7 Best Newsletter Platforms for Small Business in 2024

published on 10 November 2024

Looking for the perfect newsletter platform to boost your small business in 2024? Here's a quick rundown of the top 7 options:

  1. Beehiiv: Best for scaling and monetization
  2. Mailchimp: Solid all-rounder with extensive features
  3. Constant Contact: Reliable choice with good automation
  4. Sendinblue: Budget-friendly with powerful automation
  5. ConvertKit: Ideal for creators and content-focused businesses
  6. MailerLite: User-friendly with a generous free plan
  7. Flodesk: Design-focused platform with simple pricing

Quick Comparison:

Platform Best For Free Plan Starting Price
Beehiiv Scaling Up to 2,500 subs $39/month
Mailchimp All-round use Up to 500 subs $13/month
Constant Contact Reliability No free plan $12/month
Sendinblue Budget-conscious Unlimited contacts $25/month
ConvertKit Creators Up to 1,000 subs $9/month
MailerLite Ease of use Up to 1,000 subs $10/month
Flodesk Design-focus No free plan $35/month

Each platform offers unique features to help you connect with your audience and grow your business. Consider your specific needs, budget, and growth plans when choosing the right one for you.

1. Beehiiv

Beehiiv is shaking up the newsletter game. It's packed with features that small businesses love for growing their audience and making money from their content. Let's see what makes Beehiiv buzz-worthy.

Ease of Use

Beehiiv keeps it simple. No coding needed. You get a drag-and-drop editor for creating slick newsletters and websites. Small businesses can focus on great content instead of tech headaches.

Pricing

Beehiiv's pricing grows with you:

  • Free for up to 2,500 subscribers
  • $39/month for up to 100,000 subscribers
  • $99/month for premium features

The free plan even includes goodies like audience segmentation and custom domains. That's rare.

Automation Features

Beehiiv doesn't skimp on automation. You get a visual builder for creating personalized email campaigns. Set up welcome emails, drip campaigns, and more without breaking a sweat.

Imagine setting up a series of emails that introduce new subscribers to your product over time. It's like having a tireless sales rep working 24/7.

Integration Options

Beehiiv plays nice with others. It connects smoothly with:

  • E-commerce platforms
  • Content management systems
  • Social media
  • Analytics tools
  • CRM software
  • Payment processors

This means your newsletter efforts can sync up with your whole business strategy.

Growth Potential

Beehiiv isn't just about sending emails. It's about building and monetizing your audience. You get a built-in ad network and referral programs to boost your revenue.

The platform's own growth is impressive. As Tyler Denk, CEO of Beehiiv, puts it:

"It took beehiiv 14 months to go from zero to $1M ARR but less than 3 months to go from $1M to $2M ARR."

And it's not just the platform that's growing. Users are seeing big wins too. The "Smart Nonsense" newsletter jumped from zero to 10,000 subscribers in just one month using Beehiiv.

For small businesses looking to crush it with email marketing in 2024, Beehiiv is hard to beat. It's easy to use, packed with powerful features, and laser-focused on growth. Whether you're just starting out or ready to scale up, Beehiiv's got your back.

2. Mailchimp

Mailchimp

Mailchimp's been around for ages, but it's still kicking in 2024. Here's why small businesses keep coming back:

Ease of Use

Mailchimp's drag-and-drop editor? It's a piece of cake. You don't need to be a design whiz to whip up newsletters that pop. Plus, they've got a ton of templates ready to go. Just pick one and tweak it - boom, done.

Pricing

Mailchimp's got plans for everyone:

  • Free: 2,000 contacts, 10,000 sends/month
  • Essentials: $11/month, up to 50,000 contacts
  • Standard: $17/month, more bells and whistles
  • Premium: $299/month, for the big players

That free plan? It's pretty sweet for small businesses just starting out.

Automation Features

Mailchimp's got your back with automation:

  • Welcome emails for newbies
  • "Hey, you forgot something" cart reminders
  • Birthday wishes
  • "We miss you" messages for ghosting subscribers

Set it up once, and it runs on autopilot. More time for you to focus on the big picture.

Integration Options

Mailchimp plays nice with others. It hooks up with Shopify, WooCommerce, Salesforce - you name it. This means you can get super personal with your emails based on what your customers are up to.

So, is Mailchimp still worth it in 2024? For small businesses looking to step up their email game, absolutely. It's easy to use, packs a punch with features, and grows with you. It might not be the new hotness, but it keeps evolving and working with all your other tools. That's why it's still a top pick for businesses big and small.

3. Constant Contact

Constant Contact

Constant Contact has been around since 1995, and it's still kicking in 2024. Here's why small businesses love it:

Ease of Use

Constant Contact is a breeze to use. Their drag-and-drop editor? It's so simple, your grandma could use it. And with over 200 templates, you can create slick emails faster than you can say "marketing automation."

