ShortStack vs. Act-On: the best platform for a seamless web experience

Discover how ShortStack compares to Act-On regarding features and usability. Find out which platform provides the competitive advantage your business deserves.

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Features that set us apart from ShortStack and Act-On.
Feature Instapage Other builders
Drag-and-Drop Tools
Conversion-optimized templates
Manual and AI-powered A/B Tests
AI content suggestions
Popups and sticky bars
Canvas and grid blocks
Reusable and global elements
Form and popup builders
Built-in Heatmaps
Central analytics dashboard
Ad-to-page personalization and collections
Contacts, lists, and email
Dedicated, full-service CRO experts
Enterprise-ready platform

Leading the way in building high-performing landing pages

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Best Est. ROI Enterprise - Summer 2025
Most Implementable Enterprise - Summer 2025
Fastest Implementation Enterprise - Summer 2025
High Performer - Summer 2025
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Autopilot exceeds conversions goals with personalized landings

Autopilot exceeded its growth goals by sending people to a keyword message-matched post-click landing page built with Instapage versus a generic tour page.

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Lattice increases conversion rate by 41.7% with Instapage

With Instapage’s help, Lattice’s production process has been streamlined, allowing Lattice to scale its advertising operations and drive down acquisition costs.

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Why Instapage is the smarter choice for your campaigns

Get everything you need to build, scale, and optimize high-converting landing pages—without coding.

Instapage offers a flexible and seamless page creation experience with a library of 500+ conversion-focused layouts, Instablocks®, a drag-and-drop builder, and AI content generation. With technologies like AMP and the Thor Render Engine®, you can create on-brand, mobile-responsive landing pages that load quickly and start converting during initial visitor clicks.

Easier page building without coding

Instapage offers a flexible and seamless page creation experience with a library of 500+ conversion-focused layouts, Instablocks®, a drag-and-drop builder, and AI content generation. With technologies like AMP and the Thor Render Engine®, you can create on-brand, mobile-responsive landing pages that load quickly and start converting during initial visitor clicks.

Instapage lets you see in detail how each landing page experience and variation is performing so you can make targeted changes that boost page conversions. Use heatmaps for a better understanding of on-page activities, run A/B tests and AI-assisted experiments, and then track and evaluate results within robust analytics dashboards.

More insights — better results

Instapage lets you see in detail how each landing page experience and variation is performing so you can make targeted changes that boost page conversions. Use heatmaps for a better understanding of on-page activities, run A/B tests and AI-assisted experiments, and then track and evaluate results within robust analytics dashboards.

Instapage lets you quickly create high-performing landing pages tailored to each of your ad campaigns. Deliver personalized experiences for distinct audiences using dynamic text replacement. Effortlessly align specific advertisements to unique pages with AdMaps. Monitor audience-level metrics using our advanced data tools.

More personalized experiences

Instapage lets you quickly create high-performing landing pages tailored to each of your ad campaigns. Deliver personalized experiences for distinct audiences using dynamic text replacement. Effortlessly align specific advertisements to unique pages with AdMaps. Monitor audience-level metrics using our advanced data tools.

Instapage collaboration capabilities bring your entire team together to speed up the process of landing page review, approval, and launch. No more frustrating and unnecessary revisions or edits scattered across emails. Provide instant feedback, conduct real-time page edits, and securely share your pages with outside stakeholders.

Built-in collaboration

Instapage collaboration capabilities bring your entire team together to speed up the process of landing page review, approval, and launch. No more frustrating and unnecessary revisions or edits scattered across emails. Provide instant feedback, conduct real-time page edits, and securely share your pages with outside stakeholders.

Invest time into business growth, not busy work. Launch landing pages faster with reusable forms and templates. Build once, reuse forever.

Free up time for your business

Invest time into business growth, not busy work. Launch landing pages faster with reusable forms and templates. Build once, reuse forever.

Explore all integrations
Easier page building without coding
More insights — better results More insights — better results sidebar
More personalized experiences More personalized experiences sidebar
Built-in collaboration
Free up time for your business

Easier page building without coding

Instapage offers a flexible and seamless page creation experience with a library of 500+ conversion-focused layouts, Instablocks®, a drag-and-drop builder, and AI content generation. With technologies like AMP and the Thor Render Engine®, you can create on-brand, mobile-responsive landing pages that load quickly and start converting during initial visitor clicks.

More insights — better results

Instapage lets you see in detail how each landing page experience and variation is performing so you can make targeted changes that boost page conversions. Use heatmaps for a better understanding of on-page activities, run A/B tests and AI-assisted experiments, and then track and evaluate results within robust analytics dashboards.

