MailerLite vs ConvertKit: Complete Comparison 2023
Table of Contents
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Introduction
In the world of digital marketing, email remains a power player. Its effectiveness and return on investment (ROI) continue to surpass various other marketing channels. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect email marketing tool, you’ve probably encountered MailerLite and ConvertKit. This comprehensive guide will dig into every detail of these two platforms to help you decide which one best fits your needs.
MailerLite vs ConvertKit: Overview
MailerLite: Comprehensive Tool for the Budget-Conscious
MailerLite is known for providing an all-inclusive set of email marketing tools without burning a hole in your pocket. It’s a robust solution that combines affordability with a wide array of features, making it an excellent choice for businesses of all sizes, especially those on a tight budget.
Key Features:
Advanced Segmentation
MailerLite’s advanced segmentation feature allows you to dissect your audience based on their behavior, demographics, geographical locations such as time zones, and more. This feature allows for personalized email campaigns that can resonate with each subset of your audience, leading to higher engagement rates and ultimately, a better return on your marketing efforts.
A/B Testing
To ensure you’re getting the most out of your email campaigns, MailerLite offers an A/B testing feature. This tool allows you to experiment with different variations of your content, including subject lines, email body content, call-to-action placements, and more. By comparing the performance of each version, you can fine-tune your emails for optimal engagement and conversion rates.
Visual Customization
With MailerLite, creating visually appealing emails is a breeze. Its easy-to-use drag-and-drop editor allows for the quick and intuitive designing of emails. You can also incorporate countdown timers into your emails to create a sense of urgency, which can spur your subscribers to take action.
ConvertKit: The Perfect Blend of Simplicity and Powerful Automation
ConvertKit has carved a niche for itself among content creators and marketers by marrying simplicity with powerful automation tools. It’s an efficient platform that enables you to manage your email marketing efforts with ease while providing sophisticated features to optimize your campaigns.
Key Features:
Powerful Automations
ConvertKit shines with its robust automation capabilities. You can easily set up automated email sequences that get triggered based on subscriber actions, allowing for a seamless, hands-off approach to email marketing. By automating your email marketing processes, you free up time to focus on other crucial aspects of your business.
Custom Tagging
ConvertKit’s custom tagging feature is a game-changer for audience segmentation and personalization. By tagging your subscribers based on their actions, interests, or engagement levels, you can send out highly targeted emails that are more likely to elicit a response. This feature sets ConvertKit apart in terms of delivering personalized content to the right audience at the right time.
Mobile-Responsive Emails
In this era of mobile-first internet use, ConvertKit ensures that all the emails designed on its platform are mobile-responsive. This feature guarantees that your emails will display correctly and beautifully on any device, whether it’s a desktop, a tablet, or a smartphone. A great email viewing experience is critical to keep your audience engaged, and ConvertKit has got you covered.
MailerLite vs ConvertKit: Deep-Dive Comparison
After a high-level overview, let’s plunge into a more comprehensive comparison of MailerLite and ConvertKit, examining their user interfaces, design capabilities, automation features, and more.
User Interface: A Battle of Ease and Creativity
Both MailerLite and ConvertKit showcase user-friendly interfaces, but they approach user interaction differently. MailerLite champions an intuitive and visually pleasing interface, supported by drag-and-drop functionalities that make the platform remarkably accessible to users at all technical levels.
On the contrary, ConvertKit emphasizes a minimalistic, creativity-forward design. The emphasis is on straightforward navigation and efficient organization of features, making it perfect for users who favor simplicity with a touch of creativity.
Email Design and Templates: Creativity vs. Content
When it comes to designing emails, MailerLite’s rich template library takes center stage. It offers a vast array of versatile drag-and-drop templates that cater to various styles and communication purposes. This makes it easier for users to design visually appealing emails with relative ease.
ConvertKit, however, adopts a content-forward strategy. The platform provides templates that favor a clean, simple aesthetic that emphasizes the content above all else, catering to creators who prioritize substance over style.
Email Automation: Two Powerhouses
Email automation is a shared strength between the two platforms. But the depth of their features varies. While MailerLite does provide competent automation capabilities, ConvertKit goes a step further with its workflow-based automated emails and advanced subscriber tagging. This makes ConvertKit a more robust solution for businesses looking to refine and automate their email processes deeply.
Landing Page Capabilities: Customization at Its Best
Both MailerLite and ConvertKit support landing page creation, but ConvertKit edges out with more templates and advanced customization options through CSS. This makes it the preferred choice for businesses seeking to create more personalized, brand-aligned landing pages.
Seamless Integration: ConvertKit Shines
Integration with other tools is seamless on both platforms. Still, ConvertKit truly shines in this department. Its broad spectrum of integration options makes it an ideal choice for businesses with extensive workflows that involve numerous digital tools.
