| Tool | Starting Price | Free Plan? | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mailchimp | $20/month | Yes | Beginners | Drag-and-drop editor, automation |
| Constant Contact | $12/month | No | Small retailers | Event management, SMS marketing |
| Sendinblue | $9/month | Yes | Budget-conscious | Pay-per-email, multi-channel |
| HubSpot | $50/month | Yes | CRM integration | Advanced analytics, automation |
| AWeber | $15/month | Yes | Content creators | AI email design, pre-built campaigns |
| GetResponse | $15/month | Yes | Online course creators | Webinars, sales funnels |
| ConvertKit | $29/month | Yes | Digital entrepreneurs | Monetization tools, automation |
| ActiveCampaign | $29/month | No | Growth-focused businesses | Advanced automation, CRM |
These tools offer a mix of features like automation, analytics, CRM integration, and more. Choose based on your budget, business size, and email marketing goals.
Picking the right email marketing tool can make a huge difference for your small business, especially with email marketing revenue expected to reach $17.9 billion by 2027.
Your budget should match your business goals and the size of your email list. On average, small businesses spend anywhere from $9 to $1,000 per month on email marketing in-house. Start with a free trial or a basic plan to explore features before committing to a paid option.
Here’s a quick look at typical costs based on list size:
| List Size | Monthly Price Range | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 0-1,000 | $0-$39 | $18 |
| 5,000 | $0-$99 | $62 |
| 10,000 | $25-$155 | $100 |
| 50,000 | $45-$345 | $270 |
When evaluating email marketing tools, focus on these key features:
Choose a tool that can grow alongside your business. Many campaigns see open rates between 20%–50%, so your platform should handle increasing engagement without requiring a switch down the road.
"Email marketing is one of the most cost-effective marketing channels. Businesses generate an average of $38 for every $1 spent on email marketing." – Editorial Team, Email Vendor Selection
To avoid common pitfalls, keep these technical aspects in mind:
Begin with the basics and expand as your business grows. Features like personalization and advanced automation can be added later. Think about:
Mailchimp is an email marketing platform trusted by over 11 million businesses.
Mailchimp provides three main capabilities:
These tools cater to businesses of all sizes with flexible pricing options.
Mailchimp has several pricing plans to fit different needs:
| Plan | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Free | $0 (up to 500 contacts and 1,000 sends) |
| Essentials | Starts at $20 |
| Standard | Starts at $20 (includes a 14-day trial) |
| Premium | Starts at $350 |
Nonprofits can benefit from a 15% discount on all paid plans.
"Mailchimp shows you what works in emails and ads. These insights are also very easy to implement, as everything is centrally accessible and intuitive to use. This saves you time and resources." – Carol Proschan, owner of Simply Gum
Automate tasks like welcome emails, abandoned cart recovery, customer re-engagement, and special occasion messages to save time and improve efficiency.
Mailchimp connects with a wide range of platforms, making it a versatile tool for businesses. Key integrations include:
With 24/7 customer support and tools that scale with your business, Mailchimp remains a go-to solution for email marketing.
Constant Contact achieves an impressive email deliverability rate of 90.4% and provides a wide range of tools designed to help small businesses grow their marketing efforts.
Constant Contact stands out with features tailored for small businesses, including:
These tools, paired with flexible pricing, make it a solid option for businesses of all sizes.
Constant Contact offers three pricing plans, with costs based on the size of your contact list:
| Contact List Size | Lite Plan | Standard Plan | Premium Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 contacts | $12/mo | $35/mo | $80/mo |
| 2,500 contacts | $50/mo | $75/mo | $150/mo |
| 5,000 contacts | $80/mo | $110/mo | $200/mo |
Nonprofits can take advantage of discounted pricing:
Constant Contact delivers strong results across key areas:
| Metric | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Email Deliverability | 4.5/5.0 | 90.4% average delivery rate |
| User-Friendliness | 4.5/5.0 | Intuitive and easy-to-use interface |
| Customer Support | 4.0/5.0 | Reliable and comprehensive support |
"The dashboard is extremely easy to navigate. The layout is clean. The block builder for campaigns is simple drag-and-drop, and there’s plenty of memory to store photos and PDFs. The data is easy to understand (opens, CTR, etc.)." – David M., Director of Communications and PR
For many professionals, saving time is a top priority when using marketing tools. Constant Contact’s ‘Check for Errors’ feature reduces mistakes, while A/B testing helps improve open rates.