"The dashboard is a piece of cake. Clean layout. Easy drag-and-drop campaign builder. Tons of space for photos and PDFs." - David M., Communications Director

Pricing

Constant Contact isn't the cheapest kid on the block, but they offer a 60-day free trial. Here's what you're looking at:

Contacts Lite Plan Standard Plan Premium Plan
0-500 $12/mo $35/mo $80/mo
2,500 $50/mo $75/mo $150/mo
10,000 $120/mo $160/mo $275/mo

Automation Features

Want to set it and forget it? Constant Contact's got you covered. With their Standard and Premium plans, you can automate:

  • Welcome emails
  • Birthday wishes
  • Abandoned cart reminders
  • Re-engagement campaigns

They even have pre-built workflows you can tweak. It's like having a marketing team in your pocket.

Integration Options

Constant Contact plays nice with others. We're talking nearly 6,000 integrations. Connect it to:

  • Shopify for your online store
  • Salesforce for customer management
  • WordPress for your website
  • Facebook for social media

It's like the Swiss Army knife of email marketing tools.

Is Constant Contact the coolest new tool? Nah. But it's reliable, easy to use, and packed with features. For small businesses looking to up their email game, it's a solid choice that can grow as you do.

4. Sendinblue

Sendinblue

Sendinblue has become a go-to newsletter platform for small businesses in 2024. Here's why it's turning heads:

Ease of Use

Sendinblue's interface is a breeze. Their drag-and-drop email builder? It's so simple, you'll feel like a pro designer in no time. And if you're in a rush? They've got a ton of templates you can tweak to your heart's content.

Pricing

Sendinblue's prices won't make your wallet cry:

Plan Price Emails per month What you get
Free $0 Up to 300/day Basics + Sendinblue logo
Lite $25/month 10,000 No daily limits, A/B testing
Premium $65/month 20,000 Automation, Landing pages
Enterprise Custom Custom All the bells and whistles

Start for free, then scale up when you're ready. No pressure.

Automation Magic

This is where Sendinblue really flexes. You can set up email sequences that react to what your subscribers do. New sign-up? Send a welcome series. They browsed your store? Hit them with personalized product picks. It's like having a mini-marketing team working 24/7.

Plays Well with Others

Sendinblue doesn't live in a bubble. It connects with:

  • Shopify for your online store
  • WordPress for your blog
  • Salesforce for your customer data
  • Google Analytics to track how you're doing

You can link up your newsletter strategy with pretty much everything else you're doing online.

Bottom line: Sendinblue packs a punch for small businesses. It's easy to use, won't break the bank, and has enough features to keep your email marketing game strong. Whether you're just dipping your toes in or ready to dive deep, Sendinblue's got your back in 2024.

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5. ConvertKit

ConvertKit

ConvertKit has become the go-to newsletter platform for creators and small businesses in 2024. Here's why it's making waves:

ConvertKit's user-friendly interface is a breath of fresh air. It's clean, simple, and gets the job done without fuss. Their email builder? It's all about keeping things simple. They're big fans of plain text emails, which often means your messages actually land in inboxes and get clicked on.

"ConvertKit simplifies email marketing, focusing on what you need most: building and maintaining a direct relationship with your audience." - The Process Hacker

This no-frills approach is perfect for bloggers, podcasters, and online course creators who care more about their message than fancy designs.

Now, let's talk money. ConvertKit's pricing is pretty straightforward:

Plan Price Subscribers What You Get
Free $0/month Up to 1,000 Unlimited emails, landing pages, forms
Creator $15/month Up to 300 Automated sequences, integrations
Creator Pro $29/month Up to 300 Advanced reporting, subscriber scoring

The free plan is a gem. You can send as many emails as you want to up to 1,000 subscribers, forever. It's perfect if you're just starting out or have a smaller list.

But here's where ConvertKit really shines: automation. They've got:

  • A visual builder for creating complex email flows
  • Over 20 ready-to-use automation templates
  • Ways to tag and segment your list for targeted emails
  • Automated email sequences

This means you can create smart, personalized email campaigns without needing a whole marketing team.

When it comes to playing nice with other tools, ConvertKit keeps it focused. They connect with the essentials:

  • Shopify and WooCommerce for e-commerce
  • WordPress for your website
  • Stripe and PayPal for getting paid
  • Zapier to connect with hundreds more tools

It's not the longest list of integrations out there, but it covers what most creators and small business owners need.

