Best Email Marketing Services: Guide for Small Businesses

Published on 31 July 2023 9 min read

What is email marketing?
Why email marketing matters for small businesses
Features to look for in an email marketing service
Top 5 email marketing services
How to choose the right email marketing service
How to set up your email marketing service
Best practices for using your email marketing service
Email marketing service FAQs

Imagine this: You're a small business owner looking to make your mark, and you've heard whispers about the magic of email marketing. But you're left wondering, "Which email marketing is best for small business owners?" That's where this guide comes in. We'll explore the ins and outs of email marketing—what it is, why it matters for small businesses, and how to choose the best service that works for you. So, let's not keep you waiting and dive straight into the world of email marketing!

What is email marketing?

Think of email marketing as the friendly neighborhood postman for your business, but instead of delivering mail to homes, it sends digital messages directly to your customers' inboxes. It's a powerful tool that helps you communicate with your audience, share updates, promote products and services, and build stronger relationships. So, how does it work?

Build your list: This is your starting point. You gather email addresses from people interested in your business. You can do this through sign-up forms on your website or social media pages.
Create your content: This is where you get to shine. You create engaging emails to send to your list. These could be newsletters, promotional offers, or updates about your business.
Hit send: Using an email marketing service, you send your content to the people on your list. The beauty of email marketing is that you can reach hundreds, if not thousands, of people with a single click.
Analyze and adjust: After sending your emails, you can check how they're performing. Are people opening them? Are they clicking on the links? This information helps you make your future emails even better.

And there you have it—the basics of email marketing! It might seem a bit tricky at first, but once you get the hang of it, email marketing can become one of your biggest allies in growing your small business. So, the big question remains: which email marketing is best for small business owners? Stick around, and we'll answer just that!

Why email marketing matters for small businesses

Small business owners like you often wear many hats. You're the CEO, the salesperson, the customer service rep, and now, the marketer. It might seem like a lot, but here's the deal: email marketing can be the secret weapon you need to level up your game. Here's why:

Easy on the budget: Unlike other forms of marketing that might require a chunk of your budget, email marketing is cost-effective. You can reach a large number of people without breaking the bank. So, if you're wondering which email marketing is best for small business owners, the answer is one that fits your budget without compromising on features.
Direct communication: Instead of hoping your customers see your latest post or ad, you can deliver your message straight to their inbox. This direct line of communication makes email marketing a powerful strategy for small businesses.
Boosts customer relationships: Emails aren't just for selling. They're for sharing updates, telling stories, and connecting with your customers on a personal level. This connection is crucial for small businesses aiming to build a loyal customer base.
Drives results: With the right strategy, email marketing can drive traffic to your website, increase sales, and help your business grow. It's all about finding the right balance between providing value and promoting your offerings.

So, if you're a small business owner pondering over which email marketing is best, remember this: the best email marketing service for you is the one that allows you to connect with your customers, promote your business, and stay within your budget. In the next sections, we'll talk about some of the best services out there and how to choose the one that's right for you. Stay tuned!

Features to look for in an email marketing service

Okay, so you're on board with giving email marketing a shot. But with so many options out there, how do you know which email marketing is best for small business owners like you? Well, there are a few key features you should keep an eye out for:

User-friendly interface: You've got enough on your plate. You don't need an email marketing service that's going to add more stress to your day. Look for a service that's easy to use with a clear, intuitive interface.
Email automation: This is a big one. With email automation, you can set up emails to send out at specific times or based on certain actions. This way, you're always connecting with your customers, even when you're busy doing other things.
Design options: Your emails should reflect your brand. Look for a service that offers a variety of design options so you can create emails that truly represent your business.
Reporting tools: To understand which email marketing is best for your business, you need to track how your emails are performing. Good reporting tools will show you open rates, click-through rates, and other important metrics.
Customer support: If something goes wrong, it's nice to know there's someone there to help. Good customer support can be a lifesaver when you're navigating the world of email marketing.

Of course, every business is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. That's why it's important to consider your specific needs and objectives when choosing an email marketing service. In the next section, we'll introduce you to some of our top picks.

Top 5 email marketing services

Now that we know what features to look for, let's dive into some specific services. Here are my top five picks for the title of "which email marketing is best for small business owners?"

Mailchimp: This is a big name in email marketing, and for good reason. Mailchimp offers a user-friendly interface, great design options, and robust reporting tools. Plus, their free plan is perfect for small businesses just starting out.
Constant Contact: Known for its impeccable customer support, Constant Contact also offers a wide range of templates and tools to help you create effective email campaigns.
SendinBlue: If you're looking for powerful email automation features, SendinBlue has you covered. This service also offers a built-in CRM to help you manage your customer relationships.
Drip: Drip is a great option for e-commerce businesses. It offers advanced segmentation options, letting you send targeted emails based on customer behavior.
AWeber: With a wide range of templates and a powerful autoresponder, AWeber is a reliable choice for any small business owner looking to get started with email marketing.

