Clearstream vs Textiful

Clearstream is a church texting and email service for communicating with members and following up with visitors. Churches can send or schedule text announcements containing links, pictures, and videos. Text-to-join keywords can add people to a list, send an automatic response, and start a workflow of scheduled texts. A texting inbox supports replies and one-to-one conversations, while the email builder covers newsletters, event calendars, and volunteer reminders. Church features include subaccounts for ministries or campuses, branded microsites, QR codes, and branded link tracking. Listed integrations include Planning Center, Rock RMS, CCB/Pushpay, Breeze, Slack, Mailchimp, Zapier, Simple, X, and Facebook; a REST API and webhooks are available for custom integrations. Native iOS and Android apps support messaging, inbox management, notifications, and scheduling. Plans start at $35/mo, and a 30-day trial is available; there is no free plan. Monthly credits do not roll over, incoming texts are free, and longer texts or those with emojis or pictures may use more credits. Every plan includes live chat, email, phone, and Zoom support.

Textiful collects email addresses and other audience information through SMS keyword campaigns, then can sync the data to email marketing platforms. Organizations assign a keyword to a phone number, set campaign messages and prompts, and gather responses by text. For churches and ministries, described uses include collecting information from first-time worshipers, sharing scripture and prayer requests, sending reading and event reminders, sharing donation links, and coordinating staff and volunteers.

Messaging options include bulk SMS broadcasts, MMS image texts, Text to Vote polls, and timed drip campaigns. Broadcasts can be sent immediately or scheduled, and collected data can be exported at any time. Listed integrations include Mailchimp, HubSpot, Salesforce, and other email services; Zapier connects Textiful to 1,000+ applications. Its phone numbers are compatible with carriers in the United States and Canada. The web-based service has a free On Demand plan with one keyword on a 10-digit number and credits bought as needed. Paid plans start at $19/mo; Essential includes up to 150 captured emails and 350 outgoing text messages monthly.