Constant Contact also offers advanced tools to help small businesses maximize engagement:
With its combination of user-friendly design and professional-grade tools, Constant Contact is a reliable choice for small businesses looking to grow their marketing efforts effectively.
Sendinblue takes a cost-conscious approach, making it ideal for businesses looking to grow their email marketing efforts without overspending. With over 175,000 marketers using the platform across 160 countries and handling more than 100 million emails daily, it’s a popular choice for small businesses.
Sendinblue offers a mix of basic tools and advanced functionalities to meet diverse email marketing needs:
| Feature Category | Key Tools |
|---|---|
| Email Marketing | Drag-and-drop builder, Campaign management, Send time optimization |
| Automation | Workflow creation, Trigger-based campaigns, Multi-channel sequences |
| Contact Management | CRM integration, Segmentation, List organization |
| Additional Tools | SMS messaging, Live chat, Landing pages, Social media sharing |
Unlike platforms that charge based on the size of your contact list, Sendinblue bases its pricing on email volume. This can be a cost-effective solution for businesses with extensive contact lists but moderate email-sending needs.
| Plan | Monthly Price | Email Limit | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 300/day | Basic automation, CRM tools |
| Starter | $25 | No daily cap | Advanced reporting, Email support |
| Business | $65 | Customizable | Full automation, A/B testing, Multi-user access |
This structure allows businesses to scale their email campaigns without breaking the bank.
Sendinblue’s features go beyond basic email marketing, helping businesses improve efficiency and engagement:
The Business Plan is packed with features that support growing businesses:
Sendinblue’s combination of cost-effective pricing and powerful tools makes it a smart choice for small businesses aiming to run effective email campaigns without overspending.
HubSpot combines CRM and email marketing into a single platform, allowing small businesses to manage customer relationships and campaigns from one place.
HubSpot’s platform merges email marketing with CRM tools, offering:
| Feature Category | Capabilities |
|---|---|
| Email Creation | Drag-and-drop editor, Mobile-friendly templates, Smart content customization |
| Contact Management | CRM integration, List segmentation, Customer behavior tracking |
| Analytics | Real-time reporting, A/B testing, Campaign performance metrics |
| Automation | Workflow builder, Triggered emails, Lead scoring |
HubSpot works seamlessly with leading business tools, such as:
These integrations ensure data consistency across platforms and help automate essential marketing tasks.
HubSpot’s Marketing Hub offers flexible pricing plans to suit various business needs:
| Plan Level | Monthly Cost | Key Features | Contact Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional | $850 | Advanced automation, Custom reports | 2,000 marketing contacts |
| Enterprise | $3,550 | Multi-touch attribution, Advanced tools | 10,000 marketing contacts |
Note: Prices are accurate as of October 2024. The Professional plan includes a one-time onboarding fee of $3,150, while the Enterprise plan requires $7,350.
This tiered structure allows businesses to choose a plan that matches their growth stage and marketing goals.
HubSpot provides additional tools to help businesses grow:
AWeber shows how straightforward yet powerful email marketing tools can help businesses grow. Trusted by over 1 million small businesses for more than 20 years, it automates 90% of email-related tasks, making it a go-to solution for many entrepreneurs. Here’s what makes AWeber a standout option for small businesses.
AWeber comes with an AI-powered Smart Designer that builds branded email templates for you. Customizing these templates is simple with its drag-and-drop editor.
| Feature Category | Capabilities |
|---|---|
| Design Tools | AI Smart Designer, Drag-and-drop editor, Pre-built templates |
| Automation | Campaign marketplace, Triggered emails, Behavioral targeting |
| E-commerce | Support for 100+ currencies, Subscription payments, Store integration |
| List Management | Dynamic segmentation, Tag-based targeting, Custom fields |
AWeber’s segmentation features allow businesses to target their audience with precision. You can filter and categorize based on:
The campaign marketplace simplifies email marketing by offering pre-built sequences, including:
AWeber provides flexible plans to suit businesses of different sizes:
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Features | Subscriber Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Basic tools, 1 list | Up to 500 |
| Lite | $15 | 5,000 email sends | Up to 500 |
| Plus | $30 | 6,000 email sends | Up to 500 |
| Unlimited | $899 | Unlimited sends | 100,000+ |
Note: Annual billing comes with discounts.
