Top 10 Podium Alternatives for Your Business

Introduction

Podium is a messaging platform that offers companies a platform to engage with customers and streamline their messaging workflows. 

However, as businesses evolve and their needs change, exploring alternatives to Podium becomes imperative to ensure continued growth and efficiency. 

In this guide, we will examine the reasons why businesses may consider switching from Podium and explore a variety of Podium alternatives that offer distinct advantages. Whether you are looking for a more affordable solution, better customization, improved integrations, or a platform that can scale with your growing business, we’ve got you covered. We’ll help you navigate the options and find the best fit for your unique business needs.

What is Podium?

Podium is a customer communication platform designed for local businesses. It helps them connect with customers through text messages, manage online reviews, and handle payments — all in one easy-to-use place. Instead of switching between different apps or tools, businesses can use Podium to chat, request feedback, and get paid faster. It also helps improve a business’s online reputation by collecting more positive reviews on Google and other platforms. Overall, Podium makes communication simple, helps businesses grow, and creates a better experience for customers.

Podium Features

1. Text Messaging: Send quick texts to customers for better engagement and faster replies.
2. Review Requests: Easily ask happy customers to leave online reviews to boost your reputation.
3. Webchat: Turn website visitors into leads with instant messaging that goes straight to your phone.
4. Text-to-Pay: Let customers pay securely through a simple text, speeding up transactions.
5. Feedback Collection: Gather customer feedback in seconds to improve your services.
6. Campaigns: Run SMS marketing campaigns to share news, offers, or updates instantly.
7. Appointment Reminders: Automate reminders for bookings, cutting down on no-shows.
8. Team Chat: Keep your team connected and communicate smoothly within one platform.
9. Inbox Management: See all your customer messages from different channels in one place.
10. Video Chat: Offer personalized service with secure video calls for consultations or support.
11. Reporting and Analytics: Track your performance with data on reviews, payments, and communication.

Podium Pros

1. User-Friendly Interface: Podium is known for its easy-to-navigate dashboard, making it simple to manage customer interactions even for non-tech-savvy users.
2. Centralized Communication: All messages (SMS, webchat, Google, and Facebook) come into one inbox, saving time and reducing the chance of missing important communication.
3. Boosts Online Reputation: Automated review requests make it easy to collect more positive reviews, which can significantly improve your business’s visibility and credibility online.
4. Efficient Payment Processing: Text-to-pay and contactless payments simplify transactions, making it faster for customers to pay and helping businesses get paid more quickly.
5. High Open and Response Rates: Text messaging is one of the most effective ways to reach customers, with higher open and response rates compared to email.
6. Customizable Messaging: Businesses can create consistent yet personalized communication using templates that make responding quick and simple.

Podium Cons

1. High Cost: Podium can be expensive, especially for small businesses or those with limited budgets. The cost of advanced features may not be justifiable for everyone.
2. Limited Customization: Some users feel restricted by the lack of flexibility in features like templates, automated workflows, and reporting, which could be a drawback for those needing more control.
3. Occasional Glitches: While generally reliable, Podium’s system may experience occasional bugs, like delayed notifications or syncing issues, which can be inconvenient.
4. Customer Support Challenges: Though support is helpful, some users report delays in response times, especially during peak hours. Resolving complex issues can sometimes require multiple follow-ups.

Podium Pricing

Podium pricing plans are as follows:

• Basic Plan: Starting at $289 per month, this plan includes essential features such as messaging, review management, and payments.
• Custom Plans: Tailored pricing for larger businesses or those needing advanced capabilities like marketing campaigns and integrations, with costs depending on specific requirements.

Podium Integrations

Here are the integrations offered by Podium: 

• BigCommerce
• AthenaHealth
• AroFlow
• Airtabele
• AdvancedMD
• ADF Leads
• AMS Pro

Podium Ratings And Reviews

Podium Capterra reviews and ratings: Podium has 4.3/5 ratings, based on over 500 customer reviews. 

“It is extremely expensive for what it is. The personnel also don’t coordinate very well so often you will get a marketing solicitation call and email even though you already use the product.”

“Podium makes it super easy to collect reviews from customers by texting them a link and the customer can choose from multiple sites to post their reviews. I also love that Podium passes along GCLIDs on incoming messages when available. We use a delayed webchat widget to offer users the ability to text with us without seeming too pushy or negatively affecting our site load time. I also like how we can text an invoice and all the customer has to do is click a link to pay. The service is reasonably priced too.”

Source: Capterra

Podium Customer Support Channels

• Phone Support
• Email Support
• Live Chat
• Help Center (Knowledge Base)
• Customer Support Portal
• Dedicated Account Manager

Why Do Businesses Seek A Podium Alternative?

Here are some major reasons why you should consider Podium alternatives: 

Too Pricey for Smaller Teams

Podium’s pricing can be steep for small businesses or teams on a budget. If you’re running a smaller operation and only need essential features, this platform might feel too costly. In such cases, exploring Podium alternatives could offer more value, letting you access crucial tools at a more reasonable price.

Need More Personalization

While Podium offers useful features, some users find that it lacks the flexibility to personalize messages, workflows, or branding elements to their liking. If customization is crucial for your business’s unique communication needs, considering alternatives with more robust personalization options could help you better align with your brand.

Scalability Issues

Businesses experiencing rapid growth sometimes find Podium doesn’t scale as seamlessly as they need. It may be worth exploring Podium alternatives if you anticipate major expansion or growing communication needs. Look for platforms designed to handle increased demand while offering features that evolve as your business grows.