More personalized experiences

Instapage lets you quickly create high-performing landing pages tailored to each of your ad campaigns. Deliver personalized experiences for distinct audiences using dynamic text replacement. Effortlessly align specific advertisements to unique pages with AdMaps. Monitor audience-level metrics using our advanced data tools.

Built-in collaboration

Instapage collaboration capabilities bring your entire team together to speed up the process of landing page review, approval, and launch. No more frustrating and unnecessary revisions or edits scattered across emails. Provide instant feedback, conduct real-time page edits, and securely share your pages with outside stakeholders.

Free up time for your business

Invest time into business growth, not busy work. Launch landing pages faster with reusable forms and templates. Build once, reuse forever.

Explore all integrations
“Instapage gives us the ability to tailor our landing page content and layout to tell a unique story for each geographical target. The platform also enables us to create different variations with content that performs well for each unique channel. Every marketing team needs this!”
User review
Tamar Friedland, Sr. Director of Global Paid Marketing
"Instapage has truly maximized our digital advertising performance by enabling us to offer matching, personalized experiences for every ad and audience. Now we can scale our landing page experiences as efficiently and effectively as we scale the ads themselves."
User review
Darren Lepke, Marketing Director
"If we have to wait on a developer, our creative velocity plummets. But Instapage has made it possible for us to exponentially grow our advertising programs and convert more customers"
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Alex Kracov, Head of Marketing

Get started with Instapage in a few steps

  1. Create your Instapage account

    Start with Instapage by signing up via Google or your email. You'll get access to a free 14-day trial to discover Instapage capabilities. Feel free to cancel anytime during the 14-day trial if you decide that our product is not suitable for your business.
  2. Build and personalize your page

    Create your first landing page from scratch or choose a template from 500+ customizable layouts. Use the drag-and-drop builder to add page elements, fonts, and backgrounds, refine content with AI, or add custom HTML, Javascript, and CSS.
  3. Review and make edits

    Collaborate on page designs and streamline review processes. Invite your team members and stakeholders to review, edit, and provide feedback on your landing page. Collaborate knowing your page is confidential and only accessible to authorized users.
  4. Publish and track page performance

    Publish your page to a domain or custom URL. Connect your pages to the ads you've created and track page performance within the analytics dashboard, run A/B tests and AI experiments, analyze results, and continuously optimize your landing page to maintain high conversions.

ShortStack vs. Act-On: Unleashing the Ultimate Marketing Showdown

Navigating the increasingly complex landscape of digital marketing platforms can feel like wandering through a labyrinth. In the realm of landing page builders, where every click matters, ShortStack and Act-On rise as powerful contenders. Both solutions offer marketers unique strategies that aim to optimize engagement and conversion rates. However, as savvy marketers dig deeper into features, usability, and pricing, the question arises—how do they stack up against each other? With the ever-evolving digital landscape, there’s also a buzz in the air about another player, Instapage. This article dives into the showdowns between ShortStack and Act-On, while acknowledging the intriguing capabilities of Instapage that might make it a worthy alternative to consider. Get ready for a thorough comparison filled with insights and witty observations to help you choose your ideal landing page solution.

Introducing the Giants in the Marketing Arena

As we step into the ring, it’s time to introduce our heavyweight contenders: ShortStack and Act-On. ShortStack has built its reputation as the go-to platform for creative marketing campaigns, allowing users to design beautiful landing pages that captivate audiences. Known for its robust suite of tools, ShortStack offers features ideal for contests, email collection forms, and highly engaging landing pages that drive user interaction. On the other side stands Act-On, a veteran equipped with advanced marketing automation capabilities. This platform provides comprehensive solutions that empower marketers to manage complex campaigns with ease, integrating email marketing, social media, and analytics in a single potent package. As we explore what each platform brings to the table, it’s important to remember that both have unique strengths, and the right choice ultimately depends on your specific marketing goals.

First Round: Feature Showdown

The feature list of both ShortStack and Act-On reads like a great menu in a fancy restaurant. ShortStack shines with its easy-to-use yet powerful tools for lead generation and user engagement. Notably, its landing page builder and creative contest functionalities help brands capture attention and build their mailing lists effectively. Meanwhile, Act-On flexes its muscles with marketing automation features that allow for detailed campaign tracking and customer relationship management. The blend of functions makes it evident that both platforms have their fan base. Still, what’s that? It seems another player is warming up backstage, poised to make an entrance that could steal the spotlight.

