MailerLite vs Constant Contact
When deciding between MailerLite vs Constant Contact, it’s important to understand how each platform stacks up in terms of features, pricing, and ease of use. Both are popular email marketing tools, but they cater to different types of businesses and needs. In this comparison, we’ll explore the strengths and weaknesses of each platform to help you choose the best option for your email marketing campaigns. Whether you’re a small business owner or an experienced marketer, this guide will provide the insights you need to make an informed decision.
Pricing and Plans
When comparing MailerLite vs Constant Contact, pricing plays a crucial role in deciding which platform is the best fit for your email marketing needs. Both services offer different pricing structures based on the number of subscribers and features included.
MailerLite Pricing
MailerLite is known for its affordability and transparent pricing. It offers a free plan that includes up to 1,000 subscribers, 12,000 emails per month, basic email automation, a drag-and-drop editor, and access to landing pages and forms.
For businesses needing advanced features, MailerLite’s paid plans start at $9 per month for 1,000 subscribers, with costs increasing as your email list grows. Higher-tier plans include unlimited monthly emails, advanced automation, A/B testing, and dedicated support.
Constant Contact Pricing
Unlike MailerLite, Constant Contact does not have a free plan but offers a 30-day free trial. Its pricing starts at $12 per month for up to 500 subscribers under the Lite plan, which includes basic email marketing tools, automated welcome emails, and contact list management.
For businesses needing more advanced features like automation, segmentation, and A/B testing, the Standard Plan starts at $35 per month for 500 subscribers.
Which One Offers Better Value?
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option with a free plan, MailerLite is the clear winner. It provides essential features at no cost, making it ideal for small businesses and startups. However, if you prefer a service with extensive customer support and built-in event marketing tools, Constant Contact may be worth the investment.
Email Marketing Features
When comparing MailerLite vs Constant Contact, understanding their email marketing features is essential. Both platforms provide a range of tools to help businesses create, automate, and optimize email campaigns, but they differ in functionality and ease of use.
Email Creation & Templates
MailerLite offers a modern, drag-and-drop email editor with a clean interface. It includes a variety of customizable templates, allowing users to create professional emails without coding skills. Users can also build emails from scratch using the HTML editor.
Constant Contact also provides a drag-and-drop editor but with a more traditional design. It offers a larger selection of pre-designed templates, making it a great choice for users who prefer ready-made designs. However, some templates feel outdated compared to MailerLite’s sleek options.
Automation & Workflow
MailerLite includes advanced automation tools, even in its free plan. Users can set up automated workflows based on subscriber actions, such as welcome emails, abandoned cart sequences, and re-engagement campaigns. The visual automation builder makes it easy to create complex workflows.
Constant Contact offers automation as well, but it is more basic. Users can send welcome emails, birthday emails, and follow-up messages, but the automation options are limited compared to MailerLite’s customizable workflows.
A/B Testing & Optimization
MailerLite allows A/B testing for subject lines, email content, and send times, helping users optimize their campaigns for better engagement. Constant Contact provides A/B testing but only for subject lines, which limits its ability to refine overall campaign performance.
Deliverability & Spam Compliance
Both platforms prioritize high deliverability rates. MailerLite has strong spam compliance measures, ensuring emails reach inboxes instead of spam folders. Constant Contact also maintains good deliverability rates but includes additional tools for list cleaning and reputation management.
Which Platform Offers Better Email Features?
If automation and A/B testing are priorities, MailerLite is the better choice due to its advanced workflow builder and flexible testing options. If you prefer a wide selection of pre-designed templates and simpler automation, Constant Contact may be a better fit.
Email Templates & Design
When comparing MailerLite vs Constant Contact, one of the most important factors to consider is the variety and quality of email templates and design tools each platform offers. The right templates can significantly improve the look of your emails and save time in creating campaigns. Both platforms offer a range of templates, but they differ in terms of design flexibility and options.
MailerLite Email Templates & Design
MailerLite provides a selection of clean, modern email templates suitable for different industries and campaign types. While the number of templates is smaller than Constant Contact’s library, MailerLite focuses on providing high-quality designs that are fully customizable. The drag-and-drop editor makes it easy to create professional-looking emails without any coding skills, and the templates are responsive, meaning they adjust automatically for mobile devices.
For users who want more control over their email design, MailerLite also includes a custom HTML editor, allowing for further customization. Additionally, MailerLite’s templates are simple, which can be a benefit for businesses aiming for a more minimalist and clean design approach. However, for users seeking more intricate and visually rich templates, MailerLite might feel a bit limited.
Constant Contact Email Templates & Design
Constant Contact excels in the number and variety of email templates it offers. With hundreds of pre-designed templates, users can quickly find something suitable for any type of campaign, including newsletters, promotional emails, and event invitations. These templates are not only diverse but are also easy to customize using the drag-and-drop editor. Constant Contact’s templates are highly polished and come with advanced design features like custom fonts and buttons.
Another notable feature of Constant Contact is its “Smart Segmenting” tool, which allows users to personalize email content based on subscriber preferences or behaviors, adding a more personalized touch to designs. However, while the variety is extensive, some users may find the customization options a bit limited compared to MailerLite, especially if they are looking for deeper design flexibility.
Which Platform Offers Better Email Templates & Design?
If you need a wide variety of professional, pre-designed templates, Constant Contact is the better choice due to its large selection. However, if you prefer more design flexibility and don’t mind fewer templates, MailerLite offers a simpler, more customizable approach. Both platforms provide user-friendly drag-and-drop editors, but Constant Contact’s templates may appeal more to users looking for visually rich designs with built-in advanced features.