AWeber connects with over 750 tools, making it easy to integrate into your workflow. These include:
"AWeber has been with me from day one as an integral part of my businesses." – Mark Asquith, Rebel Base Media
With 24/7 customer support based in Pennsylvania, AWeber ensures help is always available. They even offer free migration services for businesses switching from other email platforms.
GetResponse is a platform trusted by over 350,000 customers globally, offering a 99% email deliverability rate. It combines email marketing essentials with advanced automation, including AI tools to simplify content creation and campaign management.
Here’s a quick look at what GetResponse offers:
| Feature Category | Capabilities |
|---|---|
| Email Marketing | Ready-to-use templates, AI content generator, Mobile-friendly designs |
| Automation | Abandoned cart reminders, Product suggestions |
| Content Tools | Online course builder, Enhanced newsletter tools, Quiz creation |
GetResponse easily connects with major e-commerce platforms and educational tools:
| Platform Type | Integrations |
|---|---|
| E-commerce | Shopify, Shoper |
| Course Platforms | LearnWorlds, Teachable, Kajabi, Thinkific |
| List Building | Claspo, Plum, Group Leads |
| Content Tools | TOPOL, Paved |
GetResponse offers pricing plans designed to suit businesses of all sizes:
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | $15 | Unlimited newsletters, Landing pages, Basic automation |
| Marketer | $48 | Advanced automation, E-commerce campaigns, Webinars |
| Creator | $56 | AI Course Creator, Premium newsletters, Paid content tools |
You can save more with annual billing, and non-profits get a 50% discount.
GetResponse delivers results that make a difference. Businesses on paid plans often see their email lists double in just 30 days. The platform’s mobile apps allow users to manage campaigns on the go, while AI tools help optimize content creation and boost sales with features like abandoned cart recovery and personalized product recommendations.
ConvertKit is designed for creators, bloggers, and solopreneurs, boasting an 88.2% deliverability rate and offering tools to grow email lists and generate income.
| Feature Category | Capabilities |
|---|---|
| List Building | Custom forms, landing page builder, subscriber segmentation |
| Monetization | Paid newsletters, digital product sales, tip jar integration |
| Automation | Behavior-based triggers, custom sequences, tag-based segmentation |
| Integration | Squarespace, Patreon |
These features make it easier to automate and personalize your email campaigns.
ConvertKit’s automation tools allow you to send targeted emails based on subscriber actions. With detailed segmentation and tagging, you can better understand your audience and tailor your content. Plus, paid plans with more than 5,000 subscribers include free migration services.
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Subscriber Limit | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Up to 1,000 | Basic forms, landing pages, broadcasts |
| Creator | $29 | Up to 1,000 | Automation, integrations, digital products |
| Creator Pro | $59 | Up to 1,000 | Newsletter referrals, priority support, advanced reporting |
Prices adjust as your subscriber count grows. Annual billing provides discounts.
ConvertKit’s pricing and features have helped creators achieve real results:
"Kit gets complex automations and understands personalization and customization, allowing me to tell the right story to the right person so they’re more likely to buy."
– Justin Welsh, LinkedIn creator & entrepreneur
"When I first announced the book on Instagram, it had a little bump in pre-order numbers, but when I sent an email to my list using Kit – that’s when we started to see some real movement."
– Nisha Vora
"In today’s competitive landscape, integrating email marketing with e-commerce tools isn’t just a convenience – it’s a necessity. ConvertKit makes this synthesis effortless, enabling small businesses to deliver personalized experiences at scale."
– Stephen McClelland, ProfileTree’s Digital Strategist
ConvertKit is well-regarded by users, with a 4.4/5 rating on G2. Features like its list management tools and landing page builder receive frequent praise.
ActiveCampaign is a versatile platform designed to automate marketing and create tailored customer experiences. With over 1 billion emails sent every week through the platform, it’s a trusted choice for businesses looking to scale their email marketing efforts.
| Feature Category | Capabilities |
|---|---|
| Marketing Automation | Predictive sending, split automation |
| Customer Experience | Omnichannel marketing, site messaging, SMS integration |
| Sales Tools | Built-in CRM, lead scoring, contact management |
| Analytics | Custom reporting, performance tracking, ROI measurement |
ActiveCampaign has a proven track record of helping small businesses grow. For instance, Pit Boss Grills generated $76,717 in revenue from just one email campaign by using the platform’s forms and automation tools. Similarly, Palmetto Fortis saw their email open rates jump from 22% to 52% by leveraging ActiveCampaign’s features.
