Mailerlite vs. Mailchimp: Which Email Marketing Tool is Right for You?

Tania Pryer
Jun 6
3 min read

When it comes to email marketing, choosing the right platform can feel a bit like trying to pick the perfect lunchtime meal deal - there are so many options, and everyone has a favourite. For me, it’s a split decision: I prefer Mailchimp for my own email marketing, but most of my clients swear by Mailerlite.

So, how do you decide which one is best for your business? Let’s dive into the key features, benefits, and quirks of each platform to help you make the right choice.

Mailerlite: The Underrated Powerhouse

Most of my clients use Mailerlite, and I can see why. It’s user-friendly, affordable, and packed with features that small businesses love. If you’re after simplicity without sacrificing functionality, this might be your go-to.

Why I Love Mailerlite For My Clients:

Ease of Use: Mailerlite’s interface is clean and intuitive. Even if you’re not tech-savvy, you’ll feel right at home.
Budget-Friendly Plans: For businesses watching their pennies, Mailerlite offers excellent value. Their free plan covers up to 1,000 subscribers and 12,000 emails per month - ideal for startups or smaller businesses.
Drag-and-Drop Design: Creating emails is a breeze with Mailerlite’s drag-and-drop editor. No coding skills? No problem.
Automation Features: Need to send a welcome email when someone subscribes? Or a follow-up after a sale? Mailerlite’s automation tools are simple yet effective.
Landing Pages: Not ready for a full-blown website? Mailerlite lets you create beautiful landing pages to capture leads or promote offers.

The Downsides:

Mailerlite is great, but it’s not perfect. Advanced features like A/B testing and complex automations are a bit more limited compared to Mailchimp. Also, while their email templates are decent, they’re not quite as polished or varied as Mailchimp’s.

Mailchimp: The Big Name in Email Marketing

When it comes to email marketing tools, Mailchimp is like the Starbucks of the industry - it’s everywhere, and it has a loyal fanbase (including me). I’ve chosen Mailchimp for my own email marketing because it suits my needs perfectly.

Why I Love Mailchimp For Myself:

Polished Templates: Mailchimp’s email templates are sleek, professional, and easy to customise. I love creating eye-catching campaigns that grab attention.
Advanced Features: From in-depth audience segmentation to A/B testing, Mailchimp offers a level of sophistication that’s hard to beat.
Integrations Galore: Mailchimp connects seamlessly with so many apps and platforms, making it a powerhouse for businesses with complex needs.
Analytics and Insights: I’m a data nerd, so I appreciate Mailchimp’s detailed analytics. Knowing who opened my emails and clicked my links helps me tweak my strategy.

The Downsides:

Mailchimp is fantastic, but it can feel overwhelming if you’re new to email marketing. Plus, their pricing is higher than Mailerlite, which might be a dealbreaker for small businesses.

Which One Is Right for You?

Choosing between Mailerlite and Mailchimp really depends on your business’s needs, budget, and how hands-on you want to be.

Go with Mailerlite if:

You’re a small business or startup on a budget.
You want a simple, no-fuss platform for sending newsletters and automating basic tasks.
You like the idea of having landing pages built into your email marketing platform.

Choose Mailchimp if:

You need more advanced features like A/B testing, detailed audience segmentation, or complex automations.
You have a bigger budget and are ready to invest in a tool with all the bells and whistles.
You want highly polished templates and seamless integrations with other platforms.

Why Not Let Me Handle It?

Here’s the thing: whether you pick Mailerlite or Mailchimp, email marketing takes time. Writing engaging content, designing emails, setting up automations - it can all feel a bit overwhelming, especially when you’ve got a business to run.

That’s where I come in.

With years of experience (and a soft spot for a beautifully crafted email campaign), I can help you make the most of your chosen platform. From setting up your first campaign to managing ongoing email marketing, I’ve got you covered.

So, if you’re ready to free up your time and see results, let’s chat! Drop me a message, and let’s get started. 😊