Remember, the best email marketing service for your business will depend on your specific needs and goals. But no matter which one you choose, these services can help you connect with your customers and grow your business.

How to choose the right email marketing service

Choosing the right email marketing service can feel like a big task. But don't worry, I'm here to help you make an informed decision. Let's take a look at some things you should consider to figure out which email marketing is best for your small business.

Your budget: If you're just starting out, you might want to opt for a service that offers a free or low-cost plan. As your business grows, you can upgrade to a plan with more features.
Your business needs: Different businesses have different needs. If you're an eCommerce business, for example, you might want a service that offers advanced segmentation options. If customer service is your top priority, choose a service known for its support.
Your comfort with technology: Not all email marketing services are created equal when it comes to ease of use. If you're not super tech-savvy, you might want to choose a service with a user-friendly interface.
Features offered: Make sure the service you choose offers the features you need. This could be anything from automation tools to a built-in CRM.

Remember—you know your business best. With a little bit of research and some soul-searching about what you really need, you'll be well on your way to choosing the right email marketing service for your small business.

How to set up your email marketing service

Once you've picked out the perfect email marketing service for your small business, the next step is to get it up and running. It might seem daunting, but it's really not as complex as it sounds. Let's break it down into simple steps:

Create an account: This one's pretty straightforward. Simply visit the website of the service you've chosen and sign up. You'll need to provide some basic information about your business and, of course, your email address.
Build your email list: Now, it's time to bring in your audience. You can do this by importing an existing list of contacts, or by using sign-up forms on your website and social media pages to attract new subscribers.
Design your email: Most email marketing services offer a range of templates to choose from. Pick one that aligns with your brand and start customizing. Add your logo, text, images, and any other content you want to include.
Set your sending schedule: Decide when you want your emails to go out. Do you want to send weekly newsletters? Daily deals? Monthly updates? The choice is yours. Just make sure to keep it consistent.
Test and send: Before you hit send, make sure to test your email. This will help you catch any errors or issues. Once you're happy with everything, it's time to send your email out into the world!

And there you have it! You're now well on your way to becoming an email marketing pro. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be afraid to experiment and learn as you go.

Best practices for using your email marketing service

You've set up your email marketing service — congrats! But, how do you make sure that you're using it in the best possible way? Well, here are some best practices that can help you make the most of your email marketing efforts:

Always ask for permission: It's important to only send emails to people who have given their consent. This not only shows respect for your audience's inbox, but also helps you avoid being flagged as spam.
Keep your emails relevant: Your subscribers have trusted you with their email address because they're interested in what you have to say. So, give them what they want! Tailor your content to your audience's needs and interests.
Make it personal: Personalization can go a long way in email marketing. Use your subscriber's name, recommend products based on their browsing history, or send birthday wishes. It's all about making them feel special.
Don’t overdo it: The goal is to keep your audience engaged, not overwhelmed. Bombarding them with too many emails can lead to unsubscribes.
Monitor your performance: Keep an eye on your email metrics. How many people are opening your emails? Clicking on your links? Unsubscribing? These stats will give you insight into what's working and what's not, helping you improve your strategy over time.

Remember, the key to successful email marketing is understanding your audience and delivering value in every email. So, take a moment to think: what can you do to make your emails more helpful, more interesting, or more valuable for your subscribers? The answer to that question is the secret to mastering the art of email marketing for your small business.

Email marketing service FAQs

As you journey into the world of email marketing, it's normal to have a few questions up your sleeve. So, let's tackle some common queries that small business owners often grapple with when deciding which email marketing is best for their needs.

Can I start email marketing for free? Yes, many email marketing services offer free plans, allowing you to get your feet wet without any financial risk. However, these plans often come with limitations, such as a cap on the number of subscribers or emails you can send per month.
How often should I send marketing emails? There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The frequency of your emails will depend on your audience's preferences and the nature of your content. The key is to maintain a balance — you want to stay on your subscribers' radar without overwhelming them.
What should I include in my marketing emails? Your marketing emails should provide value to your subscribers. This could be in the form of informative content, exclusive offers, or updates about your business. Remember, the aim of your emails should be to build a relationship with your audience, not just to sell.
Is email marketing still effective? Yes, it is! Despite the rise of social media, email marketing remains one of the most effective marketing strategies for small businesses. Why? Because it allows you to reach your audience directly, build relationships, and drive conversions.

Still have questions? Don't worry, it's a learning process. With time, patience, and a bit of trial and error, you'll soon be an email marketing pro!

If you're eager to learn more about how email marketing can benefit your small business, be sure to join Tom Glendinning's workshop, 'Grow Your Career with an Email List.' In this workshop, you'll discover effective strategies and best practices for building and maintaining an email list that will help you expand your business and reach new heights of success.