Reporting and Analytics: MailerLite’s Winning Edge
In terms of reporting and analytics, MailerLite’s detailed insights give it a winning edge. The platform provides a comprehensive analytics suite, providing a more granular view of campaign performance, and helps users make data-driven decisions effectively.
Mobile Responsiveness: A Tie
When it comes to mobile responsiveness, it’s a tie. Both platforms prioritize the design of mobile-responsive emails, a non-negotiable feature in our mobile-dominated world.
Privacy and Security: Safety First
Given the increasing importance of digital privacy and security, both MailerLite and ConvertKit are diligent in this regard. They are GDPR-compliant and deeply committed to user data privacy, providing peace of mind for users operating in regions with strict data protection regulations.
Deliverability Rate: ConvertKit Excels
While both platforms aim for high deliverability, some users have reported minor issues with MailerLite. In contrast, ConvertKit consistently reports high deliverability rates, making it a more reliable option for businesses where email deliverability is paramount.
Customer Support: MailerLite Stands Tall
In terms of customer support, MailerLite leads with its 24/7 assistance, ensuring users have access to help whenever they need it. This reliable support system gives MailerLite a significant advantage, especially for businesses operating across different time zones.
Sure, here’s a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of MailerLite and ConvertKit in table format:
MailerLite vs ConvertKit: Pricing Comparison
Budget considerations play a significant role in selecting an email marketing platform. Let’s take a closer look at the pricing plans offered by MailerLite and ConvertKit.
MailerLite Pricing
MailerLite is popular among small businesses and startups due to its affordability. Its pricing is based on the number of subscribers, and its cost-effectiveness doesn’t compromise the quality of features offered.
Free Plan
MailerLite’s free plan allows up to 1,000 subscribers, with a monthly limit of 12,000 emails. This plan gives you access to core features such as email automation, landing pages, and a drag-and-drop editor. However, while this plan includes 24/7 customer support for the first 30 days, you’ll have to upgrade to keep this benefit.
Growing Business Plan
- Price starts as low as $9/month
- Unlimited monthly emails
- Allows up to 3 users
- 24/7 email support
- Ability to sell digital products
- Access to unlimited templates
- Features dynamic emails
- Auto resend campaign
- Unlimited websites & blogs
- Unsubscribe page builder
Advanced Plan
- Price starts as low as $18/month
- Unlimited monthly emails
- Allows unlimited users
- 24/7 live chat & email support
- All features in Growing Business, plus
- Facebook integration
- Custom HTML editor
- Promotion pop-ups
- Multiple triggers in automations
- Preference center
- AI writing assistant
- AI subject line generator
- 15% off Google Workspace
✅MAILERLITE’S FULL PRICE LIST✅
In essence, the Advanced Plan offers all the features of the Growing Business Plan but with additional features. The Advanced plan includes more comprehensive automation capabilities, support for more users, enhanced support options, and additional tools for customization and optimization (like the AI writing assistant and AI subject line generator). Also, it offers an additional benefit of 15% off Google Workspace.
ConvertKit Pricing
ConvertKit’s pricing structure is also based on the number of subscribers. It’s considered slightly pricier but offers an impressive suite of features for content creators and marketers.
Free Plan
ConvertKit’s free plan covers up to 1,000 subscribers and offers unlimited landing pages and forms, email broadcasts, and the ability to sell digital products and subscriptions.
Creator Plan
- Price starts as low as $9/month
- Unlimited landing pages
- Unlimited forms
- Unlimited broadcasts
- Audience tagging and segmentation
- Sell digital products & subscriptions
- Live chat & email support
- Creator Network
- Free migration from another tool
- Automated email sequences
- Visual automation builders
- Third-party integrations
- One additional team member
Creator Pro Plan
- Price starts as low as $25/month
- Unlimited landing pages
- Unlimited forms
- Unlimited broadcasts
- Audience tagging and segmentation
- Sell digital products & subscriptions
- Priority live chat & email support
- Creator Network
- Free migration from another tool
- Automated email sequences
- Visual automation builders
- Third-party integrations
- Unlimited team members
- Newsletter referral system
- Subscriber scoring
- Advanced reporting
✅CONVERTKIT’S FULL PRICE LIST✅
Essentially, the Creator Pro Plan includes all the features of the Creator Plan, but it offers additional benefits such as priority support, the ability to add unlimited team members, and advanced tools for enhancing engagement and analysis (like subscriber scoring and advanced reporting). It also provides a newsletter referral system that could be useful for growing your subscriber list.
Other Email Marketing Platforms to Consider
While MailerLite and ConvertKit stand tall as robust email marketing tools, it’s worth noting other viable contenders in this space. These solutions each bring unique strengths to the table, catering to different needs and budgets. Here’s a quick overview of other popular email marketing platforms:
AWeber
As a forerunner in the email marketing domain, AWeber’s broad set of features aims to enhance audience engagement and deliverability. It’s a solid choice for businesses seeking a comprehensive solution for all their email marketing needs.
