Why I Still Love Mailchimp After All These Years
I’ve been in a Mailchimp niche since 2020, and I’ve found that “I just do” isn’t a good enough answer when asked to explain why I like the platform and why I’m so loyal. Being pinned down to a ‘real’ answer is hard, but I’ve always tried to address the FAQs I receive.
So, I’m going to tackle it here.
Along with its variations: “Is Mailchimp still the best platform to be on?” “Everyone says Klaviyo is better for eCommerce,” “My friend says MailerLite is simpler and cheaper.”
What I really think is behind these questions
Mailchimp launched in 2001 as a way to provide small businesses with a user-friendly alternative to the expensive email software of the early 2000s. Quite quickly, they became the go-to platform for small businesses and their reputation was unparalleled.
Co-founder Ben Chestnut once stated that Mailchimp’s purpose was to, “prove to small businesses that creating success through bootstrapping was possible.”
And they were REALLY good at it.
For a long time.
But, the marketplace is different now. It’s crowded.
Mailchimp has grown (and grown!) from an email marketing service into a comprehensive platform that now includes AI, SMS, CRM features, and advanced analytics. But it faces competition from newer platforms like Klaviyo, which offers advanced eCommerce solutions, Substack, known for enabling newsletter monetization, and ConvertKit, which recently announced changes to its free plan, allowing users to have up to 10,000 subscribers.
So Mailchimp must evolve.
And, like in any instance when someone we know and love steps outside of our perceived perception of them… it makes US feel awkward.
If part of Mailchimp’s evolution means pursuing larger businesses, well, maybe this is just a case of going back to your roots. When Ben Chestnut and Dan Kurzius started their agency, they did focus on big corporate clients. Mailchimp was launched on the side. Sometimes you need the big players to fund the little guys.
And if it means there’s less available on the free plans, making you feel pressured to switch to paid options? Consider this: developing innovative new features requires investment. By upgrading, you're not just accessing more tools, you're fueling the continuous improvement and expansion of the platform, which ultimately benefits your business.
Why I still love Mailchimp for ecommerce
Sure Mailchimp may not lead in every specific ecommerce feature, but it effectively covers all essential aspects. This approach ensures that e-commerce businesses have a cohesive toolset at their fingers.
Integration Options: Mailchimp integrates seamlessly with numerous ecommerce platforms, such as Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento. This flexibility allows eCommerce businesses to streamline their marketing efforts, sync customer data, and manage their marketing activities across different channels effortlessly.
Automation Features: Mailchimp’s Customer Journeys are a significant advantage for ecommerce brands. From welcome emails to abandoned cart reminders, the platform can automate various workflows, saving time and enhancing efficiency. Automated product recommendations and follow-up emails can also help increase conversions and customer retention.
Advanced Analytics: Mailchimp provides detailed analytics and reporting tools, enabling ecommerce businesses to track click-through rates, revenue and other vital metrics. These insights help gauge the effectiveness of campaigns and inform data-driven decisions to boost sales and customer engagement.
User-Friendly Interface: Mailchimp’s new email editor is intuitive and easy to use, even for beginners. This ease of use is crucial for eCommerce brands that need to create marketing campaigns quickly without a steep learning curve.
High Deliverability Rates: Mailchimp is known for its high deliverability rates, ensuring that your emails reach your customers' inboxes rather than their spam folders. This reliability is crucial for ecommerce brands, as it directly impacts the effectiveness of email marketing campaigns and customer engagement.
All-in-One Marketing Platform: Mailchimp is more than just an email service provider. It offers a suite of marketing tools, including social media ads, landing pages, and surveys. This versatility makes it a one-stop shop for ecommerce brands looking to manage multiple marketing channels from a single platform.
My human take on it
As a Mailchimp Pro Partner, I’m in a privileged position. I have a Partner Success Manager in Atlanta (technically, I’m on my fourth) who I speak to regularly. I also get invited to events where I meet and chat with other Mailchimp employees and executives. Last June, I was at a dinner table with CEO Rania Succar. So I can say firsthand that these people know their shit. They are smart, dedicated people doing their best.
Mailchimp is in good hands.
Ben Chestnut used to have a motto: “Listen hard, change fast.” And while I’m not sure Mailchimp can change as quickly now that it’s so large and part of the Intuit machine, I can assure you the sentiment hasn’t disappeared altogether.
Do I wish they had a low inventory trigger in Customer Journeys? Sure. But I can wait. The rest of it makes it worth it.
As a Mailchimp Pro Partner, I can offer you an exclusive 20% discount on all paid Mailchimp plans for 6 months (Sep 6, 2024 - Mar 4, 2025). Ready to make the switch? Reach out to me at vicky@flicemail.com to chat and get the details!
