10 Best Podium Alternatives For Your Small 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 we explore the landscape of Podium alternatives, delving into the reasons for considering a switch and presenting a range of alternative solutions tailored to meet diverse business requirements.

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.

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

• Basic Plan: Starts at $289 per month, including essential features like 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 Customer Support Channels

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

Podium Reviews And Ratings

Podium Capterra reviews and ratings: Podium has 4.3/5 ratings assessing over 500 reviews from customers reviews and ratings. 

“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.”

Reasons to look for Podium alternatives

Here are some major reasons why you should consider another 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.

Features to look for in Podium alternatives

Here are the features to look similar to the 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 in advance 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 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 your 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 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.

Top Podium Alternatives 

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

1. Emitrr | Emitrr vs Podium

Emitrr is a highly capable software that focuses on review generation. Emitrr is a texting software that strives to provide the best customer experience.  Emitrr offers a variety of features and the most efficient support channels for better user engagement. In addition, Emitrr has extraordinary features such as missed calls to text, 24/7 live rep, and KPI tracking. These features make the platform unique. Emitrr’s features ensure customer satisfaction and reputation management for businesses. The goal of customer conversion is achievable with Emitrr’s review analysis. 

Emitrr Features

• Two-way Texting: Facilitate real-time, two-way communication with your customers. Respond quickly to their inquiries, provide support, and engage in meaningful conversations, ultimately building stronger relationships and ensuring customer satisfaction with direct and efficient interaction.
• Secure Link Sharing: Share encrypted, secure links through text messages to protect sensitive data and maintain customer trust. This feature is especially useful for sharing payment links or important documents while ensuring privacy and security.
• Group Texting: Communicate with multiple recipients simultaneously, making it easy to update your entire team or send promotional messages to a group. This feature saves time and ensures everyone stays informed efficiently.
• Text Alerts: Quickly notify customers or team members of urgent updates or important announcements. Text alerts ensure that time-sensitive information reaches recipients immediately, helping to manage emergencies or critical situations effectively.
• Mass Texting: Send messages to large audiences in one go, ideal for promotions, event announcements, or critical updates. Mass texting saves time and expands your communication reach, ensuring your message is seen by many people.
• Multimedia Messaging: Enhance your text messages by including images, videos, or GIFs. This feature allows you to share visual content, making your communication more engaging and effective for your audience.
• Automated Review Requests: Automatically request reviews from customers after interactions or appointments. This proactive approach helps boost your online reputation and increases the chances of collecting positive feedback to attract more potential customers.
• CRM Integration” Easily integrate with your existing CRM system to keep customer data organized and up-to-date. This synchronization streamlines communication, ensuring you have all relevant information at your fingertips when reaching out to clients.
• Review Response Inbox: Manage all customer review responses from a single, centralized inbox. This feature simplifies follow-up processes and enables timely, consistent replies, helping to maintain a positive brand image and reputation.
• Automated Reminders: Send automated reminders for appointments, payments, or events, reducing no-shows and keeping customers informed. This feature ensures that important commitments are not forgotten, improving overall customer experience and efficiency.
• Live Chat: Engage with customers in real-time using live chat to resolve queries quickly and efficiently. This feature provides instant support, enhances customer satisfaction, and allows for personalized, interactive conversations.
• No-show Follow-ups: Automatically follow up with customers who miss appointments through texts or calls. This feature helps reengage clients, reduces lost opportunities, and ensures that your business continues to run smoothly.
• Payment & Cancellation Follow-ups: Automate reminders for pending payments or cancellations, ensuring customers stay informed. This feature minimizes confusion, improves cash flow management, and helps maintain clear communication with clients.
• Performance Metrics: Monitor key performance indicators like message open rates, missed calls, and total interactions. Analyzing these metrics helps you understand your communication effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
• SMS Templates: Utilize customizable SMS templates to quickly create personalized messages. This feature saves time while ensuring your texts remain professional and engaging, enhancing communication with a human touch.
• API & Activity Tracking: Leverage API integration and activity tracking to analyze customer behaviour and optimize communication efforts. This data-driven approach helps scale your business efficiently and refine engagement strategies.
• Landline Texting & 10DLC: Convert your existing landline into a text-enabled number and comply with 10DLC regulations. This feature makes communication consistent and adheres to industry standards, broadening your messaging capabilities.
• VoIP Functionality: Make and receive calls over the Internet using VoIP to reduce costs and improve communication efficiency. This feature ensures reliable, high-quality calls and integrates seamlessly with other digital communication tools.

Emitrr Pros

• Unparalleled Customer Support: Emitrr is known for its exceptional customer support, earning a 5/5 rating on platforms like Capterra.
• Transparent Pricing: Emitrr offers clear, affordable pricing with no hidden fees, ensuring businesses know exactly what they’re paying for.
• Extensive Features: The platform includes a wide range of features to enhance customer communication and streamline business operations.
• CRM Automation: Automate customer relationship tasks to improve efficiency and free up time for other business needs.
• User-Friendly Interface: Emitrr’s intuitive interface requires no technical expertise, making it easy to use for anyone.

Emitrr Cons

Emitrr continually updates and adds new features and the software has no significant issues.

Emitrr Pricing

Emitrr follows a text-based pricing model, starting at $149 per month for SMS services.

