This post contains affiliate links.
Doing a little “Ask Rachel” on the blog today.
One reader asks: “Hi Rachel! My only question for you is more of a blogging question, if that's alright. I'm a blogger as well, and I'm not very happy with the email service I'm using right now. Then I opened your beautiful email and got inspired! I love how all the information is organized and appears to be floating in its own little box. So my question is, what email provider do you use? “
So I wanted to introduce y'all to my mailing list provider: MAILERLITE!
I've compared Mailerlite vs. Mailchimp vs. Madmimi vs. Convertkit, to try and figure out which is the best email marketing provider for bloggers and small businesses and mailerlite has been the clear winner for me.
If you don't know about mailerlite you have been missing out! I've been with them for almost three years now and have just noticed them getting a little attention and love in FB groups and on the interwebs.
I have used mailchimp, madmimi, and leadpages before and made the switch to mailerlite almost two years ago and couldn't be happier (I never messed with Converkit since it's so expensive and just seems complicated). Here is why:
Unlike other more complicated mailing services (*cough* mailchimp *cough*) mailerlite is easy to use, it's price can't be beat, and it's functionality just keeps getting better!
Ease of Use:
Mailerlite is a drag and drop template editor! Basically all you need is your hex codes (for your brand colors) and everything else just falls into place!
You simply start with “campaign” and fill in the subject, language, and who it's from fields (BONUS: no code for personalization! Just choose from the drop down menu!)
Next, you edit your content. You just drag and drop the type of layout you want.
If you toggle from the “content” option to the “design” option, you'll see you can use their pre-done color schemes, or create one for your brand that saves for future use.
You'll also notice in the top right corner, you can actually preview what your email will look like on mobile which is super fun!
After you finish editing, you just choose your recipients and send/schedule! WHAM! It's literally that easy!
To make things even easier, what I do each week is just click the “campaigns” tab in the menu, go to my last newsletter, and just click “copy”. It will then create a copy of my last newsletter in my “drafts” which I can easily edit.
No joke, my newsletter takes me 10 minutes each week.
EASY OPT-INS:
Instead of spending a bunch of money on leadpages and leadboxes, you can actually do the exact same thing on mailerlite!
Click “Webforms” then “add new”. Name your form.
You will then be prompted to choose a form type.
POP UP:
It's literally a pop up on your website. The cool thing with mailerlite is you can turn it off when someone is on mobile (which Google prefers), and you can set the frequency! So I have it set to only show once every few days to visitors and triggered only when people are moving to X out of my site.
LANDING PAGE:
You can actually create a landing page with your unique domain name or a generic one. I use this for my Forbes opt-in. It's literally the same concept as Leadpages, so why pay more?
EMBED FORM:
I have this in my side nav menu and on my home page under my “featured” graphics. Easy to set up, and integrate with WordPress & Squarespace. Can't recommend it enough!
SUBSCRIBE BUTTON:
This is literally the same thing as leadboxes! I have this at the bottom of 99% of my blog posts but here are two examples just to show you how they've advance (the first is from a year ago before they did this snazy update to the second one (and I just haven't updated mine yet):
As you can see, you can change the text, width, colors, gradient, etc.
Easy Automation:
You can set up a single welcome e-mail for new subscribers (which I highly recommend, so they don't forget they signed up for your newsletter then mark you as spam if you don't mail out for weeks!) — or you can set up a series of emails (sales funnels, newsletter course, etc.).
You can also put different subscribers into different “groups” based on what they opted in under, which allows you to send a custom automation based on that “list”.
Okay, I know this all looks good and sounds easyyyy… but what's it going to cost you?
PRICING:
For 1,000 subscribers and below, you get 100% access to everything FOR FREE!!
Mailchimp only grants you access to some of it's functionality for your first 1,000!
Other fun things about mailerlite: The free plan also has access to chat & email support if you get stuck or have any issues, you can do A/B testing, tracking, create an “unsubscribe” page & set up auto-resending for non-openers (very helpful when doing a sales funnel!)
Seriously, I don't get why anyone would use a different mailing provider. They are continuing to grow it, add features, and make improvements.
GDPR Compliant
Also with all the GDPR hoop-la Mailerlite was on top of making sure everything was compliant. They sent out regular emails to ensure there were no unnecessary freak outs. All of their forms now have GDPR check box tools to make sure things are super clear. And they created a “GDPR” segment of your list so you could mail out for re-subscribe confirmation or “forget” them if they didn't re-opt in. What gems!
You can sign up for mailerlite today for free by clicking here.
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How To Grow Your Email List With 3 Creative Lead Generators
10 Lessons From My First Year Blogging
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I started with Constant Contact and then moved to MailChimp because it was simple and free. This one looks simple as well and I may check it out for some of my clients.
