AWRecommendations for Client
Hey guys,
I've got a client who is possibly looking to switch ESPs, and I'm researching some alternatives for them. They are currently with Constant Contact. I've looked at MailChimp and Campaign Monitor but would welcome other recommendations.
Right now they are only planning on sending out monthly email newsletters, and that might be overzealous; I think it will be quarterly. Their list size is 5,300.
I would need to be able to build responsive HTML templates for them, but they will need a user friendly interface to build their own campaigns. I would also like robust reporting/analytics if possible.
They won't need special features beyond that; if it comes with the package, great but I wouldn't pay a premium for anything extra. I don't need A/B testing, inbox previews, fancy automation features, onboarding/training, etc. They won't use them, and I already have accessibility to those through other platforms.
Thanks!
EDIT: I'm resurrecting this thread. See updated post below!
Ok, I'm circling back and resurrecting this discussion, but with a small update.
My client is still without an ESP, but I've had discussions with our company CEO about setting up our own agency-level ESP so we can offer services to clients through us, rather than refer them to open their own account.
Right now Campaign Monitor is at the top of my list based on their features available at an agency level (white label option). However, my CEO has brought an alternative called SendGrid to the table to compare.
Has anyone used this ESP? Any feedback? Pros/Cons? Platform comparison? Anything I can bring to the discussion would be great.
I would definitely recommend CampaignMonitor. I've used it since 2007 and it has one of the easiest and most intuitive dashboards you'll find among the popular ESPs. The reporting is straightforward and simple to understand even for the most basic user. CampaignMonitor is a white-label application and it started with designers/developers in mind, so it's perfect for rebranding and marking up the pricing to earn a little passive income.
I haven't personally used Sendgrid yet but I saw their dashboard and was very impressed with how intuitive it is. There seems to be a lot more granular-level features and reporting than CampaignMonitor and they offer a free plan.
I enjoy using Campaign Monitor as well.
Thanks. I haven't actually gotten around to using CampaignMonitor personally, but have heard lots of great things about the platform within the community and I follow their blog/social media/publications, etc.
My only concern is that once I create the initial newsletter template, I will be turning all of the management over to the client. In other words, I'm not allowed to send their emails on a personal account; they will need to set up their own account and manage it moving forward. I'm just dumping some starter template code on there for them to use.
They are not...technically savvy to put it lightly. So if CampaignMonitor is geared towards email marketing professionals, it might not be the best fit for them. I'm well versed in MailChimp's template syntax and their WYSIWYG editor, so I could easily get them set up and trained to use that platform.
CampaignMonitor has two versions: agency and non-agency. Non-agency is great for any business managing their own email marketing. The agency version allows you to manage multiple clients or departments from a single account and set per-client billing options, customize the interface to match your brand, and markup/resell it to your clients. If you can prune your list and get it to 5,000 or below you would qualify for the $49/mo plan. Otherwise the next plan up for 5,300 users is $99/mo.
I don't think you'll be disappointed. Most of the application is forms-based so it's hard for even the most novice users to screw up.
I didn't know they had two options. I'd need the non-agency then.
I can't guarantee we can get the list trimmed; it's been a while since they've updated it so I'm sure they'll get a good percentage of bounces off the initial send. However, they'll likely be replaced the outdated emails with updated information so it's probably a safe bet to assume they'll have more than 5000.
That said, the price matches Constant Contact so as long as Campaign Monitor's user interface and code friendliness trumps CC's abysmal platform I'd still consider it a win.
I think MailerLite (https://www.mailerlite.com) would match your requirements just perfect. With 5,300 subscribers you would pay $35/month and get unlimited emails.
HEY! This looks fantastic! I even love their Compare pages - all the ammunition I need already researched and presented well.
I will definitely give this a look through. Is it possible for me to code HTML templates that the client can use in the Drag/Drop or Text editor?
Well shoot. As nice and easy as this platform looks to edit, it is not capable of template creation right now. In other words, I'm not able to code an HTML template that can be reused and edited per individual campaigns. That's a feature I'll need for this client, so it looks like MailChimp or CampaignMonitor is still my best option at the moment.
That feature is coming. But even now, if you would give us the HTML template, we can put it on our drag-and-drop editor at no additional charge. We just need to add some edit tags to your template and that's it. Let me know if you think that might work.
Ah! That sounds great! The chat rep I spoke with couldn't clarify.
I'm still in the initial stage of discussion with the client about how they want to proceed, but if we do settle on a Constant Contact alternative, I will get in touch with you regarding a template design. Thanks!
Hey Abby,
Full disclosure: I work for AWeber. But I would definitely consider us as an option for your client.
With AWeber, you have the ability to create your own HTML templates or use our drag-and-drop template editor for something more simple and easy to use. It's perfect for someone who's not looking to do anything too technical. You can also code a template that your client can use in the drag-and-drop editor.
There's no extra fee for analytics and reporting - our pricing tiers go by list size. And we have amazing customer service that's available via phone, email or live chat 7 days-a-week.
If you have any questions, you can reach out to me directly. I'd be happy to help!
I have recently started using ActiveTrail, and it might also work for them. :)
I've never heard of them. I'll look into it!
Look into MailChimp, they have affordable plans depending on subscriber count, and they have intuitive template features that you could build out a few for them and they could use the WYSIWIG to fill in their own content.
I've used MailChimp before and love it. I know their plans are very affordable, and looking at the list size it's about $30-50 less expensive than Constant Contact.
I was just wondering if there were other options before I default to my favorite ESP. ;)
iContact allows you to create a new message with HTML and then switch to a WYSIWYG editor where the user can then change text, insert images, etc. It's not totally idiot-proof, but I've using them for years for my clients with no real complaints. You don't get the extra bells and whistles you might get other places, but it's cheap and it's the only ESP I'm aware of that allows you start from raw code and switch to a design editor (at this price point).
Good luck!