In this review, I’m going to share my analysis and evaluation from hands-on experience with Keap. But first, if you’re just beginning your search for the best CRM software, check out my picks of the best CRM software.
You probably already know Keap is among the most popular CRM software on the market, but you need to better understand what’s good, and not so good, about it. This in-depth Keap review will walk you through its pros and cons, features, and functionality to help guide you to better understand its capabilities and suitability for your scenario.
Summary: Keap
Keap is a customer relationship management (CRM) platform that assists small businesses with sales and marketing automation. It is used by small business owners and professionals new to CRM systems, particularly in e-commerce, to manage leads and automate repetitive tasks.
The platform supports day-to-day operations by providing automated email capabilities, lead management, invoicing, and integrations with over 2,500 applications. It also helps businesses by facilitating efficient sales and marketing processes, enhancing customer interactions, and supporting business growth.
Moreover, Keap addresses common pain points like managing leads efficiently, automating repetitive tasks, and integrating various software tools. Its best features are a user-friendly interface, built-in invoicing and payment processing tools, automated lead capture, and dedicated customer success management.
Keap Pros
- Automation tools: Keap offers advanced automation features that help manage workflows, allowing revenue operations teams to save time on repetitive tasks.
- Lead scoring: Built-in lead scoring helps users prioritize prospects, ensuring the sales team can focus on high-potential opportunities.
- Campaign builder: Keap’s intuitive campaign builder makes creating and managing marketing campaigns easier.
Keap Cons
- Customization Limitations: Compared to other CRM platforms, Keap lacks advanced customization options, restricting users’ ability to develop tailored solutions for complex business needs.
- Reporting Features: The software’s reporting capabilities are relatively basic, limiting detailed data analysis for users who require in-depth insights.
- Learning Curve: Some users may find a steep learning curve when adapting to Keap's specific tools and workflows.
Keap Expert Opinion
In my opinion, Keap is a solid choice for small businesses and startups seeking a user-friendly CRM platform with strong automation capabilities. Its features are tailored to streamline sales and marketing processes, offering lead capture, invoicing, and email marketing automation. The platform is easy-to-use, including a 20-minute setup time and customer support with 24/7 chat access.
Compared to its competitors, Keap's major strength lies in its intuitive interface and automation capabilities, making it ideal for small business owners who value simplicity and efficiency.
However, for businesses requiring a comprehensive sales funnel or free integration options, alternative platforms might be more suitable. Moreover, while Keap integrates with over 2,500 other software programs, these integrations sometimes incur additional fees, which might be a consideration for cost-conscious users.
Overall, though, Keap is a strong contender in the CRM space for those prioritizing ease of use and automation.
Why Trust Our Software Reviews
We’ve been testing and reviewing CRM Software since 2012. As revenue operations experts ourselves, we know how critical and difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting software.
We invest in deep research to help our audience make better software purchasing decisions. We’ve tested more than 2,000 tools for different revenue operations use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews. Learn how we stay transparent & our software review methodology.
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Are You a Good Fit for Keap?
Who Would Be a Good Fit for Keap?
Small businesses and entrepreneurs will benefit the most from Keap, especially if they are looking to save time on repetitive tasks and improve customer engagement. This CRM software helps manage customer relationships with automation features that simplify marketing and sales processes. Its user-friendly interface and integration capabilities also make it ideal for those without a dedicated IT team.
Who Would Be a Bad Fit for Keap?
Large enterprises or businesses with complex sales processes may not find Keap suitable for their work. The software lacks advanced customization options and scalability for extensive operations. Consequently, companies requiring detailed analytics or handling large volumes of data might find Keap's capabilities insufficient. For example, organizations needing intricate reporting or multi-tier user access control might seek more specialized solutions.
Best Use Cases for Keap
- Small businesses: Keap is tailored for small businesses, offering CRM and automation tools that efficiently manage customer relationships.
- Service-based industries: The all-in-one solution for CRM, marketing automation, and e-commerce suits service-oriented businesses.
- E-commerce automation: The software includes e-commerce tools that improve sales processes and customer experience.
- Lead nurturing: Keap automates lead nurturing, making it ideal for businesses aiming to convert leads efficiently.
- Marketing campaigns: The tool’s user-friendly campaign builder aids businesses in executing effective marketing strategies.
- Simplified CRM needs: Keap offers a straightforward CRM for those not requiring complex integrations.