Hope they like it as much as I do!
Wow you have convinced me to make the switch! I currently use Mailchimp and while I think it’s relatively easy to set up, feel like the process could be even simpler, like you suggest Maillite is. I also like that it’s cheaper than mailchimp anyway!
Mailerlite is seriously amazing and switching over was pretty simple!
I love Mailerlite so much! I switch a little before Christmas and I am very happy with it!
Yay! happy that other people love it as much as i do!
Always nice when someone else does all the work for you and helps you decide which is the best way to go.
haha that’s my motto! happy to do it!
I first heard about Mailerlite from TCM in one of your previous posts, Rachel, and I almost immediately signed up after browsing their site. I had been using MailChimp and found it to be really…frustrating. Especially when it came to trying to deliver content upgrades – what a pain in the booty! :/
I’m now IN LOVE with Mailerlite and think it’s the best option for bloggers who aren’t yet ready to splurge on something as expensive as ConvertKit or just for the long run, I think it’s the best way to go. I switched over from MailChimp during the Christmas holidays and haven’t looked back. My email marketing has never been easier…seriously. I may never use another ESP! So glad you’re sharing the tools you use! 🙂
YAY!!! Happy you love it!
Oooohhh! This sounds really interesting! I am actually in the process of making a newsletter for my blog so this couldn’t have come at a better time. Thanks for sharing! xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com/fashion/first-spring-desert-lord-and-taylor/
haha you’re welcome!
I’m on ConvertKit right now but I’ve been hearing good things about MailerLite. I totally need to check it out and compare the two because I’m all about saving a little money where I can.
I thought you wrote about mailerlite once?
I’ve never heard of Mailerlite, but I think you’ve convinced me to make the switch. I feel like I’ve used Mailchimp to it’s full extent and I need more options!
YAY! Let me know how you like it!
This is great! I was using mailchimp, I’m going to look into switching!
Glad it was helpful!
I’m going to have to give Milerlite a try. I was with Aweber, but have a bunch of weird functionality problems with my account, and customer service basically said, “yeeeeah it’s screwed up, sorry!” So I switched to ConvertKit, and while I do love the functionality, it seems too expensive for what it is. It definitely isn’t as intutive as Aweber (though it is MUCH better than Mailchimp). I hate having to move all my lists AGAIN… but it seems like it might be worth it!
Oh heck no! that’s so messed up! Moving your lists with them is super easy too!
I have free mail chimp lol but i haven’t gotten anywhere with it. I need to work on an email thing. lol I will be checking this out!
Definitely make the switch if you haven’t been using it! You get so much more for free on this one!
Mailerlite is awesome! I’m so glad I stumbled across it. The automation is what made it a no-brainer for me.
Yay! happy it was helpful!
Oh wow! I haven’t heard of them yet so thank you for this. I’m using MailChimp right now. Well, when I say “using” I mean I have an account. I REALLY need to work on my email game!
Haha make the switch! It literally takes me 10 minutes to do my weekly newsletter, so easy!
I have yet to hear of this email service! May need to check it out!
xoxo,
Amy | Pastel N Pink
Hope you like them as much as I do!
I’m currently using Convertkit and I don’t mind it for functionality, but I think I like the pricing of MailerLite better.
For sure!
Girl your tips are unreal! thanks for sharing this! I may have to switch over.
Highly recommend it! I didn’t even realize you had a newsletter!
I was just wondering about Mailerlite yesterday…and now I will be switching! It looks way more simple than Mailchip. Is it easy to move my subscribers over?
Yay! It really is! You just DL and UL the CSV file! It only takes a few minutes
I switched to Mailerlite for my CURation list and I’m never going back! SO easy to use. Nothing but pleased thus far!
Coming Up Roses
Haha did you ever get that stuff sorted out? with your mom not getting your emails?
Yup, so far you’re legit the only person I’ve heard from who still doesn’t get them. I HAVE NO IDEA. If you tell me again exactly what email(s) you want on it, I’ll talk to them specifically about you. Maybe it’s weirdly on your end for some reason????
P.S. We skype so soon and I’m STOKED.
haha yuppp!! AND I HAVE INTERNET! haha so we are good! I will try resubscribing again this week and if it still doesnt work ask them lol
Love the drag and drop feature! I’ve been using Mailchimp and thankfully my web design background has come in handy; otherwise it’d be a nightmare trying to make it look just right.
For sure! I really hated how long it took to set up and get everything just write on Mailchimp!
This looks SO easy to use! I use Mailchimp but will definitely check this out, have never heard of it before!
Alicia xx
Glad it was helpful!