ActiveCampaign
ActiveCampaign stands out with its stellar marketing automation and CRM capabilities, offering a holistic solution for businesses seeking to streamline their marketing efforts and manage customer relationships effectively.
✅ACTIVECAMPAIGN OFFICIAL WEBSITE✅
✅READ OUR ACTIVECAMPAIGN REVIEW✅
GetResponse
This platform showcases an array of marketing tools, including email marketing, landing pages, and webinar software, positioning it as an ideal choice for businesses wanting a multi-pronged approach to their online marketing.
✅GETRESPONSE OFFICIAL WEBSITE✅
Mailchimp
A well-recognized name in the email marketing sphere, Mailchimp provides a user-friendly platform replete with features, including A/B testing, segmentation, and analytics, suitable for businesses of varying sizes.
Moosend
Moosend distinguishes itself with its user-friendly interface and potent automation features. This makes it a fantastic option for beginners and small businesses wanting to automate their email marketing with ease.
Sender
Valued for its affordability and user-friendly interface, Sender is excellent for businesses on a tight budget. Despite its affordable price tag, it doesn’t skimp on the range of features offered.
SendX
SendX, an email marketing software, prides itself on its simplicity and high deliverability. Its clean and intuitive interface makes it ideal for those stepping into the world of email marketing.
Benchmark Email
This platform focuses on delivering a seamless user experience paired with powerful email marketing tools, including automation. This makes it a well-rounded solution for businesses, irrespective of their size.
✅BENCHMARK EMAIL OFFICIAL WEBSITE✅
✅READ OUR BENCHMARK EMAIL REVIEW✅
EmailOctopus
A noteworthy mention is EmailOctopus. Known for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, EmailOctopus provides a reliable email marketing solution that aligns well with budget-conscious businesses. It offers essential features like automation, segmentation, and analytics, making it a compelling, no-frills choice.
✅EMAIL OCTOPUS OFFICIAL WEBSITE✅
✅READ OUR EMAIL OCTOPUS REVIEW✅
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the key difference between MailerLite and ConvertKit?
The key difference lies in their focus. MailerLite emphasizes affordability and simplicity, making it ideal for small businesses or startups. ConvertKit, on the other hand, offers more advanced automation features and caters more towards content creators and marketers.
Q: Which platform is more affordable, MailerLite or ConvertKit?
MailerLite generally comes out as more affordable, with a lower cost for premium plans based on subscriber counts. However, both platforms offer free plans that provide a good range of services.
Q: Which platform is better for email automation?
Both platforms offer email automation, but ConvertKit is known for its more advanced and powerful automation features, which can be particularly beneficial for content creators and marketers.
Q: Does MailerLite have better customer support than ConvertKit?
MailerLite offers 24/7 customer support in its paid plans, whereas ConvertKit’s basic paid plan does not include priority support – this is only available in its ‘Creator Pro’ plan.
Q: Which tool has better design and customization features?
While both tools offer a good range of customization features, MailerLite’s drag-and-drop editor and visual customization options might make it more appealing to those prioritizing design flexibility. ConvertKit focuses more on simplicity and text-based emails.
Q: Which platform is better for large businesses?
While both platforms can cater to large businesses, ConvertKit’s advanced automation features and content-focused approach may be more suitable for larger organizations with complex email marketing needs.
Q: Which platform offers better integration options?
Both MailerLite and ConvertKit offer a broad range of integrations, but ConvertKit particularly stands out with its workflow automation and integration options.
Q: How do the free plans of MailerLite and ConvertKit compare?
Both platforms offer free plans. MailerLite’s free plan allows up to 1,000 subscribers and 12,000 emails per month, while ConvertKit’s free plan covers up to 1,000 subscribers with no limit on emails. However, certain advanced features are only available in their respective paid plans.
Q: Can I sell products directly on these platforms?
Yes, both platforms allow selling products and subscriptions, but their approaches differ. ConvertKit does it in-platform, while MailerLite requires a Stripe setup.
Q: Can I try both platforms before making a decision?
Absolutely. Both MailerLite and ConvertKit offer free trials, allowing you to explore their features before deciding on the platform that best fits your needs.
Conclusion
Choosing the right email marketing tool is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your business’s success. Both MailerLite and ConvertKit have robust features and offer unique advantages, making the decision a challenging one.
MailerLite stands out with its affordability, advanced segmentation, and user-friendly visual builder, making it a great choice for businesses on a tight budget or those who prioritize visual customization. On the other hand, ConvertKit shines in its powerful automation capabilities and superior subscriber tagging features, making it the go-to choice for content creators and businesses that prioritize automation and segmentation.
However, the ultimate decision depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. It’s always a good idea to take advantage of free trials and test out each platform to see which one aligns best with your business’s requirements. Ultimately, whether you choose MailerLite or ConvertKit, both are competent platforms that can efficiently support your email marketing campaigns.