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Staffbase vs. Firstup: Features, Pricing and AI Capabilities

How do Staffbase and Firstup compare? And what does Cerkl Broadcast offer as an alternative?

What is the best internal communication software for your business?

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AI Disclosure: The Cerkl Research Team combines the expertise of in-house analysts with advanced AI tools. We are committed to producing rigorous, industry-leading research, with a focus on delivering data-driven insights into employee engagement and performance.

The High-Level Comparison

About Staffbase

Staffbase is an internal communication platform known for its mobile-first approach. It offers a branded employee app, intranet, and email capabilities designed to improve employee engagement. It is best suited for deskless employees working in industries like retail and logistics.

About Firstup

Firstup is a workforce communication platform focused on delivering messages across multiple channels, including email and mobile apps. It aims to engage diverse, dispersed teams with a consistent communication experience but relies on predefined segmentation to reach audiences, which may limit deeper personalization.

About Cerkl Broadcast

Cerkl Broadcast differentiates itself by utilizing AI to deliver personalized, relevant content to employees. It integrates with channels like email, Slack, Microsoft Teams, and mobile apps, allowing dynamic engagement through automated content delivery. Cerkl Broadcast uses behavioral data to customize content, ensuring employees receive the most relevant information while boosting overall engagement. Get started with a free chat with our expert!

Staffbase

What Staffbase Offers:

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Staffbase takes a mobile-first approach, providing branded employee apps and an intranet aimed at reaching deskless employees, particularly in industries like retail, logistics, and healthcare. These features support a one-size-fits-all approach to communication, where consistent, accessible information is distributed widely without needing extensive personalization. 

Where Staffbase Falls Short:

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Staffbase lacks advanced AI-powered capabilities that could allow for mass personalization, such as automated audience segmentation or behavior-driven content delivery. For organizations seeking a more adaptable platform that can tailor communications based on individual employee engagement or preferences, this limited personalization may reduce effectiveness. This is because Staffbase primarily offers broad-based messaging rather than nuanced, targeted interactions.

For a more detailed analysis of Staffbase vs. Cerkl Broadcast, check out our dedicated 1-on-1 analysis.

Firstup

What Firstup Offers:

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Firstup is designed as an employee experience platform that supports communication across multiple mediums to reach diverse and distributed teams, including email, mobile apps, and other channels. This approach works well for organizations that prioritize consistent messaging to large groups using predefined audience segments, such as roles or departments. 

Where Firstup Falls Short:

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Firstup’s segmentation lacks the flexibility of mass personalization, as it does not adapt content based on individual behaviors or engagement. For companies needing communication tailored to each employee’s unique interaction history or preferences, Firstup’s predefined segmentation may be too rigid, making it less effective for those seeking a personalized communication experience at scale.

For a more detailed analysis of Firstup vs. Cerkl Broadcast, check out our dedicated 1-on-1 analysis.

What Sets Cerkl Broadcast Apart

Cerkl Broadcast is designed to automate and personalize internal communications using advanced AI. Its AI-powered News Digests dynamically personalize content based on each employee’s behavior, preferences, and engagement history stand out. Cerkl Broadcast’s multi-channel delivery system, which can incorporate Email Blasts, Slack, Microsoft Teams, and mobile apps, ensures that employees receive the right message at the right time, improving engagement and communication efficiency. At the same time, internal communicators have total control over all the variables associated with News Digest set up. This applies to every imaginable parameter from design to segmentation and the time of delivery.

Feature Comparison

Staffbase Differentiation

Staffbase follows a one-size-fits-all approach, focusing on mobile-first communication through branded apps and an intranet for deskless employees. While suitable for distributing consistent, broad messaging, Staffbase lacks AI-powered mass personalization capabilities. It does not support behavior-driven content delivery, which may limit effectiveness for organizations that require individualized, engagement-based communication.

Firstup Differentiation

Firstup positions itself as an employee experience platform delivering consistent, multi-channel messaging to segmented groups (e.g. by role or department). This approach aligns with a one-size-fits-all model, as its segmentation is predefined and does not adapt based on individual behaviors. For organizations aiming for mass personalization, Firstup may fall short due to its limited flexibility for tailoring communication at an individual level.

Cerkl Broadcast Differentiation

Cerkl Broadcast’s AI capabilities are a standout feature. The platform uses behavioral data to segment audiences and personalize content, ensuring that each employee receives relevant communication. Its ability to automate content distribution across multiple channels (email, Slack, and mobile apps) and dynamically adjust based on engagement makes Cerkl Broadcast a highly efficient tool for internal communications.

AI Capabilities

Staffbase AI Capabilities:

AI Personalization

Predictive publishing and intelligent targeting optimize timing and reach but do not tailor content to individual employee behavior. Audience segmentation is refined, but personalization does not extend significantly into individualization.

Content Recommendations

Recommends content based on role and interest, improving message relevance but lacking behavior-based refinement.

Firstup AI Capabilities:

AI Content Creation

The First Up Creator Studio uses AI to streamline content creation, helping users generate text, summaries, and visuals quickly. Predictive analytics optimize delivery timing, though segmentation is predefined.