Missing Key Features

Despite a strong lineup of features, Podium might not offer everything your business requires. If you’re in need of specialized tools or capabilities to streamline your workflow, other platforms might be a better fit. Seeking out alternatives with the exact features you need could enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Less User-Intuitive

Podium’s user interface can be confusing or cumbersome for some, especially if you’re looking for a simple, intuitive platform. If a straightforward and easy-to-navigate experience is critical for you and your team, consider exploring alternatives that make communication and task management simpler from the start.

Not-so-Easy Integrations

Integrating Podium with other software might feel complicated or limited. If your business relies on smooth connections between various systems, this can be a hassle. Choosing a platform known for seamless integrations could make your workflows more efficient, saving time and reducing frustration when syncing your favourite tools.

If you’re facing any of these challenges with Podium, considering a Podium alternative could offer you the features, pricing, and flexibility you need to run your business smoothly.

What Features To Look For In A Podium Alternative?

Here are the features to look for, similar to Podium: 

Multi-Platform Messaging

Manage all your communication in one place, from SMS and email to social media. You don’t have to juggle different apps, saving time and simplifying your workflow. This unified messaging makes staying in touch with your customers quicker and far more efficient.

Performance Analytics

Get clear insights into how your messages are performing. These reports help you see what’s working and what’s not, so you can make smarter decisions. Analyze message open rates, engagement, and conversion data to improve your communication strategies over time.

Launch Targeted SMS Campaigns

Create and send SMS campaigns aimed at specific groups of people. By targeting the right audience with personalized messages, you boost engagement and make sure your efforts don’t go unnoticed, keeping communication effective and relevant to their needs.

Text Message Scheduling

Plan your messages and set them to go out when it matters most. Even if you’re not available, your texts are sent at the ideal time, ensuring you always stay engaged with your audience without manual effort.

Bulk Messaging

Send out mass texts effortlessly to hundreds or thousands of people in one go. It’s ideal for reaching a wide audience quickly, whether you’re announcing a sale or sharing important news, making mass communication smooth and efficient.

Ready-to-Use Message Templates

Save time with pre-built templates for your most common messages. No need to start from scratch—just personalize the details and send. It’s a smart way to maintain consistency while keeping communication fresh and efficient.

Personalized Communication

Make your messages feel special by adding personal touches, like the recipient’s name or details relevant to them. Personalized texts can lead to stronger relationships and a higher response rate since people appreciate feeling seen and valued.

Send Multimedia Files

Enhance your texts by attaching images, videos, or documents. This makes communication more engaging, especially when words aren’t enough to get your message across. Use it to share product photos, event invites, or promotional videos.

Centralized Inbox

View all your messages from different channels in one simple inbox. This way, you won’t miss a beat, and managing conversations becomes more organized, helping you respond promptly and keep up with customer interactions effortlessly.

Efficient Contact Management

Keep all your contacts in one place and manage them easily. You can update information, organize lists, or group people based on criteria like location or interest, ensuring you stay organized and communicate effectively with each segment.

Contact Segmentation

Divide your contact list into specific groups for better-targeted messages. For example, send a special offer to repeat customers or updates to new leads. Segmentation helps make your messages more relevant and impactful.

SMS-Based Surveys

Gather valuable feedback by sending quick, easy-to-respond-to SMS digital forms and surveys. They’re perfect for understanding customer satisfaction or collecting insights in real time. Since surveys are simple and on the go, response rates are usually high.

Automated Replies

Set up automatic responses for when you’re unavailable or to answer common questions. It saves time and ensures customers get an immediate reply, even if you can’t respond personally right away, improving overall customer satisfaction.

Drip Message Campaigns

Automate a series of messages that go out over time, like a welcome series for new customers or reminders for upcoming events. Drip campaigns help nurture relationships and keep your brand top of mind.

Organized Conversations

Keep all your conversations neatly organized for easy reference. This feature makes it simple to track past messages, quickly catch up on interactions, and never miss important details, which is crucial for excellent customer service.

Website Chat to SMS

Turn live website chats into text conversations. If a visitor leaves your site, you can continue the chat via SMS, ensuring the conversation doesn’t end abruptly and providing a seamless communication experience.

Seamless Software Integration

Connect easily with your existing tools, like your CRM or email platform. Integrations make your work smoother by sharing information across systems and automating tasks, enhancing your workflow efficiency.

Interactive 2-Way Messaging

Engage in real-time two-way messaging conversations with customers via SMS. This allows you to answer questions, handle requests, or provide support instantly, making your communication more interactive and personal.

Mass Texting

Send one message to a large audience all at once. Mass texting is perfect for announcements or urgent updates and makes reaching a wide group quick and simple, while still keeping your communication clear and efficient.

Automated Responses

The program automatically replies based on triggers, such as a customer asking for store hours. This ensures they get immediate answers without you having to type them, saving time and making communication more consistent.

Text-Enabled Landline

Transform your existing landline into a text-friendly number. This feature keeps your main contact point consistent while giving customers the option to text instead of call, making it more convenient for everyone.

Support for Multiple Languages

Communicate with customers in their preferred language. This feature breaks down language barriers, making your business accessible to a broader audience and showing that you value all of your customers.

Advanced VoIP Features

Make and receive calls over the internet with features like call forwarding and voicemail. VoIP enhances your phone system’s capabilities, giving you better call quality and more control over your communication setup.

