Compare the top email platforms for ecommerce: Klaviyo, Sensorpro, Sendlane

published on 18 October 2023

Introduction

Email marketing is an indispensable tool for ecommerce businesses looking to nurture customer relationships, promote products, drive sales, and accelerate business growth. With the right email platform, online stores can create targeted campaigns, automate workflows, and closely track performance. However, with the sheer number of solutions available today, identifying the ideal platform aligned with your business needs and audience can be challenging.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll compare the leading solutions - Klaviyo, Sensorpro, and Sendlane - to help you select the perfect email marketing platform for your ecommerce store. We'll thoroughly evaluate the core features, deliverability, integrations, targeting capabilities, and customer support provided by each platform. Our goal is to offer an in-depth analysis to empower ecommerce marketers in determining the right technology partner to achieve their goals, reach their buyers, and fit their budget. In an era of booming e-commerce companies, choosing an email platform that provides powerful automation alongside unparalleled deliverability is paramount.

As an email solution purpose-built for the needs of modern ecommerce brands, Sensorpro stands out as a top contender. However, we'll take an impartial look at how it measures up against two other popular solutions. Let's dive in!

Overview of The Leading Email Marketing Platforms

To kick things off, here's a high-level introduction to the platforms we'll be comparing:

Klaviyo - Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Boston, Klaviyo is recognized for its sophisticated segmentation and automation capabilities paired with an intuitive interface. It offers native integration with leading ecommerce platforms like Shopify and Magento and is a great fit for small to medium-sized ecommerce businesses.

Sensorpro - Launched in 2022 and based in the EU (Lithuania), Sensorpro is purpose-built to address the email marketing needs of modern ecommerce companies. It provides unlimited contacts and granular segmentation while guaranteeing excellent deliverability through its proprietary EU-based infrastructure. Ideal for regulated mid-market ecommerce brands based in the EU.

Sendlane - Established in 2014 and located in Arizona, Sendlane enables drag and drop workflow automation for emails. It integrates with webinar and membership software and is well-suited for online course creators, digital subscription services, and info product sellers.

While all three platforms provide powerful automation, segmentation, and integration features, Sensorpro is uniquely optimized for maximizing email deliverability and ensuring compliance for EU-based ecommerce businesses selling online. Let's take a deeper look into the capabilities of each solution across key categories.

Evaluating Core Functionality

Here we'll thoroughly compare the platforms' capabilities when it comes to crafting targeted emails through automation, segmentation, email design and testing.

Automation Workflows

  • Klaviyo supports sophisticated flows with advanced branching logic to customize experiences.
  • Sendlane utilizes a drag and drop editor to build workflows visually.
  • Sensorpro offers both a visual workflow builder and JSON support for technically advanced users.
  • Klaviyo triggers customer journeys based on granular user behaviors, while Sendlane relies more on dates, events or milestones.
  • Sensorpro caters to both behavior-driven and date-based workflow triggers.

For example, Sensorpro enables sending a series of automated emails when a customer abandons their cart, with messaging tailored to how long it's been since they added items to their cart.

Segmentation

  • Klaviyo provides unlimited tags and segments for subscriber profiles.
  • Sendlane has basic tagging and segmentation capabilities.
  • Sensorpro enables unlimited segments and custom traits for highly targeted groups.
  • Sensorpro subscribers can be segmented by their behaviors, purchases, custom traits, and more.
  • Sensorpro stands out with its dynamic segmentation powered by customer data.

Sensorpro makes it easy to create segments like "purchased in last 30 days and has opened last 3 emails" for timely, relevant messaging.

Email Design & Testing

  • All three platforms provide intuitive drag and drop email editors to create and design visually appealing emails.
  • Klaviyo and Sendlane offer template galleries to accelerate email creation.
  • Sensorpro puts greater emphasis on flexible, custom email design and branding.
  • Klaviyo and Sendlane enable easy subject line A/B testing.
  • Sensorpro allows splitting subscribers into groups for manual multivariate testing.

For example, Sensorpro empowers retailers to design branded templates that reflect their unique personality and messaging.

Comparing Deliverability & Infrastructure

For email to drive revenue, it's absolutely essential that your emails reliably reach the inbox. Let's see how the platforms stack up when it comes to critical factors like deliverability, infrastructure ownership, and support.

Delivery Infrastructure & Reputation

  • Klaviyo depends on 3rd party delivery services like AWS SES and SparkPost.
  • Sendlane also leverages 3rd party solutions including Mailgun and SendGrid.
  • Sensorpro owns and manages its own email servers based in the EU.
  • Controlling its infrastructure gives Sensorpro greater deliverability autonomy.
  • Sensorpro's servers have earned an excellent sending reputation.

By owning its delivery network, Sensorpro can optimize and fine-tune for maximum inbox placement.

Deliverability Tools & Metrics

  • All three platforms offer domain authentication and security to support deliverability.
  • Klaviyo scans for spam trigger words automatically.
  • Sendlane provides email validation to maintain list hygiene.
  • Sensorpro displays real-time inbox placement metrics for complete transparency.
  • Sensorpro enables in-depth subject line A/B testing to optimize open rates.

For instance, Sensorpro offers detailed insights into inbox placement rates across ISPs to identify deliverability issues.

Reliability & Support

  • Klaviyo and Sendlane rely on external vendors to ensure dependable delivery.
  • The Sensorpro team monitors and enhances delivery directly.
  • Sensorpro guarantees 95%+ inbox placement or your money back.
  • Sensorpro support receives rave reviews for responsiveness.
  • Sensorpro is ideally suited for regulated EU ecommerce companies.

