Sites similar to MailChimp
As a leader in email marketing, you’ve probably at least heard of Mailchimp. Whether you are a guru at submitting newsletters or multiple campaigns through the site, or simply are getting started as a business owner in need of creating email marketing campaigns, Mailchimp is the way to go. Whether you are a small business owner, mid-sized, or major corporation with hundreds of email contacts you might find this information useful. So, let’s delve into what the site offers, and a few of the alternatives you can rely on, for email marketing ads, campaigns, or submitting company newsletters.
What is MailChimp?
At its most basic level, the site is an online email marketing platform. It allows you to create newsletters, create large campaigns to submit to clients, or complete and submit mass email marketing campaigns, to a select group of users. A great benefit of using Mailchimp is the simple fact that you don’t have to go email by email, or client by client, in sending out a campaign. Whether you want to send out information about a product release, provide clients a coupon/discount for a product they’ve purchased recently, or otherwise reach more than one client (potential client) at a time, Mailchimp allows you to do this easily.
Benefits
Mailchimp has several benefits including:
- It is an automated system, so you set it and forget it.
- It works with social media platforms.
- It automates marketing efforts, to each client you are dealing with.
Drawbacks
Some drawbacks of Mailchimp include:
- It is pricier than other platforms.
- There is a learning curve in using the dashboard system.
- It isn’t as user-friendly to beginner/novice users.
The Cost of MailChimp
In terms of pricing, you can get up to 2000 subscribers, for $25 per month. For the pro-marketer, there is also a $199 fee, in addition to your $25 monthly rate for unlimited emails.
Alternatives to MailChimp
So, now that you know what Mailchimp is, and how it can work for your small-business (or major corporations), what about the alternatives? Why would you choose to use an alternative site? Some reasons to do this include:
- Lower prices. You can find lower prices per month, with unlimited email submission options.
- User-friendly sites. Mailchimp takes time to learn, if you are new to online marketing, alternatives might be easier to work with and transition with.
- More features. You will find in many cases, the same, if not more features in automated email-marketing, with a few of these alternative sites.
Of course, price is a major selling point for businesses. So, especially the new, small business, with limited funds, might opt for an alternative, cheaper price. Although Mailchimp is king, and has the reputation, there are alternatives you can work with as well. So, let’s check out what sites are out there, and how you can do the same (and in some instances more), in promoting, selling, and increasing profit margins, with a few of these alternative sites to Mailchimp.com.
1. Aweber
Aweber is an automated email-marketing system, similar to Mailchimp. The site allows users to send out multiple emails, reports, marketing ads, and campaigns. It works on an automated-system, so you simply set dates and times, and it does the work for you.
Some of the ways it is similar to Mailchimp include:- It is an automated system. You simply create the message, and set the dates.
- It provides an integrative dashboard, and simplistic messaging options.
- It also allows you to set up the type of message/content or campaign, based upon the end recipient.
- It also offers unlimited emails for the base-price.
- It gives you up to 500 emails for the entry-price, rather than 2000 emails.
- They feature an affiliate marketer section, which is more intuitive than Mailchimp’s.
In terms of pricing, you can get started with a trial for 30 days, for only $1. At which point, you can choose to go on with your subscription for $19 per month. The main issue is that you have fewer email accounts at this price, so for larger companies, the price still can add up.
2. Campayn
A second alternative is Campayn. With 20,000 free emails, and 2000 free email contacts, you are well ahead of the curve with this platform. It is a new platform, so email campaigns are limited, and marketing ads aren’t as in depth as those found on Mailchimp, but you can still create intuitive marketing ads.
This site is similar to Mailchimp in that:- It allows you to send mass-email campaigns to multiple clients.
- It has the automation feature, so you can set dates and forget it.
- The site has a simplistic dashboard, allowing you to set up contacts based on client-type.
- You truly receive free emails, at the base level. With Mailchimp, you pay for contacts.
- It isn’t as in depth. It doesn’t feature as many messaging options, or ways to reach clients as Mailchimp does.
As a new platform, Campayn is making waves for affordability, and simplicity. At only $10 per month, you won’t overpay as a micro-merchant, in an attempt to reach more clients easily. Simplistic design, and affordability, are a few of the selling points with this mass email-marketing campaign site.
3. Constant Contact
This is another great option for those who like reputation. This is ideal for the small business, and it comes in right below Mailchimp, so you can rely on the quality and features you’ll get, for the price you pay.
The site is similar to Mailchimp in the following ways:- They feature set-pricing, based upon how many contacts you have in your email list.
- Messaging is unlimited once you pay for monthly contact subscriptions.
- They feature multiple templates (over 400) when setting up your marketing ads and campaigns.
- Constant Contact is geared to the small business owner, while Mailchimp is geared towards any-sized business.
- They charge for 500 subscribers per month, rather than 2000, so this might end up costing more in the long run.
If you are a dedicated small business owner, with fewer than 500 contacts, the $20 per month is quite reasonable. Simplified dashboard, reputation, and solid marketing campaign options, are a few of the benefits you will get with this alternative to Mailchimp, if you are after an affordable price for sending out your monthly email marketing ads to your clients.
4. Sendin Blue
This site offers an “all-in-one” email marketing approach to clients. This includes SMS messaging, alongside email campaigns, so you can diversify your business, and the manner in which you contact your clientele.
Some similarities to Mailchimp include:- Various marketing ad/campaign layouts. You can choose from several platforms.
- You can set up the automation dates based upon client, and type of ad.
- With your subscription, there is the option for unlimited monthly submissions.
- It comes in various languages, including: Portuguese, Spanish, and French.
- It charges based upon how many SMS and email ads sent, rather than the number of contacts you have.
- It works via text, as well as traditional email campaigns.
The pricing is also quite reasonable. For those who send out 9000 or fewer messages a month, you can use the site for free. And, at only $7.97 per month, you can send out up to 40,000 messages. With fully-automated messaging, not only can you reach more clients, you can rely on the power of email campaigns, as well as using SMS messaging, in an effort to reach clients in as many ways as possible as a business owner.
5. Emma
The email marketing system is fully-automated, and integrative. It can easily be woven into any business, in an attempt to communicate, reach, and help develop communications with your company’s clients.
Some ways it is similar to Mailchimp include:- There are 200 templates, and custom-design options, based upon which client you are contacting.
- The site offers flat-rate pricing each month. So, you know what you are paying for, and how many messages you can send.
- The system is fully automated as well, so you can set dates and recipients, and know your campaigns are going out.
- The light-box feature. It reminds you to leave your email or send emails to clients.
- It has an easy-to-use, fully integrative dashboard. It is easy to find and read reports, to know how your messages/campaigns are doing with different clients.
Emma is a great alternative to Mailchimp. At $89 per month, is set for your contacts, and use of the 200 pre-designed templates which are on the site. But, it can end up costing more. For those who want to use those cool, nifty custom templates, pricing will obviously increase.