Although there are many email marketing services available, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The service you choose should fall within your budget and offer the features you need most while also looking professional. We tested services around the web to bring you our top four choices for your next email marketing service.
1. AWeber
Pros
AWeber is one of the most popular email marketing services available and provides more than 150 customizable templates and offering affiliate marketing. In addition, AWeber integrates well with popular platforms such as WordPress and PayPal. We found their interface easy to use and they offer split-testing so you can test different campaigns.
Cons
AWeber doesn’t offer image hosting or the ability to create surveys. They also don’t offer integration with Google Analytics, which can be a deal-breaker. If you begin using double opt-in for a list, you can’t switch back to single opt-in later.
Pricing
AWeber doesn’t offer a free trial, but you can get started with $1 for the first month. Pricing options vary from $19 per month for up to 500 subscribers, increasing incrementally to $149 per month for up to 25,000 subscribers.
2. Constant Contact
Pros
Constant Contact offers more than 400 email templates, as well as surveys, feedback forms, and event registration tools. The service integrates with WordPress and Facebook. Their metrics and reporting offerings are very detailed and they are known for their great customer support.
Cons
Constant Contact also does not offer Google Analytics reporting. Another con? Although you can send surveys easily, they charge an extra fee. The service might not be a good choice if you need access to lots of images, as we found their image library small.
Pricing
Constant Contact offers a 60-day free trial. Afterward, you pay $15 per month for up to 500 subscribers and $75 per month for up to 10,000 subscribers. You can receive a discount if you prepay or if you run a nonprofit company.
3. GetResponse
Pros
GetResponse offers more than 500 templates and is a good choice for small to medium businesses. A feature called “Time Travel” allows you to ensure all emails arrive at the same time of day, even for subscribers overseas, which is great if you have a multi-national audience. Integration with blogging platforms and e-commerce tools is available.
Cons
We found the user dashboard unintuitive, and phone support is not offered 24 hours a day, although it is available.
Pricing
Pricing begins at $15 per month for 1000 subscribers and goes up to $45 per month for 5,000 subscribers and $450 per month for 100,000 subscribers. GetResponse does offer a free 30-day trial.
4. Mailchimp
Pros
Mailchimp is perfect for entrepreneurs and small businesses. They offer more than 400 customizable templates and integration with a variety of services such as WordPress, Google Analytics, Shopify, and Survey Monkey.
Cons
Autoresponders cost an extra $10 a month if you are on the free plan. Mailchimp offers no phone support though it does offer a forum, knowledge database, and email support.
Pricing
Mailchimp is free to send less than 12,000 emails per month for up to 2000 subscribers. If you need to send more than 12,000, prices begin at $10 a month for up to 500 subscribers and rise to $25 per month for up to 2000 subscribers. If you have more than 2000 subscribers, the price increases to $30 and continues to rise in $5 increments for every 100 subscribers.
You understand your needs better than anyone else, so research all that these companies have to offer and choose the best one for your business. Get started on your first campaign so that you can begin to grow your customer base and increase your bottom line.
Featured Image: Thinkstock/Wavebreakmedia Ltd
