Choosing the right email marketing tool for your online store is a big deal. Shopify Email is a decent starting point, especially if you’re just getting your business off the ground and want something simple. But, it might not have all the bells and whistles you need as you grow. That’s why looking at other options is smart. We’ve checked out some of the top players that offer built-in email marketing, so you can see what else is out there.
Key Takeaways
- Omnisend is great for ecommerce businesses, offering SMS, push notifications, and audience segmentation.
- Mailchimp is a popular choice for beginners, known for its ease of use and automation features.
- Constant Contact is user-friendly and offers social media engagement tools, though it lacks a free plan.
- Brevo (formerly Sendinblue) provides advanced segmentation and CRM features, with a generous free tier.
- Klaviyo stands out with its data science and machine learning capabilities, ideal for data-driven marketing.
1. Omnisend
Omnisend is a pretty solid choice if you’re running an online store and need email marketing built right in. It’s not just about sending out newsletters, though. They’ve really focused on making it work well for ecommerce businesses, which is a big deal.
List Building Tools
One of the things Omnisend does well is helping you grow your email list. They have a bunch of ways to do this, like:
- Signup Forms: You can create pop-ups and embedded forms to put on your website.
- Exit-Intent Popups: These show up when someone is about to leave your site, giving you one last chance to grab their email.
- Spin-to-Win: A more interactive way to get signups, where visitors can spin a wheel for a chance to win a discount or prize.
Automation and Campaigns
When it comes to actually sending emails and automating things, Omnisend has you covered. You can set up automated workflows for things like welcome emails, abandoned carts, and post-purchase follow-ups. They also let you send out regular email campaigns and even SMS messages, which is a nice bonus for reaching customers on multiple channels.
They aim to make it easy to connect with your customers across different touchpoints, from the first signup to ongoing sales.
Key Features
- Email and SMS Marketing: Combines both channels for broader reach.
- Pre-built Automations: Saves time by offering ready-to-use workflows.
- Segmentation: Allows you to group subscribers based on behavior or data for more targeted messages.
- Reporting: Provides insights into campaign performance.
- Integrations: Connects with many other ecommerce tools and platforms.
Overall, Omnisend seems like a good option for store owners who want an all-in-one marketing solution that’s specifically geared towards online sales.
2. Mailchimp
Mailchimp used to be a bit of a tricky one for Shopify users, as they didn’t always play nice together. But now, they’ve sorted things out, and you can use Mailchimp for your Shopify store’s email marketing. It’s a pretty well-known name in the email marketing world, and for good reason. They’ve got a drag-and-drop email builder that’s generally easy to use, and they offer a decent range of templates, though some might find them a bit dated.
One of the big draws for Mailchimp is its free plan, which lets you get started without spending any money, as long as you’re under 2,000 contacts. This is great for folks just starting out or with smaller lists. They also have features like landing pages and automations, which are super helpful for growing your business.
However, it’s not all perfect. As your list grows or if you want to use more advanced features, the costs can add up pretty fast. Also, some of the really good stuff, like advanced reporting and more complex e-commerce features, are locked behind their higher-tier plans. So, while it’s a solid option, especially for beginners, you’ll want to keep an eye on the pricing as your needs change.
Pricing
Mailchimp’s pricing can be a bit confusing, but here’s a general idea for their Essentials plan:
- Free: Up to 2,000 contacts (with limitations on emails sent).
- Essentials: Starts around $9.99/month for up to 500 contacts.
- Standard: Around $20/month for up to 500 contacts.
- Premium: Starts at $350/month for up to 10,000 contacts.
What We Liked
- Generous Free Plan: The free tier is quite good for getting started.
- User-Friendly Builder: The drag-and-drop editor is pretty intuitive.
- Good for Beginners: It’s a solid choice if you’re new to email marketing.
Customer Support
Mailchimp provides support through phone, email, live chat, and a chatbot.
Mailchimp is a decent choice for those with smaller lists or who are just getting their feet wet with email marketing. The free plan is a big plus, and the builder is easy enough to get around. Just be ready to upgrade and pay more as your business scales up and you need those fancier features.
3. Constant Contact
Constant Contact is a solid choice if you’re looking for an email marketing tool that’s pretty straightforward to use, especially if you’re new to this. It’s got a good mix of features that help you connect with your customers, not just through email but also on social media. You can post updates and even run surveys to get feedback. This is a bit different from Shopify Email, which doesn’t really do the social media outreach part.
Key Features
- User-Friendly Interface: Designed to be easy for beginners.
- Social Media Integration: Allows posting and surveys on social platforms.