Manage Online Reputation

Track and respond to reviews across various platforms. This helps you maintain a positive brand image and shows that you care about customer feedback, which is crucial for building trust and attracting new business.

10 Best Podium Alternatives

1. Emitrr
2. Birdeye
3. Weave
4. ReviewWave
5. ReviewTrackers
6. Chekkit
7. MessageDesk
8. Broadly
9. Swell
10. Intercom

1. Emitrr: Best Podium Replacement

What is Emitrr?

Emitrr is an AI-powered business communication platform built for businesses that can’t afford to miss a message. It combines SMS, VoIP, web chat, voicemail, and review and reputation management into one simple system. Unlike tools focusing only on live chat or one-way updates, Emitrr is built to handle full conversations across every channel customers use.

So, whether it’s confirming an appointment, answering a question, or following up on service, Emitrr ensures no lead gets lost and no customer feels ignored. All of this makes Emitrr the best Podium alternative for your business.

Emitrr Features

• Custom AI SMS agent: Create a custom AI SMS agent by setting up the name, image, function, description, and more, or choose from existing templates. 
• Automate responses: Respond to texts automatically within seconds, keeping prospects engaged at all times.  
• AI-generated replies: No need to type or think what to write, use Emitrr’s AI SMS generator to generate replies, keeping in mind the tone and context of the conversation. 
• AI message enhancer: Enhance the tone or quality of your message by using the AI message enhancer feature. 
• AI rule engine: Let AI filter messages and route replies from customers to the right person. 
• AI-generated SMS campaigns: Type in a prompt and create SMS campaigns using AI within seconds.
• Train AI with knowledge base: Train your AI agent using existing data, knowledge bases, website links, and more. 
• Self-evolving AI SMS agent: As it has more conversations and understands more context, this AI gets better and evolves itself.

• Dynamic IVR and Call Tree Setup: With Emitrr, businesses can build detailed call trees and IVR that guide callers through customized paths based on keypresses. Calls can be forwarded to numbers, extensions, call queue groups, or even other call trees. This makes it easy to route customers to the right person without manual intervention.
• Flexible Call Queue Groups: Emitrr allows teams to create call groups based on departments or specialties. Calls can be distributed among available members either simultaneously or sequentially, helping manage heavy call volumes without losing leads.
• Advanced Call Forwarding Options: Forward calls based on your team’s needs, whether that’s all at once, in a sequence, when a call goes unanswered, or after business hours. Emitrr ensures no call gets lost, no matter what.
• Extensions with Custom Rules: Each user or team member can have their own extension with defined availability hours, personalized call forwarding settings, and flexible daily schedules. Perfect for businesses with different shift patterns or remote staff.
• Unified Communication Management: Emitrr combines texting, calling, web chat, voicemail, and contact management under one roof. Teams manage everything from a single dashboard without switching between tools.
• Bulk and Group Text Messaging: Send mass texts to thousands of customers at once or set up group conversations within the same thread. This helps with promotions, appointment reminders, or important updates, all with high open rates.
• Web Chat to SMS Continuation: Start a conversation with a visitor on your website and continue it via SMS after they leave. Emitrr ensures you stay connected even after a potential customer closes the browser.
• Automated Appointment Reminders and Follow-Ups: Emitrr allows businesses to send personalized reminders by text, email, or voice. Customers can confirm, cancel, or reschedule appointments simply by replying to a text, reducing no-shows and saving staff time.
• Real-Time Caller Insights: During a live call, agents can see caller history and important customer details with the Call Pop feature, helping them respond faster and more personally.
• Call Recording and Business Hour Management: Record calls automatically or selectively for quality assurance, training, or compliance. Define business hours to automate call routing during and after office hours without needing constant manual changes.

Watch this video to learn how Emitrr’s AI agent Sarah makes texting effortless:

Emitrr Pros

• Reliable Platform Stability: Count on Emitrr’s 99.99% uptime to keep calls, texts, and chats running without interruption.
• Streamlined User Experience: Emitrr’s dashboard is designed to cut clicks and save time, helping teams handle conversations faster with fewer steps.
• High-Quality Voice Calls: Enjoy HD-quality voice calls that deliver a clear, professional experience on every customer interaction.
• Seamless Integration with Key Tools: Emitrr connects easily with CRM, EHR, and practice management systems, keeping customer records and conversations in sync.
• Cost-Effective for Growing Teams: Transparent pricing plans allow businesses to scale communication without surprise costs or feature lockouts.
• All-In-One Communication Suite: From texting to calling to voicemail drops and review management, everything runs through one unified platform.
• Smart Automation for Busy Teams: Automate appointment reminders, missed call follow-ups, and customer outreach without juggling multiple tools.
• Customizable Workflows and Call Routing: Set up flexible call trees, queue groups, and user-specific schedules to match your business’s real communication needs.
• Text-Enabled Landlines: Emitrr can turn your existing business phone number into a texting number, letting customers text your landline without any extra work.

Emitrr Cons

• Some amazing features are still under development and will be rolled out soon!

Emitrr Pricing

Emitrr offers three pricing plans for its users: Standard, Pro, and Enterprise. These Emitrr pricing plans also depend on the number of messages you wish to send. 

