Email is still one of the best ways for brands to reach their digital customers.
This is because it provides a direct channel of communication between a brand and its audience, and can be used to increase conversions, engagement and foster loyal fans. That said, there is a multitude of email service providers on the 'Net, and while most of them offer similar functions, some have exclusive tools and features that businesses should know about before making a commitment to a platform.
So which email service will deliver the best for your company? Find out below:
1. MailChimp
This popular email service provider helps brands build their subscriber lists by offering features such as custom forms, an integration with Facebook, an iPad app that enables users to add new subscribers while on the go, as well as an API that allows users to automatically sync updated lists to the MailChimp platform. Moreover, marketers can target audiences with segmenting features, including by location, engagement and subscriber activity. MailChimp also offers free reports so that users can track their results and view subscriber analytics.
2. Listrak
This email platform specializes in ecommerce, and offers unique features like advanced retail segmentation and behavioral targeting. Additionally, merchants can leverage Listrak's ratings and review solutions, which allows them to insert their best reviews into email campaigns in order to boost engagement rates. However, those are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Listrak's offerings, as the platform also has products that help strengthen a brand's communications with its customers, including shopping cart abandonment remarketing, post purchase and welcome series solutions.
3. GetResponse
The newest feature from the GetResponse platform is Autoresponders 2.0, which allows brands to use email marketing automation to help control their campaigns. This feature is very useful for brands that want to stay personal with their customers, because it allows them to send automatic birthday emails, customized offers and more. However, that is far from GetResponse's only notable feature, as the platform also includes social sharing functionality, a form builder for collecting subscribers, as well as inbox preview, which allows users to view how messages appear within a variety of inboxes, including Yahoo, Gmail, Hotmail, Opera and more.
4. iContact
The email marketing solution from iContact features hundreds of templates, a drag-and-drop message creation tool dubbed MessageBuilder, as well as an HTML design tool called MessageCoder. Furthermore, iContact offers an automated messaging solution, image hosting, RSS feeds, surveys, split testing and tracking tools.
5. Silverpop
Silverpop's Engage Email Marketing product allows users to leverage customer behavior data to deliver personalized communications to customers. Additionally, the platform includes automation capabilities, advanced segmentation features, multi-channel messaging functionality and can be integrated with CRM systems and other third-party apps. Merchants can also leverage this platform to deliver real-time transactional messages.
6. Constant Contact
Constant Contact offers a user-friendly platform that includes creative tools such as hundreds of customizable templates, drag and drop functionality and image editing and storage. Users can also manage all of their contacts in one place and import contacts from platforms like Excel, Outlook and Gmail. Moreover, the platform provides a social integration that allows users to insert follow buttons and allows subscribers to share messages with their social networks. It is also important to note that Constant Contact offers tracking tools, free marketing seminars, customer support, as well as apps and integrations.
7. ExactTarget
One of the strengths of the ExactTarget email marketing platform is automation, as it allows users to easily create numerous automated campaigns, as well as offers a product called Automation Studio that features a drag-and-drop interface for managing automated campaigns. This email platform also comes with technical support and allows marketers to send high-volume campaigns quickly, with the ability to send thousands of emails per second.
8. Return Path
Return Path offers a variety of services for email marketers that will help with every aspect of their campaign from placement to security. According to the company, marketers that use the Return Path Certification solution can experience up to 40 percent uplift over their current inbox placement rates, which also helps to increase response rates. Additionally, Return Path offers an Intelligence solution that allows users to see how subscribers are engaging with their brand, along with other key metrics.
9. Stream Send
The Stream Send platform offers a variety of tools that email marketers can use to manage lists and subscribers, create messages and track campaigns. For example, Stream Send provides customizable sign-up forms, list segmentation options and opt-in confirmation, as well as allows users to import and export lists with one click. Furthermore, marketers can upload their own templates or choose a pre-designed template for their campaigns. Marketers can also set up triggers for automated campaigns, include social share features within messages and make messages personal by including names in the subject line and/or within the email.