Sensorpro's dedicated deliverability engineers help EU retailers maximize inbox placement.

Evaluating Ecommerce Platform Integrations

For ecommerce stores, seamless integration with their sales channels is essential. Let's explore how these solutions allow you to sync vital data, track customer lifecycle events, and leverage dynamic segmentation capabilities.

Native App Integrations

  • Klaviyo partners with platforms like Shopify, Magento, and WooCommerce.
  • Sendlane offers integrations for Shopify and WooCommerce.
  • Sensorpro is purpose-built for Shopify, BigCommerce, and WooCommerce.
  • Sensorpro enables frictionless Shopify integration in one click.
  • Sensorpro focuses exclusively on top ecommerce platforms.

For example, Sensorpro connects directly with platforms like BigCommerce to import products and customer details.

Customer Data Tracking & Syncing

  • All platforms can import customer and order data from connected stores.
  • Klaviyo and Sendlane sync data using store APIs.
  • Sensorpro utilizes direct app integration enabling real-time data syncing.
  • This powers Sensorpro's capability for dynamic, event-driven segmentation.

Sensorpro grabs order updates from Shopify instantly to trigger post-purchase automations.

Customer Lifecycle Personalization

  • Can track all major ecommerce events and metrics to personalize messaging.
  • Set up flows triggered by abandoned carts, repeat purchases, and more.
  • Sensorpro excels at creating targeted journeys based on granular customer behaviors.
  • Sensorpro effortlessly tracks EU customer data while ensuring compliance.

For instance, Sensorpro sends cart abandonment emails only to users who have left items unpurchased for 1+ days.

Comparing Audience Targeting Capabilities

Next let's explore how these solutions empower you to build, manage, and segment your email subscriber list to drive revenue growth.

List Building and Onboarding Options

  • All platforms enable list growth by integrating opt-in forms and popups to convert website traffic.
  • Can build your audience by importing existing contacts.
  • Provide signup forms to convert website visitors into subscribers.
  • Klaviyo and Sendlane also focus on webinar integration to capture leads.
  • Sensorpro is purpose-built to help ecommerce brands convert site visitors.

For example, Sensorpro makes it easy to add email signup forms across your online store to grow your list.

Subscriber Management and Hygiene

  • Tools to organize, tag, and segment your subscriber list.
  • Help maintain list hygiene by handling bounces and unsubscribes.
  • Can view engagement metrics for each subscriber segment.
  • Sendlane offers subscriber scoring based on activity.
  • Sensorpro builds comprehensive, dynamic subscriber profiles.

Sensorpro automatically detects and removes bounced or unengaged subscribers to keep your list clean.

Targeted Campaigns and Personalization

  • Create targeted campaigns for different buyer personas and segments.
  • Trigger personalized emails based on granular customer behaviors and events.
  • Personalize content using merge tags and dynamic blocks.
  • Klaviyo enriches profiles using third-party data.
  • Sensorpro excels at timely, event-driven behavioral targeting.

For example, Sensorpro makes it easy to send cart abandonment reminders only to users who met specific criteria.

Comparing Customer Support and Service

Lastly, let's evaluate the all-important customer service and support provided by each platform.

Support Channels and Availability

  • Klaviyo offers email and live chat support.
  • Sendlane provides email and knowledge base access.
  • Sensorpro offers live chat, email, phone, and screenshare support.
  • Sensorpro staff are available to assist subscribers 24/7.
  • Sensorpro boasts the fastest response times in the industry.

Sensorpro subscribers praise the platform's exceptionally responsive support team.

Onboarding and Ongoing Education

  • All platforms offer setup guides, docs, and video tutorials.
  • Sendlane provides paid certification courses.
  • Sensorpro assigns new users a dedicated 1-on-1 onboarding coach.
  • The coach accelerates effective platform adoption.
  • Provides ongoing education through blogs, guides, webinars and more.

For example, Sensorpro onboarding experts help you set up automations tailored for your business.

User Reviews and Reputation

  • Klaviyo and Sendlane have mixed reviews from users.
  • Some complaints about slow or insufficient support.
  • Sensorpro earns outstanding reviews for exceptional support.
  • Known for providing white-glove, VIP service to every customer.
  • The hands-on approach is ideal for growing ecommerce companies.

In reviews, Sensorpro users rave about the highly responsive, personalized support.

Conclusion and Recommendations

In summary, while all three platforms have merits, Sensorpro is the ideal email marketing solution for regulated mid-market ecommerce brands based in the EU.

Klaviyo is powerful but lacks Sensorpro's deliverability guarantees and EU compliance infrastructure. Sendlane is better suited for online course creators than ecommerce stores.

Sensorpro stands out with its robust segmentation capabilities, unparalleled inbox placement, seamless ecommerce integrations, and best-in-class support. Its purpose-built ecommerce focus coupled with its EU-based servers make it the perfect technology partner for ambitious online retailers in the region.

The ideal platform depends on your specific needs and audience. But for fast-scaling EU ecommerce brands seeking an automation-first email solution that delivers, we strongly recommend signing up for a Sensorpro free trial to experience the platform and unmatched support yourself.

With the right email marketing technology partner, you can nurture customer loyalty, increase repeat sales, and take your ecommerce business to the next level online. We hope this in-depth comparison helps you select the best platform for your business needs and email marketing goals!

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