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Emitrr pricing plans: 

Number of message credits	Standard Price with 10 DLC	Pro Price with 10 DLC	Enterprise
500	$45.00	$64.00	Contact Sales for a customized quote.
1000	$64.00	$94.00

Emitrr keeps things flexible; you only pay based on how many messages you send each month. So, whether you’re a small team or a growing business, you can scale as you need. Larger enterprises with specific requirements can reach out to the sales team for a customized quote. 

For businesses in the healthcare sector, there is an additional $200 fee to unlock all the advanced automation tools you might need. And if you want to tap into Emitrr’s AI features, upgrading to the Pro plan is the way to go.

Emitrr Integrations

Emitrr offers 500+ integrations across different industries such as dental, recruiting, real estate, etc., with tools like:

• MailChimp
• Denticon
• AthenaHealth
• Zapier
• Salesforce
• HubSpot
• HouseCall Pro
• And more!

Emitrr Ratings & Reviews

Emitrr has a solid 4.9/5 star rating on Capterra, and here’s what customers are saying about the platform:

“You have it all integrated into one platform, the signatures, the amount of characters, you can attach files, send photos. You are able to create and send forms. Unlimited amount of things we can use and take advantage of.”

“I LOVE Emitrr. The support you get is wonderful, the app is easy to use and they have been incredibly responsive. As a small business, we needed a messaging platform that wouldn’t break the bank and this meets all our needs (and then some) without making us feel overwhelmed.”

(Source: Capterra)

Emitrr Customer Support Channels

• Live chat: Chat with Emitrr’s live representatives
• Phone: Call Emitrr at +1 (210) 941-4696
• Email: Send email to Emitrr’s support team at support@emitrr.com
• Knowledge base
• FAQs/forum
• SMS 

2. Birdeye

What is Birdeye?

Birdeye is an AI-powered platform designed to help businesses grow by managing their online reputation management, improving client retention, and converting leads. It offers a range of features like two-way messaging, customizable reports, and data visualization to automate and streamline customer communication, making it ideal for various industries, especially healthcare.

Birdeye Features

• Two-way Messaging for Patients: Enables seamless communication between healthcare businesses and their patients.
• Alerts and Notifications: Keeps patients updated on appointment schedules and other important information.
• API and Activity Tracking for Healthcare: Helps healthcare businesses track and manage patient interactions with ease.
• Customizable Reports and Forms: Allows businesses to create reports and forms tailored to their needs.
• Automated Responses: Streamlines communication by automatically responding to common queries.
• AI Data Visualization: Uses AI and machine learning to automate patient health data management and visualization.

Birdeye Pros

• User-friendly: The platform is easy to navigate and set up, even for non-tech-savvy users.
• Great Online Reputation Analysis and Management: Helps businesses manage their online reputation effectively with powerful tools.

Birdeye Cons

• Bugs and Clunky Software: Some users report software bugs, which can make the system feel inefficient.
• Slow Customer Support: Customer support can be slow, leading to delays in resolving issues.

Birdeye Pricing

Birdeye pricing starts at $350 per month. 

Birdeye Reviews & Ratings

According to Capterra, Birdeye has a customer rating of 4.7/5 out of 500 customer reviews.

“like Birdeye’s capabilities as a service to allow you more functionality for your clients, whether it’s the reports or the tags/tickets you can assign. It’s an easy tool to onboard and everyone loves it upon logging in.”

“SMS marketing list segmentation needs serious work. The tags are complicated and confusing. Cannot send SMS marketing to more than one list at a time.

Source: Capterra

Birdeye Support Channels

• 24/7 (Live rep)
• FAQs/Forum
• Email/Help Desk
• Phone Support
• Knowledge Base
• Chat

3. Weave

What is Weave?

Weave is a relationship management platform that promises clients efficient customer support and quick solutions.  Weave offers communication tools to automate tasks such as scheduling, review management, and much more. The Weave platform is practical and helps in customer engagement through customer satisfaction.

Weave Features

• Two-Way Texting: Enables real-time communication with clients through text messages for better engagement.
• Easy Online Scheduling: Simplifies the scheduling process for both clients and businesses, reducing manual effort.
• Web Chat Services: Facilitates easy communication with clients through live web chat for quick resolutions.
• Bulk Messaging: Allows businesses to send promotional messages to a large audience for better engagement.
• Bulk Emails: Helps businesses send mass emails for promotions, reminders, and updates to clients.
• Customizable Reminders: Automates reminders to clients, providing scalability and improving operational efficiency.
• Google Business Messages and Facebook Messenger Integration: Seamlessly integrates with popular platforms like Google Business and Facebook Messenger for easy communication.
• Review Surveys and Reputation Metrics: Gathers feedback from clients to manage online reputation effectively and measure customer satisfaction.
• VoIP Phone System: Provides better call quality and connectivity over the internet, reducing communication costs.

Weave Pros

• Variety of Features: Offers a wide range of tools that cater to various business needs, from messaging to scheduling and reviews.
• Ease of Use: The platform is intuitive and easy to navigate, making it accessible to businesses of all sizes.

Weave Cons

• Slow Customer Support: Response times from customer support can be slow, leading to potential delays in resolving issues.
• Expensive for the Features Offered: Some users find Weave’s pricing high compared to the features available on similar platforms.

Weave Pricing

Weave pricing offers 4 plans: 

• Ultimate: $399 per month + $750 setup fees 
• Pro: Need to contact support 
• Elite: Need to contact support
• Essentials: Need to contact support

Weave Reviews & Ratings

According to Capterra, Weave has 4.3/5 ratings out of 500 customer reviews.