6. Mailerlite

Mailerlite

MailerLite has become the go-to newsletter platform for small businesses in 2024. Here's why it's making waves:

Ease of Use

MailerLite's interface is a breath of fresh air. It's clean and intuitive. Their drag-and-drop email builder is so simple, you'll feel like a design pro in no time.

"MailerLite is an easy-to-use and affordable email marketing tool." - Rukham Khan, Marketing Enthusiast

But don't let the simplicity fool you. MailerLite packs a punch with features like customizable templates and a built-in photo editor. It's like having a mini design studio at your fingertips.

Pricing

MailerLite's pricing is where it really shines for small businesses:

Plan Price Subscribers Monthly Emails
Free $0 1,000 12,000
Growing Business $10/month 500 Unlimited
Advanced $20/month 500 Unlimited

The free plan is generous. You can send up to 12,000 emails a month to 1,000 subscribers. That's a lot of room to grow before you need to upgrade.

As you expand, the paid plans offer great value. At 10,000 subscribers, you'd pay $73/month with MailerLite's Growing Business plan. Compare that to Mailchimp's $135/month for the same number of subscribers. That's some serious savings.

Automation Features

MailerLite doesn't skimp on automation. You can set up:

  • Welcome series for new subscribers
  • Birthday emails
  • Abandoned cart reminders
  • Re-engagement campaigns

These automation workflows are visual and easy to set up. It's like having a mini-marketing team working 24/7, nurturing your leads and keeping your subscribers engaged.

Integration Options

MailerLite plays well with others. It connects seamlessly with:

  • Shopify for your online store
  • WordPress for your website
  • Zapier to link with hundreds of other tools

While it might not have the longest list of integrations out there, it covers what most small businesses need. This focused approach keeps things simple while still giving you the power to create a well-oiled marketing machine.

For small businesses looking for an affordable, user-friendly newsletter platform in 2024, MailerLite is tough to beat. It offers the right mix of features, ease of use, and pricing to help you grow your audience without breaking the bank.

7. Flodesk

Flodesk

Flodesk is shaking up the newsletter game, especially for small businesses and creatives who want their emails to look good without a tech headache. Here's what's cool about Flodesk in 2024:

It's Super Easy to Use

Flodesk's interface? It's clean and simple. You don't need to be a tech whiz to use it. Their drag-and-drop email builder is a hit with entrepreneurs who want pretty emails without coding nightmares.

"Using Flodesk feels like designing should be fun, not a chore. It's professional but doesn't make you want to pull your hair out."

Their email templates look modern and catch the eye. If you're a small business trying to stand out in crowded inboxes, Flodesk gives you an edge.

Pricing That Makes Sense

Flodesk keeps it simple with pricing:

Plan Price What You Get
Email $35/month Send all the emails you want, to as many people as you want
Checkout $35/month Make as many sales pages as you need, take payments online
Email + Checkout $59/month Everything in one package

The best part? No subscriber limits. Your price stays the same whether you have 100 or 100,000 subscribers. Growing businesses love this because they don't have to worry about sudden price jumps as they get more popular.

Smart Automation Without the Fuss

Flodesk's automation isn't as complex as some big players, but it's powerful enough for most. You can set up email sequences to keep your subscribers interested. They've added "link actions" recently, so you can make any link in your email trigger an automation. Pretty neat, right?

If you sell stuff online, Flodesk plays nice with Shopify. You can set up automatic emails for things like:

  • Saying hi to new customers
  • Reminding people about stuff they left in their cart
  • Suggesting products based on what they've bought before

Connects With What You Need

Flodesk might not connect with every app under the sun, but it covers the basics:

  • Shopify: Hook up your online store to send smart emails based on what customers do.
  • WordPress: Add signup forms to your site without a fuss.
  • Zapier: This one's a big deal. It lets Flodesk talk to over 1,500 other apps, so you can do a lot more with it.

These connections keep your email marketing in sync with the rest of your business stuff.

Flodesk is all about making email marketing look good and feel easy. It's perfect for small businesses in 2024 who want to send great-looking emails without getting lost in complicated tools. While it might not have every bell and whistle, it nails the basics and then some.

How These Platforms Compare

Picking the right newsletter platform can make or break your email marketing. Let's see how the top platforms stack up in 2024:

Pricing and Subscriber Limits

Platform Free Plan Paid Plan Starting Price Subscriber Limit (Free)
Beehiiv Yes $42/month 2,500
Mailchimp Yes $13/month 500
Constant Contact No $12/month N/A
Sendinblue Yes $25/month Unlimited
ConvertKit Yes $9/month 1,000
MailerLite Yes $10/month 1,000
Flodesk No $35/month N/A

Beehiiv's free plan is a standout, letting you have up to 2,500 subscribers. Sendinblue offers unlimited subscribers for free, but caps daily emails at 300.

