I was delivering a short presentation for a User Group in the UK today and they asked me if I have any plugins that I like to recommend.
And I realized that I’ve sort of been avoiding plug-ins. Not entirely of course, I’m not crazy. But yeah, a little bit.
You see, when I was working at Keap (back when it was called Infusionsoft), I became an expert in the Keap software. Duh. And as such, I made extra efforts to solve as many problems as possible while using the native functionality of Keap.
It’s not because I don’t like the plugins that are out there, I do. Many of them are absolutely critical.
It’s more because I encountered so many different Keap users who had been sold on the “all-in-one” dream, only to realize that for their particular scenario they also needed these three plugins, and each was an additional $100/month.
So, when I started Monkeypod I sort of subconsciously made the decision not to use a million fancy tools. If I’m going to dedicate myself to explaining things, and breaking down complex subjects, then it stands to reason that I should introduce as few variables into that equation as possible.
For example, a good friend of mine started Go Spiffy, which makes super sexy mobile responsive order forms. And it took me years to start using it because I want people who hit my order forms to know that they can do it too. Maybe I’m naive in thinking this matters to people, that’s possible too.
However, all that being said, I do have some select tools that I use to either extend or improve the power that Keap offers. I’ve actually been compiling a short list of those resources on this page.
So, when they asked me if I had any tools that I was currently geeking out on, I realized yes. I do. There’s a free WordPress Plugin called Rapidology. I use it myself, and I recommend it regularly. It allows you to create lead capture forms for your site. They can be embedded in the page, or they can slide over, or pop-up when someone visits your web site. They have 100s of templates and are easy to customize, and easy to integrate with Infusionsoft.
Here’s some truth for ya: The current web form builder works just fine, but it’s just not super clean. You can make it work, and if you know how to code you can really make it sing; but your average business owner or Keap user doesn’t have the time or energy to mess with all of that.
So. I use Rapidology. Yes, you can use JotForm, TypeForm, LeadPages (LeadBoxes), Gravity Forms, Bloom or any number of other options. But Rapidology is the one I’ve used, and if you use WordPress, and are looking for a free tool that might dramatically improve the look and performance of your forms, well, check it out.
Here’s a 21 minute video covering the entire installation and integration process:
I understand where you come from but Infusionsoft doesn’t actually enable people to do everything they need to do.
Example. Most people open emails on their smartphones. Infusionsoft doesn’t have responsive email yet. AND that’s not even where I was going but had to mention it. If your email points to an order form, you’re most likely going to lose the sale because people will abandon that poor checkout experience.
So, while not leveraging third party tools, at what cost are you willing to go there?
After seeing the direction Infusionsoft is going in the next three years, it’s clear they are focused on integrations to enhance the experiences in areas they are not pros in.
So why not embrace it brotha? 😉
It’s a delicate line, I understand that. I’m really not certain why I’ve “sort of” pursued this route. I mean, I do use LeadPages. And I like the tools offered in the Novak Solutions Toolbox. I think part of it came from not wanting to remain impartial as an Infusionsoft employee, you know? And then, it has just sort of stuck with me.
Certainly I wouldn’t encourage anyone to avoid an integration that solves a legitimate business need, or addresses an issue actively costing them money. I think my approach is more about recognizing the difference between a genuine need and want.
Oh, and my order forms are responsive. And I did it without a plugin. Shout out to Brett Farr:
Check it
Thanks for the shout out Greg. I’m looking forward to more mobile options from Infusionsoft in the coming months.
PS – A few tools I like:
Sumome (not for IS, but WordPress)
Zapier
Cyfe for a basic dashboard
Yup. I use the free version of SumoMe for engagement and click analytics on my different posts. Zapier, classic fav, but until I really start using it myself I didn’t want to list it. And Imma have to look into Cyfe. Thanks for sharing, and for reading. Cheers.
The December update for Infusionsoft was released yesterday. One of the updates? Responsive Order Forms! Only new themes (those made after you receive the December update) are responsive, so if you look at an old order form on a mobile device and it isn’t responsive, that’s why. Here are the release notes: http://help.infusionsoft.com/release-notes/december-update-2015#Responsive. I think that’ll be great news for a lot of people!
YES! Great point. And a valuable reminder for anyone who missed my PartnerCon Recap post two weeks ago.