- Event Marketing Tools: Helpful for businesses that run events.
- Reporting and Analytics: Tracks how your emails are performing.
Pricing Comparison
Constant Contact doesn’t offer a free plan like some others, but they do have different tiers to fit various needs. It’s worth checking out their specific plans to see what works best for your budget and how many contacts you have.
Setting up your email campaigns can feel like a puzzle sometimes, but having a tool that guides you makes a big difference. Constant Contact aims to simplify that process.
Constant Contact provides phone, email, and live chat support, which is pretty good if you ever get stuck. They also have a help center with lots of articles. The Shopify integration with Constant Contact offers features like segmented lists, drag-and-drop email creation, sales reporting, and automated reminders. A PDF guide is available to assist with the setup process, enhancing your digital marketing efforts.
4. Brevo (formerly Sendinblue)
Brevo, which used to be known as Sendinblue, is a solid option if you’re looking for an email marketing tool that integrates well with Shopify. It’s got a lot of features packed in, and honestly, it feels pretty user-friendly once you get the hang of it. One of the big draws here is its automation. You can set up some pretty detailed workflows that trigger emails based on what your customers do, which is super handy for keeping people engaged. Plus, it comes with a built-in CRM, which is nice for keeping track of who’s who, and you can even throw SMS messages into the mix.
Free Plan Perks
Brevo offers a free plan, much like Shopify Email itself. With this free tier, you get:
- Up to 300 emails per day.
- A drag-and-drop editor to make designing emails easier.
- Templates you can customize.
- The ability to send SMS and WhatsApp messages.
Key Features Compared
Let’s look at how Brevo stacks up against Shopify Email:
- Marketing Automation: Brevo really shines here. You can build complex automated sequences using triggers, conditions, and actions. They also offer transactional emails, which are great for e-commerce, especially when you’re just starting out. It even has a feature that figures out the best time to send your emails based on past performance.
- Email Builder: The builder in Brevo gives you more control. It’s got that drag-and-drop functionality and a good selection of templates you can tweak.
- Segmentation and Targeting: Compared to Shopify Email, Brevo lets you get more specific with your audience. You can create detailed segments based on all sorts of criteria, making your campaigns more targeted.
Pricing Comparison
| Feature | Brevo (formerly Sendinblue) | Shopify Email |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Up to 300 emails/day | Up to 10,000 emails/month |
| Starter | Starts at $9/month for 5,000 emails | $1 per 1,000 additional emails |
| Business | Starts at $18/month for 5,000 emails | |
| Brevo Plus | Custom pricing |
Customer Support
Brevo has a help center with plenty of articles. All plans include email support. If you want live chat or phone support, you’ll need to be on one of their higher-tier plans.
While Brevo’s integration with Shopify has seen some changes, with the PushOwl & Brevo app now being the main way to connect, it’s worth noting that some features might still be in beta. Keep an eye on this as they continue to develop.
If cost is a major concern, Brevo’s free plan is quite generous. However, for more advanced features like dynamic content, you might need to generate some code, which can take a little getting used to. The interface is also a bit less flashy than some other tools out there.
For those looking for a tool that offers robust automation and segmentation, Brevo is definitely worth checking out as one of the best email marketing services for Shopify.
5. Klaviyo
Klaviyo is a pretty solid choice if you’re running an online store, especially if you’re using Shopify. It really focuses on email and SMS marketing, aiming to boost your sales. They give you templates that you can personalize, which is nice.
Free Plan Comparison
Klaviyo’s free plan is a decent starting point. You get:
- 500 emails per month
- 150 SMS/MMS credits
- Email support for the first 60 days
Features Comparison
When you look at what Klaviyo can do compared to something like Shopify Email, it really stands out. For starters, its marketing automation is way more advanced. You can segment your audience really specifically based on all sorts of things like what they buy, how they act on your site, or even just their basic info. This level of detail isn’t really there with Shopify’s own email tool. Plus, Klaviyo uses data science to help make your emails more personal, which is a big deal for getting people to actually open and click.
Their email builder is also pretty user-friendly. It feels similar to what you might find with Mailchimp or Omnisend, offering a good range of templates to get you started. The segmentation tools are where Klaviyo really shines, letting you target customers based on their behavior, demographics, and past purchases. This is a huge advantage over tools that offer less granular control.
