companies automate their marketing efforts efficiently.From email campaigns to personalized customer journeys, Aweber automates the process, saving time and maximizing results. Its robust analytics provide valuable insights into customer behavior, allowing businesses to customize their strategies for optimal engagement and conversion. Trusted by thousands of SaaS businesses worldwide, Aweber is the go-to solution for those seeking effective and reliable marketing automation tools to drive growth and success.
Features
AI Writing Assistant
Drag-and-Drop Builder
Mobile Editor
Link Previews
Keyboard Shortcuts
RSS Triggered Emails
Email Automation
Behavioral Automation
Dynamic Content
Tagging
Segmentation
Top 3 Features of AWeber
1. Email Automation
This tool lets you set up email campaigns that run by themselves. You drag and drop to make the emails, set the rules, and then it sends them out at the right time. It’s like having a smart helper that knows when to talk to your customers.
2. Behavioral Automation
AWeber helps you send emails based on what your subscribers do. For example, if someone clicks on a link in your email, they can get a special follow-up email. It’s all about making your messages feel personal and timed just right.
3. Segmentation
With segmentation, you can group your subscribers based on their actions or what they like. Then, you can send emails that are more likely to interest them. This means better chances they’ll read your emails and not just delete them.
Pros of AWeber
Automated email template creation from website content
Fast and responsive customer support
Cons of AWeber
Lack of sophisticated trigger-based events
Absence of a visual marketing automation workflow builder
Pricing
Free
Lite $12.50/month
Plus $20.00/month
Unlimited $899/month
Customer Support
Knowledge base
Video tutorials
Call
Email
Live chat
Average Rating
Testimonials
Final Verdict
AWeber offers a decent email marketing solution at an affordable price point. However, its lack of advanced automation features may limit its suitability for growing SaaS companies. So if you’re a startup and want to invest in an email automation tool, AWeber is for you.
13. ActiveCampaign
ActiveCampaign is a powerful email marketing and automation platform tailored for small to medium-sized businesses. It helps businesses, especially those that provide SaaS, manage their marketing without too much fuss. Being packed with features that let you send out emails automatically, ActiveCampaign let you see how customers interact with your emails, and even help you talk to customers through your website in real time. This tool is great because it makes it easier for you to keep in touch with your customers, learn what they like, and respond quickly to their needs. ActiveCampaign is like having an extra team member who’s always focused on making sure your marketing efforts hit the mark.
Features
Automated Workflows
Track In-App Events
Onboard Users to Reduce Churn
Lead Scoring
Pipeline Stages
Manage Customer Health
Automate Outreach Based on User Actions
Triggered Notifications
RESTful API
CRM
Site & Event Tracking
Segmentation
Advanced Reporting
Marketing Automation
Analytics & Reporting
Sales CRM
Email Marketing
Top 3 Features of ActiveCampaign
1. Onboard Users to Reduce Churn
When new users understand your product better, they’re likely to stick around. Automated workflows help teach them how to use features that make your product valuable, keeping them interested and improving your profits.
2. Track In-App Events
This lets you see what users do inside your app. You can then send them helpful messages or updates based on their actions, improving their experience and satisfaction.
3. Manage Customer Health
This feature uses lead scoring and stages in a pipeline to spot customers who might stop using your service. Once identified, you can take action to keep them engaged and prevent them from leaving.
Pros of ActiveCampaign
Advanced marketing automation capabilities
Built-in CRM functionality
Intuitive visual workflow builder
Cons of ActiveCampaign
Limited SaaS integrations with tools like Segment.com, Stripe, and HubSpot
Initial complexity can be overwhelming for new users
Clunky email editor interface
Pricing
Lite starts at $29/month
Plus starts at $49/month
Professional starts at $149/month
Enterprise starts at $259/month
Customer Support
Support Center
Live chat
Training
Average Rating
The average rating of ActiveCampaign is 4.5 out of 5.
Testimonials
Final Verdict
ActiveCampaign stands out as an excellent choice for SaaS companies seeking advanced marketing automation capabilities. With its strong feature set, including sophisticated automation tools and CRM integration, it offers a comprehensive solution for optimizing marketing strategies.
14. ConvertKit
ConvertKit is a marketing automation tool designed specifically for creators. It helps you manage your email list and automates your email campaigns, making it easier to connect with your audience without spending all day on it. With ConvertKit, you can send personalized emails based on what your subscribers are interested in, which helps keep them engaged and more likely to stick around. It can be useful for SaaS companies because it integrates easily with other tools and platforms, helping you optimize your marketing efforts and grow your business efficiently.
Features
Landing pages
Forms
Recommendations
Creator Network
Email designer
Email marketing
Deliverability
Visual automations
Integrations
Commerce
Sponsor Network
Paid recommendations
Top 3 Features of ConvertKit
1. Email Marketing
This tool lets you send targeted emails to different segments of your audience based on their actions or interests. It helps you communicate directly with your users, promoting products or updates effectively, making it vital for keeping engagement high.
2. Visual Automation
Automation in ConvertKit allows you to set up a sequence of actions triggered by specific customer behaviors. This feature saves time by automating routine tasks, such as sending welcome emails or follow-up messages, making it essential for managing user interactions smoothly.
3. Landing Pages
These are designed to capture visitors’ information through well-crafted pages that promote sign-ups or sales. Landing pages are crucial for converting traffic into leads or customers, directly impacting growth and revenue for SaaS businesses.