Emitrr Integrations

Emitrr integrates with over 500 tools across industries like dental, real estate, and recruiting. Some of the popular integrations include:

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

Emitrr Reviews & Ratings

Emitrr has earned strong ratings, particularly a 5/5 on Capterra. Here’s what users are saying:

“Emitrr combines everything into one platform—signatures, character limits, file attachments, photos, and forms. It’s a comprehensive solution.”

“AWESOME platform! I love that we can keep the same number while adding text functionality. Highly recommend it for any messaging needs.”

Source: Capterra

Emitrr Support Channels

• Live Chat: Speak directly with Emitrr support representatives.
• Phone: Call +1 (210) 941-4696 for assistance.
• Email: Reach the support team at [email protected].
• Knowledge Base & FAQs: Access helpful resources on the website.
• SMS: Contact via text for quick support.

2. Birdeye | Birdeye vs Podium

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 

• Starts at $350 per month 

Birdeye Reviews & Ratings

According to Capterra, Birdeye’s customer rating on 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 | Weave vs Podium 

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 Support Channels 

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

Weave Pricing 

Weave offers 4 pricing 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 throught a lot of places to get info on one patient.”

Source: Capterra

4. ReviewWave | ReviewWave vs Podium

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 | ReviewTrackers vs Podium 

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 have 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 | Chekkit vs Podium 

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

• Two-Way Texting: Engage in real-time, back-and-forth communication with clients.
• 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.
• Response Management: Organize responses across platforms for a cohesive approach.
• Payment and Cancellation Follow-ups: Send automated reminders for payments or cancellations.
• VoIP Functionality: Make and receive calls via the Internet for enhanced business communication.

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 reviews& ratings 

• 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 | MessageDesk vs Podium 

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

• 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 | Broadly vs Podium 

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, boosting client retention, and nurturing customer relationships.

Broadly Features

• Review Generation: Send review requests to customers to improve your online presence.
• Two-Way Messaging: Communicate directly with customers via SMS or email.
• Web Chat: Engage website visitors in real-time, turning leads into potential customers.
• 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 reviews & ratings

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 | Swell vs Podium 

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

• Two-Way Messaging: Communicate directly with customers for real-time engagement.
• 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 reviews & ratings 

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 | Intercom vs Podium 

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.
• Push Notifications: Notify users with important updates directly in their app or browser.
• Integrations: Connect with a wide variety of apps to sync data and streamline workflows.
• Reporting and Analytics: Track customer engagement and performance metrics to improve strategy.

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 reviews & ratings 

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? 

From the above analysis, it is clear that Emitrr is the best Podium alternative due to the following reasons:

• Emitrr offers a range of exciting features that will help you amp up your customer communication and engagement efforts, without burning a hole in your pocket. Capabilities like group texting, mass text messaging, SMS Marketing, SMS automation, two-way texting, broadcast texting, SMS review requests, missed call-to-text, and schedule-based texting makes Emitrr an obvious choice. 
• Not only can you manage customers seamlessly with Emitrr, but can also effortlessly collaborate with your team. You can set dispositions, assign conversations to team members, leave notes for your team members, add conversations in folders, and filter conversations. This will save you hours’ worth of daily time and streamline operations.
• Emitrr, unlike its competitors, offers quite flexible pricing. It means that you only pay for what you use. There are no hidden charges, setup fees, or binding contracts. The pricing structure is pretty flexible and tailored to your use case. 
• Emitrr takes pride in its customer support and is known for offering excellent service. Based on customer feedback on major review sites like Capterra, G2, and Software Advice, Emitrr is rated 5 stars for its responsive and efficient customer service. 
• With Emitrr, you can streamline your workflows by integrating your software with just a few clicks. Emitrr supports 1000+ EMR/CRM/PMS integrations. 
• Emitrr is pretty easy to use; there is no learning curve involved. In addition to ease of use, there are no technical glitches that could make your job hard. Should you face any issues, the support team is always hands-on to resolve them.
• Apart from its robust texting capabilities, Emitrr extends premium non-texting features designed to enhance business communication and streamline workflows:

1. VoIP Phone System: Enables seamless calling over the internet, reducing costs and providing features like call recording, forwarding, and voicemail.
2. Reputation Management: Helps businesses monitor and improve their online reputation by managing reviews and customer feedback across platforms.
3. Team Messaging: Allows internal teams to communicate and collaborate efficiently within the platform, reducing the need for external chat apps.
4. Appointment Scheduling and Reminders: Simplifies booking and manages customer appointments with automated reminders to reduce no-shows.
5. Customizable Reporting: Offers in-depth analytics and reporting tools to help track business performance and customer engagement trends.
6. Automated Follow-Ups: Automates post-appointment follow-ups and feedback requests, boosting customer retention and satisfaction.

Which Industries Are Catered By Emitrr? 

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

Healthcare

Emitrr 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 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 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’s 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 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 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 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 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 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.

What Will The Migration From Podium To Emitrr Look Like?

If you’ve come this far, we are assuming you’ve made the decision to switch to Emitrr. We are here to tell you that it is completely an easy process.

Your contacts can be easily migrated from Podium to Emitrr. All you need to do is request Podium to provide you with an export of all your contacts and conversations. Once you have this, you can forward it to us and we will do the rest. That’s it, your migration process is completed.

You will be able to use the business phone number that you were using before with Podium. Nothing will change, expect a lot more cool features that will make customer communication a walk in the park. Book a demo now! 

Frequently Asked Questions