You’ve just launched your online store, and you’re eager to start driving sales.
But here’s the thing – your beautiful products are just sitting there, waiting to be discovered.
What if I told you there’s a powerful tool that could help you reach your customers directly, build lasting relationships, and skyrocket your sales?
Enter email marketing.
As someone who’s been in the trenches of e-commerce, I can tell you firsthand that email marketing is the secret weapon of successful online stores.
But here’s the catch – not all email marketing platforms are created equal, especially when it comes to the unique needs of e-commerce businesses.
That’s why I’ve put together this guide to the best email marketing platforms for online stores.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll know:
- Which platforms are tailor-made for e-commerce success
- The key features that can make or break your email marketing efforts
- How to choose the perfect platform for your specific online store
So, let’s dive in and unlock the power of email marketing for your e-commerce business!
How I Chose These Platforms
Before we jump into the list, let me give you a behind-the-scenes look at how I selected these platforms.
Here’s what I considered:
- E-commerce focus: Each platform on this list has specific features designed for online stores.
- Ease of use: Because let’s face it, you’ve got enough on your plate running your store.
- Automation capabilities: The ability to set up triggered emails based on customer behavior is crucial for e-commerce success.
- Integrations: Seamless connection with popular e-commerce platforms and tools is a must.
- Pricing: I looked at options suitable for various budget levels, from startups to established stores.
- Scalability: As your store grows, your email marketing platform should be able to keep up.
- User reviews and personal experience: I’ve factored in both my own hands-on experience and feedback from other e-commerce owners.
This list isn’t exhaustive – there are other email marketing platforms out there.
However, these seven represent the cream of the crop for online stores, based on my criteria and experience.
1. Klaviyo
When it comes to email marketing platforms built specifically for online stores, Klaviyo takes the crown.
Here’s why it’s my top pick:
Key Features
- Deep e-commerce integrations: Klaviyo connects seamlessly with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento, pulling in rich customer data.
- Advanced segmentation: Create hyper-targeted email lists based on customer behavior, purchase history, and more.
- Powerful automation: Set up complex flows for abandoned carts, welcome series, post-purchase follow-ups, and more.
- Predictive analytics: Leverage AI to predict customer lifetime value and churn risk.
- Dynamic product recommendations: Automatically showcase relevant products in your emails based on each customer’s preferences.
Why It’s on the List
Klaviyo is the closest thing to an “unfair advantage” in e-commerce email marketing.
It’s like having a team of data scientists and marketing experts working around the clock to optimize your campaigns.
The level of personalization and automation you can achieve with Klaviyo is unmatched.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Built specifically for e-commerce
- Extremely powerful segmentation and automation
- Excellent data analysis and reporting
Cons:
- Can be overwhelming for beginners
- Pricing can get steep as your list grows
I once worked with a small online boutique that switched from a generic email platform to Klaviyo.
Within three months, their email revenue increased by 147%.
The game-changer?
Highly targeted automated flows, like a series that re-engaged customers who hadn’t purchased in 60 days with personalized product recommendations.
If you’re serious about scaling your online store, Klaviyo is the platform to beat.
2. Mailchimp: The All-in-One Marketing Platform
Mailchimp has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a simple email service provider.
Today, it’s a robust marketing platform that caters to businesses of all sizes, including online stores.
Key Features
- User-friendly interface: Mailchimp’s drag-and-drop email builder is intuitive and easy to use, even for beginners.
- E-commerce integrations: While not as deep as Klaviyo’s, Mailchimp offers solid integrations with major e-commerce platforms.
- Multi-channel marketing: Beyond email, Mailchimp allows you to create social media ads, landing pages, and even postcards.
- Basic automation: Set up simple automated flows like welcome series and abandoned cart reminders.
- Free plan available: Great for small businesses just starting out.
Why It’s on the List
Mailchimp earns its spot on this list due to its versatility and ease of use.
It’s a great option for small to medium-sized online stores that want a single platform to handle multiple marketing channels.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Easy to use, especially for beginners
- All-in-one marketing solution
- Generous free plan for small lists
Cons:
- E-commerce features not as advanced as specialized platforms
- Can get expensive as your list grows
- Limited automation capabilities compared to more advanced options
3. Omnisend: The Rising Star in E-commerce Email Marketing
If Klaviyo and Mailchimp had a baby focused solely on e-commerce, it would be Omnisend.
This platform has been gaining serious traction in the online store space, and for good reason.
Key Features
- E-commerce-centric automation: Create sophisticated workflows tailored for online stores, including browse abandonment, product abandonment, and cart recovery.
- Cross-channel messaging: Seamlessly combine email, SMS, web push notifications, and more in your marketing flows.
- Dynamic product recommendations: Automatically showcase relevant products based on customer behavior and preferences.
- Advanced segmentation: Create highly targeted segments based on customer data and shopping behavior.
- User-friendly interface: Despite its powerful features, Omnisend maintains an intuitive, easy-to-use interface.
Why It’s on the List
Omnisend strikes an impressive balance between power and usability.