“While working in a busy dental office, Weave makes my life so much easier when it comes to patient communication. I love the ease of being able to text or call patients using Weave. The patient payment feature is amazing as well. I highly recommend Weave! Also, it is super convenient to call customer support and speak to an actual representative to diagnose any technical issues.”

“Having to navigate through a lot of places to get info on one patient.”

Source: Capterra

Weave Support Channels

• FAQs/Forum
• Phone Support
• Chat
• Email/Help Desk
• Knowledge Base

4. ReviewWave

What is ReviewWave?

ReviewWave is a comprehensive platform designed to help healthcare practices manage their online reputation, streamline communication, and improve patient engagement. With features like automated review requests, appointment reminders, and advanced analytics, it ensures your practice maintains a strong digital presence while enhancing overall efficiency. ReviewWave simplifies patient interactions, making it easier to build trust and attract more patients through positive online reviews and better engagement.

ReviewWave Features

• Automated Review Requests: Send review requests to patients automatically, boosting your practice’s online reputation effortlessly.
• Appointment Reminders: Schedule and send reminders to patients, reducing missed appointments and optimizing your practice’s workflow.
• Two-way Texting: Communicate directly with patients in real-time, improving engagement and providing timely responses.
• Website Widgets: Add interactive widgets to your website for easy appointment booking and streamlined patient interactions.
• Analytics Dashboard: Track key performance metrics like review trends and patient feedback to make data-driven decisions.
• Call Tracking: Monitor call activity to understand patient inquiries better and improve your practice’s communication strategy.

ReviewWave Pros

• User-Friendly Interface: Simple and intuitive design, making it easy for healthcare staff to manage patient communication.
• Boosts Online Reputation: Effective in increasing positive reviews and enhancing the overall online presence of your practice.

ReviewWave Cons

• Pricey for Small Practices: The cost may be high for smaller practices with limited budgets.
• Limited Customization: Some users find a lack of flexibility in customizing workflows to fit unique needs.

ReviewWave Pricing

• Starts at $299 per month

ReviewWave Integrations

• Dentrix
• Eaglesoft
• Open Dental
• ChiroTouch
• Genesis Chiropractic Software
• Kareo
• TheraNest
• AdvancedMD
• Office Ally
• Square
• Stripe

ReviewWave Reviews & Ratings

According to Capterra, ReviewWave has 4.7/5 ratings out of 500 customer reviews. 

“I would NOT use Aloha / Review Wave. They are average in effectiveness and terrible at customer service.”

“ From the beginning, Review Wave has been exceptional. The training was thorough and setup and use have been super easy. Any time there is an issue their customer service always assists us fast and resolves any issues.”

Source: Capterra

ReviewWave Support Channels

• Phone 
• Email 
• Live Chat 
• Knowledge Base

5. ReviewTrackers

What is ReviewTrackers?

ReviewTrackers is a reputation management platform that empowers businesses to improve their online image by collecting and managing customer reviews. It emphasizes understanding customer feedback to boost satisfaction and loyalty. With features like review monitoring, automated alerts, and data-driven insights, ReviewTrackers helps shape customer strategy, optimize engagement, and drive better decision-making to reach your business objectives. It provides actionable analytics to enhance your brand’s presence and reputation.

ReviewTrackers Features

• Review Notification: Get instant alerts when new reviews are posted to act quickly.
• Campaign Management: Use email and SMS campaigns to engage and retain customers.
• Review Monitoring and Analysis: Track and analyze reviews from multiple platforms for actionable insights.
• Negative Feedback Management: Understand and address negative feedback to improve customer satisfaction.
• Review Request & Surveys: Collect reviews and feedback easily to gauge customer experiences.
• Response Management: Manage and respond to reviews to foster better customer relationships.

ReviewTrackers Pros

• Ample Integration: Connect easily with various platforms to streamline your operations.
• Ease of Use: Navigate the platform without hassle, making it accessible for any user.

ReviewTrackers Cons

• Expensive: The cost is higher compared to competitors, which may not suit smaller businesses.
• Poor Response Management: Some users report limitations in managing responses efficiently.

ReviewTrackers Pricing

ReviewTrackers does not have fixed pricing. To get a quote, you’ll need to request a demo directly from their team.

ReviewTrackers Integrations

• Google
• Facebook
• Salesforce
• HubSpot
• Zapier
• Slack
• Hootsuite

ReviewTrackers Ratings & Reviews

According to Capterra, ReviewTrackers has a rating of 4.7/5 out of 500 customer reviews. 

“I love Review Tracker. We had to cancel our subscription to this and other social tools at one point and it is the software I missed the most. It streamlines my day to day responsibilities and allows me to report to my team easily and effectively with pre-designed reports that provide all of the necessary information. My colleagues who consume the reports, find them easy to use and allows them to better understand how their locations are operating.” 

“I’ve had little luck getting my clients to act upon receiving the request email from ReviewTrackers to leave an online review for me (on Google, etc.). ReviewTrackers doesn’t allow the email subject or the actual content of the email invite to be customized. Currently it’s “follow up” which will not get the client’s attention.. therefore, they won’t open the email and leave you a review. This constitutes a waste of effort and money.” 

Source: Capterra

ReviewTrackers Support Channels

• Phone Support
• FAQs/Forum
• Knowledge Base
• Email/Help Desk

6. Chekkit

What is Chekkit?

