Choosing the best email marketing tool for a small business can feel overwhelming. As a small business owner or a solo entrepreneur, you need a platform that’s powerful yet affordable.
Fortunately, we have done the heavy lifting for you. This guide simplifies the process, helping you find the perfect email marketing software for solo entrepreneurs, the best free email marketing tool for startup projects, and a cheap alternative to Mailchimp for small business.
How We Selected the Best Email Marketing Tools
First of all, it is important to understand our process. We focused on what truly matters for a growing business. The importance of getting this right cannot be overstated: according to the Data & Marketing Association’s latest research, email marketing delivers an average ROI of £42 for every £1 spent, making it one of the most cost-effective marketing channels available to small businesses.
- Pricing and Value: We looked for transparent pricing and generous free plans.
- Ease of Use: We prioritized platforms that are intuitive and simple to learn.
- Key Features: We evaluated automation, templates, and analytics.
- Scalability: The best email marketing tool for small business must grow with you.
- Support: We valued access to reliable help and resources.
Quick Comparison Table
| Tool | Best For | Starting Price | Free Plan? |
| MailerLite | Overall Ease & Value | $9/month | Yes (1,000 subs) |
| Brevo | Startups & Free Features | $19/month | Yes (Unlimited contacts) |
| ConvertKit | Solo Entrepreneurs | $9/month | Yes (1,000 subs) |
| Constant Contact | Beginner Support | $12/month | 60-Day Trial |
| HubSpot | Free CRM Tools | Free tools available | Yes |
| Omnisend | Ecommerce Stores | $16/month | Yes |
| GetResponse | All-in-One Marketing | $15/month | 30-Day Trial |
| AWeber | Reliability | $12.50/month | Yes (500 subs) |
| Moosend | Affordable Automation | $9/month | 30-Day Trial |
| Mailchimp | Brand Recognition | $13/month | Yes (500 contacts) |
Now, let’s explore the tools that truly stand out as the best email marketing tool for small business needs.
The Top 10 Email Marketing Tools for Small Business
Here is our detailed selection of the top platforms to power your marketing growth. HubSpot’s 2024 Marketing Statistics report confirms that email marketing remains one of the most effective channels for driving conversions, with a 2.8% conversion rate for B2C brands and a 2.4% conversion rate for B2Bs, making tool selection crucial for success.
1. MailerLite: The Best Overall and Easiest to Use
For a balance of power and simplicity, MailerLite is the top choice for most.
- Pricing: Free for 1,000 subscribers. Paid plans start from $9/month.
- Standout Feature: Its drag-and-drop editor is famously user-friendly, making it the ultimate easy email marketing for new business solution.
- Best For: Anyone seeking a powerful cheap alternative to Mailchimp for small business.
- Verdict: Our top recommendation for its incredible value and effortless interface.
2. Brevo: Best Free Plan for Startups
If you need to start with no budget, Brevo offers the most robust free plan.
- Pricing: Free plan includes unlimited contacts. Paid plans start from $19/month.
- Standout Feature: Includes built-in CRM and SMS marketing features on its free tier.
- Best For: Startups needing the best free email marketing tool with no initial investment.
- Verdict: Unbeatable for launching your business without sacrificing key features.
3. ConvertKit: Best for Solo Entrepreneurs
This tool is built from the ground up for creators and individual founders.
- Pricing: Free for 1,000 subscribers. Paid plans start from $9/month.
- Standout Feature: Visual automation builder designed to nurture audiences and sell digital products.
- Best For: The definitive email marketing software for solo entrepreneurs.
- Verdict: Perfect for turning followers into a profitable business.\
If you’re comparing options, especially for creators, this detailed guide on Flodesk vs Mailchimp for solopreneurs is a great next read to help you decide which platform aligns better with your goals.
4. Constant Contact: Best for Customer Support
Constant Contact is known for its exceptional guidance and hand-holding for beginners.
- Pricing: 60-day free trial. Plans start from $12/month.