It offers many of the advanced e-commerce features found in Klaviyo, but with a gentler learning curve and a more affordable price point for growing businesses.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Powerful e-commerce-specific features
- Excellent automation capabilities
- More affordable than some competitors
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Not as well-known as some larger competitors
- Some advanced features only available on higher-tier plans
4. Drip: The Marketer’s Marketing Automation Platform
Drip bills itself as an “E-commerce CRM”, and it lives up to that promise with its focus on customer journey mapping and advanced automation.
Key Features
- Visual workflow builder: Create complex, branching automation workflows with an intuitive drag-and-drop interface.
- Deep e-commerce integrations: Connect seamlessly with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento to leverage rich customer data.
- Advanced segmentation: Create highly targeted segments based on customer behavior, purchase history, and engagement.
- Multi-channel campaigns: Orchestrate campaigns across email, SMS, and social media.
- Revenue attribution: Gain insights into which campaigns and strategies are driving the most revenue.
Why It’s on the List
Drip earns its place on this list due to its powerful automation capabilities and its focus on the entire customer journey, not just email.
It’s particularly well-suited for marketers who love diving deep into data and creating complex, multi-touch campaigns.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely powerful automation capabilities
- Excellent for customer journey mapping
- Strong focus on revenue attribution
Cons:
- Can be complex for beginners
- Some users report a steeper learning curve
- Pricing can be higher than some competitors
5. ActiveCampaign
While not exclusively focused on e-commerce, ActiveCampaign has earned its spot on this list due to its incredibly powerful automation capabilities and its ability to scale with your business.
I worked with a high-end furniture retailer who used ActiveCampaign to completely transform their customer journey.
We set up a series of automations that guided potential customers from their first site visit all the way through to post-purchase follow-ups and referral requests.
One particularly effective automation was a “window shopper” sequence.
If a visitor browsed high-value items multiple times without purchasing, it triggered a series of emails showcasing customer reviews, detailed product information, and eventually a time-limited discount.
This single automation was responsible for a 12% increase in sales of their premium product line.
If you’re looking for a platform that can handle complex, behavior-driven marketing strategies, ActiveCampaign is hard to beat.
Key Features
- Advanced automation builder: Create complex, multi-step automations with ease using their visual flowchart-style builder.
- CRM integration: Built-in CRM functionality allows for seamless sales and marketing alignment.
- Machine learning capabilities: Predictive sending and content features help optimize your campaigns.
- Split testing: Robust A/B testing capabilities for emails, automations, and even entire customer journeys.
- E-commerce integrations: While not as deep as some e-commerce-specific platforms, ActiveCampaign offers solid integrations with major online store platforms.
Why It’s on the List
ActiveCampaign stands out for its ability to create highly sophisticated, behavior-driven email campaigns.
It’s an excellent choice for online stores that want to go beyond basic email marketing and implement advanced marketing automation strategies.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely powerful automation capabilities
- Scalable from small businesses to enterprises
- Strong CRM features for businesses that need them
Cons:
- Can be overwhelming for beginners
- E-commerce features not as specialized as some competitors
- Higher-tier plans can be expensive
6. Constant Contact: Best Small Business-Friendly Option
Constant Contact has been around for a long time, and while it may not be the most cutting-edge platform on this list, it earns its place due to its user-friendliness and solid features for small to medium-sized online stores.
Key Features
- Easy-to-use interface: One of the most intuitive email builders in the industry, perfect for beginners.
- E-commerce integrations: Basic but functional integrations with platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce.
- Event management: Built-in tools for managing and promoting events, which can be great for product launches or in-store events.
- Social media integration: Easily share your email campaigns on social media platforms.
- Basic automation: Set up simple automated flows like welcome series and birthday emails.
Why It’s on the List
Constant Contact is an excellent choice for small online stores or those just getting started with email marketing.
Its simplicity and ease of use make it accessible to business owners who may not have extensive marketing experience.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very user-friendly interface
- Reliable deliverability
- Good customer support
Cons:
- Limited advanced features compared to other platforms
- Automation capabilities are basic
- Can become expensive as your list grows
7. GetResponse
Rounding out our list is GetResponse, a versatile platform that offers a wide range of marketing tools beyond just email.
One of our clients ran an online course business alongside their e-commerce store.
GetResponse was the perfect fit for them because it allowed them to manage their email marketing, host webinars, and create landing pages all within the same platform.
One particularly effective strategy we implemented was using GetResponse’s conversion funnels to create a seamless journey from a free webinar to a paid course offering, and then to related physical products in their store.
This integrated approach resulted in a 28% increase in overall revenue within the first quarter of implementation.
If you’re looking for a jack-of-all-trades platform that can handle various aspects of your online marketing, GetResponse is definitely worth considering.
Key Features
- Comprehensive toolkit: In addition to email marketing, GetResponse offers landing pages, webinars, a CRM, and even a website builder.
- E-commerce features: Solid integrations with major e-commerce platforms and dedicated e-commerce-focused tools.
- Advanced automation: Create complex, multi-step workflows based on subscriber behavior.
- AI-powered tools: Features like the “Perfect Timing” delivery system use machine learning to optimize send times.
