Best Email Marketing Automation Software Shortlist
Here is the shortlist of the email marketing automation software that I recommend, and why.
- Moosend - Best for entrepreneurs
- Campaigner - Best for experienced marketers
- EmailOctopus - Best for beginners
- Mailchimp - Best for growing teams
- Omnisend - Best for customer segmentation
- EngageBay - Best all-in-one tool
- Drip - Best for ecommerce
- GetResponse - Best for small businesses
- Convertkit - Best for content creators
- ActiveCampaign - Best for B2B teams
- Litmus - Best user-friendly email marketing automation software
- Zoho Campaigns - Best for Zoho users
In this article, I will guide you through the best email marketing automation software options for 2023. Drawing from my own professional experience using these tools, I have carefully curated a list of software solutions that excel in terms of features, ease of use, and pricing. You can trust that the recommendations provided here are based on thorough research and a deep understanding of the email marketing landscape.
What is Email Marketing Automation Software?
Email marketing automation software automates various aspects of email marketing campaigns. This allows businesses to send personalized emails to a large audience. Email marketing software often includes features for creating templates, and managing subscriber lists. You can also use it to set up automated workflows triggered by actions or events.
Other features include personalizing content based on subscriber data, scheduling email delivery, and tracking metrics. It also integrates with CRM systems and other tools. The software aims to organize campaigns, save time, and improve email marketing efforts.
Overviews of the 12 Best Email Marketing Automation Software
Below, you'll discover an overview of top-notch email marketing automation software that offers essential features like automation and segmentation. I've researched the key selling points of each software, along with their pros and cons, and provided relevant screenshots of their UIs.
1. Moosend - Best email marketing automation software for entrepreneurs
Why I picked Moosend
I picked Moosend because it offers a user-friendly interface, making it accessible and easy to use. This is especially beneficial for entrepreneurs with limited resources and technical expertise. Moosend's drag-and-drop email editor simplifies the process of creating appealing email templates, and its affordability is another crucial factor for entrepreneurs. It's a cost-effective solution that fits within the budget constraints of early-stage businesses.
Moosend Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include advanced automation capabilities, assisting entrepreneurs with marketing processes, and nurturing leads. Automation features enable personalized customer journeys, helping tailor content and engage audiences. Moosend stood out to me because of their focus on features like cart abandonment emails and product recommendations. These features also make it particularly suitable for ecommerce.
Integrations include both pre-built and native connectors like WooCommerce, Shopify, Ecwid, Magento, Salesforce, Zoho CRM, HubSpot, Pipedrive, WordPress, Blogger, and more. Moosend also supports a RESTful API.
Pricing: From $9/month
Free Trial: 30-day free trial
Pros
- Advanced automation capabilities
- Drag-and-drop email editor
- Excellent customer support
Cons
- Limited CRM functionality
- Limted A/B testing
2. Campaigner - Best email marketing automation software for experienced marketers
Why I picked Campaigner
I chose Campaigner because it offers a useful range of email automation features. These features are best suited for more experienced marketers who can make use of the customizable nature of Campaigner’s workflows. I particularly like the visual builder that comes equipped with a drag-and-drop interface.
Campaigner Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include a drag-and-drop visual builder, customizable workflows and messages, conversion tracking, and autoresponders. Campaigner also offers an extensive list of events, triggers, and condition that experienced marketers can select from to further tailor their email marketing campaigns to specific customer segments.
Integrations include both pre-built and native connectors like Shopify, Magento, Adobe Analytics, Google Analytics, SurveyTown, and more. Connect even more third party platforms with Zapier.
Pricing: from $59/month
Free Trial: 30-day free trial
Pros
- Advanced automation features
- Highly customizable
- Intuitive UI
Cons
- Complex - not great for beginners
- Limited pre-built integrations
3. EmailOctopus - Best email marketing automation software for beginners
Why I picked EmailOctopus
I picked EmailOctopus because it is considered a user-friendly email marketing automation software that's suitable for beginners. EmailOctopus offers a variety of beginner-oriented features such as drag-and-drop editors and basic integrations with popular CRM and ecommerce tools.
EmailOctopus Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include a user-friendly interface, subscriber management, automation workflows, pre-designed email templates, and reporting and analytics. While these features may not be as extensive as some of the other tools on this list, they are easy-to-use and require little training to pick up on quickly.
