MakeContest vs ShortStack: which platform should you choose for your contest?
ShortStack offers a rich template library (quizzes, complex forms, prize draws), built primarily for agencies managing several clients in parallel. It's a versatile tool, but its positioning and price reflect this intensive professional use. Here's the comparison with MakeContest.
What ShortStack offers
ShortStack provides many customizable templates for different types of marketing campaigns (not just contests), making it a popular choice among agencies that need to quickly produce varied campaigns for several clients. This template richness comes with a trade-off: a monthly subscription is required as soon as you publish your first contest, with no lasting free offer to test the tool over time.
What MakeContest offers
MakeContest doesn't offer a library of dozens of templates, but rather a single format optimized for the most common goal: a prize contest with an entry form and an automatic prize draw. Customization happens through your logo, colors and banner, without having to choose among dozens of options. Creation and publishing are free, with no subscription.
Direct comparison
| Criteria | ShortStack | MakeContest |
|---|---|---|
| Template library | Very wide, multi-purpose | One format optimized for contests |
| Pricing model | Monthly subscription from the 1st contest | Free, 19 dollars once to export |
| Main target | Multi-client agencies | Independent organizers |
| Lasting free offer | No | Yes |
| Setup time | Longer (template choice) | About 3 minutes |
The differences that actually matter
If you're an agency that needs to produce varied campaigns (not just contests) for several clients, ShortStack's template richness has real commercial value. But for an organizer who simply wants to publish a contest with a prize to win, that versatility mostly translates into a paid subscription from day one, with no benefit proportional to the actual use.
When ShortStack might be the better choice
If you manage several clients and need to quickly produce varied campaign types beyond a simple contest, ShortStack has the range of tools for that. For a focused contest, MakeContest stays free to create, with no subscription from day one.
In summary
ShortStack charges a monthly subscription built for intensive, multi-client professional use. MakeContest stays free to create and publish a contest, with a one-time 19-dollar payment only when you export your leads.
Ready to try it? Create your free account on makecontest.io and publish your first contest in under 3 minutes, no credit card, no commitment.
Frequently asked questions
Is ShortStack built for agencies or independent organizers?
ShortStack is mainly built for agencies managing several clients in parallel, with a rich template library. For an independent organizer, this versatility mostly translates into more options to configure.
Do you have to pay from the very first contest on ShortStack?
Yes, ShortStack charges a monthly subscription from the first contest published, with no lasting free offer. MakeContest lets you create and publish for free, with no time limit.
Does MakeContest offer as many templates as ShortStack?
No, MakeContest focuses on a single optimized format, the prize contest with a draw, rather than a wide library of different templates.