ShortStack

ShortStack Review

Comments: I used ShortStack for several years as part of a social media/community manager role for both brand awareness, product spotlights and related contests/givewaways

Pros:

ShortStack makes it really easy for a guy like me with no design or coding background to manage social media contests almost 100% by myself. Designing, launching, monitoring and measuring the contests and their results was really easy thanks to the platform's intuitive workflow.

Cons:

After a few years of using this software, the designer and I started to reach the limits of its abilities. Part of what makes it so valuable is how plug-and-play some otherwise complicated design/programming features. However, that templated framework has its limits, keeping you from realizing fully customized ideas outside that framework.

ShortStack is the Best, Free Contest Platform

Comments: We were able to use ShortStack in order to gather user images to use on social media. We ran a photo contest where the winner wins free product and we gather e-mail and contact information from entrants and voters to use in future e-blasts.

Pros:

I love that I am able to use this software in full for free. For a simple contest, we have free use of the platform as well as free support from the company. If we need to add features, it is easy to upgrade without a contract.

Cons:

The software can take a little getting use to when it comes to design. There are design options within design options which can make it a little confusing. But you can always preview your design to make sure it looks okay.

Alternatives Considered: Wishpond

Reasons for Choosing ShortStack: Wishpond had glitches and did not take the time to help us.

Switched From: Wishpond

Reasons for Switching to ShortStack: Shortstack was easier to navigate and the support was a lot better.

ShortStack is good, but has low limits on entries

Pros:

-fairly easy to use -easy to scale up -the variety of ready made templates and the ability to customise them

Cons:

don't like the fact that you are limited on : - views - entries i understand having a limit on the lower tier plans, but in the full plan, having limitations on the amount o page views and or entries on the account seems rather unprofessional to me. And this is a model i've seen to almost every software on the market that handles competitions ( i.e wishpond). They really should think about removing entry limits, at least on their full package, else if a company wants to create a high traffic competition and then replicate it, it will most probably mean it will need a new account..

Easy to use for competitions and lead gen

Comments: Very good for what we needed it for. Great out of the boxes features - and quick to setup.

Pros:

Easy to Setup. Great for quick landing pages & lead gen. great to customise & email triggers built in are a nice touch.

Cons:

Little expensive. Some functions look generic unless designed & customised.

Alternatives Considered: Unbounce

Reasons for Switching to ShortStack: We tried both. Few more professional style templates on Unbounce.

Happy since I signed up!

Comments: I acquired Shortstack to help roll out raffles and promotions the company I work for does monthly. This has made it easy to work with our website developer when needed to get buttons added bringing them to the Shortstack form I build.

Pros:

The ability to be guided from start t finish with tips along the way is a great feature. This allowed me to acquire shortstack and teach myself how to use it, as the software is very user friendly.

Cons:

Only thing I was having trouble with would be getting the URL set into a landing page with redirection. Maybe a bit more info on how to get it out and rolling once finished building.

Alternatives Considered: Facebook Apps and Tabs

Reasons for Switching to ShortStack: Ease of use and instructions from start to finish.