Mailerlite vs Constant Contact: Email Marketing Showdown
Choosing the right email marketing platform can feel overwhelming. With so many options available, it’s tough to know where to start. This comparison dives deep into two popular choices: MailerLite and Constant Contact, helping you make an informed decision for your business needs.
Both MailerLite and Constant Contact offer robust features designed to help you connect with your audience. They provide tools for creating beautiful email campaigns, automating your marketing efforts, and analyzing your results. However, they cater to different needs and offer unique strengths.
Whether you’re a seasoned marketer or just starting out, understanding the nuances of MailerLite vs Constant Contact is crucial. We’ll explore their pricing, features, ease of use, and customer support. This will give you the insights needed to select the perfect email marketing platform to achieve your goals.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | MailerLite | Constant Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Email Marketing | Yes | Yes |
| Automation Workflows | Yes | Yes |
| Segmentation | Yes | Yes |
| A/B Testing | Yes | Yes |
| Landing Pages | Yes | Yes |
| Website Builder | Yes | No |
| E-commerce Integration | Yes | Yes |
| Reporting and Analytics | Yes | Yes |
| Contact Management | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes |
| Integrations | Yes | Yes |
| Customer Support | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Pricing
- Mailerlite: Offers a free plan for up to 1,000 subscribers and 12,000 emails per month. Paid plans are affordable, starting at $10/month, and scale based on subscriber count. Pros: Competitive pricing, generous free plan. Cons: Some advanced features are limited in lower-tier plans.
- Constant Contact: Pricing is based on the number of contacts, starting at a higher price point than MailerLite. Offers a free trial, but the free plan is more limited. Pros: Offers a variety of plan options. Cons: Can be more expensive than MailerLite, especially for smaller lists.
- Winner: mailerlite
Ease of Use
- Mailerlite: Known for its user-friendly interface and intuitive design, making it easy for beginners to navigate and create campaigns. Pros: Simple and clean design. Cons: Might lack some advanced customization options for experienced users.
- Constant Contact: Offers a drag-and-drop email editor and a straightforward interface. Provides helpful tutorials and resources. Pros: Easy to learn and use. Cons: Some users find the interface less modern compared to MailerLite.
- Winner: mailerlite
Email Templates & Design
- Mailerlite: Provides a range of modern and responsive email templates. Offers a drag-and-drop editor and the ability to build custom templates. Pros: Beautiful templates and design options. Cons: Template selection is slightly smaller than Constant Contact.
- Constant Contact: Offers a vast library of professionally designed email templates, catering to various industries and needs. Provides a drag-and-drop editor and customization options. Pros: Extensive template library. Cons: Some templates may feel a bit dated.
- Winner: constant contact
Automation Features
- Mailerlite: Offers robust automation features, including workflows, segmentation, and triggers. Enables users to create complex automated email sequences. Pros: Powerful automation capabilities. Cons: Automation features are more limited on the free plan.
- Constant Contact: Provides basic automation features, such as welcome emails and autoresponders. Offers more advanced automation with higher-tier plans. Pros: Easy to set up simple automations. Cons: Automation capabilities are less advanced than MailerLite.
- Winner: mailerlite
Segmentation
- Mailerlite: Offers advanced segmentation options based on subscriber data, behavior, and campaign engagement. Allows for highly targeted email campaigns. Pros: Strong segmentation capabilities. Cons: Requires some understanding of segmentation strategies.
- Constant Contact: Provides segmentation based on contact lists, demographics, and basic behavior. Offers less granular segmentation options. Pros: Simple segmentation for basic needs. Cons: Limited advanced segmentation.
- Winner: mailerlite
Deliverability
- Mailerlite: Generally has good deliverability rates, with a strong focus on maintaining a clean sender reputation. Provides deliverability best practices. Pros: Reliable deliverability. Cons: Deliverability can be affected by content and sender reputation.
- Constant Contact: Has a good reputation for deliverability, with features designed to help users avoid spam filters. Provides support and resources for deliverability. Pros: Good deliverability rates. Cons: Deliverability can be affected by content and sender reputation.
