MailChimp is an always-on, cloud-based Email Service Provider (ESP) for small businesses. The platform empowers users to connect with their target audiences, build engaging relationships, and convert prospects into customers through the power of email marketing.

MailChimp is what many consider to be the best email marketing platform on the market today. A forever free plan, intuitive user interface, and highly innovative tools are just a few of the reasons why MailChimp is such a force to b reckoned with. It’s indisputably one of the largest email marketing automation software platforms, with 16+ million users.

Check out our roundup of the Best Email Marketing Software

How it’s different

MailChimp stands out as one of the most recognizable brands for two reasons:

Forever Free Plan

Even though some email service providers offer free plans, MailChimp’s free plan is extraordinary. With the free plan, users can send up to 12,000 emails per month and manage up to 2,000 contacts/subscribers.  The plan is free forever and offers access to a suite of tools and templates that streamline the creation of email marketing campaigns. Some of the salient tools available on this plan include A/B split testing tools, basic reports, and segmentation & groups.

Automation tools that are usually premium features on other ESPs are offered through this plan for free. While this free plan doesn’t provide access to all of MailChimp’s features, but it is comprehensive enough for marketing newbies and many small businesses.

Simplistic Automation Capabilities

Another unique attribute of MailChimp is its simplistic automation capabilities. In layman’s terms, you don’t have to be a tech whiz or a designer to use it. There are 10+ automation options designed to help small business build reputable brands, boost customer loyalty, and sell more. This automation saves time and enables users to get more output with less effort.

For example, MailChimp comes with welcome automation that enables you to follow up new subscribers with less hassle. Other notable automation tools include RSS-to-email, abandoned cart emails, product retargeting, and customer re-engagement.

Who it’s best for

MailChimp is designed for companies of all types and sizes. The solution provides tools that enable bloggers, eCommerce stores, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and small business owners to create – and manage – campaigns with ease.

If ESP integrations are important to you, then MailChimp is for you. The application integrates with hundreds of third-party niche apps including Shopify, WordPress, and Zapier. More importantly, MailChimp is designed for beginners and marketers looking for an all-inclusive marketing suite that is available at an affordable price.

One thing to note is that MailChimp is all about running opt-in-based lead generation campaigns. So, it’s best for marketers who value features like landing pages, opt-in forms, and automated drip campaigns.  It’s not a good option if you’re planning on buying lists and cold emailing them.

Pricing

MailChimp offers a simplified pricing structure with both pay-as-you-go and monthly subscription plans. Pricing is based around the number of subscribers and emails sent per month.

• Free Plan – The Forever Free Plan is best for new business and individuals with modest needs. While it doesn’t provide all the features of a premium plan, it still offers a lot. You’ll be able to access all of MailChimp’s features, minus spam filter diagnostics, autoresponders, email client responding, send time optimization, advanced segmentation, and social pros.
• MailChimp Grow – This plan starts at $10 per month and is best for businesses managing 2000+ subscribers who need to send more than 12,000 emails per month. With this plan, you’ll have access to all the features in the free plan, plus add-ons like send time optimization, predicted demographics, and delivery by time zone.
• MailChimp Pro – This plan starts at $199/month, and gives enterprise business owners access to all the bells and whistles of MailChimp. It includes all features included in the Grow Plan, plus advanced segmentation and multivariate testing.

OF NOTE: MailChimp provides a pay per use pricing, which allows businesses to compute a custom price based on their total subscribers and list size.

Customer support

MailChimp has an extensive support system that includes a responsive live chat, email support, thorough documentation, and active community groups via social media. Moreover, there is an across-the-board blog and knowledge base featuring content that answers the most common MailChimp-related questions.

Surprisingly, MailChimp doesn’t provide phone support, and the Free Plan doesn’t include ongoing customer support at all. With this basic plan, you’ll only have access to email support for 30 days. No live chat is available.

Pros

• A generous free plan
• An innovative template editor
• Simplistic automation options
• Comprehensive reporting

Cons

• Limited email automation
• High-cost subscription plans

Rating breakdown

• Overall: 4.8
• Features: 5
• Price: 5
• Ease of Use: 4
• Customer Service: 5