In 2024, email marketing remains one of the most cost-effective and ROI-driven marketing strategies for small businesses.
According to recent studies, email marketing delivers an average ROI of $42 for every $1 spent, making it a must-have in every small business’s marketing toolkit.
But with dozens of platforms on the market, which email marketing tools are best suited for small businesses?
In this guide, we’ll explore the best email marketing tools for small businesses in 2024, focusing on ease of use, affordability, automation features, and integrations.
Why Small Businesses Need Email Marketing Tools
Email marketing tools help small businesses:
- Build and nurture customer relationships.
- Promote products and services.
- Drive website traffic and sales.
- Automate follow-ups and customer journeys.
- Analyze campaign performance.
Without the right email marketing platform, small businesses might struggle with:
- Poor deliverability rates.
- Clunky designs and templates.
- Limited automation.
- Compliance issues (like GDPR or CAN-SPAM).
What to Look for in Email Marketing Software for Small Businesses
When choosing an email marketing platform, small businesses should consider:
- Ease of use: Drag-and-drop editors, pre-made templates, and intuitive dashboards.
- Affordability: Budget-friendly pricing with free or entry-level plans.
- Automation features: Ability to set up welcome emails, drip sequences, and abandoned cart reminders.
- Integration capabilities: Connects with CRM, e-commerce, and website platforms.
- Analytics: Track open rates, click-through rates, and conversions.
- Deliverability rates: High inbox placement and spam avoidance.
Best Email Marketing Tools for Small Businesses in 2024
1. Mailchimp
Best all-in-one email marketing tool for small businesses
Mailchimp remains one of the most popular email marketing platforms, offering an all-in-one marketing suite that’s beginner-friendly and affordable.
Key features:
- Drag-and-drop email builder.
- Pre-built templates.
- Marketing automation workflows.
- Landing page and form builders.
- CRM and e-commerce integrations.
Why small businesses love it:
- Free plan for up to 500 contacts.
- Easy to scale as your list grows.
- Robust analytics and A/B testing.
Pricing:
Free plan available; paid plans start at $13/month.
2. Brevo (formerly Sendinblue)
Best affordable email marketing platform with SMS capabilities
Brevo is a powerful, budget-friendly email and SMS marketing platform that offers advanced features like automation and segmentation at affordable rates.
Key features:
- Email and SMS marketing.
- Automation workflows.
- Transactional emails.
- Chat and CRM tools.
- Customizable templates.
Why small businesses love it:
- Pay-as-you-go pricing (based on emails sent, not contacts).
- Unlimited contacts.
- Good deliverability.
Pricing:
Free plan allows 300 emails/day; paid plans start at $25/month.
3. Constant Contact
Best for small businesses needing templates and support
Constant Contact is known for its easy-to-use interface, excellent support, and wide range of email templates, making it ideal for beginners.
Key features:
- 100+ mobile-responsive templates.
- Email automation and drip campaigns.
- Event marketing and surveys.
- Social media tools.
Why small businesses love it:
- Intuitive dashboard.
- Award-winning customer support.
- Great for local businesses and nonprofits.
Pricing:
Starts at $12/month.
4. Moosend
Best budget-friendly email marketing tool with powerful automation
Moosend is a lesser-known gem that offers robust automation features at a low cost, perfect for small businesses on a budget.
Key features:
- Drag-and-drop editor.
- Advanced segmentation.
- Automation templates.
- Real-time analytics.
- Landing page builder.
Why small businesses love it:
- Simple pricing (based on contacts).
- Excellent automation for the price.
- 30-day free trial with no credit card.
Pricing:
Starts at $9/month.
5. GetResponse
Best all-in-one marketing solution with webinars and funnels
GetResponse goes beyond email marketing, offering funnels, webinars, and marketing automation in one platform—great for small businesses looking to scale.
Key features:
- Email templates and automation.
- Sales funnels and landing pages.
- Webinars and SMS marketing.
- CRM and list management.
- AI-powered tools.
Why small businesses love it:
- All-in-one platform saves money on multiple tools.
- User-friendly funnel builder.
- Scalable as businesses grow.
Pricing:
Starts at $19/month.
6. AWeber
Best email marketing tool for beginners
AWeber is one of the oldest email marketing platforms, known for its simplicity and ease of use, making it perfect for non-tech-savvy business owners.
Key features:
- Drag-and-drop email builder.
- Ready-to-use templates.
- Autoresponders.
- Landing page and sign-up forms.
- AI-powered email writing assistant.
Why small businesses love it:
- Free plan up to 500 subscribers.
- Great for solopreneurs and micro-businesses.
- 24/7 customer support.
Pricing:
Free plan available; Pro plans start at $19.99/month.
7. ConvertKit
Best for creators and bloggers
ConvertKit is tailored for creators, bloggers, and personal brands, offering simple email marketing with powerful automation for content creators.
Key features:
- Email sequences and automation.
- Landing page builder.
- Visual automation builder.
- Creator-friendly templates.
- Subscriber tagging.
Why small businesses love it:
- Easy list management and segmentation.
- Perfect for those selling digital products.
- Integrates with e-commerce platforms.
Pricing:
Free plan for up to 1,000 subscribers; paid plans start at $15/month.
Bonus Tools to Consider
- MailerLite: Clean UI, affordable pricing, and automation features—great for minimalist businesses.
- Benchmark Email: Simple email marketing with strong reporting tools.
- Zoho Campaigns: Ideal for businesses already using Zoho CRM and other Zoho tools.
How to Choose the Best Email Marketing Tool for Your Small Business
- Define your goals: Do you need basic email campaigns, or do you also need landing pages, automation, or SMS marketing?
- Consider your list size: Some tools charge per contact; others per email sent.
- Test user experience: Look for drag-and-drop editors and easy list management.
- Evaluate integrations: Ensure compatibility with your CRM, website, and other tools.
- Review support options: Check if they offer chat, email, or phone support.
Best Practices for Email Marketing Success in 2024
- Personalize your emails: Use dynamic content and merge tags.
- Segment your list: Send targeted campaigns based on behavior or demographics.
- Use automation: Set up welcome emails, birthday emails, and drip sequences.
- A/B test campaigns: Test subject lines, CTAs, and content for better performance.
- Ensure mobile responsiveness: Over 60% of emails are opened on mobile devices.
- Monitor analytics: Track open rates, click-through rates, and conversions to optimize.
Final Thoughts: Boost Your Small Business with the Right Email Marketing Tool
Choosing the right email marketing software for your small business is critical for building relationships, driving sales, and scaling growth.
Whether you choose Mailchimp for its all-in-one capabilities, Brevo for its affordable email and SMS combo, or ConvertKit for its creator-focused features, the key is to pick a platform that matches your business needs and budget.
Start small, test campaigns, and scale as your business grows.
In 2024, email marketing continues to be the king of digital marketing—and the right tool can help you stay ahead of the competition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the best free email marketing tool for small businesses?
A: Mailchimp and Brevo offer generous free plans suitable for most small businesses.
Q2. Which email marketing tool is best for beginners?
A: AWeber and Constant Contact are both beginner-friendly with intuitive interfaces.
Q3. What is the cheapest email marketing platform for small businesses?
A: Moosend and MailerLite offer some of the most affordable plans with great features.