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# Finding the Right Email Marketing Software: A Journey Beyond MailChimp

Choosing the right email marketing software can be a daunting task, especially after years of sticking with one platform. After a long-term relationship with MailChimp, the author decides it’s time to break free and find a better option. This article outlines the frustrations with MailChimp and the rigorous process undertaken to find a suitable replacement.

## The Frustration with MailChimp

For years, the author relied on MailChimp for their email marketing efforts at Atlas, a software company they started with a friend. Their needs were quite standard: basic automations triggered by user actions and periodic newsletters. However, over time, dissatisfaction built up due to several factors.

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During the past two years, MailChimp increased its pricing three times, pushing the costs higher each time. Beyond just price hikes, there were concerns regarding their billing practices. Initially, MailChimp charged based on subscriber numbers, which seemed straightforward. However, in 2019, they shifted to a model where they charged for “contacts.” This term included not just subscribers but also unsubscribers and non-subscribers, making the billing convoluted.

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With the new tiered pricing system, it became a guessing game; underestimating future growth resulted in unexpected overage charges, which quickly turned into a source of frustration. These pricing strategies contradicted the basic tenets of transparent business practices and left the author feeling jaded. Even the company’s award-winning customer support did not feel genuine, given the subjective nature of such awards.

## The Search for Alternatives

Determined to find a solution, the author embarked on a mission to explore the top 26 email marketing tools. The plan involved analyzing pricing structures, capability requirements, and user-friendliness—all while avoiding the complications associated with MailChimp.

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Initial research revealed that many companies employed similar pricing models to MailChimp, specifically charging based on tiers of contacts. This renewed anxiety as the author skimmed through the offerings to find a platform without the same pitfalls that had plagued their experience with MailChimp.

### Setting Criteria for Selection

**1. No Charging for Unsubscribers:**

The first elimination criterion pertained to companies that counted unsubscribers as contacts. This led to the exclusion of tools like MailMoto, Drip, and AWeber.

**2. Avoiding Hidden Overage Charges:**

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Next, the author avoided companies with hidden overage charges, as running a business should not involve predicting and avoiding potential increased costs. Brands like Constant Contact and GetResponse fell off the list for this reason.

**3. Automatic Tier Adjustments:**

Lastly, the author sought platforms that would automatically adjust tier levels based on their contact list changes. Many providers, despite promising automatic upgrades to higher tiers, required manual intervention for downgrades, which clashed with their desire for simplicity.

By this stage, the author had narrowed potential contenders down to six, which they referred to as the "elite 6."

## Testing the Finalists

With the list of email marketing tools significantly reduced, the author proceeded to test each platform.

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**1. Brevo:**

The first tool tested was Brevo, which had an appealing interface and offered additional products beyond email marketing. Charging based on emails sent rather than contacts made it an attractive option at $95 per month. A thumbs up from the author, Brevo emerged as a strong candidate.

**2. Loops:**

Loops offered a minimalist interface that allowed for necessary email designs, but its automation features fell short of the author’s requirements. At $199 a month, this platform was swiftly eliminated.

**3. Flowes:**

Flowes boasted a very minimalist interface and a great introductory price of $35 per month. However, customer complaints about account management led the author to hesitate, keeping it at a distance for now.

**4. ClickFunnels:**

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Despite its extensive features, ClickFunnels’ clunky email editor and pushy upselling tactics turned the author off, solidifying its spot on the ‘not recommended’ list.

**5. SendPulse:**

This platform's cluttered and overwhelming interface also faced criticism, and with a monthly price of $151, it quickly became an unattractive option.

**6. MailerLite:**

The final choice, MailerLite, captivated the author with its clear and focused email marketing approach. Its automation capabilities aligned perfectly with their needs, and the interface was user-friendly. At $143 a month, MailerLite proved to be an excellent fit.

## Conclusion: A Happy Goodbye to MailChimp

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In the end, the author waves a happy farewell to MailChimp and embraces MailerLite as the new email marketing partner for Atlas. The choice reflects not just a shift towards a reliable platform but a significant commitment to streamlining marketing efforts without falling into the pitfalls experienced with previous systems.

Having gone through this rigorous evaluative process makes it clear that choosing an email marketing tool goes beyond price; it encompasses transparency, usability, and a focus on the user’s needs. As the digital landscape evolves, finding the right software remains paramount for any successful business.