Integrations include both pre-built and native connectors like Salesforce, Shopify, Eventbrite, WooCommerce, Squarespace, Stripe, Pipedream, GrowSurf, Google Sheets, and more. Connect even more third party platforms with Zapier. EmailOctopus also supports a RESTful API.
Pricing: From $8/month
Free Trial: Freemium version available
Pros
- Easy-to-use
- Cost-effective
- Deliverability and compliance
Cons
- Limited advanced features
- Customization limitations
4. Mailchimp - Best email marketing automation software for growing teams
Why I picked Mailchimp
I selected Mailchimp because it is a highly scalable email marketing automation solution that is a great fit for growing teams. Mailchimp stands out to me because of its extensive feature set that supports collaboration. Additionally, it offers a comprehensive range of training documentation, guides, tutorials, and other support resources that your growing team can reference.
Mailchimp Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include marketing automation, landing pages, audience segmentation, A/B testing, and more. This versatility with offered features helps growing teams diversify their marketing efforts and engage with audiences via multiple channels. Mailchuimp also includes features that support team collaboration, such as multi-user accounts, user roles and permissions, and collaborative workflows.
Integrations include both pre-built and native connectors like Salesforce, Shopify, WordPress, WooCommerce, Facebook, Google Analytics, Stripe, Magento, Eventbrite, and more. Connect even more third party platforms with Zapier. Mailchimp also supports a RESTful API.
Pricing: from $13/month
Free Trial: 30-day free trial and freemium version available
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Advanced automation features
- Wide variety of templates
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Deliverability challenges
5. Omnisend - Best email marketing automation software for customer segmentation
Why I picked Omnisend
I chose Omnisend because it is often praised for its strong customer segmentation capabilities, which makes it standout from the competition. Omnisend offers a wide range of segmentation options to help markets target specific customer segments effectively. It allows segmentation based on various criteria such as demographics, purchase history, engagement levels, and more.
Omnisend Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include dynamic segmentation and behavioral triggers and automation. Omnisend also offers personalization options such as dynamic content blocks, and personalized product recommendations. These capabilities help deliver tailored content to different customer segments, enhancing engagement and conversion rates.
Integrations include both pre-built and native connectors like Shopify, Prestashop, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Facebook Custom Audiences, SMSBump, ReCharge, Google Customer Match, Magento, and more. Connect even more third party platforms with Zapier. Omnisend also supports a RESTful API.
Pricing: from $16/month
Free Trial: Free trial and Freemium version available
Pros
- Multi-channel capabilities
- Advanced automation and workflows
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics
Cons
- Limited CRM functionality
- Limited social media integration
6. EngageBay - Best all-in-one email marketing automation software
Why I picked EngageBay
I picked EngageBay because it is known as an all-in-one email marketing automation software that combines various marketing and CRM functionalities. EngageBay sets itself apart due to its versatility and ability to work well for a variety of different industries, from customer service to enterprise sales.
EngageBay Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include contact management, email marketing automation, landing page customization, CRM pipeline management, live chat and helpdesk, social media management, marketing analytics, SMS marketing, web analytics, and more.
Integrations include both pre-built and native connectors like Gmail, Outlook, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, PayPal, Stripe, and more. Connect even more third party platforms with Zapier. EngageBay also supports a RESTful API.
Pricing: from $14.99/user/month
Free Trial: freemium version available
Pros
- All-in-one solution
- Easy-to-use
- CRM functionality
Cons
- No dedicated mobile app
- Language limitations
7. Drip - Best email marketing automation software for e-commerce
Why I picked Drip
I chose Drip because it is recognized as a powerful email marketing automation software for ecommerce businesses. It has a range of features that help ecommerce businesses segment their customer bases, analyze data, and create personalized and dynamic content.
Drip Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include advanced segmentation, automation workflows, abandoned cart recovery, product recommendations, analytics and insights, customer support, and a scalable infrastructure.
Integrations include both pre-built and native connectors like Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Salesforce, WordPress, Unbounce, Facebook Custom Audiences, Magento, and more. Connect even more third party platforms with Zapier. Drip also supports a RESTful API.
Pricing: from $39/month
Free Trial: 14-day free trial and demo available
Pros
- E-commerce-focused features and integrations
- Advanced segmentation and automation capabilities
- Scalability for growing ecommerce businesses
Cons
- Limited template customization options
- Steep learning curve for complex automation workflows
8. GetResponse - Best email marketing automation software for small businesses
Why I picked GetResponse
I picked GetResponse because it is often considered a reliable email marketing automation software for small businesses. Compared to its competitors, it is easy-to-use, affordably priced, and an all-in-one solution that is best-suited for small businesses who don’t have the resources available to invest in multiple platforms.
