You’ve got a choice to make when it comes to email marketing software (also known as campaign management systems or CMSs). Do you want to go fully managed or do you wish to go the DIY route and host your own emails? There are pros and cons to both options, and it really depends on what you’re looking for.
Managed Vs. Pro
If your company is looking for a high-volume email marketing platform where one person (you) manages all the email marketing tasks, then they are probably best served by a managed platform. With a managed platform, you get someone dedicated to taking care of all the technical emailing details. They’ll handle all the sending, they’ll track opens and clicks, and they’ll keep the list active by adding new subscribers. The platform handles all the heavy lifting of getting your message out to your audience and following up with the occasional drip email campaign.
On the other hand, if your company is looking for a tool to help you self-serve and get your campaigns up and running as quickly as possible, then the DIY route may be a better option. With DIY email marketing, you’re in full control of every aspect of your campaign. You set the subject lines, the offers, and the design. You can even choose to use a third-party service or opt to host your own list.
Managed Vs. DIY
It’s important to keep in mind the difference between these two platform types when making your decision. If your company is looking for a fully-managed solution with a small (20K+) list, they may be best served by a managed platform. Managed platforms usually cost more, but if you’re looking for something simple and have a small list, chances are you won’t be sending a lot of emails anyway, so the cost may not be that great.
On the other hand, if your company is looking for a tool to help them generate more leads (and ultimately sell more stuff), then the DIY (do-it-yourself) route may be the way to go. AWeber and Active Campaign are both wonderful, free platforms that give you everything you need to get started (including a free 14-day trial) and even allow you to make a few simple tweaks to the design and appearance of your emails. The catch is you have to put in the time to learn how to use the platform properly. You can’t just send out an email and expect it to do the trick. You have to follow the instructions, set up autoresponders correctly, and create content that will engage your audience.
Pro Features Vs. Simple Features
The key differences between AWeber and Active Campaign are summed up in what I call the “Pro Features” vs. the “Simple Features.” If you’re looking for something that’s highly introverted (i.e., doesn’t get in the way of doing your actual work), AWeber has way more features than Active Campaign does. One of the biggest differences is AWeber allows you to send a different type of email to different subscriber groups. For example, you can create a special offer just for students. Or, you can send an informational email to people on your email list who have purchased a particular product in the past.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a quick and easy tool to get your campaigns up and running, or if you’re an experienced email marketer looking for a tool to automate certain tasks, then Active Campaign is absolutely perfect. It has lots of simple features that get the job done (e.g., unsubscribe, change email settings, etc.). If you have a smaller list, the price may not be that great, either. It doesn’t come with a lot of bells and whistles, but what it does offer is pretty good for the price. If you’re looking for a tool that can help you automate certain tasks and don’t need all the extra features that AWeber has to offer, then Active Campaign might just be the best choice.
Cost-effectiveness
One of the main differences between AWeber and Active Campaign when it comes to cost-effectiveness is where does the buck stop? In the case of AWeber, you’re paying for the platform every month, and that’s about it. If you decide to go the DIY route and host your own list, the platform costs you nothing. The price difference is significant and may not be worth it, particularly if you’re just starting out or if you’re on a tight budget. If you need a tool to generate leads (i.e., to grow your business), AWeber’s price may not be as attractive as Active Campaign’s.
On the other hand, if you expect your email list to grow to 20K+ or more, AWeber’s price may be more cost-effective. The fees are minimal compared to what you’d pay for a traditional managed email marketing platform.
Technology-Savvy
If your company is tech-savvy and you’re looking for a way to keep up with the ever-changing world of technology, then AWeber’s platform is a great choice, as it is updated regularly and provides you with the tools to keep up with the times. If your company is more of a traditional office-based business and you need a tool that will work with your existing email clients, then Active Campaign is the way to go. It is extremely easy to use, regardless of your experience level, and offers good support via email or live chat should you need assistance.
Fully-Tracked
Fully-Tracked subscribers can take advantage of smart email marketing tools that keep track of how each individual email interacts with its target audience. While this may sound like a wonderful feature, keep in mind that it comes with a price tag. If you decide to go this route, you need to make sure that you’re prepared to pay for a third-party service that will do all the work. If you’re looking for a tool that will do all the work for you, then AWeber is your answer. Otherwise, if you need someone to help you set up the campaigns and to troubleshoot any issues that may arise, then Active Campaign is the way to go. It has a good reputation for customer support, and even has a live chat feature where you can get help from someone immediately if you have any questions about using the tool.
Larger Fanbase
AWeber has a much larger community of (potential) customers than Active Campaign does. This is valuable if your company is just getting started and is looking for a broader global audience to reach. You can choose to pay for a small business plan or go the free route and start taking advantage of all AWeber has to offer. If your company is just getting started and doesn’t have the budget for paid advertising, having a larger audience is a wonderful place to start. You can use free tools like Bitly, Trulia, and Buzzer To find and manage your target audience.
On the other hand, Active Campaign is great for people who are familiar with email marketing and who have a decent amount of experience. It has a smaller community but still offers good support via live chat should you need assistance. Additionally, Active Campaign allows you to choose between a free version and a premium version, so if you’re looking for a tool that doesn’t screw around with your pricing, then Active Campaign is the way to go. It also has a smaller community, which provides an added layer of security by having fewer potential customers available to get access to your personal information.
Conclusion
Ultimately, it depends on what you’re looking for. If your company is looking for a tool that will take care of all the mechanics of sending out emails, then AWeber is the go-to platform for them. It has lots of useful features, is easy to use, and the pricing is very reasonable if you consider the value that it offers. However, if your company is looking for a tool that will allow them to grow their business by providing the means to grow an email list, then Active Campaign is the way to go.