Audience Customization

Allows customization using natural language prompts to define segments. Personalization is limited to predefined criteria rather than individualized behavior.

Cerkl Broadcast AI Capabilities:

Dynamic Personalization

Cerkl AI used to power Broadcast is centered on delivering highly personalized communication. It tailors content to each employee based on their behavior, preferences, and engagement history, ensuring that messages are relevant and impactful for each individual.

Advanced Analytics

The platform’s AI offers detailed insights into employee engagement and content effectiveness, allowing communication teams to optimize their strategies in real-time.

Behavioral-Based Content Delivery

Cerkl AI continuously learns from employee interactions, refining how and when content is delivered to enhance relevance and engagement. It ensures that Broadcast communication is timely and tailored to individual preferences.
Cerkl AI stands out by offering deeply customized communication through dynamic personalization and behavioral-based content delivery. Compared to Staffbase and Firstup, Cerkl Broadcast provides more granular AI-driven insights and invaluable personalization tailored to individual employees.

Pricing Comparison: Cerkl Broadcast vs. Staffbase vs. Firstup

Cerkl Broadcast Pricing:

  • Starting Price: $799 per month, scalable based on the number of employees included in the plan.
  • Features: All Cerkl Broadcast capabilities are available from the start, providing access to core features like personalized Email Blasts and News Digests.
  • Mobile App: Available for an additional 20% of the total cost.
  • Transparent Pricing: Cerkl Broadcast offers clear, upfront pricing, making it easier for companies to plan their budget.

Staffbase Pricing:

  • Pricing Structure: Staffbase pricing depends on several variables, such as the chosen product (employee app, intranet), required features, and the number of licensed employees.
  • SMB Plan: Supports up to 1,000 employees. The cost grows significantly for larger companies or those requiring advanced features.
  • Custom Pricing: Staffbase does not provide fixed prices upfront, making it more difficult to predict exact costs until a detailed consultation is done.

Firstup Pricing:

  • Tiered Pricing Model: Offers Essential, Professional, and Premier plans tailored to organizational needs and workforce size.
  • Variable Costs: Detailed pricing information is not publicly available; costs can vary based on features selected and the number of employees
  • Intranet Add-On: Full intranet capabilities are available only as an add-on. This may affect the overall budget for customization

Pricing Summary:

Cerkl Broadcast offers a straightforward pricing model, with a clear base price and predictable add-ons (such as the mobile app). In contrast, both Staffbase and Firstup require customized quotes, with Staffbase costs varying widely depending on the scope of features, and Firstup offering a lot of additional features that are charged extra.

Determine Which Capabilities and Features Matter Most

Are you still trying to figure out which features matter most? Make informed decisions about your internal communication software with our free buyer’s guide.
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What are Customers Saying?

See what our clients have to say about working with Cerkl Broadcast

Kristina Stamper, Director of Communications & Creative Services at Stan State

Kristina Stamper

Director of Communications & Creative Services, Stan State

Partnering with Cerkl has been a game changer. Their innovative email communications have streamlined our internal messaging and significantly boosted open and click through rates, and given us the ability to measure the success of our communication strategies.

Read The Case Study
Chad Schwalbach, Communications Manager at St. Elizabeth Healthcare

Chad Schwalbach

Communications Manager, St. Elizabeth Healthcare

Since implementing Cerkl Broadcast, our readership, our clicks, and our opens, are all up. It is satisfying for me as a communicator, to know we're reaching people, we're giving them information that engages them, and it makes it easier to go up the chain.

Read The Case Study
Tamara Palmer, Internal Communications Manager at Flagger Force

Tamara Palmer

Internal Communications Manager, Flagger Force

The Cerkl platform lends itself to intuitive and engaging content creation with a ‘have it your way’ mantra in the manner in which you can design your communications. Drafting, scheduling, and sending are easy and allow for planning at all scales.

Read The Case Study
Olivia Groth, Senior Manager at Integrated Living

Olivia Groth

Senior Manager, Integrated Living

Honestly, I've never had a more streamlined implementation process! ... the team has been so amazing to work with!

Lori Otto, Senior Manager Corporate Communications

Lore Otto

Senior Manager Corporate Communications

You have no idea how much better [Cerkl's] support is than our last provider... I love the chat feature.

Kristen Spillane, Senior Comms Manager at Citrix

Kristen Spilane

Senior Comms Manager, Citrix

From quick troubleshooting to bigger problem solving... I've always felt really supported and valued as a Cerkl customer.

Cerkl gives you white glove service.
Every step of the way.

  • Talk live with our US-based team. Average response time is only three minutes.
  • 99% Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT), far above industry average of 78%.
  • Work with dedicated customer success managers for personalized strategic guidance.
Cerkler Team

The internal communication software broadcasting to over 5.5 million engaged employees per month

Ready to Transform Your Internal Communications?

Experience the power of AI-driven personalization, intelligent automation, and a no-code platform designed to elevate your internal communications. Whether you’re looking to boost employee engagement or streamline your content delivery, Cerkl has the tools you need to succeed.

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Mass Personalization is a Career-Changer for Internal Communicators
Mass Personalization is a Career-Changer for Internal Communicators
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