GetResponse Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include list building and management, email templates and editor, marketing automation, reporting and analytics, and customer support. It is also scalable and able to accommodate the growth of small businesses.
Integrations include both pre-built and native connectors like Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Salesforce, WordPress, PrestaShop, Salesforce Commerce Cloud, Magento, and more. Connect even more third party platforms with Zapier. GetResponse also supports a RESTful API.
Pricing: from $15.58/month (billed annually)
Free Trial: freemium version available
Pros
- Responsive customer support
- All-in-one marketing solution
- Affordable pricing for small businesses
Cons
- Limited template customization options
- Phone support not available for all pricing plans
9. Convertkit - Best email marketing automation software for content creators
Why I picked Convertkit
I picked Convertkit because it is well-suited to fit the email marketing needs of content creators. Convertkit helps content creators grow their followings by providing resources to subscribers. It also allows content creators to automatically send their latest blog posts or content updates to subscribers via email.
Convertkit Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include a user-friendly visual automation builder, content upgrades, lead magnets, audience segmentation, RSS-to-Email, analytics and reporting, community and support, email templates and editor, and customizable forms and landing pages.
Integrations include both pre-built and native connectors like Shopify, WooCommerce, Teachable, Squarespace, WordPress, ClickFunnels,ThriveCart, Gumroad, and more. Connect even more third party platforms with Zapier. Convertkit also supports a RESTful API.
Pricing: from $9/month (billed annually)
Free Trial: free trial and freemium version available
Pros
- Strong segmentation and automation capabilities
- Easy-to-use
- RSS-to-Email functionality
Cons
- Limited visual design options
- Basic analytics and reporting
10. ActiveCampaign - Best email marketing automation software for B2B teams
Why I picked ActiveCampaign
I chose ActiveCampaign because it is a great fit for B2B teams who need robust automation capabilities, and CRM functionality. ActiveCampaign makes it easy for B2B teams to personalize email campaigns, and segment their customer base as well.
ActiveCampaign Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include advanced reporting and analytics, lead scoring and segmentation, email personalization, CRM functionality, advanced automation features, personalized support and resources, website tracking, and event tracking.
Integrations include both pre-built and native connectors like Shopify, WooCommerce, Salesforce, Magento, BigCommerce, Facebook Custom Audiences, Eventbrite, and more. Connect even more third party platforms with Zapier. ActiveCampaign also supports an ActiveCampaign API.
Pricing: from $49/month (billed annually)
Free Trial: free trial available
Pros
- Powerful automation capabilities
- Built-in CRM functionality
- Split testing offerings
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Limited email template customization options
11. Litmus - Best user-friendly email marketing automation software
Why I picked Litmus
I picked Litmus because it is a user-friendly email marketing automation software that anyone from beginner to experienced marketer can benefit from. Litmus makes it easy to visualize and customize automation workflows. It also boasts automatable email testing capabilities so you don’t have to invest in a separate platform.
Litmus Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include automatable email testing, spam testing, email client compatibility, email tracking, email collaboration, email analytics, and more. Litmus’ email building features are highly customizable and personalizable, making it easy for your team to tailor email campaigns to customer segments.
Integrations include both pre-built and native connectors like Mailchimp, Campaign Monitor, Salesforce Marketing Cloud, Oracle Responsys, WordPress, Jira, Trello, and more. Connect even more third party platforms with Zapier. Litmus also supports an RESTful API.
Pricing: from $99/month
Free Trial: 7-day free trial
Pros
- Focus on email testing and analytics
- Email client compatibility
- Robust collaboration features
Cons
- Limited customer support
- Limited A/B testing
12. Zoho Campaigns - Best email marketing automation software for Zoho users
Why I picked Zoho Campaigns
I selected Zoho Campaigns because many organizations use Zoho’s other platforms, and it’s easier to pick up for existing Zoho users. This means less money and time spent on training if you already use Zoho for its other offerings.
Zoho Campaigns Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include personalization, email templates, A/B testing, email analytics, subscriber management, workflow automation, and a user-friendly interface.
Integrations include Zoho CRM, Zoho Forms, Zoho SalesIQ, Zoho Analytics, Zoho Survey, Zoho Social, Zoho Desk, Zoho Recruit, Zoho Projects, Zoho Creator, and more. Connect even more third party platforms with Zapier. Zoho Campaigns also supports an API.