Pros of ConvertKit
Affordable pricing plans
Native integrations with popular platforms for creators
User-friendly form and landing page builders
Cons of ConvertKit
Suboptimal sequence layout
Lack of integrations and features tailored for product-based businesses
Pricing
Free
Creator $9/month
Creator Pro $25/month
Customer Support
Live chat
Knowledge base
Community
How to guides
Average Rating
The average rating of ConvertKit is 4.7 out of 5.
Testimonials
Final Verdict
While ConvertKit excels as a user-friendly marketing solution for creators, it may fall short for SaaS companies seeking advanced automation and product-focused features. While suitable for bloggers and influencers, SaaS businesses with a product-centric approach may benefit from exploring alternative tools with more comprehensive capabilities.
15. Constant Contact
Constant Contact is a marketing automation tool that makes it easier for SaaS businesses to reach their customers. It focuses on email marketing, helping you send out emails that look good and hit the mark every time. Constant Contact comes with features like customizable templates, which save time and keep your emails looking professional. You can also track how well your emails are doing, seeing who opens them and clicks on links. This tool is great for keeping in touch with your customers regularly, helping to grow your business by maintaining strong relationships and keeping your audience engaged.
Features
Welcome Email
Nurture Leads
Birthday and Anniversary Emails
Resending Emails
List-Building Tools
AI assistance
Reporting
Top 3 Features of Constant Contact
1. Welcome Email
This feature automatically sends a greeting email to new contacts when they join your list. It’s a friendly way to start a relationship, making new subscribers feel valued right from the start.
2. Nurture Leads
This tool helps you keep in touch with potential customers by automatically sending them information and updates. It builds interest and trust over time, which can lead to more sales.
3. Resending Emails
If someone doesn’t open your email the first time, this feature lets you try again with a different subject line. It increases the chances that your message gets seen and read.
Pros of Constant Contact
Integration with popular e-commerce platforms
Easy-to-use pop-up and landing page builders
Cons of Constant Contact
Lack of advanced automation features
Tedious sequence creation process
Pricing
Lite starts at $12/month
Standard starts at $35/month
Premium starts at $80/month
Customer Support
Knowledge Base
Product Help Center
Community
Average Rating
The average rating of Constant Contac is 4.0 out of 5.
Testimonials
Final Verdict
Constant Contact may serve small businesses adequately with its basic email marketing features, but it falls short for SaaS companies requiring advanced automation capabilities. However, if you’re strict on budget, you can give it a go.
Table of Comparison
Feature / Tool
HubSpot
Ortto
ActiveCampaign
Automated Campaign Creation
✅
❌
✅
Email Marketing
✅
✅
✅
Lead Scoring
✅
✅
✅
CRM Integration
✅
❌
✅
Automated Workflows
✅
✅
✅
Segmentation
✅
✅
✅
Analytics and Reporting
✅
✅
✅
Visual Automation
✅
❌
❌
Dynamic Content
✅
❌
❌
AI Features
✅
✅
❌
Best of the Best
1. HubSpot
HubSpot is like a toolbox for all your marketing needs. It’s got everything from automated email campaigns to CRM integration, making it super easy to handle everything marketing-related in one place. It’s perfect for keeping your sales and marketing efforts organized and effective.
2. ActiveCampaign
ActiveCampaign excels in email marketing and automation, offering a wide range of features that help businesses keep in touch with customers and see how they interact with emails. This tool is great for businesses that want to communicate with customers more efficiently and learn from their interactions.
3. Orrto
Ortto stands out with its advanced AI features and comprehensive analytics, which means it not only helps you automate your marketing tasks but also gives you smart insights to make better decisions. It’s ideal for businesses that need a deep understanding of their marketing performance and customer behaviors.
Conclusion
Choosing the right marketing automation tool for your SaaS business can make a huge difference in how you connect with customers and manage your marketing tasks. Tools like HubSpot, ActiveCampaign, and Ortto stand out as top choices because they offer a wide range of features that cater to different aspects of marketing automation, from email marketing to analytics and AI-driven insights. Each tool has its strengths, so consider what fits best with your business needs and goals to effectively optimize your marketing efforts and grow your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a marketing automation tool?
A marketing automation tool helps you handle marketing tasks automatically. It sends emails, manages your contacts, and tracks how customers interact with your business, all without you having to do these tasks manually.
2. Why do SaaS companies need marketing automation tools?
SaaS companies benefit from these tools because they help manage large numbers of customers efficiently, save time by automating repetitive tasks, and improve customer engagement through personalized communication.
3. How do marketing automation tools improve customer relationships?
These tools keep you in constant contact with your customers by sending timely and relevant emails, messages, and updates. This frequent communication makes customers feel valued and keeps them informed about your services.
4. Can marketing automation tools help in increasing sales?
Yes, by automating lead capture and follow-ups, these tools help nurture potential customers through the sales funnel, increasing the likelihood of conversions and boosting sales.
5. Are these tools difficult to use?
While some tools may have a learning curve, most are designed with user-friendly interfaces that make them easy to use, even for beginners. Many also offer support and training to help you get started.
6. What should I look for when choosing a marketing automation tool for my SaaS business?
Look for tools that integrate well with other software you use, offer the automation features you need, like email marketing and customer segmentation, and fit within your budget. Also, consider the tool’s scalability as your business grows.
Amna Zafar
Amna is a Content Editor at Stratigia, responsible for generating high-quality SaaS content that engages and informs the audience. Her background as a writer ensures that every piece of content is strategically crafted to meet the needs of SaaS businesses.
