Shape Software vs. vCita

Shape Software is well suited when using "mainstream" ad platforms that have robust integrations. It also works well when budgets are set less frequently and are allowed to run unchanged for a set period of time. Shape Software gets less accurate when frequent budget changes need to be made and when using ad platforms with little to no support built into Shape Software.

It makes client communication extremely easy - we can message and schedule online appointments. Clients really like those options. We also like the online payment portal. That way clients can pay at their convenience, and we don't end up with credit card information that requires PCI compliance. It also helps with payments. It would also help with invoicing, but unfortunately, there are only 3 linked payment options (Square, Stripe, and PayPal). If you don't use one of those payment processors, you cannot link to billing.

Incentivized

• Platform integrations
• Pacing accuracy
• Automated notifications

• Very easy implementation of a contact/scheduling widget.
• Allows for scheduling of appointments with clients. The setup is easy and the allotted times can be changed as needed. Easy for the client to use as well.
• Managing communication between individual clients is easy as well.

Incentivized

• Automated budget pacing could be more sophisticated - it tends to conflict with platform best-practices in my opinion.
• Integration with LinkedIn leads would give more accurate picture of conversion volume I believe.
• More customizable alerts

• Syncing with our google calendars has some flaws or is just not clear
• Messages show unread when they have been read

Incentivized

Shape Software is very easy to set up and use. The core functions and features require little explanation. The options and settings are easy to find and the capabilities of the platform are apparent to the user after just a few minutes of use.

Overall - easy to use. There are some missing features (like fillable pdf forms), and it also requires using certain credit card processors to link billing (otherwise it doesn't work).

Incentivized

I never had the need or opportunity to work with support.

I do miss the days when I could easily call up a rep and talk to them about any issues I had with the service. But I still do hear back from the customer service rep during the week within 24 hours.

Incentivized

Shape Software is very user-friendly and easy to set up. The controls and settings are very straightforward and the core functions (onboarding new accounts, creating new budgets, managing budgets, etc) are easily understood. The customizable alerts and budget intervals provide modularity for different situations and provide significant peace-of-mind. The automations are less impressive in that they generally conflict with ad platform automation in my opinion. Automated bidding and budgeting is hindered by third-party automations like Shape Software and the performance Shape Software features provide doesn't justify forgoing that technology in the ad platforms in my opinion.

vCita has been very responsive to our needs and desires for improvement in certain areas. We have appreciated the level of support we receive when a problem arises. Our biggest gain when moving was the reliability of this product's teleconferencing integration with Zoom. With OnCall we had trouble onboarding people, difficulty with the app they used going down, etc. We also had expectations about progress with Forms that we unmet.

Incentivized

• Reliable protection against overspend
• Precise budget control
• Cross-platform visibility

• The initial cost was high compared to other options but the features in the base level allowed even the smallest of business to grow into the paid version of the service.
• The time saved with self service bookings and profile management for customers has been a big plus and made the purchase of the service worthwhile.
• The constant improvements to the platform have been enough to continue to use the service as it develops into a competent CRM.

Incentivized