By Email marketing remains one of the most effective digital marketing channels for small businesses in 2023. Studies show that email delivers $42 in revenue for every $1 spent. But you need the right email marketing tools, along with reliable email hosting services, to execute successful campaigns.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 email marketing tools for small businesses this year based on features, pricing, and usability. We’ll also provide tips for choosing the best platform for your unique needs.
Table of Contents
Why Is Email Marketing Important for Small Businesses?
For small businesses, email marketing provides numerous benefits:
- Cost-effective – Email is much more affordable than other channels like paid ads. You can get started for free or low monthly fees.
- High ROI – Email marketing delivers the highest ROI of any marketing channel.
- Increases brand awareness – Regular email campaigns keep your brand top of mind.
- Drives sales – Email nurtures prospects and converts subscribers into customers.
- Improves customer retention – Ongoing communication via email improves customer loyalty.
Factors To Consider When Choosing An Email Service
With countless email marketing platforms available, narrowing down your choice can be tricky. Here are key factors small businesses should consider, including the security and data protection aspects, where utilizing the best VPN for business can further safeguard your email marketing efforts:
- Ease of use – The platform should be intuitive and easy to navigate without extensive training.
- Features – Evaluate which features are essential for your business like templates, automation, and analytics.
- Audience size – Consider the size of your email list to determine if a tool caters to small businesses.
- Cost – Compare pricing tiers to find the best value for your budget as your list grows.
- Deliverability – Select a legitimate platform with established deliverability to avoid spam folders.
- Integration – Look for integrations with your CRM, e-commerce store, and other marketing tools.
- Support – Check out documentation, tutorials, and customer support options before deciding.
Top 10 Email Marketing Platforms For Small Business
Based on the above criteria, here are 10 excellent email marketing tools for small businesses:
1. Mailchimp
With over 13 million users, Mailchimp is the world’s most popular email marketing platform. Key features include:
- Intuitive drag-and-drop builder and pre-designed templates
- Automated workflows with pre-built campaigns
- Advanced analytics and reporting
- Free plan up to 2,000 subscribers
- Paid plans starting at $9.99 per month
Mailchimp is great for beginners but still powerful for more advanced email marketers.
2. ConvertKit
ConvertKit specializes in email marketing for bloggers, authors, coaches, and other digital creatives. Key features:
- Custom forms to convert website traffic into subscribers
- Tagging and segments for targeted automations
- Powerful analytics with actionable insights
- Plans from $29 to $159 per month
ConvertKit excels at building an engaged email list from your website.
3. Omnisend
Omnisend combines email marketing, SMS, and post-purchase campaigns. Top features:
- Drag-and-drop editor with a WYSIWYG experience
- Automations based on events and user behavior
- SMS marketing and post-purchase follow-up capabilities
- Free plan for up to 500 contacts
- Paid plans starting at $9 per month
Omnisend is ideal for ecommerce businesses that want centralized marketing.
4. Drip
Drip pioneered email automation for small businesses. Notable features:
- Visual workflow builder for targeted email sequences
- Integration with ecommerce platforms
- Advanced personalization and segmentation
- Free forever plan for 100 subscribers
- Scalable pricing from $49 to $1,599 per month
Drip’s automation makes it easy to send the right message at the right time.
5. Sendinblue
Sendinblue is a full-stack marketing platform with powerful email capabilities. Features include:
- Intuitive drag-and-drop editor
- Pre-designed templates for every industry
- Automation based on user actions
- Free plan for 300 subscribers
- Plans starting at $25 per month
Sendinblue is ideal for multi-channel marketing on a budget.
6. GetResponse
GetResponse offers email marketing along with landing pages, webinars, and marketing automation. Key features:
- Pre-designed email templates and builder
- Sales funnel builder and automation
- Landing page and webinar capabilities
- Plans range from $15 to $199 per month
GetResponse is a great all-in-one marketing solution.
7. Benchmarq
Benchmarq focuses exclusively on powerful email marketing for small businesses. Features include:
- Intelligent automation based on customer journeys
- In-depth analytics with actionable insights
- WYSIWYG editor and professionally designed templates
- Plans from $16 to $166 per month
Benchmarq provides robust email marketing capabilities scaled for small business needs.
8. AWeber
Trusted by over one million businesses, AWeber has been a leader since 1998. Key features:
- Easy-to-use web interface to create broadcasts
- Automated follow-up messages and drips
- Segmentation based on over 100 criteria
- Pricing from $19 to $194 per month
AWeber’s longevity makes it a reliable option for small business email marketing.
9. ActiveCampaign
ActiveCampaign offers email marketing, sales CRM, marketing automation, and more. Features include:
- Drag-and-drop editor with tracking and analytics
- Intelligent automation based on customer behaviors
- Pre-built integrations and Zapier integration
- Plans range from $9 to $349 per month
ActiveCampaign provides integrated email marketing and CRM.
10. Moosend
Moosend has excellent email marketing capabilities starting with a generous free plan. Key features:
- Modern email builder with tracking and analytics
- Automation based on opens, clicks, location, and more
- Pop-up forms for list building
- Free plan up to 1,000 subscribers
- Paid plans as low as $19 per month
For email marketing on a very tight budget, Moosend is a great choice.
5 Tips For Choosing The Best Email Marketing Platform
Once you’ve compared the top tools, follow these tips to select the right platform:
- Sign up for free trials – Take advantage of free trials or demo to experience platforms firsthand.
- Compare key features – Make sure the tool has the essential features your business needs.
- Check deliverability reputation – Research reviews and deliverability rates before committing.
- Consider scalability – Pick a platform that can grow with your expanding subscriber list.
- Evaluate support options – You’ll need access to documentation, tutorials, and customer support.
What Is The Best Free Email Marketing Service?
Mailchimp and Sendinblue both offer excellent free email marketing plans for up to 2,000 and 300 contacts respectively. Moosend also has a generous free plan for 1,000 subscribers.
What Email Marketing Software Do Fortune 500 Companies Use?
Many Fortune 500 companies use enterprise-level platforms like Oracle Responsys, Salesforce Marketing Cloud, and Adobe Campaign.
Is Mailchimp The Best?
With millions of users, Mailchimp is considered the best overall email marketing platform for small businesses due to its ease of use, features, templates, and scalable pricing.
Conclusion
Email marketing is one of the best channels for small business digital marketing. With the right platform, you can achieve high ROI by converting subscribers into loyal customers.
This article covered the top 10 email marketing tools for small businesses along with factors to help you choose the right solution. We also provided tips for selecting a platform and answered frequently asked questions.
With these powerful yet affordable platforms, small businesses can execute targeted email campaigns that nurture leads and boost sales. Take time to thoroughly evaluate options and select the best email marketing platform for your unique business needs.
