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Detailed breakdown of email marketing platforms for small business.
Starting an online business is like planting a garden. You need the right tools to help your business grow and thrive. One of the essential tools in your business toolkit is an email marketing platform. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the best one for your small business? Don’t worry—I have got you covered!
As an online business owner with 3 income streams, I will share my insights on the benefits of email marketing for small businesses and how to choose the right one for your business.
This post is all about introducing budget-friendly email marketing platforms.
What is an Email Marketing Platform?
An email marketing platform is a tool that helps you send emails to a group of people—your audience. It is not just about sending newsletters, it is about building relationships with your customers, keeping them in the loop, and driving sales. If you are running a small business (think of a team of one to ten people), email marketing is your secret weapon. It is affordable, effective, and, when done right, can make a huge impact on your business.
Must-Have Features for Your Email Platform
Not all email platforms are created equal. To make sure you are picking the right one, look out for these must-have features:
- Segmentation: You won’t always want to send the same email to everyone—sometimes it’s irrelevant, or maybe you are testing something new with a specific group. Segmentation allows you to divide your audience based on what product they have bought, where they opted in, or which lead magnet they signed up for. This way, you can send them the content that truly matters to them.
- Automation: Imagine sending personalised emails to customers without lifting a finger. With automation, you can set up emails to go out automatically based on triggers like a new sign-up or a special offer. It is like having your very own marketing assistant working round the clock.
- Email Sequences: This feature lets you send a series of emails over time—ideal for welcoming new subscribers or nurturing leads. Think of it as a conversation that unfolds gradually, building trust and engagement along the way.
- Scheduling: Timing is everything. Scheduling lets you choose the perfect moment to send your emails, whether it is a bright Monday morning or a cosy Friday evening. It is also a lifesaver when you’ve got a busy week ahead—write all your emails in one day and schedule them for the entire week. Super time-efficient!
- Email Templates: Email templates give you a head start with pre-designed layouts that you can customise to match your brand. This ensures that your aesthetic is consistent in every email, keeping your communications looking polished and professional.
Email Platforms List
Now that you know what features to look for, let’s dive into the top three email marketing platforms for small businesses: Mailchimp, Kit (formerly known as ConvertKit), and Flodesk. Each one has its own strengths, and I will help you figure out which one is the best fit for you.
| Mailchimp | Kit | Flodesk | |
| Pricing | Starts FREE (limits: 500 contacts & 1K sends) Essentials: $11.38/month Standard: $18.96/month Premium: $318.52/month | Starts FREE (limit: 10,000 subscribers) Creator: $25/month Creator Pro: $50/month *Paid plans include a 14-day trial | Starts FREE Email: $35/month Email & Checkout: $24/month *Unlimited subscribers on all plans *Email sends are not unlimited on the FREE plan |
| Segmentation | Basic segmentation – 1 audience on the FREE plan – 3 audiences on the Essentials plan Advanced segmentation on Standard & above plans – Standard: 5 audiences – Premium: Unlimited audiences | Available on all plans | Available on all plans |
| Automation | Customer journey builder available only on paid plans | – 1 automation on the FREE plan – Unlimited automations on paid plans | Available only on paid plans |
| Email Sequences | – Single-step sequences on Free & Essentials plans – Multi-step sequences on Standard & Premium plans | – 1 sequence on the FREE plan – Unlimited sequences on paid plans | Available only on paid plans |
| Scheduling | Not available on the FREE plan | Available on all plans | Available only on paid plans |
| Email Templates | Basic | Templates available on all plans | Custom layouts available only on paid plans |
Summary
For a quick summary, here’s how these platforms perform visually, using a simple colour-coded system:
When choosing an email marketing platform, it is clear that each option has its strengths and weaknesses.
- Kit stands out with consistently strong performance across all features, making it a versatile choice for small businesses.
- Flodesk offers solid segmentation and automation, but it lacks some scheduling capabilities unless you’re on a paid plan.
- Mailchimp, while popular, falls behind in scheduling options and offers only basic features on its free plan.
Overall, Kit emerges as the most balanced option, but the right choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget.
Why Email Marketing Matters for Small Businesses
You might be wondering, “Why should I bother with email marketing?” Well, let me tell you—email marketing is a game-changer for small businesses. Here’s why:
- Build Relationships: Email lets you connect with your customers on a personal level. It’s like having a direct line to their inbox.
- Drive Sales: With targeted emails, you can promote your products and services directly to people who are already interested in what you offer.
- Boost Engagement: Keep your audience engaged by sharing valuable content, updates, and special offers. This keeps your brand top of mind.
Ready to Dive Deeper?
Choosing the right email marketing platform is just the first step. Starting an online business involves much more, like finding the best platforms to host your products and services.
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This post is all about choosing the best email marketing platforms for small business.
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