Worst Use Cases for Keap
- Large enterprises: The platform lacks features for large enterprises with complex CRM requirements.
- Complex marketing needs: Businesses needing advanced AI-driven personalization may find Keap limiting.
- High contact volume: Costs rise significantly with more contacts, making Keap expensive for sales and marketing reps with large lists.
- Sophisticated data integration: Keap’s limited data integration options are not ideal for extensive connectivity needs.
- Advanced reporting needs: The platform might not meet the needs of businesses requiring detailed analytics.
- Budget constraints: The software’s tiered pricing model can be challenging for small businesses with limited budgets.
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Pipedrive CRM
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.3 -
CRM Creatio
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monday CRM
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.6
Keap Evaluation Summary
- Core Functionality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Standout Features: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Ease of Use: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Onboarding: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Customer Support: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Integrations: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Customer Reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Value for Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review Methodology
We’re a team of software experts who obsess about the features and functionality of different platforms. We know how critical—yet difficult and confusing—software selection can be. We test and score software to find the best solutions, whatever the use case may be.
Using our objective, data-driven testing methodology, we’ve tested 300+ software. We dedicate ourselves to being objective in fully and fairly testing software, to get beyond the marketing fluff and truly understand the platform.
We’ve developed robust testing scenarios to use the software in the same way you will. We leverage our own first-hand, practical experience with the tools, complemented by interviews with users, experts, and software vendors.
How We Test & Score CRM Software
We’ve spent years building, refining, and improving our software testing and scoring system for CRM software. The rubric is designed to capture the nuances of software selection, and what makes CRM software effective, focusing on critical aspects of the decision-making process.
Below, you can see exactly how our testing and scoring work across eight criteria. It allows us to provide an unbiased evaluation of the software based on core functionality, standout features, ease of use, onboarding, customer support, integrations, customer reviews, and value for money.
Core Functionality (20% of final scoring)
For CRM software, the core functionalities we test and evaluate are:
- Contact management: Stores and organizes customer information efficiently.
- Lead tracking: Monitors potential customers' interactions and progresses them through the sales funnel.
- Sales automation: Automates repetitive tasks to enhance productivity in sales processes.
- Reporting and analytics: Provides insights and detailed reports on sales activities and customer interactions.
- Email integration: Syncs with email services to manage communications directly within the CRM.
- Task management: Assigns and tracks tasks related to customer management and sales.
Standout Features (20% of final scoring)
We evaluate uncommon, standout features that go above and beyond the core functionality defined and typically found in CRM software. A high score reflects specialized or unique features that make the product faster, more efficient, or offer additional value to the user.
Ease of Use (10% of final scoring)
We consider how quick and easy it is to execute the tasks defined in the core functionality using the CRM software. High-scoring software is well designed, intuitive to use, offers mobile apps, provides templates, and makes relatively complex tasks seem simple.
Onboarding (10% of final scoring)
We know how important rapid team adoption is for a new platform, so we evaluate how easy it is to learn and use the CRM software with minimal training. We evaluate how quickly a team member can get set up and start using the software with no experience. High-scoring software indicates little or no support is required.
Customer Support (10% of final scoring)
We review how quick and easy it is to get unstuck and find help by phone, live chat, or knowledge base. CRM software that provides real-time support scores best, while chatbots score worst.
Integrations (10% of final scoring)
We evaluate how easy it is to integrate with other tools typically found in the tech stack to expand the functionality and utility of the software. CRM software offering plentiful native integrations, third-party connections, and API access to build custom integrations score best.
Customer Reviews (10% of final scoring)
Beyond our own testing and evaluation, we consider the net promoter score from current and past customers. We review their likelihood, given the option, to choose the CRM software again for the core functionality. A high-scoring software reflects a high net promoter score from current or past customers.
Value for Money (10% of final scoring)
Lastly, in consideration of all the other criteria, we review the average price of entry level plans against the core features and consider the value of the other evaluation criteria. Software that delivers more, for less, will score higher.
Keap Review
Core CRM Software Functionality
Contact Management: Keap offers a comprehensive contact management system that efficiently stores, organizes, and manages customer information. This system includes advanced features such as customizable data fields, detailed client interaction tracking, and built-in reporting tools that enhance the ability to analyze customer data effectively. These capabilities support seamless communication and enable personalized customer interactions to enhance the overall user experience.
