Email Marketing Software
Comparisons for Australian Small Businesses, Bloggers and Influencers
We’ve briefly described the key players we think would suit your style of business and we have also asked some of our Digital Mums what they use – with some interesting results!
You’ll also find a price comparison table at the bottom of this blog.
It’s important to note that it’s not hard to switch platforms, so don’t be scared to start with a free option until you build those numbers – unless you plan on doing complicated funnels in which case we suggest picking the best platform from the beginning (no one wants to set up funnels twice!).
So let’s get started…first up..
Mailchimp
Mailchimp was one of the first email marketing platforms which became popular with bloggers/small business owners due to being free, easy to use and allowing non-designers to create great looking emails.
Pros:
- Forever free up to 2,000 users
- Easy to Use
- Lots of Template Design Options + drag and drop style designs
- WooCommerce compatible
Cons:
- Forever free has limitations on features (eg not all templates and features are available)
- You need to regularly clean your database as unsubscribed and duplicate emails are counted towards your total subscribers
- Funnels are complicated to create and features are limited even in paid versions
- Not directly compatible with Shopify (but a plugin can be installed as a workaround)
Recommended for those who are just starting out and don’t plan to create any complicated funnels.
Get Started Here: https://mailchimp.com/
Mailerlite
Mailerlite is still very new, and when you compare costs they are the cheapest of the options listed in this blog. We also love that they are developing new features at a quicker rate than its main competitor Mailchimp.
Pros:
- Forever free up to 2,000 users
- All features available on the forever free plan
- Easy to Use
- WooCommerce and Shopify Compatible
- Drag and Drop Design Templates
Cons:
- Not as many template designs as Mailchimp
- Limitations for complicated funnels
Recommended for those who are just starting out and need a simple, easy to use platform to manage a list.
Get Started Here: http://www.mailerlite.com
As a service based business, my personal preference is Active Campaign. It’s a powerful responsive platform for anyone looking to automate the heck out their marketing strategy – and why wouldn’t you? It makes me feel like I’m creating conversations with my subscribers rather than just talking at them regardless of how interested they actually are. Yes, there are some functions Active Campaign doesn’t offer, like a landing page builder, but to be honest, I’d rather use an ESP that does 90% of the things I want it to do extremely well, than something that delivers all the bells and whistles in a basic or limited way.
Active Campaign
If you are planning funnels and segmenting your audience into their interests, then Active Campaign is a fantastic option. This is especially helpful for those giving away a freebie and then further funnelling customers into a sale as it allows you to monitor customers easily along every step of your funnel.
Pros:
- Great for funnels
- Great for segmenting and managing lists
- High deliverability rate
- Drag and Drop Template Designs
- Plan costs are customisable depending on the features you want
Cons:
- Not as many template designs
- Form builder and landing page designs are not pretty (can be customised with code or using a 3rd party)
- Costs quickly increase, so be sure to clean your list regularly
- More features which can over complicate if you have no need for automations or funnels (but great if you plan to grow)
Recommended for those who need customer management and plan on segmenting lists so that people receive content at the right time for them – for example a Welcoming sequence after receiving a freebie – wait until they have read and then send the 2nd email.
Get Started Here: https://www.activecampaign.com
I’ll also share the cons for anyone considering this platform but still on the fence.
Pros to this platform
Convert Kit
This is the last of the Email Marketing Platforms we will compare and is most similar to Active Campaign that we have looked at so far. There are less funnelling options, but the biggest difference is the lack of drop and drag feature with good reason. They promote better results as less imagery and structure = higher deliverability.
Pros:
- Highest deliverability rate
- Create forms and landing pages to embed into your website
- Compatible with most e-commerce and third party platforms
Cons:
- No Drop and Drag Template designs
- Funnels can be done, but complicated to setup
Recommended for those who want results with their email marketing and intend to send text based emails.
Get Started Here: https://convertkit.com/
Costs Compared
Please note that all prices listed here are in $US – I was going to convert but the Aussie Dollar keeps changing and I would be here every month updating – the rounded numbers also make it much clearer.
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