FreeDrop vs Gatsby: Convert Your Followersfor Shopify (2026)
FreeDrop and Gatsby: Convert Your Followers both aim to improve conversions for Shopify merchants via giveaways and contests, but they approach this goal from vastly different angles and cater to distinct needs. FreeDrop focuses on gamifying the on-site user experience, embedding games directly into the store to capture email and phone number signups in exchange for discount codes. It emphasizes immediate conversion within the store itself. Gatsby, on the other hand, leverages Instagram to build email and SMS lists, primarily through giveaways and interactions like followers tagging the brand or sharing User Generated Content (UGC). It aims to integrate social media marketing with email and SMS marketing. Therefore, while they share the 'Giveaways and contests' category, their functionalities and target users differ significantly. FreeDrop is geared towards merchants who want to improve on-site conversion rates by offering engaging game-based incentives, particularly to capture email and SMS leads within the store environment. Its value proposition lies in the immediate gratification and excitement of winning a discount code. Gatsby is aimed at merchants seeking to leverage their Instagram presence to grow their email and SMS lists, fostering engagement with followers and leveraging UGC for marketing purposes. Gatsby’s strength lies in its integration with Instagram and other marketing tools like Klaviyo, Attentive, and loyalty programs to automate personalized messaging flows and reward customer interactions. The integration and UGC capabilities distinguish it significantly from FreeDrop.
At a Glance
FreeDrop
3 reviews
Gatsby: Convert Your Followers
110 reviews
Detailed Overview
FreeDrop
Gamify your marketing and discount codes. Improve your conversions, both purchases and signups.
Key Features
- Up to 4 different game types
- Game widget automatically embeds in your site. Just provide the game ID
- Winners receive a unique, one time use, coupon code
- Get detailed analytics on promo participation and discount code usage
- Gain access to all of the emails and phone numbers from users who signed up
Gatsby: Convert Your Followers
Faster list growth is just the beginning. Convert Instagram followers into email and SMS subscribers
Key Features
- Faster List Growth: Acquire email & SMS subscribers directly from DMs
- Higher Engagement: Connect with customers across email & social channels
- Personalized Marketing: Trigger flows when customers post UGC, follow you & more
- Ambassador Management: Run fully automated ambassador programs
- Drive conversions: From social sharing to high converting UGC, increase sales
Feature Comparison
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Rating FreeDrop5/5 Gatsby: Convert Your Followers5/5 | ||
| Reviews | 3 | 110 |
Reviews FreeDrop3 Gatsby: Convert Your Followers110 | ||
| Lead Capture Location | On-Site (Game Widget) | Instagram DMs |
Lead Capture Location FreeDropOn-Site (Game Widget) Gatsby: Convert Your FollowersInstagram DMs | ||
| Primary Marketing Channel | On-Site Experience | |
Primary Marketing Channel FreeDropOn-Site Experience Gatsby: Convert Your FollowersInstagram | ||
| Key Differentiator | Gamified Discount Code Giveaways | Instagram Follower Conversion & UGC Integration |
Key Differentiator FreeDropGamified Discount Code Giveaways Gatsby: Convert Your FollowersInstagram Follower Conversion & UGC Integration | ||
| Integration | Limited, focuses on on-site embedding | Klaviyo, Attentive, Smile, LoyaltyLion, Yotpo, Stamped |
Integration FreeDropLimited, focuses on on-site embedding Gatsby: Convert Your FollowersKlaviyo, Attentive, Smile, LoyaltyLion, Yotpo, Stamped | ||
| Target Merchant Type | Merchants seeking immediate on-site conversions with engaging games. | Merchants with a strong Instagram presence aiming to convert followers to subscribers. |
Target Merchant Type FreeDropMerchants seeking immediate on-site conversions with engaging games. Gatsby: Convert Your FollowersMerchants with a strong Instagram presence aiming to convert followers to subscribers. | ||
| Value Proposition | Entice users to share info for immediate discounts via games | Leverage Instagram for list growth, engagement, and UGC |
Value Proposition FreeDropEntice users to share info for immediate discounts via games Gatsby: Convert Your FollowersLeverage Instagram for list growth, engagement, and UGC | ||
Our Verdict
For Shopify merchants focused on immediate on-site conversions and engaging visitors with interactive games, FreeDrop may be a suitable choice, provided they are comfortable with the limited review count. The ability to embed games and offer discounts in exchange for information can be effective, especially for new customer acquisition. However, due to the limited review count, the app's reliability may be less certain.
Gatsby: Convert Your Followers is better suited for Shopify merchants with a strong Instagram presence who want to turn followers into email and SMS subscribers and leverage UGC. Its robust integration with marketing platforms and loyalty programs enables personalized campaigns and rewards, driving engagement and sales. Given the higher number of reviews and focus on a proven social media strategy, Gatsby likely offers a more reliable and scalable solution for businesses heavily invested in Instagram marketing and customer loyalty programs.
Common Questions
What are the main differences in how FreeDrop and Gatsby: Convert Your Followers capture leads?
FreeDrop captures leads through gamified widgets embedded on the Shopify store itself, while Gatsby: Convert Your Followers captures leads directly from Instagram DMs during giveaways and campaigns.
Which app better utilizes User Generated Content (UGC)?
Gatsby: Convert Your Followers directly utilizes UGC by triggering automated email and SMS flows when customers tag the brand in their posts. This feature is not available in FreeDrop.
Which app is better for building an email and SMS marketing list?
Both apps aim to build email and SMS lists. Gatsby has features designed to automatically capture customer data from Instagram and integrate with external marketing platforms, while FreeDrop is suitable for growing your on-site audience.
Which app provides integration with loyalty programs?
Gatsby: Convert Your Followers integrates with loyalty programs like Smile, LoyaltyLion, Yotpo and Stamped to reward customer interactions with loyalty points. FreeDrop does not appear to offer loyalty program integrations.
Which is better for merchants without a strong Instagram presence?
FreeDrop is the better option if a merchant does not have a strong Instagram presence. It is a good way to create an engaging experience for users who are already on your Shopify store site.
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