Pricing Comparison
| Feature | Klaviyo | Shopify Email |
|---|---|---|
| Free | 500 emails, 150 SMS/MMS credits | Up to 10,000 emails/month |
| Email Paid | Starts at $20/month for 5k emails | $1 per 1,000 additional emails |
| Email+SMS | Starts at $35/month for 5k emails | N/A |
Customer Support
Klaviyo provides email and chat support. If you’re spending a lot with them, like $3,000 a month, you even get a dedicated Customer Success Manager. That’s a nice perk for bigger accounts.
While Klaviyo is powerful, it can get pricey quickly as your contact list grows. Some users have reported issues with campaigns sending correctly or accounts being temporarily disabled, which can be frustrating when you’re paying a premium.
Klaviyo is a great option for businesses focused on e-commerce, especially those using Shopify. The built-in CRM features make it a strong contender for small to medium-sized businesses that manage a good number of customers and have teams working on marketing. It’s a tool that can really help you connect with your audience on a deeper level. You can try out Klaviyo for free for 14 days to see if it fits your needs.
6. MailerLite
MailerLite is a pretty straightforward option if you’re looking for a tool that’s easy to get the hang of, especially if you’re just starting out with email marketing for your Shopify store. It’s known for being user-friendly, which is a big plus when you’ve got a million other things to manage. They offer a decent free plan that lets you send up to 12,000 emails a month to 1,000 subscribers, which is a good starting point. You can also try out their Advanced plan features for 30 days for free.
Free Plan Features
MailerLite’s free plan includes:
- A drag-and-drop editor to make designing emails less of a headache.
- An email automation builder, so you can set up campaigns to run automatically.
- Tools for one website, including blogging features.
- Up to 10 landing pages to capture leads.
- Basic reporting to see how your emails are doing.
- Signup forms and popups to grow your subscriber list.
Key Feature Comparisons
When you compare MailerLite to something like Shopify Email, you start to see some differences. MailerLite’s automation tools are more advanced. While Shopify Email handles basic stuff like abandoned carts, MailerLite lets you build more complex customer journeys with things like behavior-triggered emails. The email builder itself is also more flexible, giving you more control over how your emails look with customizable templates and a drag-and-drop interface. They also offer better segmentation options, letting you group subscribers based on their behavior or other custom fields.
Pricing Comparison
| Plan | MailerLite | Shopify Email |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Up to 1k subscribers, 12k monthly emails, one user | Up to 10,000 emails/month |
| Growing Business | Starts at $10/month for up to 500 subscribers, unlimited emails, three users | Pay for what you use ($1 per 1,000 additional emails) |
| Advanced | $20/month for up to 500 subscribers, unlimited emails, unlimited users | |
| Enterprise | Custom pricing for 100k+ subscribers, unlimited emails, unlimited users |
Customer Support
MailerLite provides 24/7 email and chat support for 30 days even on their free plan. Paid plans offer 24/7 email support, and the higher tiers include 24/7 email and live chat. This is a step up from what some other platforms offer, especially when you’re just getting started and might need a hand.
It’s good to know that MailerLite has a solid free plan and offers more advanced features than some basic built-in options. The support is also a nice touch for those who might need a bit of help along the way.
If you’re curious about how MailerLite stacks up against another popular choice, you might want to check out our Omnisend vs MailerLite comparison.
7. AWeber
Next up on our list is AWeber, another solid contender for businesses looking to step up their email game beyond what Shopify Email offers. It’s been around for a while, and honestly, it shows in the sheer number of features packed into their platform. It’s pretty scalable too, which is always a good thing when your business starts growing.
Free Plan Comparison
AWeber’s free plan is decent for getting started. You get:
- Up to 500 subscribers
- Access to email templates
- A drag-and-drop editor
- Basic automation tools
- Signup forms
- Analytics
It’s worth noting that some of the more advanced features might be limited or not included at all in the free tier. Shopify Email’s free plan, on the other hand, gives you up to 2,500 users and includes segmentation and automation features, which is a bit more generous on the user count.
Features Comparison
When you start comparing features, AWeber really starts to shine.
- Marketing Automation: AWeber lets you build automated email sequences based on specific customer actions. They have a bunch of pre-built workflows for things like welcome emails, blog updates, or lead magnet follow-ups. They even have a marketplace for ready-to-use templates for common e-commerce situations. This is a step up from what Shopify Email provides in terms of automation options.
- Email Builder: Designing emails is pretty straightforward with AWeber’s drag-and-drop editor. What makes it stand out is the integration with Canva, a large photo library, and an image carousel, which gives you more creative flexibility than Shopify Email’s editor.
- Segmentation and Targeting: You can segment your audience in AWeber using various criteria like demographics, how customers interact with your emails, and custom fields. They also offer pre-built segments, which can save you some time.