Integrations & Third-Party AppsPlans
When comparing MailerLite vs Constant Contact, integrations with third-party apps play a crucial role in enhancing functionality. Both platforms offer a variety of integrations with e-commerce, CRM, social media, and productivity tools, but they differ in availability and ease of use.
MailerLite Integrations
MailerLite supports a wide range of integrations, making it a flexible choice for businesses looking to connect with other tools. It integrates seamlessly with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, WordPress, Zapier, and Stripe. These integrations allow users to automate email campaigns, track customer behavior, and process payments directly from their email marketing platform.
For advanced users, MailerLite also provides an open API, enabling custom integrations and deeper customization. This makes it a great choice for businesses with specific workflow requirements.
Constant Contact Integrations
Constant Contact also offers a variety of integrations but focuses more on small business needs. It connects with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, Eventbrite, Salesforce, and QuickBooks. These integrations help businesses streamline event marketing, manage contacts, and track financial data.
Unlike MailerLite, Constant Contact provides built-in social media tools, allowing users to post directly to Facebook and Instagram. While this is useful for social media management, it lacks the flexibility and depth of MailerLite’s API-driven integrations.
Which Platform Offers Better Integrations?
If you need extensive integrations, an open API, and automation flexibility, MailerLite is the better choice. However, if your business relies on built-in social media tools and event management features, Constant Contact might be a more convenient option.
Customer Support & Resources
When comparing MailerLite vs Constant Contact, customer support and educational resources are essential factors to consider. Both platforms provide support options, but they differ in availability, response time, and the variety of resources offered.
MailerLite Customer Support
MailerLite offers email support on all plans, including the free plan. However, live chat support is only available for paid users. The response time is generally fast, and the support team is known for being helpful and knowledgeable.
In addition to direct support, MailerLite provides a comprehensive knowledge base with step-by-step tutorials, video guides, and blog articles covering various email marketing topics. It also offers free webinars and a community forum where users can exchange ideas and solutions.
Constant Contact Customer Support
Constant Contact provides more extensive customer support options. Unlike MailerLite, it offers phone support in addition to live chat and email support. This makes it a great choice for users who prefer direct assistance. Phone support is available Monday through Saturday, while live chat is accessible during business hours.
Constant Contact also provides a large resource library, including webinars, marketing guides, and a community forum. The platform frequently hosts live training sessions, making it easier for users to learn best practices.
Which Platform Has Better Customer Support?
If phone support and immediate assistance are a priority, Constant Contact is the better option. However, if you prefer a self-service approach with a strong knowledge base and community support, MailerLite offers excellent resources at a lower cost.
Pros and Cons
When comparing MailerLite vs Constant Contact, each platform has its strengths and weaknesses. Understanding the pros and cons of both can help you choose the right email marketing tool for your business.
MailerLite Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable Pricing: MailerLite offers a free plan and lower-cost paid plans, making it budget-friendly.
- Modern & User-Friendly Interface: The platform is easy to navigate, with a clean design and drag-and-drop editor.
- Advanced Automation: Users can create multi-step email workflows with triggers and conditions.
- A/B Testing: Allows testing of subject lines, content, and send times to optimize campaigns.
- Strong Deliverability Rates: Ensures emails land in inboxes rather than spam folders.
- Open API for Custom Integrations: Businesses with advanced needs can integrate MailerLite with their systems.
Cons:
- Limited Customer Support on Free Plan: Live chat is only available for paid users.
- Fewer Pre-Made Templates: While customizable, MailerLite has a smaller selection compared to Constant Contact.
- Basic Social Media Tools: Lacks built-in social media posting features.
Constant Contact Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Robust Customer Support: Offers phone, live chat, and email support, even for new users.
- Wide Range of Email Templates: Provides a large selection of pre-designed templates for easy customization.
- Social Media & Event Marketing: Includes tools for social media posting and event promotions.
- Beginner-Friendly Features: Simple automation tools make it easy for beginners to get started.
Cons:
- No Free Plan: Unlike MailerLite, Constant Contact only offers a 30-day free trial.
- Higher Pricing: Paid plans start at a higher price, making it less budget-friendly for small businesses.
- Limited A/B Testing: Only supports subject line testing, while MailerLite offers more flexibility.
- Basic Automation: Lacks advanced automation workflows compared to MailerLite.
Conclusion
In the battle of MailerLite vs Constant Contact, both platforms offer strong email marketing solutions, but the best choice depends on your specific needs and budget.
MailerLite is ideal for small businesses, startups, or those with tight budgets. Its free plan, advanced automation features, and low-cost paid plans make it an excellent option for those just starting with email marketing or looking to scale without breaking the bank. The modern interface, powerful automation workflows, and robust integrations further enhance its value.
On the other hand, Constant Contact shines for users who need reliable customer support, a wide range of pre-designed templates, and tools for event marketing or social media management. Its higher pricing and lack of a free plan may not suit everyone, but its strong customer support and ease of use make it a solid choice for beginners or businesses looking for more hand-holding.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for a cost-effective, feature-rich option with great flexibility, MailerLite might be the better fit. However, if customer support, templates, and event management are top priorities, Constant Contact offers the comprehensive tools you need to grow your business.
By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each platform, you can confidently choose the one that aligns best with your email marketing goals.