Sales and Marketing Automation: Keap automates repetitive sales and marketing tasks, saving time and labor. By setting up triggers and workflows, companies can nurture leads and drive sales without manual intervention, boosting efficiency and productivity. With features like automated follow-up emails and text messages, market segmentation tools, a landing page builder, immediate responses to inquiries, and streamlined lead generation and management, businesses can engage prospects more effectively and increase conversion rates.
Invoicing & Payments: Keap helps businesses create and send invoices, track payments, and follow up with clients for overdue balances. Its integrated payment solution, Keap Pay, simplifies transaction handling directly within the CRM, allowing users to manage all financial interactions seamlessly. The platform also offers automated follow-up for past-due invoices to ensure that businesses maintain healthy cash flow and stay on top of their financial obligations.
Sales Pipeline Management: The sales pipeline in Keap helps track leads as they move through different stages of the sales process. The intuitive drag-and-drop interface additionally allows sales teams to manage leads effectively and prioritize follow-ups without losing track of opportunities. Other enhanced features include automation capabilities that trigger emails and tasks based on the pipeline stages, ensuring that no leads fall through the cracks.
Reporting & Analytics: Keap provides analytics tools for insights into sales performance, email engagement, customer behavior, and marketing effectiveness. These insights can help businesses make data-driven decisions to improve their strategies and operations.
Appointment Scheduling: Keap includes an integrated appointment scheduling feature where customers can book time directly with the sales team. It also syncs calendars with Google and Outlook to minimize back-and-forth communications.
Keap streamlines appointment scheduling with integrated calendar sync tools.
Keap Standout Features
Automated Lead Capture: Keap has an advanced automated lead capture functionality that collects leads from different sources, such as landing pages and web forms, and enters them into the CRM. This feature is ideal for generating leads, keeping them organized, and ensuring proper follow-up.
Text Message Marketing: Keap’s text messaging feature enables businesses to reach clients through SMS, offering a more direct and personal communication method. This is helpful for appointment reminders or promotions.
Ease of Use
Keap is known for its user-friendly interface, making it one of the easiest CRM platforms for small businesses to adopt. The platform’s intuitive design and drag-and-drop tools enable quick setup and navigation, allowing users to automate tasks and manage customer relationships without extensive training.
Onboarding
New users can expect a supportive onboarding process with Keap, including access to a dedicated customer success manager for initial setup and training. The platform also offers a 14-day free trial, allowing users to explore features without commitment.
Compared to other CRM software, Keap's onboarding is relatively straightforward. This is largely because of its pre-built templates and automated tools, which simplify lead management and system integration. Keap also offers Keap Academy, which offers online courses and webinars for users. This makes Keap especially suitable for small businesses and startups.
Customer Support
Keap offers multiple avenues for customer support, including U.S.-based phone support, 24/7 chat assistance through the app, and a customer success manager. Users also have access to self-help resources and online training materials. Overall, Keap maintains a high customer support rating, reflecting its commitment to assisting users effectively.
Integrations
Keap integrates natively with BigCommerce, Jotform, Outlook, Unific, WordPress, Typeform, Bonjoro, AdEspresso, Privy, and Graphly.
Besides native integrations, Keap provides additional options, such as Mailchimp and Salesforce, through its API and Zapier. This allows businesses to create custom workflows and connect with various third-party tools, enhancing flexibility for different business needs.
Value for Money
Keap is considered moderately priced in the CRM software market. It offers a solid range of features for businesses seeking a comprehensive sales and marketing platform. However, it’s not the best fit for those looking for a basic CRM tool.
Keap’s pricing is based on the number of contacts and users a business manages. It starts at $249/month, billed annually, with 2 users and 1,500 contacts. As the contact list and number of users grow, so does the price.
This flexible pricing structure allows businesses to scale their plan based on growth, making it ideal for companies focused on expanding their customer base and team.