Pricing: from $2.78/month (billed annually)
Free Trial: freemium version available
Pros
- Native Zoho integration
- Easy-to-use
- Highly customizable
Cons
- Email deliverability issues
- Contact management complexity
Other Options
Here are some valuable choices that weren't included in the list, but are still worth looking in to:
- Brevo - best email marketing software for non-profits
- AWeber - best email marketing software for solopreneurs
- MailerLite - best email marketing software for creative professionals
- Constant Contact - best email marketing software for retail
Selection Criteria For Best Email Marketing Automation Software
After researching different platforms and user feedback, I was able to curate this list. I evaluated email marketing automation tools, focusing on their usability and automation options.
Core Functionality
The core functionality of email marketing automation software is to:
- Automated Campaigns: The tool should enable the automation of email campaigns, such as welcome emails, triggered responses, drip campaigns, and follow-ups. These automated campaigns should be triggered based on specific conditions or subscriber actions.
- Efficiency and Personalization Features: The tool should offer features that enhance efficiency and personalization within email marketing. This includes providing pre-designed templates, drag-and-drop editors for easy email creation, and the ability to insert dynamic content to tailor emails to individual subscribers.
Key Features
Below are essential features that play a vital role in email marketing automation software:
- Email Campaign Management: Create, design, and send targeted email campaigns. Use customizable templates, drag-and-drop editors, and HTML editing.
- Contact Management: Manage subscriber lists or contact databases and import contacts. Segment them based on criteria such as demographics, behavior, or engagement levels.
- Automated Email Workflows: Design and automate sequences of emails triggered by events/actions.
- Personalization and Segmentation: Deliver personalized content, offers, or recommendations based on subscriber preferences. Segment contacts for targeted messaging.
- Tracking and Analytics: Track email performance metrics such as open rates, click-through rates, and conversions. Analyze campaign effectiveness with reporting and analytics features.
- A/B Testing: Conduct A/B testing by creating different versions of an email. Use them to test different elements like subject lines, content, or CTAs to improve campaign performance.
- Drip Campaigns: Set up automated series of emails sent at specific intervals. Use this to nurture leads, onboard new customers, or re-engage inactive subscribers.
- Workflow Automation: Automate actions and tasks based on triggers or events. Integrate with other systems and platforms like CRM, ecommerce, or social media.
- Landing Page Creation: Build customized landing pages for specific campaigns or purposes.
- Autoresponders: Send automated responses or follow-up emails based on specific triggers or events. Examples include welcome emails or order confirmations.
Usability
To refine my options, I needed to test the usability of the email marketing automation tools. I examined the intuitiveness of the UI and the availability of support and documentation. To gauge usability, I conducted tests using software demos and reviewed user feedback.
Value For Money
I chose email marketing automation software that offers an extensive set of features at a reasonable price. For instance, a small business might expect to pay around $15 per month for basic features, while an enterprise-level business could invest around $50 for a more comprehensive set of features. Many of these tools also offer free trials or demos. I recommend using them to check whether the software can fulfill all your business needs.
Automations
When compiling this list, it was essential to take into account automation features. I focused on reporting and analytics, data entry automation, and the ability to create automated email campaigns.
People Also Ask
The following are answers to commonly asked questions regarding subjects related to email marketing.
What is the difference between an email marketing tool and a marketing automation tool?
How do I build my email list?
Other Marketing Software Reviews
Marketing software comes in all shapes and sizes, from social media platform management to website and product reporting. You'll probably need several tools to cover the whole gambit of needs. Here are some other software review lists that I recommend checking out:
- Best Marketing Software
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- Marketing Workflow Software
Want to Learn More?
As I conclude this in-depth exploration of email marketing automation software, I hope you can see how integrating such a tool can bring significant benefits to your business. Whether you aim to improve the efficacy of your email campaigns, personalize customer interactions, or gain valuable insights into your email marketing performance, email marketing automation software can help.
To make use of the advantages of this software, organizations should strive to choose a reliable solution that aligns with their specific requirements, integrates with existing systems, and offers easy-to-use automation features.
However, given the wide array of options available for email marketing automation software, it's natural to feel overwhelmed when selecting the most suitable solution for your business. If you're seeking further guidance on industry tools and trends, I encourage you to subscribe to The CMO newsletter, where you can gain valuable insights and stay updated on the latest developments in the marketing field.