Chekkit software focuses on enhancing customer experience and turning conversations into conversions. The Chekkit platform focuses on the growth and scalability of local businesses. The Chekkit app lets you send texts to multiple platforms like Facebook Messenger, Google, and Instagram. Chekkit software serves the aim of bringing scalability to your business. 

Chekkit Features

• Online Scheduling: Allows clients to book appointments easily.
• Web Chat Feature: Offers live chat on your website to interact with visitors.
• Digital Forms: Collect and handle client details digitally for a smooth process.
• Customizable Reminders: Set up personalized reminders to keep clients informed.
• Review Notification Update: Get notified about new reviews for timely responses.
• Campaign Management: Use email and SMS to retain and engage customers.
• Review Monitoring and Analysis: Track and analyze online reviews to understand customer feedback.
• Negative Feedback Management: Address and manage negative feedback for improved customer satisfaction.
• Review Request & Survey Feedback: Collect feedback with survey links and review requests.

Chekkit Pros

• Fairly Priced: Offers affordable plans for small and medium-sized businesses.
• Ease of Use: Simple, user-friendly interface that’s easy to navigate.

Chekkit Cons

• Slow Review Updates: Review updates may take time to reflect.
• Limited Functionality: Lacks some advanced features found in competitor platforms.

Chekkit Pricing

• Starts at $99/month

Chekkit Integrations

• Google
• Facebook
• Slack
• Zapier

Chekkit Ratings & Reviews

According to Capterra, Chekkit has 4.8/5 out of 500 customer reviews. 

“My overall experience has been extremely positive. The software is extremely useful and inexpensive. The value for me and my company is immense and I will definitely recommend it to others.”

“Overall, the experience with Chekkit was great, however, our organization wasn’t ready to fully commit to using the software to the best of it’s ability. In an ever changing world where online reviews will likely make or break a decision for someone to walk in your door, Chekkit certainly assists in getting the reviews required to promote your business.”

Source: Capterra 

Chekkit Support Channels

• Chat
• 24/7 Live Rep
• Knowledge Base
• FAQs/Forum
• Email/Help Desk
• Phone Support

7. MessageDesk

What is MessageDesk?

MessageDesk is a HIPAA-compliant secure messaging app designed for healthcare providers, offering a platform for doctors, nurses, and organizations to communicate efficiently. With basic patient texting functionalities and automated features, MessageDesk integrates seamlessly with EHR systems to streamline workflows and improve patient outreach.

Features of MessageDesk

• Text Enable Existing Number: Text-enable your existing business number to offer both calling and texting capabilities.
• EHR Integration: Easily integrate with your existing EHR/EMR system for quick access to patient data.
• Broadcast Texting: Send bulk messages to patients about schedule changes, greetings, offers, and more.
• Automated Healthcare Texting: Automate patient outreach with custom SMS reminders and confirmations.
• Shared SMS Inbox: Centralize all team communications in one inbox, simplifying collaboration.

Pros of MessageDesk

• Intuitive and Easy to Use: Simple interface for quick adoption by healthcare teams.
• Shared SMS Inbox: Streamlines team communication in a single, unified space.
• Easy Contact List Import: Import patient lists with ease for efficient communication.

Cons of MessageDesk

• Limited Features: The functionality is basic, lacking more advanced tools.
• Expensive for Smaller Practices: The pricing may be high for smaller healthcare providers.
• Customization Limitations: The platform offers limited customization options.

MessageDesk Pricing

The following are MessageDesk pricing plans

• Operator: $29 per month for 1 user
• Team: $79 per month for up to 5 users
• Custom: Contact support for custom pricing and additional needs.

MessageDesk Integrations

• Slack
• Mailchimp
• Trello
• QuickBooks

MessageDesk Reviews & Ratings

According to Capterra, MessageDesk has 4.8/5 ratings out of 500 customer reviews. 

“So far so good! This has been a great tool helping us to text our owners and keep the lines of communication open while not keeping our front desk on the phone constantly.”

 “Better attendance at meetings as this reaches those who do not check emails frequently.”

Source: Capterra

MessageDesk Support Channels

• FAQs
• Help desk
• Email
• Phone
• live chat.

8. Broadly

What is Broadly?

Broadly is a customer engagement platform designed to help businesses improve their online reputation and customer satisfaction. Through tools for review generation, customer communication, and reputation management, Broadly assists businesses in enhancing their digital presence. The platform is user-friendly and effective, offering features that simplify managing feedback, boost client retention, and nurture customer relationships.

Broadly Features

• Review Generation: Send review requests to customers to improve your online presence.
• Customer Feedback Collection: Gather feedback efficiently to understand and address client needs.
• Review Monitoring and Analysis: Track reviews across multiple platforms to manage and analyze customer opinions.
• Automated Review Requests: Send automated review requests to streamline feedback collection.
• Customizable Templates: Use pre-built templates for faster, consistent customer responses.
• Customer Activity Tracking: Track customer interactions for more personalized communication.
• CRM Integration: Sync customer data with your CRM to manage contacts easily.
• Performance Metrics: Monitor key performance indicators to assess campaign success.

Broadly Pros

• Ease of Use: The platform is simple and intuitive, making it easy to use for any team.
• Strong Review Generation: Effective tools for generating and managing customer reviews.
• Automated Follow-Ups: Automated review requests and follow-ups save time and increase the likelihood of customers leaving feedback.
• Centralized Review Management: Broadly consolidates reviews from multiple platforms, making it easy for businesses to monitor and respond to feedback.
• Insightful Analytics: Provides performance metrics and insights that help businesses assess the effectiveness of their customer engagement efforts.