Mailerlite seems so intuitive! When I finally sit down and work on my email list, I will definitely be using Mailerlite,
YAY!
Wow I use MailChimp and I didn’t even know about MailerLite. It seems like its even easier to use! I like MailChimp because it is easy to use but this seems even better!
Courtney Drew
A lot of people don’t know about it! It really is so much easier to use!
been meaning to get into an email newsletter (I know, I’m so crazy behind #badblogger) for ages now, and had never even heard of mailerlite, I had assumed mailchimp was the only way to go! definitely gonna go with them when I do get my act together to make a mailing list haha x
haha nope!
Thanks for sharing this, I’m always looking for better applications to use for the blog, and I’m definitely going to check this out! I’m using Mailchim currently 🙂
Haha you are going to be really happy with how much easier this is to use!
Wow, I really need to make a switch… thank you so much!!!
You’re welcome!
I started an email list just over a year ago and only sent out one email…#bloggerfail. Maybe I should start fresh and switch service providers (:
Haha I feel like that’s the blogger norm! haha
So smart! You are getting me to consider to try this one for my blog!
Do it! It’s really the best option out there IMO
I’ve heard awesome things about Mailerlite! I can’t wait to set it up!!
Yay! It’s so easy!
I love Mailerlite!! I have been using it for 3 months and I am so happy with it!
I love how they keep improving too!
I definitely should look into switching! I’m with Mailchimp now, and they are annoying to deal with, especially if you don’t want to pay for things like automation!
haha they are so annoying! definitely switch! You get automation for free with under 1k subscribers!
Actually switching over right now haha. MailChimp is being a total pain in the butt!
Let me know how you like it!!
Saving this when I get there!! 🙂
http://thesofieyahdiaries.com/travel/weekend-away-boston-ma
Start building that list now!
I am actually thinking about starting an email list (because duh, every says you should) and I was considering mailchimp! So this is very useful. Thank you for sharing.
haha! You’re welcome!
Oh wow okay this sounds awesome! You have me wanting to start an email list asap! Now I need to figure out where to start.
La Belle Sirene
This post is SO HELPFUL! I am awful about a newsletter but have used mailchimp in the past. Thanks for this!
Greta | http://www.gretahollar.com
You’re welcome Greta!
Great info, thanks!
You’re welcome!
This is amazing and seems SO easy to use!!! I am definitely going to check it out!
It really is super easy
I’ve heard a lot about MailerLite recently! I use ConvertKit, which I really love. It is a bit on the expensive side, but the tools is has were SO nice to have when I was launching my eBook!
What tools specifically? I always hear people rave about it, but I don’t really get what the different features are
The amount of automation is just far more than what I’ve been able to find in some of the lower priced options. It was really a godsend when I was going through my eBook launch specially!
I love mailer lite WAY more than I liked mail chimp . Thanks for suggesting it!
You’re welcome!
Wow! This is amazing! Definitely making the switch! http://thebbar.org/
Glad it was helpful!
You have convinced me to make the switch! I have heard really great things about the program from my friend Jenny of Confetti Social, but this comparison to Mailchimp (what I’m currently using), makes me realize that it’s time to make the switch!
XO, SS || Seersucker Sass
Yup! It really is so key to supporting growth and everything!
This is amazing! I am definitely making the switch. I hate mailchimp!!
xo // http://www.thematerialgirl.co
Lol You are so not alone!
I joined MailChimp and have yet to even create a newsletter because it seemed too complicated. Glad I’m not the only one- will def check out Mailerlite!
Haha yeah you are definitely not the only one!
I am so glad I read this article! I literally have never hear of them so I am so excited to check them out!
Happy it was helpful!
Really great information! I have to look into this!
Glad it was helpful!
Yay for MailerLite! I switched over 4 or 5 months ago and I was floored by how amazing they are! I actually switched from ConvertKit, haha. And I’ve been trying to recruit everyone ever since. So glad you’re a fan too!
Haha no way! So how does it actually compare to ConvertKit? I still see a lot of people saying that when they grow and need more control they are going to ConvertKit but don’t get why
Nope it’s quite different. ConvertKit has advanced automations and more integrations. But it only allows plain emails otherwise you need to learn how to do HTML formatting. Yikes!
ohhhh man! yeah integration is the only thing that bothers me about mailerlite
YES to this Rach! I chose Mailerlite after working with you 😉 It’s super easy to use and I rave about it to everyone I know. It’s the best!!
haha yay! it’s just such a joy! haha
YAAASSSS! I use Mailerlite and I love it! The interface is so easy to use and I love how I can customize things. I tried MailChimp for like a day and ended up not liking it, so I quickly made the switch!
Haha that’s my experience with mailchimp basically too!