MailChimp and AWeber are two of the most popular email marketing tools, which can seem similar at first glance, but actually have significant differences that make one better suited for certain workflows and objectives than the other.
Let’s discuss why you might need to choose one over the other and which one is better suited for your needs.
Features And Functionality
As the name suggests, MailChimp is a tool that allows creatives to build and send emails as well as manage subscribers. Its main functionality is quite basic when compared to more advanced tools, but even the most basic version has enough features to get the job done. You can integrate with all the major platforms, like Shopify, HubSpot, and Salesforce, to easily create automated email campaigns that can be triggered based on certain events, like a purchase or an appointment, etc.
With AWeber, you get a fully featured email marketing tool that can be used to create customized emails with multiple template designs and full integration with all major platforms, including Shopify, HubSpot, and Salesforce. Plus, you can use the built-in automation tools to set up drip campaigns that will automatically send out emails with your opt-in link as soon as someone subscribes to your list.
You might be wondering if MailChimp is still a relevant choice for businesses. After all, AWeber is the upgraded version of MailChimp and includes all the modern features desired by today’s marketers.
Usability
Based on feedback from customers, MailChimp stands out from the competition because of its simple and intuitive UI (user interface). Even if you’re not a techie, you’ll have no trouble using the tool to its full potential. You can create email campaigns quickly and easily without needing a ton of training. This is crucial if you’re planning to use the tool for marketing, especially since creating a successful email marketing strategy takes time.
On the other hand, AWeber’s UI is very unresponsive and requires some experience to work efficiently with. Even if you’re a power user, you’ll have a hard time finding a place for yourself in the interface given that it’s full of features and options, which can be overwhelming without proper training.
Although it has a more streamlined UI, MailChimp still has enough features to accomplish every task a marketer might need. The only difference is that you have to choose them more efficiently. For example, if you don’t use cookies or API keys to prevent spam, MailChimp will ask you to authenticate using your Google account, which you have to do even if you’re using a free account. While this process isn’t difficult, it’s still a bit time-consuming and can be avoided if you know what you’re doing. On the flip side, AWeber includes a Spam prevention tool that relies on the use of cookies and API keys to ensure that your emails go to the right recipients. Even if you’re not familiar with these terms, you can still use the tool, but you might have to train a bit before you’re able to make the most of it.
Cost
As a rule of thumb, expensive doesn’t always mean better. Especially when it comes to tools that are used for marketing and sales, you often get what you pay for. AWeber is a cost-effective choice for those looking to quickly and easily create and send out emails, but if you plan to do more complex tasks, MailChimp might be a better option. Regardless, it’s important to keep in mind that AWeber is a commercial product while MailChimp is a free and open-source tool.
Support And Documentation
One of the biggest differences between MailChimp and AWeber is in the area of support and documentation. If you’re planning to use MailChimp for marketing, you’ll need to consider buying support, which is offered via email only, or using a free trial, which only gives you access to limited support and documentation. AWeber, on the other hand, has excellent support forums that are constantly updated and provide enough documentation to get you up and running quickly. If you do have a question about using the tool, there’s a good chance that someone else has asked before and the answer was just waiting for you.
Results
When it comes to marketing and sales, it’s all about results. Luckily, MailChimp and AWeber both have a result-oriented approach and will get you where you need to go. If you’re looking to create automated emails and want them to have the best possible results, MailChimp could be the tool for you. On the other hand, AWeber is more suitable for individuals and/or businesses that want to keep track of the number of emails that were opened and/or clicked on, which is an excellent option for marketing and sales purposes alike.
When choosing a marketing automation tool, it’s important to keep in mind the differences between the two and what will make your work simpler and more effective. MailChimp is a simple and robust tool that has enough features to get the job done. It’s always best to choose the open source alternative if you’re looking to save money and stay away from any tech support agreements unless you really need them.