Key Features

Beehiiv is built for creators who want to turn newsletters into businesses. It comes with a built-in ad network and referral programs.

Mailchimp is versatile, offering lots of automation and integration options. It's great for small businesses looking to grow, but its free plan now caps at 500 subscribers.

ConvertKit is creator-focused. Its visual automation builder lets you create complex email flows without being a tech whiz.

MailerLite balances simplicity and power. Its drag-and-drop editor is super easy to use, making it perfect for beginners who still want advanced features.

Ease of Use

Flodesk takes the cake for being user-friendly. Its clean, intuitive interface focuses on beautiful design. It's perfect for small businesses and solopreneurs who want pro-looking emails without the headache.

MailerLite is a close second, offering a straightforward experience without skimping on features. It's great for those who want power without all the extra frills.

Automation Capabilities

ConvertKit leads our top picks with its visual automation builder. It's perfect for creating complex email sequences without needing a PhD in tech.

Sendinblue also offers solid automation options, letting you create smart email sequences based on how subscribers behave.

Integration Options

Mailchimp is the king of integrations, connecting smoothly with tons of other tools and platforms. It's perfect if you use multiple software solutions and want them all to play nice together.

Beehiiv, being newer, has fewer direct integrations but works well with Zapier, letting you connect to thousands of apps.

Best for Different Business Needs

  • Creators and newsletter businesses: Beehiiv or ConvertKit
  • E-commerce: Mailchimp or Sendinblue
  • Beginners: MailerLite or Flodesk
  • Advanced automation: ConvertKit or Sendinblue
  • Scalability: Mailchimp or Beehiiv

Which Platform Should You Choose?

Picking the right newsletter platform can make a big difference in your email marketing. Here's a breakdown of top options for different needs:

Mailchimp: Best Overall

Mailchimp is still a top choice for small businesses in 2024. It offers:

  • Free plan for up to 500 subscribers
  • Easy-to-use interface
  • Advanced automation
  • Lots of integrations

Mailchimp works well whether you're just starting or growing bigger. As PCMag editors say, "Mailchimp has long occupied that position" as a market-leading email marketing solution.

MailerLite: Best for Beginners

New to email marketing? MailerLite is a great start:

  • Free plan: 1,000 subscribers, 12,000 emails/month
  • Simple drag-and-drop editor
  • Clean interface

Don't let the simplicity fool you. MailerLite still offers automation, landing pages, and even a photo editor. Over 450,000 businesses use it, so it's a solid choice for newbies.

Brevo (formerly Sendinblue): Best Budget Option

Watching your wallet? Brevo (previously Sendinblue) gives you bang for your buck:

  • Free plan: Unlimited contacts (300 emails/day)
  • Paid plans from $25/month for 10,000 emails
  • Good automation features
  • SMS marketing included

Brevo charges mainly per email, not per subscriber. This works well if you have a big list but don't send tons of emails.

Beehiiv: Best for Scaling

Want to turn your newsletter into a business? Check out Beehiiv:

  • Free plan: Up to 2,500 subscribers
  • Built-in money-making tools (ads, referrals)
  • Modern, sleek interface

Beehiiv is growing fast. CEO Tyler Denk shared: "It took beehiiv 14 months to go from zero to $1M ARR but less than 3 months to go from $1M to $2M ARR." It's built for creators who want to grow and make money from their audience.

Klaviyo: Best for E-commerce

If you're selling stuff online, Klaviyo is worth a look:

  • Deep e-commerce integrations
  • Advanced segmentation and personalization
  • Detailed reporting and analytics

Starting at $45/month for 15,000 emails, Klaviyo isn't cheap. But its powerful e-commerce features can boost your sales, making it worth it for online stores.

When choosing, think about what you need, your budget, and your growth plans. Many platforms offer free trials, so you can test them out. The best platform is the one that fits your goals and helps you connect with your audience.

FAQs

What is the best email platform for business?

Picking the right email platform for your business isn't one-size-fits-all. It depends on what you need. Here's a quick rundown of some top players for 2024:

Brevo is a hit with growing small businesses. It's easy to use and packs a punch with automation.

Mailchimp shines for simple emails and one-off blasts. It's great if you're a small business offering services, online or in-person.

ConvertKit is built for content creators. It helps you make money from your audience and grow your subscriber list.

MailerLite is known for top-notch support. If you're just dipping your toes into email marketing, this could be your go-to.

Klaviyo is the e-commerce king. It lets you get super specific with automation and personalization.

When you're shopping for an email platform, think about:

  • How big your business is and where you want it to go
  • What you can afford
  • What features you can't live without (like automation or detailed analytics)
  • How it'll play nice with your other tools

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