There are so many email services out there, what are the pros and cons of each? You’ve probably asked yourself this before, I know I have!
So, I wanted to get a few of the top contenders all in one place so we could see them side by side.
I had planned to send this last week, but a seasonal sinus infection took me down for most of the week. But now I’m back and I’m very excited to go over one of the biggest decisions bloggers make.
How to Choose the Best Email Service
Choosing the right email service for your needs is important for your blog and your bottom line.
Did you know that each subscriber should be worth at least $10 a year in income for you?
Yeah, that’s a big number! If you’re not making the most of your newsletter list, then you’re missing out on some big money.
But with all the choices out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. So, let’s break it down.
Here are a few basic things you’ll need to look at when choosing an email provider:
- Ease of use: It’s important that the email service you choose is easy to use and will work for your needs.
- Features: While many services have automation and A/B testing options, it’s important to look at all features available before committing.
- Pricing: Obviously, the tool you choose must fit your budget!
With these things in mind, let’s compare some of the best email marketing services for your business.
Top Email Services for Bloggers:
While there are many, many more email providers out that beyond these few, I’m only going to look at the 4 most commonly used email services for bloggers. Why? Because if I branched out much more, we’d be here for a week reading about email providers!
So, this list will look at 2 drag and drop services, and 2 non-drag and drop services!
Instead, let’s focus on the top few and see what will work best for you!
1. ConvertKit
ConvertKit was specifically created for content creators (bloggers), and in my opinion is one of the best email providers out there right now! But let’s look at the facts.
Ease of Use: If you are coming from a drag and drop service like MailChimp, the learning curve can be a bit steep. However, once used to the tools, it’s just as easy to use as a drag and drop option. And you can then enjoy all the extra options that ConvertKit offers, such as drag and drop sequencing that starts based on an event or tag!
Features:
- Connects with your sales platform! This allows you to target specific product buyers for upsells or special offers.
- A plethora of gorgeous form templates that can be customized to your brand.
- Form, landing page, and opt-in reporting in one convenient location.
- Automations with an “if this, then that” visual system to make the most of your subscribers. Send emails based on opt-in for a targeted welcome experience!
- Drag and drop sequence builder to help you personalize emails for each reader.
- No subscriber duplication! If one person opts in on each of your forms, they will only be added to your list once and tagged with each form.
Pricing: Starts at $29 a month. $49 a month for up to 3,000 subscribers
Get 14-days free with ConvertKit today!
2. Active Campaign
Active Campaign is very similar to ConvertKit in many ways, those it does offer a few differences. For one, the option for Site Messaging (the little pop-up messenger pop) direction on your website. That’s pretty cool!
They also offer predictive sending (through machine learning) for interacting with potential leads.
All really cool stuff! But, it comes with an additional fee above and beyond the standard rate. If you’re not looking for an in-depth “business solution” and just want an email service, then I’d skip the extras for now.
Ease of Use: The same as ConvertKit, not a drag and drop system.
Features:
- “If this, then that” automation.
- Contact & Lead Scoring – This would be really cool for finding your 1,000 true fans.
- Custom User Permissions – Another great feature for allowing each user to better customize their experience.
- SMS Marketing – Want to send text messages to your users? Active Campaign will let you do that!
Pricing: $125 per month for 2,500 subscribers. If you want the extra bells and whistles, it will cost you up to $279 per month for just 2.500 subscribers.
3. MailerLite
Considered one of the best “cheap” email providers, MailerLite is a good economy option while you get your feet wet and build up your newsletter confidence. And to be honest, while I’ve been writing up this email, MailerLite has intrigued me quite a bit!
Ease of Use: This is a drag and drop system, but also has the same features as ConvertKit (pretty cool!)
Features: I was concerned that for the price, the features would suffer with MailerLite. However, that’s not the case!
- Drag and drop system for newsletters and forms
- “If this, then that” automation
- Tagging based on form opt-in or preferences
- Product and sales platform integration
- High rate of deliverability. This is important! I was concerned that a budget email service like this would have a lower visibility, however, they are number 2 for highest deliverability rates in the industry!
Pricing: Only $15 a month for 2,500 subscribers!
Try it for free today (up to 1,000 subscribers)!
4. MailChimp
MailChimp used to be the go-to email provider for new bloggers. With a free option up to 2,000 subscribers, it was a great way to start a newsletter for nothing! However, in recent days, MailChimp has come under fire for their changing pricing model. As well as their censorship of content, which goes against their TOS.
The recent changes to MailChimp come down to one main point. You will now be charged for your WHOLE audience, including people who unsubscribe from your newsletter. WHAT?
Yep, it’s been a big deal to a lot of people (rightly so!). If you aren’t using a contact, should you pay for them?? MailChimp seems to think you should.
So, I’m mentioning this platform today, but I don’t recommend it for long-term use. It would be great to use for a few months while you grow to 2,000 subscribers. But be prepared to move unless you want to get hit with a big bill.
Ease of Use: Drag and drop system, very simple.
Features: MailChimp has very limited features, which makes it great for newbie email users, but isn’t ideal for long-term growth.
- Basic forms and landing page options
- Drag and drop templates for newsletters
- Automation, though limited.
- Limited tagging options based on clicks (not opt-ins)
- No problem integration.
Pricing: The cheapest plan after 2,000 subscribers is $29.99 per month
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Bottom line: No matter if you want a drag and drop system, or something more streamlined, you have options! My top two recommendations regardless of your needs are ConvertKit and MailerLite.
No matter what your needs or budget are, these two have you covered!
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