- Standout Feature: Offers unparalleled phone and chat support to help you get started.
- Best For: New users who want expert help available at all times.
- Verdict: A trusted and reliable best email marketing tool for small business owners who value support.
5. HubSpot: Best Free CRM Tools
Excels by combining email marketing with a powerful free CRM.
- Pricing: Robust free marketing and CRM tools are available. Paid plans scale up.
- Standout Feature: The free CRM seamlessly integrates with marketing efforts, tracking all customer interactions.
- Best For: Businesses that want an all-in-one platform for growth.
- Verdict: Ideal if you want your email marketing fully integrated with a free CRM.
6. Omnisend: Best for Ecommerce Businesses
A powerhouse designed specifically for online stores like Shopify.
- Pricing: Free plan available. Paid plans start from $16/month.
- Standout Feature: Advanced automation for abandoned carts and post-purchase follow-ups.
- Best For: E-commerce stores focused on recovering lost sales and automating workflows.
- Verdict: The top best email marketing tool for small business owners with an online store.
7. GetResponse: Best All-in-One Marketing Suite
Combines email, automation, webinars, and landing pages in one place.
- Pricing: 30-day free trial. Email plans start from $15/month.
- Standout Feature: Includes a built-in webinar hosting function, rare in email marketing platforms.
- Best For: Marketers wanting to manage multiple channels from a single dashboard.
- Verdict: A powerful suite for those who need more than just email.
8. AWeber: A Reliable and Established Veteran
A trustworthy and dependable pioneer known for its stability.
- Pricing: Free for 500 subscribers. Paid plans start from $12.50/month.
- Standout Feature: Renowned for its high email deliverability rates and dependable performance.
- Best For: Those who prioritize reliability above all else.
- Verdict: A solid and reliable cheap alternative to Mailchimp for small business.
9. Moosend: Best for Affordable Automation
Delivers powerful marketing automation features at a very low cost.
- Pricing: 30-day free trial. Paid plans start from $9/month.
- Standout Feature: Offers advanced segmentation and visual automation workflows for a fraction of the cost of competitors.
- Best For: Small businesses ready to use sophisticated automation on a tight budget.
- Verdict: Exceptional value for its advanced feature set.
10. Mailchimp: The Most Recognizable Name
The well-known platform that many businesses start with.
- Pricing: Free for 500 contacts. Paid plans start from $13/month.
- Standout Feature: Huge library of third-party integrations and a very familiar brand name.
- Best For: Beginners drawn to a familiar platform with extensive app connections.
- Verdict: A good starting point, though many seek a cheaper alternative as they grow.
How to Pick the Right Tool for Your Business
Introduction: With so many choices, follow these simple steps to find your perfect match.
Set Your Budget: First, decide your monthly spend. If your budget is zero, focus on tools with robust free plans like Brevo or MailerLite.
Consider Your Skill Level: Next, be honest about your tech skills. If you’re a beginner, prioritize easy email marketing for new business platforms.
List Must-Have Features: After that, note your top needs like automation, e-commerce support, or landing pages.
Think About Growth: Finally, choose a platform that can scale with you without becoming too expensive.
Ultimately, the best strategy is to use free trials. Most platforms offer them, so you can test the interface risk-free.
Conclusion
The right platform will help you connect with your audience and drive sales. So don’t wait—choose a tool today and launch your first campaign. Your customers are ready to hear from you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Brevo offers the best free plan for startups. Meanwhile, MailerLite and ConvertKit also provide excellent free tiers for smaller lists, making them a fantastic best free email marketing tool for startup companies.
For absolute beginners, MailerLite and Constant Contact are the top choices. Both offer intuitive drag-and-drop editors and straightforward onboarding, providing easy email marketing for new business owners.
MailerLite is the best cheap alternative to Mailchimp for small business. It offers similar core features at a significantly lower price point.
Yes, you can. Most reputable email marketing software for solo entrepreneurs and businesses offer easy export tools. Therefore, switching is a common and manageable process.