On average, small businesses save 20 hours per month by using ActiveCampaign’s automation tools. The platform also integrates with over 900 apps, including Shopify, WordPress, and Stripe, simplifying workflows and boosting efficiency.
"People joke when I talk about ActiveCampaign, they say it sounds like I’m a paid spokesperson. I have to tell them no, I actually really believe in it because it has made my life so much easier." – Palmetto Fortis
ActiveCampaign offers flexible pricing to fit businesses of all sizes:
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Lite | $29 | Email marketing, forms, automation |
| Plus | $49 | CRM, lead scoring, SMS marketing |
| Professional | $149 | Predictive sending, split automation |
| Enterprise | $259 | Custom reporting, dedicated support |
Pricing is based on up to 1,000 contacts. Annual billing includes discounts of up to 20%.
Take Slick Business, a consultancy based in the UK, as an example. By integrating their Facebook marketing campaigns with ActiveCampaign’s automation features, they achieved a 600% increase in course sales revenue.
Thanks to its feature set and ease of use, ActiveCampaign has earned a 4.5/5 rating on platforms like G2 and Gartner. Users frequently highlight the platform’s intuitive interface and powerful automation tools, making it a strong choice for businesses aiming to grow efficiently.
Here’s a quick overview of essential features and pricing for tools designed with small businesses in mind.
| Feature | Basic Plan Price* | Free Plan Limit | Key Strengths | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mailchimp | $20/month | Up to 2,000 contacts | Multi-channel marketing, easy-to-use interface | Marketing beginners |
| Constant Contact | $12/month | No free plan | Simple automation and event management | Small retailers |
| Sendinblue (Brevo) | $9/month | 300 emails/day | Pay-per-email model and SMS marketing | Budget-conscious businesses |
| HubSpot Email Marketing | $50/month | Basic features available | CRM integration and detailed analytics | Shopify stores |
| AWeber | Varies | No free plan | Landing page builder and AMP emails | Content creators |
| GetResponse | $19/month | 500 contacts | Sales funnel tools and webinar hosting | Online course creators |
| ConvertKit | Varies | 1,000 contacts (if applicable) | Tools tailored for creators and automation | Digital entrepreneurs |
| ActiveCampaign | Varies | No free plan | Advanced automation with built-in CRM | Growth-focused businesses |
*Pricing is based on 1,000 subscribers where applicable.
This chart offers a quick glance at each tool’s strengths. Below are additional details to help refine your decision.
These statistics highlight the importance of choosing a tool that aligns with your goals.
Keep in mind that nearly half (49%) of consumers prefer receiving weekly promotional emails from their favorite brands. Use this information to weigh your options and select the tool that best supports your marketing efforts.
Choosing the right email marketing platform can have a huge impact on your business. With email marketing delivering an average return of $36 for every $1 spent, it’s clear how important this decision is.
For New Businesses: If you’re just starting out, look for platforms that are easy to use and cover the basics. For example, Brevo offers a $9 monthly plan that includes 5,000 emails. Constant Contact, on the other hand, has a Lite plan for $12 per month, which also supports 5,000 emails but limits you to 500 contacts.
For Growing Businesses: As your business scales, focus on platforms that can grow with you. Look for tools that offer advanced features like segmentation and automation.
"Contacts will have varying levels of interest in a product or service or be at different deal stages. It’s crucial to meet prospects and existing customers where they’re at and to personalize communication accordingly. By leveraging segmentation and targeting, marketers can craft content for a narrower audience in order to maximize growth and conversions."
- Kimberly Smith, web marketing manager at Audicus
These considerations help you align your platform choice with your business’s growth and evolving needs.
Some features are non-negotiable if you want your campaigns to succeed. Look for platforms that specialize in:
Free plans might seem tempting, but paid features often deliver a better return over time. Start with features that directly contribute to revenue, like automation or analytics. If your email sending is irregular, look into platforms that offer per-email pricing. And don’t forget to plan for costs as your subscriber list grows.
With 77% of B2B consumers preferring to receive marketing communications via email, it’s essential to choose a platform that fits your current needs and can adapt as your goals evolve. Platforms with strong A/B testing capabilities can also help you refine your campaigns based on actual data.
Physical Therapy
MedSpa
Dental
HVAC
Roofing
Pest Control
Hotel
Cruise
Branding
Content Marketing
Email Marketing
Graphic Design
PPC (Online Ads)
SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
Website Design and Development