Best Email Marketing Platforms for Small Shops (Ranked + Compared)
Running a small shop — whether on Etsy, Shopify, or your own website — means you need a way to stay connected with your customers. Email marketing is one of the most powerful tools you can use, but with so many platforms out there, how do you know which one is right for you?
Today, I’m comparing MailerLite, Mailchimp, and ConvertKit — three popular email marketing platforms — focusing on the features that matter most to small shop owners and creators.
🏆 Top 3 Picks for Small Shops
| Platform | Best For | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| MailerLite | Budget-friendly + easy automations | Free (up to 1,000) |
| Mailchimp | Lots of integrations + templates | Free (up to 500) |
| ConvertKit | Creators + selling digital products | Free (up to 1,000) |
💬 1. MailerLite
✅ Why we love it:
-
Simple, clean interface — perfect if you’re new to email marketing
-
Affordable pricing (and a generous free plan)
-
Automations, landing pages, pop-ups all included
-
Integrates with Etsy, Shopify, WooCommerce, and more
💰 Pricing:
-
Free up to 1,000 subscribers
-
Paid plans start at ~£8/month
💬 2. Mailchimp
✅ Why we love it:
-
Huge library of email templates
-
Robust integrations with e-commerce tools
-
Well-known, trusted brand
⚠️ Things to note:
-
Some advanced features (like automation) locked behind higher-paid tiers
-
Free plan recently reduced to only 500 contacts
💰 Pricing:
-
Free up to 500 subscribers
-
Paid plans start at ~£10/month
💬 3. ConvertKit
✅ Why we love it:
-
Designed specifically for creators + digital product sellers
-
Great visual automation tools
-
Built-in commerce tools (like paid newsletters + digital downloads)
⚠️ Things to note:
-
Fewer visual templates (focus is more on simple, text-based emails)
-
Can get pricey as your list grows
💰 Pricing:
-
Free up to 1,000 subscribers
-
Paid plans start at ~£12/month
🛠 Feature Comparison
| Feature | MailerLite | Mailchimp | ConvertKit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Plan Limit | 1,000 subs | 500 subs | 1,000 subs |
| Automation | ✅ Yes (free) | ✅ Limited free | ✅ Yes (free) |
| Landing Pages | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included |
| E-commerce Tools | ✅ Etsy, Shopify | ✅ Shopify, Woo | ✅ Built-in |
| Templates | ✅ Yes (modern) | ✅ Huge library | ⚠️ Limited |
✨ Final Recommendation
If you’re a small shop owner or creator looking for the best balance of features + price, I highly recommend MailerLite. It’s beginner-friendly, offers robust tools even on the free plan, and integrates smoothly with the platforms you’re already using.
🔗 Sign up for MailerLite here and get started with your free plan today!
💡 Pro Tip
No matter which platform you choose, remember:
-
Focus on building relationships, not just pushing products
-
Send consistent, valuable content
-
Segment your audience to send targeted, relevant emails
Your email list is one of your most valuable business assets — so choose a tool that supports your growth!