- Conversion funnels: Built-in tools to create complete marketing funnels, from acquisition to sale.
Why It’s on the List
GetResponse earns its spot due to its versatility and strong feature set for online stores.
It’s a great option for businesses that want a single platform to handle multiple aspects of their digital marketing.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Wide range of features beyond just email marketing
- Strong automation capabilities
- Good value for the features offered
Cons:
- Interface can be a bit cluttered due to the number of features
- Some users report deliverability issues
- E-commerce features not as advanced as some specialized platforms
Best Email Marketing Platforms for Online Stores Comparison Table
To help you quickly compare these platforms, here’s a handy comparison table:
| Platform | Best For | E-commerce Focus | Ease of Use | Automation | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Klaviyo | Advanced e-commerce | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | $45 |
| Mailchimp | Beginners & SMBs | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | $20 |
| Omnisend | E-commerce growth | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | $16 |
| Drip | Data-driven marketers | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | $39 |
| ActiveCampaign | Advanced automation | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | $15 |
| Constant Contact | Small businesses | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ | $12 |
| GetResponse | All-in-one solution | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | $15.6 |
How to Choose the Right Platform for Your Online Store
Now that we’ve explored the best email marketing platforms for online stores, you might be wondering how to choose the right one for your specific needs.
Here are some key factors to consider:
Business Size and Type
- Are you a small boutique or a large e-commerce operation?
- Do you sell physical products, digital goods, or both?
- How complex is your sales process?
Budget Constraints
- What can you afford to spend on email marketing?
- Remember, most platforms scale pricing based on list size
Desired Features
- Do you need advanced automation?
- How important is deep e-commerce integration?
- Do you want additional features like SMS or social media marketing?
Technical Expertise
- How comfortable are you (or your team) with technology?
- Do you have the resources to learn a complex platform?
Growth Plans
- Where do you see your business in 1-3 years?
- Will the platform scale with your growth?
Integration Requirements
- What other tools do you use in your business?
- Does the email platform need to integrate with them?
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
The best platform for you is the one that aligns with your specific needs, goals, and resources.
Key Takeaways
After diving deep into these best email marketing platforms for online stores, here are the key points to remember:
- Automation is King: In the world of e-commerce, automated flows like abandoned cart reminders, welcome series, and post-purchase follow-ups can dramatically increase your revenue.
- Integration Matters: The deeper your email platform integrates with your e-commerce platform, the more personalized and effective your campaigns can be.
- Segmentation Drives Results: The ability to create highly targeted segments based on customer behavior and purchase history is crucial for maximizing your email marketing ROI.
- Ease of Use vs. Power: There’s often a trade-off between user-friendliness and advanced features. Consider your team’s expertise when choosing a platform.
- Scalability is Crucial: As your online store grows, your email marketing needs will evolve. Choose a platform that can grow with you.
- Multi-Channel Capabilities: While email is powerful, the ability to coordinate your messaging across email, SMS, and social media can take your marketing to the next level.
- Data and Analytics: Look for platforms that provide robust reporting and analytics to help you continually optimize your campaigns.
Conclusion
Choosing the right email marketing platform can be a game-changer for your online store.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your e-commerce business to the next level, there’s a platform on this list that can help you achieve your goals.
Remember, the best email marketing platforms for online stores aren’t just about sending emails – they’re about creating personalized, automated customer journeys that drive sales and build lasting relationships with your customers.
So take the time to evaluate your needs, try out a few platforms, and invest in the one that feels right for your business.
Your future self (and your bottom line) will thank you.
Now, it’s your turn.
What has your experience been with email marketing for your online store?
Are you using any of the platforms we discussed?
I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
Further Reading and Resources
Want to dive deeper into email marketing for your online store? Check out these resources:
- Klaviyo’s E-commerce Benchmark Report
- Shopify’s Ultimate Guide to Email Marketing
- Email Marketing ROI: What’s a Good ROI and How Do You Improve It?
- 15 Email Marketing Metrics You Should Be Tracking
- The Psychology of Email Marketing
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I send marketing emails to my online store customers?
A: The ideal frequency depends on your audience and content. Generally, 1-4 emails per week is a good range for most e-commerce businesses. Always monitor your engagement metrics and adjust accordingly.
Q: Is it worth investing in a paid email marketing platform if I’m just starting out?
A: While there are free options available, paid platforms often offer features crucial for e-commerce success, like advanced segmentation and automation. Consider starting with a basic paid plan and scaling up as your business grows.
Q: How can I improve my email open rates?
A: Focus on crafting compelling subject lines, personalizing your emails, segmenting your list, and optimizing your send times. Also, regularly clean your list to maintain good deliverability.
Q: What’s the most important metric to track for e-commerce email marketing?
A: While all metrics are important, for e-commerce, you should pay close attention to your conversion rate and revenue per email. These directly tie your email efforts to your bottom line.
Q: How can I grow my email list for my online store?
A: Offer incentives for signing up (like discounts or exclusive content), use pop-ups on your website, promote your list on social media, and consider running contests or giveaways to encourage sign-ups.
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