AWeber’s customer support is available 24/7 through email, phone, and live chat. This round-the-clock availability is a big plus if you ever run into issues outside of typical business hours.
Pricing Comparison
Here’s a quick look at how AWeber’s pricing stacks up against Shopify Email:
| Feature | AWeber | Shopify Email |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | Up to 500 subscribers | Up to 10,000 emails/month |
| Lite Plan | Starts at $15/month (unlimited subscribers) | Paid (starts at $1 per 1,000 emails sent) |
| Plus Plan | Starts at $30/month | |
| Unlimited Plan | Starts at $899/month |
Customer Support
AWeber offers 24/7 customer support via email, phone, and live chat. This is a pretty robust support system, especially when compared to Shopify Email, which doesn’t have separate support channels and can sometimes be slower to respond.
If you’re looking for a platform with more advanced automation and a more versatile email builder, AWeber is definitely worth considering. It’s a good option if you need more control over your email marketing campaigns. For more details on how AWeber compares to other services, you might want to check out this resource that compares top email marketing services.
8. ActiveCampaign
ActiveCampaign is a pretty robust platform that really shines when it comes to marketing automation and CRM features. It’s got this deep data integration with Shopify, which means all your customer and order info syncs up nicely. You can build some seriously complex automated campaigns, like abandoned cart sequences or post-purchase follow-ups, using their visual automation builder. It’s also got a solid CRM add-on if you need to manage customer relationships more closely.
Key Features
- Advanced Automation: Build intricate customer journeys with a visual workflow editor.
- CRM Integration: Manage customer data and interactions directly within the platform.
- Dynamic Segmentation: Target specific customer groups based on purchase history, behavior, and more.
- Conditional Content: Personalize emails with different products or offers based on recipient data.
- Email Builder: A user-friendly drag-and-drop editor with templates for creating professional-looking emails.
What to Consider
ActiveCampaign is a powerful tool, and with that power comes a bit of a learning curve. Some of the more advanced personalization features might require a touch of code. It’s definitely geared towards businesses that want to go deep with their marketing automation and segmentation, rather than just sending out simple newsletters. If you’re just starting out or need something super simple, it might feel like overkill.
While the initial setup and understanding of all the features can take some time, the payoff in terms of targeted marketing and customer engagement is significant for businesses ready to invest in that level of automation.
Pricing Snapshot (Starter Plan)
| Contacts | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| 1,000 | $19 |
| 2,500 | $49 |
| 5,000 | $99 |
| 10,000 | $189 |
ActiveCampaign offers a 14-day free trial, so you can test out its capabilities before committing. The ActiveCampaign CXA integration for Shopify makes getting started pretty straightforward.
Wrapping Up Your Email Marketing Choice
So, you’ve seen a few different options out there that go beyond what Shopify Email offers. Each platform has its own strengths, whether it’s advanced automation like Omnisend, a huge template library from AWeber, or the CRM features in Brevo. Mailchimp and Constant Contact are good starting points for those new to email marketing, while MailerLite is great for smaller budgets and Klaviyo brings some serious AI power. Ultimately, the best choice really depends on what your online store needs right now and what you plan for the future. Take your time, check out the free plans, and see which one feels like the right fit for growing your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good alternatives to Shopify Email?
Many platforms offer email marketing tools that work well with Shopify. Some popular choices include Omnisend, Mailchimp, Constant Contact, Brevo, Klaviyo, MailerLite, AWeber, and ActiveCampaign. Each has its own strengths, like user-friendliness, advanced features, or specific pricing plans.
How do I choose the best email marketing tool for my store?
When picking an email marketing service, think about what you need most. Consider how easy it is to design emails, if it has important features like automation or list splitting, how much it costs now and later, and what other users say about it.
Are there free options available for email marketing?
Most of these tools have free plans or free trials. This lets you test them out before you pay. It’s a smart way to see if a platform fits your business needs and budget.
Do these alternatives offer more features than Shopify Email?
Yes, many of these alternatives offer more advanced features than Shopify Email. This can include better automation, more email templates, A/B testing to see what works best, and more ways to sort your customer list.
Why would I choose an alternative to Shopify Email?
While Shopify Email is simple and affordable for basic needs, it might not have all the advanced tools some businesses require. The alternatives listed often provide more robust features for growing businesses that need more powerful marketing.
What kind of customer support can I expect?
Customer support varies. Some platforms offer 24/7 chat or phone support, while others might only have email support or a help center. Check what kind of help is available, especially if you’re new to email marketing.