Product Specifications
Below is a table listing common features of CRM software and whether Keap offers these features:
Feature | Keap |
Contact management | ✅ |
Workflow automation | ✅ |
Marketing automation | ✅ |
Customization | ✅ |
Third-party integrations | ✅ |
Customer service functions | ✅ |
Task management | ✅ |
Lead management | ✅ |
Real-time data and analytics | ✅ |
Mobile access | ✅ |
Vendor support and training | ✅ |
Security | ✅ |
Reporting | ✅ |
Sales pipeline management | ✅ |
Email marketing | ✅ |
Campaign management | ✅ |
Mobile CRM | ✅ |
Collaboration tools | ✅ |
Employee tracking | ❌ |
Quote and order management | ❌ |
Sandbox environment | ❌ |
AI integration | ❌ |
Sales forecasting | ❌ |
Omni-channel support | ❌ |
Social media monitoring | ❌ |
Keap Alternatives
If you’re looking for alternative CRM software options to Keap, here are a few worth checking out:
- HubSpot Sales Hub: HubSpot Sales Hub is known for its user-friendly interface and real-time data tracking. It also provides seamless integration capabilities that enhance the sales process.
- Pipedrive: Pipedrive offers advanced reporting and customizable fields, making it an excellent choice for businesses focused on optimizing sales strategies and client actions.
- Zoho CRM: Zoho CRM is recognized for its flexibility and scalability. It supports an omnichannel approach to customer interactions.
- Freshsales: Freshsales automates routine sales tasks and offers a comprehensive view of customer interactions and efficient lead management.
Keap Frequently Asked Questions
What is Keap?
Keap, formerly known as Infusionsoft, is a customer relationship management (CRM) and marketing automation software for small businesses. It provides tools for managing customer interactions, automating marketing campaigns, and improving sales processes. The platform also supports businesses in nurturing new leads, enhancing customer relationships, and driving growth.
Is there a mobile app for Keap?
Yes, Keap offers a mobile app that allows users to manage customer information, tasks, and notes while on the move. It helps users stay connected and organized away from their desks. The mobile app is available for Android and iOS devices, enabling users to access their CRM data anywhere.
Is Keap HIPAA compliant?
Keap is compatible with HIPAA requirements and suitable for healthcare settings. Although there is no formal HIPAA certification, Keap provides the necessary security controls to protect patient data. Organizations can configure their Keap apps to meet HIPAA standards by enabling specific security features.
Is Keap SOC 2 compliant?
Keap ensures its data center providers have completed SOC 2 Type II audits, which are third-party evaluations of security practices. The SOC 2 framework focuses on safeguarding customer data against unauthorized access and ensuring data privacy. This compliance shows Keap’s dedication to maintaining high data protection and security standards.
Is Keap secure?
Keap prioritizes data security by adhering to industry standards, such as PCI DSS for payment data protection, and using encryption protocols. The platform also undergoes regular audits and assessments to ensure compliance with various security frameworks.
Is Keap FedRAMP certified?
Keap is not FedRAMP certified. FedRAMP certification applies primarily to cloud services used by federal agencies and involves a rigorous process. While Keap provides secure services, it does not hold this specific certification.
Is Keap GDPR compliant?
Keap complies with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), ensuring that the platform meets obligations for data protection. The platform also provides a Data Processing Addendum (DPA) that legally binds it to GDPR responsibilities, allowing users to manage personal data under European regulations.
Is Keap good for email marketing?
Yes, Keap includes email marketing tools that allow you to send targeted email campaigns to your contacts. It offers customizable templates and lets you automate email sequences based on triggers like user behavior or lead status.
Keap Company Overview & History
Keap, previously known as Infusionsoft, is a private company founded in 2001 by Scott Martineau and Eric Martineau. It is headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, and employs over 650 individuals.
The company provides email marketing and sales platforms for small businesses. Keap's offerings include customer relationship management (CRM), marketing automation, and e-commerce solutions aimed at helping small enterprises with their operations and customer engagement.
The company is recognized for its growth and innovation, having appeared multiple times on the Inc. 500 and Inc. 5000 lists. It has been ranked highly among Arizona companies and within the Phoenix metropolitan area for its business performance.
Keap Major Milestones
- 2001: Founded as Infusionsoft by Scott Martineau and Eric Martineau
- 2004: Developed a script to automate sales lead management, which became the foundation for Infusionsoft’s SaaS product line
- 2009: Gained 6,000 customers and $17.5 million in revenue
- 2013: Secured a $54 million investment from Goldman Sachs
- 2019: Rebranded from Infusionsoft to Keap
- 2024: Launched Keap Ultimate, an upgrade with powerful automation capabilities
Want to learn more about Keap? Check out their site for additional information.
From $249/user/month (billed annually)
14-day free trial
What’s Next?
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