Broadly Cons

• Limited Customization: Fewer options for customization compared to some competitors.
• Costly for Small Businesses: Pricing may be higher for smaller teams with limited budgets.

Broadly Pricing

• Broadly offers personalized pricing plans, so interested users need to contact the sales team for a quote.

Broadly Integrations

• Google My Business
• Facebook
• Yelp
• QuickBooks
• Clio
• Housecall Pro
• Jobber
• Mindbody
• Square
• Salesforce
• Zapier

Broadly Ratings & Reviews

According to Capterra, Broadly has a rating of 4.8/5 out of 500 customer reviews. 

“Broadly helped us establish our online presence, provided us with a platform to manage our customer relationships, and keeps our online reputation looking stellar!”

“We will be switching to a platform that has access to more review options. More user friendly for the customer.”

Source: Capterra 

Broadly Support Channels

• Phone Support
• Email Support
• Live Chat
• Knowledge Base
• FAQs

9. Swell

What is Swell?

Swell is a customer engagement and reputation management platform designed to help businesses grow by improving customer feedback, boosting online presence, and streamlining client interactions. Swell offers a variety of tools to simplify review generation, enhance communication, and monitor customer satisfaction. With user-friendly features, it aims to make reputation management seamless and effective for businesses looking to improve their customer experience and engagement.

Swell Features

• Review Generation: Automatically request reviews after services to build a strong online reputation.
• Customizable Surveys: Collect customer feedback to understand and improve service quality.
• Web Chat: Engage website visitors instantly with live chat functionality.
• Appointment Scheduling: Allows customers to easily book appointments online.
• Automated Reminders: Send appointment or payment reminders to reduce no-shows and late payments.
• Response Management: Manage and respond to customer reviews from one platform.
• Analytics Dashboard: Access insights and performance metrics to gauge customer satisfaction and engagement.
• Bulk Messaging: Send messages to multiple customers at once, ideal for updates or promotions.
• Payment Processing: Enable secure online payments directly through the platform.

Swell Pros

• Easy-to-Use Interface: A user-friendly design makes it simple to manage customer interactions.
• Efficient Review Collection: Automated review requests increase the likelihood of customer feedback.
• Comprehensive Insights: Detailed analytics help businesses monitor and improve customer satisfaction.

Swell Cons

• Limited Integrations: Fewer integrations compared to some competitors, which may limit compatibility.
• Higher Price for Small Businesses: Can be costly for smaller teams or businesses with limited budgets.

Swell Pricing

Swell pricing starts at approximately $199 per month. Pricing can vary based on business size and feature needs, and a customized quote is available upon request.

Swell Integrations

• Google My Business
• QuickBooks
• Slack
• MindBody
• HubSpot

Swell Rating & Reviews

According to Capterra, Swell has 4.6/5 ratings out of 500 customer reviews. 

“Swell CX gives you the tools to better manage your customer experience and more meaningfully interact with your consumers. That’s a powerful benefit, and one that will help you achieve greater success in your business.”

“We call your program “Not so Swell”.”

Source: Capterra 

Swell Support Channels

• Live Chat
• Email Support
• Knowledge Base
• FAQs

10. Intercom

What is Intercom?

Intercom is a customer communication platform designed to help businesses build better relationships with their customers through personalized messaging and support. With tools for live chat, automated messaging, and a customer data platform, Intercom enables businesses to engage with customers across their journey, improve customer experience, and streamline support. It’s ideal for companies looking to enhance customer engagement, onboard users, and boost retention rates.

Intercom Features

• Live Chat: Engage customers in real-time on your website or app for quick support.
• Automated Messaging: Send targeted, automated messages based on user behavior to enhance engagement.
• Help Center: Provide customers with self-service support through articles and guides.
• Product Tours: Guide new users through onboarding with interactive product tours.
• Customizable Chatbots: Automate common questions and gather customer info with AI-powered bots.
• Inbox Collaboration: A shared team inbox streamlines customer inquiries for faster resolution.
• Customer Data Platform: Store and analyze customer data to personalize interactions.

Intercom Pros

• Comprehensive Communication Tools: Combines live chat, automated messaging, and customer data for effective engagement.
• User-Friendly Interface: Easy to navigate and set up, even for non-technical teams.

Intercom Cons

• High Cost for Small Teams: Pricing can be steep for small businesses with limited budgets.
• Learning Curve for Advanced Features: Some features may require training to fully utilize.

Intercom Pricing

• Essentials: Starts at $74/month
• Pro: Starts at $153/month
• Premium: Custom pricing for larger businesses needing advanced customization, data analytics, and dedicated support.

Intercom Integrations

• Salesforce
• Slack
• HubSpot
• Shopify
• Google Analytics
• Zendesk

Intercom Rating & Reviews

According to Capterra, Intercom has 4.5/5 customer ratings out of 500 reviews.

“Better and more convenient contact between us and our customers is always appreciated. Easy history tracking is made possible by this intuitive tool. It’s simple to record my conversations and analyze them afterwards for development purposes.”

“Quickly and simply, I can access the Macros and write/update the articles in the assistance center. Streamlining the process of submitting tickets to the correct division for handling user concerns. It’s a time saver for all teams because they can deal with it themselves.”