Second Round: Usability and User Experience

Shifting gears, let’s dive into the usability of ShortStack and Act-On. ShortStack has carved a niche for itself by offering an intuitive interface that feels user-friendly, even for those who are just starting their marketing journey. It empowers users to create stunning pages without extensive coding knowledge, allowing marketers to focus on what truly matters—driving engagement. In contrast, Act-On presents a steeper learning curve, but once users grasp its complexities, the potential for sophisticated and nuanced marketing campaigns is unparalleled. This is akin to embarking on a grand adventure, where each step uncovers new skills. Balancing ease of use with powerful features is crucial for both platforms, and this plays a significant role in a marketer's choice.

ShortStack's Winning Features:

  1. User-friendly landing page and form builder
  2. Creative contest and giveaway tools
  3. Robust analytics and reporting features
  4. Integrations with popular email marketing services
  5. Mobile-responsive templates for any device

Act-On's Standout Features:

  1. Advanced marketing automation capabilities
  2. Comprehensive campaign tracking and analytics
  3. Integrated email marketing tools
  4. Audience segmentation for targeted campaigns

Strengths Shared by Both Platforms:

  1. Strong emphasis on lead generation
  2. Variety of customization options for designs
  3. Integration capabilities with other marketing tools
  4. Reliable customer support options
  5. A focus on analytics for performance tracking

As we approach the conclusion of this round, it’s clear that both platforms hold their own in this competitive arena. Yet, an interesting contender has been lurking in the shadows—Instapage. With a unique and versatile approach, it provides an attractive middle ground for businesses seeking a blend of functionality and simplicity.

Third Round: Performance Evaluation

Now, let’s examine the performance metrics that truly make or break a landing page—loading times and mobile responsiveness. When pages load slowly, it’s akin to watching molasses pour in winter—frustrating and prohibitively slow. ShortStack is noted for its fast loading times, ensuring users won’t be left hanging. Act-On, while powerful, sometimes faces challenges in page speed, especially with more complex configurations. In today's world, where attention spans are short, mobile responsiveness also plays a pivotal role in deciding which platform emerges victorious. Both platforms aim to create mobile-responsive experiences, but their success levels vary. In the quest for web efficiency, every millisecond counts, and this performance round is a true testament to how well these platforms can deliver on user expectations.

Fourth Round: Support Channels and Community Resources

A good support structure can truly be the unsung hero of a marketing platform. With dedicated teams and engaging community forums, users can find solace knowing help is within reach. ShortStack offers a wealth of resources including comprehensive guides, videos, and customer support. Act-On, similarly, caters to its users with various support channels—ranging from chat to email support. This vital support ensures users can troubleshoot issues or find best practices to enhance their marketing strategies swiftly. Think of it this way: the support team acts as a trusty sidekick, always ready with a quick save or words of advice.

Fifth Round: Analyzing Pricing Models

ShortStack's Pricing Advantages:

  1. Flexible pricing options tailored to user needs
  2. Free version available for basic users
  3. Tiered plans that scale with business growth

Act-On's Pricing Advantages:

  1. Comprehensive plans that include extensive features
  2. Custom pricing for larger enterprises
  3. No hidden fees for core functionalities
  4. Focus on ensuring a return on investment

When comparing the pricing strategies of both platforms, it’s apparent they cater to different audiences. While ShortStack focuses on flexibility with a free version for new users, Act-On targets larger enterprises needing comprehensive functionalities. This is where Instapage enters as an attractive middle ground—boasting a competitive pricing strategy that offers great value for businesses of various sizes.

A closer look at the respective pricing plans illustrates how each platform crafts its offerings. Both provide solid choices, yet there is room for appealing surprises—sometimes in the least expected places. Choosing the right pricing plan is a matter of understanding your business's unique needs and goals.

Unveiling Instapage: The Overlooked Champion

As we draw our comparison to a close, it’s time to spotlight Instapage—the dark horse of the landing page world. Instapage has won over marketers with its intuitive interface and remarkable features that promise exceptional user experiences. It offers a powerful solution that enhances collaboration through team workflows and offers seamless integrations that can elevate marketing performance. The unique value propositions of Instapage often make it the ideal choice for those seeking ease of use without sacrificing depth. By positioning itself strategically between ShortStack and Act-On, it provides marketers with a platform that feels like a mentor, guiding them through the labyrinth of digital marketing efficiency.

In conclusion, making an informed decision about your marketing platform can significantly elevate your business strategies. With ShortStack and Act-On providing varied features, strengths, and pricing, understanding your unique needs is critical. Explore further with Instapage as you consider your next steps on this marketing journey—its capability to foster growth and engagement might just take your efforts to new heights.

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