Choose the Best Email Marketing Platform for Ecommerce in 2022
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- About Mailchimp and Klaviyo
- Pricing
- Automation
- Segmentation
- Email Builder
- Analytics
- Bonus Feature: SMS Messaging
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Introduction
In this article, we will compare two popular email marketing platforms for e-commerce stores: Mailchimp and Klaviyo. We'll discuss the features, pricing, automation capabilities, segmentation options, email builders, analytics, and a bonus feature. By the end of this article, you'll have a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of both platforms and be able to make an informed decision on which one is best for your business.
About Mailchimp and Klaviyo
Before we delve into the details, let's briefly introduce Mailchimp and Klaviyo. Mailchimp is a widely used email marketing platform that offers a range of tools for building websites, creating ads, and sending email campaigns. It's designed to be easy to use and is suitable for beginners. Klaviyo, on the other hand, was specifically designed for e-commerce businesses. It provides advanced features and integrations tailored to the unique needs of online stores.
Pricing
When it comes to pricing, Mailchimp has an advantage for users with fewer than 2000 subscribers as its basic plan is free. However, Klaviyo offers a free tier for up to 250 contacts, which may be sufficient for smaller businesses. As you grow and actively work on growing your email list, Klaviyo remains cost-effective compared to Mailchimp in terms of features and scalability.
Automation
Automation is a crucial aspect of email marketing, as it allows for personalized and timely communication with customers. Klaviyo excels in this area, offering a wide range of pre-built automation flows specifically designed for e-commerce businesses. These flows include abandoned carts, order follow-ups, and win-back campaigns. Mailchimp has caught up with automation but still falls short in terms of intuitiveness and the level of customization offered by Klaviyo. Klaviyo wins this round.
Segmentation
Segmentation plays a vital role in targeting the right audience with relevant messages. Here, Klaviyo shines as the king of segmentation. While Mailchimp allows for basic segmenting, Klaviyo provides sophisticated options for creating advanced segments based on various criteria, such as purchase history, interests, and engagement. It also offers native integration with Shopify, making segmentation even more efficient. If you want to take your email marketing to the next level with precise targeting, Klaviyo is the clear winner.
Email Builder
Both Mailchimp and Klaviyo offer intuitive email builders that allow you to create visually appealing emails. While the experience may differ based on personal preference, it ultimately comes down to habit and familiarity with each platform. Mailchimp has recently released a beta version of its email builder, indicating their commitment to improving this aspect of their product. Overall, it's a tie between the two platforms in terms of email builder capabilities.
Analytics
Understanding the performance of your email campaigns is crucial for improving your marketing efforts. Klaviyo outperforms Mailchimp in analytics, providing detailed insights directly within the platform. With Klaviyo, you can easily track email revenue, compare your metrics with industry benchmarks, and gain valuable data to optimize your campaigns. Mailchimp, on the other hand, lacks robust analytics, making it difficult to measure the impact of your email marketing efforts accurately. Klaviyo takes the crown in this round.
Bonus Feature: SMS Messaging
One of the newer trends in e-commerce marketing is SMS messaging. While Mailchimp currently does not offer SMS capabilities, Klaviyo has embraced this feature, allowing you to seamlessly integrate email and SMS marketing on a single platform. With the iOS 15 update limiting the trackability of email open rates, diversifying your channels and incorporating SMS messaging is crucial. This places Klaviyo at an advantage for businesses looking to leverage the power of SMS marketing.
Conclusion
After careful consideration of the various features and capabilities of both platforms, Klaviyo emerges as the overall winner for e-commerce businesses. From its advanced automation options and powerful segmentation capabilities to its robust analytics and integration with SMS messaging, Klaviyo offers a comprehensive solution tailored to the specific needs of online stores. However, it's essential to assess your unique business requirements before making a final decision.
FAQ
-
Q: Which platform is better for beginners?
- A: Mailchimp is more beginner-friendly and offers a simpler interface for those new to email marketing.
-
Q: Can I use Mailchimp with Shopify?
- A: Yes, Mailchimp can be integrated with Shopify, but it requires a third-party tool and may not offer seamless integration compared to Klaviyo's native integration.
-
Q: Does Klaviyo offer pre-built automation flows?
- A: Yes, Klaviyo provides a wide range of pre-built automation flows specifically designed for e-commerce businesses.
-
Q: Is Klaviyo more expensive than Mailchimp?
- A: While Klaviyo may have higher pricing tiers, it offers advanced features and scalability that make it cost-effective for businesses focused on growth and maximizing revenue.