What is our primary use case?
Our primary use case for this solution is email automation by our clients. Additionally, some use it for email and mobile SMS. Other clients use it for Interaction Studio, while some use it for Web Studio and Journey Builder. Hence, the use case depends on what the client wants to achieve.
What is most valuable?
I like this solution because of its versatility. It covers almost everything on marketing automation. Depending on how deep we get into using the system, it can be a complex tool. However, I like it because many businesses use it for their emails, SMS, and Advertising Studio, Social Studio. There are so many angles of marketing that are covered in Salesforce Marketing Cloud so it makes it easy for a business to use any module based on their preference.
What needs improvement?
The technicality of the solution can be streamlined. There are so many things that are technical in Salesforce Marketing Cloud. I've seen some third-party applications that simplify. For example, I've seen third-party applications that simplify SQL and instead of writing SQL, you can use a drag and drop. The system does everything for you. Salesforce Marketing Cloud should also consider reducing its technicality to make it open to those who might not be as technical.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using the solution for approximately three years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is stable, but it could be slow at times. So far, I haven't heard anything about it not being stable. They're constantly improving on the product. It is probably the number one marketing automation tool out there.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is scalable, but it depends on what you want to get out of it. Approximately six to seven people use it in our organization, but some of our big clients intend to increase their usage in the future. For small clients, Salesforce Marketing Cloud is expensive and is not for everyone. I would say that small clients should start with things like HubSpot or MailChimp and then progress from there, depending on what they need it for. But, if the client usually has the funds, they typically want to go for more options and features in Salesforce Marketing Cloud.
How are customer service and support?
My experience with customer service and support is good. There are some experienced people, and some are less experienced people. It depends on who you meet. But, they help solve the problem most of the time.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We previously used MailChimp.
How was the initial setup?
Installation took approximately two days. It is not difficult, but there are a lot of steps to follow. But if you follow the steps, it is easier.
What about the implementation team?
Implementation usually occurs in-house.
What was our ROI?
The clients would be in a better position to identify the return on investment.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The licensing is usually a yearly subscription. I rate the pricing an eight out of ten, with ten being very expensive. Depending on the package you get, there is a limit to the number of contacts you can have. For example, if you have a million contacts in your package, you start paying for each of those contacts once you exceed a million contacts.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We evaluate other options and decide based on our client's needs.
What other advice do I have?
I rate the solution an eight out of ten. The solution is good, but the technicality in it can be streamlined. My advice to new users considering this product is to seek expert opinions. There has to be a requirement gathering station in place, so I advise them to seek input from consultants like me. Salesforce Marketing Cloud is not for everyone. It was not cheap. So, smaller businesses would be better off speaking to a consultant and might not need it. They may need iMailChimp, HubSpot, or any other marketing tool.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.