Choosing the best email marketing tool can be difficult, especially when faced with two prominent options: ConvertKit and Mailchimp. Both platforms have various features to help you build and manage email campaigns, but some key distinctions can help you choose the best platform for your purposes.
What is ConvertKit?
ConvertKit is an email marketing tool built specifically for creators. It includes several features targeted specifically at the demands of bloggers, podcasters, and other online creators. ConvertKit’s core aim is to assist creators in building and managing email lists, creating automated email sequences, and tracking campaign results.
Here are the features of ConvertKit:
- Customizable Landing Pages: ConvertKit provides adaptable landing pages for capturing leads and growing your email list.
- High Deliverability Rates: ConvertKit focuses on text-based emails, which tend to have higher deliverability rates.
- Visual Automation Workflow: ConvertKit provides a visual automation workflow that allows users to create complex sequences of emails.
- Text-Based Emails: ConvertKit’s emphasis on text-based emails may result in greater deliverability rates.
- Limited Templates: ConvertKit offers a limited selection of templates, primarily categorized by type.
What is MailChimp?
Mailchimp is one of the most popular email marketing platforms out there today. It has numerous functions, including email marketing, automation, and CRM connections. Mailchimp is well-known for its user-friendly interface and extensive feature set, making it a popular choice for organizations of all kinds.
Here are the key features of MailChimp:
- Extensive Library of Templates: Mailchimp provides a vast library of templates with various designs, including holiday-themed and promotional templates.
- Website Builders: Mailchimp provides website builders, which enable customers to create professional-looking websites.
- Social Media Posting: Mailchimp allows users to post directly from the platform on social media platforms.
- Integration with Third-Party Services: Mailchimp integrates with various third-party services, including e-commerce platforms and CRM systems.
- Limited Automation: Mailchimp’s automation features are more limited and require users to create workflows manually.
What are the differences between ConvertKit and Mailchimp?
ConvertKit and Mailchimp are popular email marketing platforms that cater to different needs and preferences. Here’s a comparison of their key features:
Pricing:
- ConvertKit provides a restricted free edition with up to 300 subscribers and unlimited email blasts. The Creator and Creator Pro versions cost $15 and $29 monthly for 300 users, respectively.
- Mailchimp also offers a limited free edition with up to 500 contacts and 1,000 emails delivered monthly. Their Essentials and Standard plans start at $13 and $20 per month for 500 contacts, respectively, while the Premium plan costs $350.
Email Creation:
- ConvertKit provides basic email creation in a WYSIWYG editor using your templates or premade Starting Points.
- Mailchimp has many features, including a standard drag-and-drop editor, templates, a code-your-own option, and a new AI-enhanced email builder.
Design and Templates:
- ConvertKit supports text and images exclusively, with 15 basic template possibilities.
- Mailchimp provides extensive design customization with 13 popular layouts, 100 pre-designed templates, and AI-powered creative support.
A/B Testing:
- ConvertKit can only test subject lines.
- Mailchimp allows testing for subject lines, design, content, and send time on all paid plans, but this feature is unavailable on the free plan.
Contact Management:
- ConvertKit offers flexible tagging for easy search and segmentation.
- Mailchimp provides a similar tagging system but more possibilities for segmentation based on contact behavior and tags.
Automation:
- ConvertKit allows you to automate actions prompted by subscriber purchases, form fills, and other events and create standard email sequences.
- Mailchimp’s automation templates are more limited in functionality and difficult to update than ConvertKit’s straightforward “if this, then that” automation structure.
ConvertKit is more focused on providing powerful automation features for creators, while Mailchimp offers a broader range of design options and detailed business reporting. Your choice between the two will depend on your specific needs and priorities.
MailChimp vs. ConvertKit: Which is best for your business?
Finally, the decision between ConvertKit and Mailchimp is based on your demands and goals. If you are a serious blogger or small business owner looking to make money from your blog, ConvertKit’s automation features and high deliverability rates make it a more suitable choice. ConvertKit’s focus on text-based emails and its ease of use make it an excellent option for those without extensive email marketing experience.
On the other hand, Mailchimp’s extensive library of templates and more affordable pricing may make it a better fit if you are a hobby blogger or have simple email needs. However, remember that Mailchimp’s more complex interface and limited automation features may require more technical expertise to use effectively.
Find the Right Email Marketing Tool Now!
ConvertKit and Mailchimp are excellent email marketing tools, each with strengths. ConvertKit is perfect for creators and small businesses focused on deliverability and automation. On the other hand, Mailchimp is better for those who need lots of templates and are willing to learn its more complex interface. Your business’s needs determine your choice. Understanding the distinctions allows you to select the best solution for your email marketing objectives.