- Winner: Tie
Reporting & Analytics
- Mailerlite: Provides detailed analytics on email performance, including open rates, click-through rates, and conversions. Offers A/B testing. Pros: Comprehensive analytics. Cons: Some advanced reporting features might be limited in lower-tier plans.
- Constant Contact: Offers robust reporting and analytics, including open rates, click-through rates, and engagement metrics. Provides real-time tracking. Pros: Detailed reporting. Cons: Analytics interface might feel less modern compared to MailerLite.
- Winner: Tie
Integrations
- Mailerlite: Offers a wide range of integrations with popular platforms like Shopify, WordPress, and WooCommerce. Provides an API for custom integrations. Pros: Extensive integration options. Cons: Some integrations may require additional setup.
- Constant Contact: Integrates with a variety of third-party apps and services, including popular CRM and e-commerce platforms. Offers an API for custom integrations. Pros: Good integration options. Cons: Number of integrations is slightly less than MailerLite.
- Winner: mailerlite
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Constant Contact |
| Pricing | MailerLite |
| Automation Features | MailerLite |
| Customer Support | Constant Contact |
| Landing Pages | Tie |
| Website Builder | MailerLite |
What They Have in Common
- Email Campaigns: Both platforms allow users to create and send email campaigns to their subscribers, with a variety of templates and customization options available.
- Automation: Both MailerLite and Constant Contact offer automation features, allowing users to set up triggered emails and workflows based on subscriber behavior.
- Contact Management: Both platforms provide tools for managing contacts, including segmentation, list building, and contact organization.
- Reporting and Analytics: Both offer reporting and analytics dashboards to track email campaign performance, including open rates, click-through rates, and other key metrics.
- Integration: Both integrate with popular third-party services like e-commerce platforms, CRMs, and social media tools, streamlining marketing efforts.
- Landing Pages: Both allow users to build landing pages.
Mailerlite Vs Constant Contact Buying Guide
Choosing the Right Email Marketing Platform: Key Considerations
Selecting the right email marketing platform is crucial for the success of your campaigns. Consider your budget, the size of your email list, and the level of technical expertise you possess. Both MailerLite and Constant Contact offer a range of features, but they cater to different needs. Think about the type of campaigns you plan to run, whether it’s newsletters, automated sequences, or e-commerce promotions. Evaluate the ease of use, deliverability rates, and available integrations before making a decision. Carefully consider these factors to align with your business goals.
Pricing and Plans: Understanding the Cost
Pricing structures vary significantly between MailerLite and Constant Contact. MailerLite often provides more generous free plans and is generally more affordable for smaller lists. Constant Contact’s pricing can be higher, especially as your subscriber count grows. However, Constant Contact often includes more features in its paid plans. Compare the features offered at each price point, considering the value you receive for your investment. Evaluate your budget and projected growth to determine the most cost-effective solution for the long term. Remember to factor in potential overage charges.
Features and Functionality: What to Look For
Both platforms offer essential features like email templates, list segmentation, and campaign analytics. MailerLite is known for its user-friendly interface and focus on simplicity, while Constant Contact provides more advanced features like event management and surveys. Assess your specific needs: Do you require advanced automation workflows? Are you planning to integrate with e-commerce platforms? Consider the availability of A/B testing, landing page builders, and customer support. Ensure the platform offers the features you need to achieve your marketing objectives. Integration capabilities are also very important.
Ease of Use and User Experience: Navigating the Platform
Ease of use is a critical factor, especially for beginners. MailerLite generally has a cleaner and more intuitive interface, making it easier to navigate and set up campaigns quickly. Constant Contact offers a more feature-rich but potentially more complex interface. Consider how comfortable you are with technology and how much time you’re willing to invest in learning the platform. Look for platforms with drag-and-drop editors, pre-designed templates, and helpful tutorials. A user-friendly experience saves time and reduces frustration, allowing you to focus on your marketing strategy.
