Is This A Cheaper Alternative To MailChimp? SendFox Review

What is SendFox and How Does It Compare?

Overview of SendFox

• The speaker introduces the concept that the best email marketing tool is one that users will actually utilize, emphasizing the abundance of options available in 2019.

• Sumo has launched its own email service provider called SendFox, which focuses on speed, usability, and deliverability rather than extensive features.

• SendFox targets content creators who need a straightforward way to communicate with subscribers rather than those seeking advanced automation tools.

Pricing and Initial Setup

• The pricing model at AppSumo offers lifetime access for $49 with a limit of 5,000 contacts; additional codes can increase this limit.

• Users must complete account details to comply with CAN-SPAM laws upon redeeming their purchase; the user interface (UI) is described as very basic but functional.

User Experience and Features

• The speaker appreciates the simplicity of text-based emails for better deliverability but notes an initial confusion due to UI issues regarding a startup checklist.

• Users can add subscribers via CSV or by importing from MailChimp; however, there are concerns about visibility for downloading templates during this process.

Contact Management

• When uploading contacts via CSV, users create "lists," which may feel outdated compared to modern tagging systems used by other platforms like MailChimp.

• Despite initial disappointment over list management, hints suggest that SendFox may incorporate tags effectively based on URL indications.

Composing Emails

• After creating a list, users navigate to an important screen displaying subscriber stats such as open rates and bounce rates before composing emails.

Email Composition and Automation Features in SendFox

Email Scheduling and Testing

• The user navigated back to the email composition screen to schedule an email for subscribers but encountered issues returning to the overview screen after saving.

• The option to send a test email appeared only after scheduling, which seemed illogical; testing should ideally be available during composition.

• Both the scheduled and test emails arrived quickly in the inbox, featuring SendFox branding that requires three codes to change from image to text format.

Autoresponder Functionality

• SendFox allows users to create automation series or drip sequences for new subscribers, a crucial feature for any email service.

• The automation builder is straightforward, with triggers based on list additions; users can compose emails for each part of the sequence.

• Users can set delays between emails down to one hour; immediate sending requires setting the delay to zero, useful for lead magnets.

Tagging vs. List System

• SendFox employs a tag-based system disguised as a list-based system, which may confuse users who expect traditional list management.

• Automations allow adding contacts based on actions like opening emails but lack options for removing contacts from lists during sequences.

User Interface Comparison

• While aesthetically pleasing, SendFox's automation features need enhancements compared to more established platforms like ConvertKit.

• ConvertKit's mature interface serves as a benchmark that SendFox aims to emulate over time.

Contact Management Features

• In the contacts screen, users can view all contacts and their associated lists; a unique "test contacts" list is created automatically when sending test emails.

• Users can create, edit, or delete contacts easily; however, removing someone from a single list requires additional steps that could be streamlined.

Landing Page Builder Insights

• SendFox offers a simple landing page builder that avoids complexity while allowing basic customization through images and copy.

• Although limited in templates currently available, it effectively meets basic needs without overwhelming users with options.

Form Creation Process

• Creating forms involves selecting fields and connecting them to lists; embedded forms adapt CSS styles from host websites seamlessly.

RSS Feed Feature Overview

SendFox Review: A Promising Email Tool?

Overview of SendFox's New Feature

• SendFox introduces an automatic email creation feature when new posts are published on a website, likened to MissingLettr for email.

• The feature is not easily accessible from the main menu, suggesting it may still be in development or not fully polished.

Testing the RSS Feed Functionality

• Users can add their blog's RSS feed to allow SendFox to monitor and create draft campaigns automatically.

• Initial testing revealed disappointing results with only basic text generated, lacking images and formatting.

Deliverability Comparison with Mautic

• The effectiveness of SendFox in reaching inboxes is evaluated using SendGrid as its backend compared to Mautic using Amazon SES.

• A mail-tester score showed SendFox at 8.9 while Mautic scored 7.9; however, this was not a comprehensive test.

Current Limitations of SendFox

• Key features missing include image resizing, an HTML editor, and user management options which could frustrate users.

• Integration with WordPress tools like Elementor Pro or WP Fusion is necessary for broader appeal among users who primarily use WordPress.

Future Potential and Final Thoughts

• While there’s potential for improvement in SendFox, current limitations hinder its usability for many users.

• The review concludes with a score of 6.9 out of 10, indicating room for growth but also recognizing the talent behind the product.

Supporting the Channel

• Viewers are encouraged to support by using referral links for purchases on AppSumo and subscribing to the channel for future reviews.