Source: Capterra 

Intercom Support Channels

• Live Chat
• Email Support
• Help Center
• Community Forum

Why is Emitrr The Best Podium Alternative?

When teams start looking for a Podium alternative, they’re usually after something better, not just another version of the same thing. They want a platform that’s easier to manage, covers more ground, and doesn’t bring hidden costs or limits. Emitrr was built with those exact needs in mind.

Instead of juggling multiple tools or paying extra every time you need a simple feature, Emitrr brings everything your business needs into one easy-to-use platform. Here’s what makes it stand out:

AI Workflows Built for Real Conversations

Most chat systems follow a fixed script. Emitrr’s AI workflows do more. They guide conversations naturally, whether someone’s booking an appointment, changing a time slot, or asking a question. The goal isn’t to replace your team, but to make them faster and more efficient while keeping conversations human and friendly.

Transparent Pricing Without Feature Lock-In

Emitrr believes in honest pricing. You get full access to all features from day one, no hidden upgrades or surprise charges just to unlock texting or extra lines. What you see is what you get, so you can plan confidently without worrying about add-ons later.

Full-Scale Texting Suite

Emitrr is built for businesses that rely on conversations, not just emails. It includes two-way texting, mass messages, automated replies, reminders, and follow-ups, everything in one place. Customers can reply when it suits them, and your team can keep the conversation flowing without missing a message.

Chrome Extension for Easy Access

You don’t need to stay tied to your inbox. With Emitrr’s Chrome extension, you can reply to customers directly from your website, CRM, or calendar — without switching tabs or opening new apps.

Dedicated Human Support on Every Plan

With Emitrr, support means talking to a real person who knows the platform inside out. No bots or long wait times just quick, personal help that actually solves your problem. It’s one of the biggest reasons teams stay with Emitrr for the long run.

Zero-Hassle Migration Setup

Switching platforms shouldn’t be stressful. Emitrr’s team helps you move your contacts, set up inboxes, and train your staff, so you’re ready to go without downtime or lost data.

Unified Communications in One Platform

Emitrr brings together chat, texting, voicemail, and web leads in one clean dashboard. No more switching between tools or missing messages — everything is organized and easy to manage, leading to faster responses and better customer experiences.

Easy-to-Use Interface

Emitrr is built for everyone, not just tech experts. The interface is simple and intuitive, so your team can start using it confidently within hours, not weeks.

Optimized for Appointment-Driven Businesses

Emitrr works especially well for businesses where timing is key, such as healthcare, home services, education, real estate, and law firms. It handles appointment confirmations, reminders, and updates automatically, saving time and reducing no-shows.

Seamless Review & Reputation Management

Emitrr makes it easy to collect reviews after every service. It sends a friendly, automated message to happy customers, helping you grow your online reputation naturally without being pushy.

Built-In Compliance for Regulated Industries

Emitrr ensures every message follows the right rules. Whether you need HIPAA-compliant communication, TCPA SMS compliance, or strong data security, all protections are built in from the start.

Are your patient text messages HIPAA compliant? Watch this video to learn more –

Which Industries Are Catered By Emitrr?

Emitrr caters to a wide range of industries, making communication easier and more efficient:

Healthcare

Emitrr  AI for healthcare supports healthcare professionals like dentists, surgeons, clinic owners, vets, and eye specialists. It’s HIPAA-compliant and connects seamlessly with over 500 EHR/PMS systems, such as Denticon and Dentrix. With tools like SMS, VoIP, appointment reminders, and reputation management, it’s an excellent option for medical practices.

Wellness

Emitrr AI for wellness helps wellness businesses like spas, salons, and fitness centers. It automates appointment bookings, sends reminders, collects feedback, and keeps customers engaged with SMS and email, simplifying daily operations.

Education

Schools and colleges use Emitrr AI for school to send important updates to parents and students. With high SMS open rates, features like two-way texting, bulk messages, ready-to-use templates, and automated reminders make communication easy and reduce manual work.

Legal Services

Law firms benefit from Emitrr AI for lawyers features like secure messaging, appointment reminders, reputation management, and scheduling tools. The VoIP system also allows easy communication between lawyers and clients.

Real Estate

Emitrr AI for real estate helps real estate professionals manage client communication smoothly. Property managers use it to automate tenant updates, maintenance schedules, and feedback collection, while agents use it to schedule viewings and send reminders, keeping things organized.

Home Services

Emitrr AI for home services simplifies operations for home service businesses. For plumbers, it automates job scheduling and customer reminders. HVAC companies use it to streamline appointments, and cleaning services improve efficiency with automated communication and reminders.

Retail

Retailers, both physical and online, use Emitrr AI for retail to engage customers and simplify processes. It automates messages, manages SMS and emails, and provides post-purchase support, building trust and loyalty among shoppers.

Automotive

Emitrr  AI for automotive is great for car dealerships, automating test drive appointments, sending service reminders, and following up with potential buyers through personalized messages, keeping everything on track.

Insurance

Emitrr AI for insurance agents makes communication simple for insurance agencies. It sends automated reminders for policy renewals and updates on claim status, helping agents stay connected with clients without the hassle of manual reminders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Podium can be a great tool for businesses that want to manage reviews and messages in one place. But if you’re looking for something more flexible, affordable, and built to grow with your business, Emitrr is a strong alternative. It combines texting, reviews, automation, and customer support in one simple platform without the extra costs or complexity. Schedule a free demo with Emitrr AI to learn more!