Deliverability Rates and Reputation: Reaching the Inbox
Deliverability is paramount; your emails must reach your subscribers’ inboxes. Research the deliverability rates of both MailerLite and Constant Contact. Reputable platforms invest in infrastructure and practices to ensure high deliverability. Check for features like spam testing, domain authentication, and dedicated IP addresses. Consider the reputation of the platform and the potential impact on your sender score. Regularly monitor your campaign performance and address any deliverability issues promptly. A high deliverability rate ensures your message is seen.
Customer Support and Resources: Getting Help When You Need It
Reliable customer support is essential, especially when you encounter technical issues. Evaluate the support options offered by each platform, such as email, live chat, and phone support. Check the availability of helpful resources, including knowledge bases, tutorials, and webinars. Consider the responsiveness and helpfulness of the support team. A platform with robust customer support ensures you can quickly resolve any problems and maximize your marketing efforts. Look for readily available documentation and community forums.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy MailerLite If…
- You’re looking for a user-friendly and affordable email marketing platform.
- You value a clean and intuitive interface for creating campaigns and managing subscribers.
- You need advanced features like automation and segmentation without a steep learning curve.
- You want a platform that offers a generous free plan for smaller businesses.
Buy Constant Contact If…
- You prioritize ease of use and a platform designed for beginners.
- You value strong customer support and resources.
- You need a platform that offers event management features.
- You are looking for a platform with a wide range of integrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary difference between MailerLite and Constant Contact?
The primary difference lies in their approach. MailerLite emphasizes simplicity and affordability, making it ideal for smaller businesses and those seeking an easy-to-use platform. Constant Contact offers a more feature-rich experience, including advanced tools for event management and e-commerce, but at a potentially higher cost. The choice depends on your specific needs and budget.
Which platform offers better pricing?
MailerLite generally offers more competitive pricing, particularly for smaller email lists and those just starting out. Their free plan is generous, allowing users to send emails to a limited number of subscribers without charge. Constant Contact’s pricing is often higher, but they provide a wider array of features that may justify the cost for some users. Consider the number of subscribers and features needed.
Is MailerLite easier to use than Constant Contact?
Yes, MailerLite is generally considered easier to use, especially for beginners. Its interface is clean and intuitive, making it simple to navigate and create email campaigns. Constant Contact, while offering more features, can be more complex to learn. MailerLite’s focus on simplicity means users can quickly set up and launch campaigns without a steep learning curve.
Which platform provides better deliverability rates?
Both platforms strive for high deliverability rates. However, factors like your email list hygiene and content quality significantly impact deliverability. Constant Contact often has a strong reputation in this area. It’s essential to follow best practices, such as authenticating your domain and avoiding spammy content, to ensure your emails reach the inbox effectively. Continuously monitor your campaign performance.
Does Constant Contact offer more advanced features?
Yes, Constant Contact provides a broader range of advanced features compared to MailerLite. These include event management tools, more sophisticated automation options, and integrations with a wider variety of third-party services. MailerLite focuses on core email marketing features, while Constant Contact caters to businesses needing more comprehensive marketing solutions. This includes options like surveys.
Which platform offers better customer support?
Both MailerLite and Constant Contact offer customer support, but the quality and availability may vary. Constant Contact is known for its extensive support options, including phone support, which can be invaluable. MailerLite also provides support, but the options and response times may differ. Consider the level of support you require when making your decision.
Can I integrate either platform with my e-commerce store?
Yes, both MailerLite and Constant Contact offer integrations with popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce. These integrations allow you to synchronize your customer data, send targeted emails, and track your sales performance. Constant Contact often has more robust e-commerce features, allowing for abandoned cart emails and product recommendations. Integration capabilities are crucial for e-commerce businesses.
Final Verdict
Both MailerLite and Constant Contact are strong contenders in the email marketing arena. MailerLite shines with its user-friendly interface and affordability, particularly appealing to smaller businesses and those seeking simplicity. Constant Contact, however, offers a more comprehensive suite of features and robust support, catering to businesses with more complex needs. The ideal choice depends on your specific requirements, budget, and desired level of functionality. Consider what matters most to your business.
Winner: [MailerLite]