Constant Contact review 2025: Is it worth your money?

Key Takeaways

• Smooth onboarding increases user retention significantly.
• An effective email marketing plan can be built in easy steps.
• Segmenting your email list helps in personalized engagement.
• Comparing Mailerlite to Constant Contact shows clear benefits for budget-conscious marketers.
• Automations can elevate your follow-up game, ensuring no one slips through the cracks.

Now let’s chat about the onboarding adventure we all wish would be straightforward and efficient, yet often feels like trying to untangle a pile of charging cables.

Smooth Onboarding and Signup Process

When we jump into a tool like Constant Contact, it feels like the friendly neighbor who’s always there with a cup of sugar. From the get-go, it hits us with essential questions that steer the experience our way. Need to draw in new customers, showcase a product, or even fundraise? This platform tailors its approach based on our responses. It's like having a personal assistant who actually pays attention!

• Asks about our goals
• Keeps a cozy chat going about our preferences
• Offers a personalized dashboard that feels like home

And here’s the kicker: we soon land on a dashboard so intuitive, it could probably run for office! It gently nudges us toward the next steps without throwing a million instructions our way. One time, while testing it out, I was so enamored by how it pulled my brand colors to craft templates that I nearly spilled coffee on my keyboard. Talk about a thoughtful touch for small business owners and novices alike!

Authentication Shenanigans

Now, let’s get real about domain authentication. It’s a breeze if we only want to use their email, but if we're sending stuff from our own domain, buckle up! Constant Contact requires us to manually insert some fancy DNS records. Yes, I know—sounds like jargon for wizarding a spell! But trust us, doing this helps our emails float sweetly into inboxes instead of being trapped in the spam dungeon.

It might seem tricky, but the payoff is huge. We’re talking way better email deliverability… like the difference between a well-behaved toddler and a hyperactive puppy in a room full of glass vases!

Unsubscribing Made Easy

With the unsubscribe option, I felt like I was on a clear path. It was laid out in my test email and even let folks share why they decided to wander off. I'm all about feedback—knowing why someone unsubscribes can be as helpful as a GPS navigating a complex route!

• Clear unsubscribe options
• Feedback from users
• Improved user experience overall

So, next time we’re looking at onboarding tactics, let’s take a leaf out of Constant Contact’s book. It’s light, friendly, and keeps things flowing without making users feel lost in the tech wilderness.

Now we are going to talk about how to put together your email marketing strategy that doesn’t make you want to pull your hair out. Trust us, we’ve been there, and no one wants to see that level of frustration!

Building Your Email Marketing Plan

User-Friendly Email Creation

So, imagine being able to whip up an email like you’re baking a cake! Constant Contact offers a user-friendly interface that makes the process as smooth as butter. Their drag-and-drop builder? It’s like having a digital assistant that doesn’t require coffee breaks.

Uploading images? Easy peasy! You can grab photos from your device, social networks, or if you’re feeling artsy, whip something up in Canva. The freedom is practically shouting, “Use me!”

Design Customization

The handy design tab showcases your brand's colors right where you need them. Picture getting to play around with your email layout without the risk of spilling coffee on your keyboard.

Testing your email? Just hit send and watch it land right in your inbox. Sure, some users report that the HTML editor can have its moments, but hey, perfection is overrated!

Here are a few perks of their email editor:

• Classic drag-and-drop functionality—who doesn’t love that?
• Customizable templates—like a wardrobe for your emails!
• Access to a built-in image gallery—because stock photos are life.
• Unique event and RSVP integration—great for social butterflies.
• 200+ email templates—some options might make you think you’re stuck in the ’90s, but hey, nostalgia!

AI Support

Need a little creative nudge? Constant Contact’s AI can throw out subject lines and content ideas that might just give you the kickstart you need. Just a heads-up though: it might need a little loving care before it’s ready for the spotlight!

Lead Magnets

Get excited—Constant Contact offers a lead magnet generator to help you entice those customers! You simply set your prompt, drop in your website, and voila! You’ve got a lead magnet ready to charm your audience.

Editing the logo and questions is a piece of cake too! It’s like personalizing your email one fun step at a time.

Each lead magnet comes with a snazzy short link and a QR code. You can share on sites or social media like it’s spreading holiday cheer!

Forms and Pop-Ups

Creating forms is a walk in the park, though the fixed order can feel like a bit of a straightjacket. Who doesn’t love a bit of flexibility?

Landing Pages

Need to build a landing page? The landing page builder allows you to get creative! Choose from templates or roll up your sleeves and start from scratch. Your call!

However, they only offer about 9 templates. That’s less than a pizza variety night, and we all know how much we love those!

Event Organization

Planning events? Constant Contact makes that a piece of cake with a tool where you can add tickets, collect info, and even integrate payments with notable services like PayPal or Venmo. Think of it as the buffet line at a party—everyone’s got what they need!

Social Media Campaigns

We have to mention their social media integration, which lets you juggle multiple platforms without losing your mind. Want to post this minute or schedule for later? Boom! You’re covered.

Surveys

Creating surveys here is as easy as pie (seriously!). You simply drag and drop your questions, although the aesthetic might not rival the hip fun tools out there.

Multichannel Campaigns

What’s more? Their multichannel campaign planning feature can help create a marketing plan that covers everything from book signings to café openings—and yes, you can thank them later for the help!

While exploring these amenities, keep in mind the pricier tiers. We all know, the bells and whistles often come at a cost!

Next, we are going to chat about some important aspects of email marketing—specifically about segments, automations, and other handy functions. It’s like organizing your sock drawer: once you’ve got it figured out, life gets easier!

Organizing Your Email: Segments, Automations, and Beyond

Now we are going to talk about the pros and cons of an email marketing platform that has become a bit of a hot topic lately. It feels like every time we scroll through social media, someone is singing its praises or critiquing its quirks. Let’s break it down, shall we?

The Good, the Bad, and the Not-so-Pretty

• Excellent user-friendly interface: Seriously, who wants to wrestle with software that looks like it was designed in the Stone Age? This platform makes sending emails feel as easy as pie.
• Comprehensive feature set: For basic needs, this platform really delivers. It's like having a Swiss Army knife in your back pocket. Just don’t expect it to slice and dice like a top chef on TV.
• Strong multichannel campaign capabilities: Whether it’s email, social media, or smoke signals, you can reach your audience wherever they hang out. It’s like being a digital social butterfly.
• Automated brand color integration: This is fantastic for those of us who forget what our brand colors are—no more mismatched hues that make us cringe.
• Event management features: Planning a webinar or workshop? This platform lends a helping hand, ensuring you don’t forget the event details while juggling a million other tasks.
• Excellent deliverability: Your emails won’t just disappear into the abyss of the inbox—this tool ensures they actually reach your audience. It's like ensuring your love letter gets to the right person and doesn’t end up in the trash.
• A huge set of integrations: You can attach this platform to various tools like a kid latching onto a parent at a scary amusement park. It makes your life much easier.

• Expensive pricing structure: It can pinch the wallet a bit. Sometimes it feels like they're using our cash to pay for their weekend getaway—yikes!
• Limited automation capabilities: On the lower tiers, this limitation can have you scratching your head. Isn’t it 2023? We were promised flying cars, not tedious manual work.
• Dated template designs: Those templates? They might still be rocking the early 2000s vibe. Nostalgia is fun, but we’re living in a world where TikTok reigns supreme.
• Basic segmentation options: This can make targeting feel more like throwing darts blindfolded than hitting your mark every time.
• No mobile app: In a world where apps rule the roost, finding out there’s no mobile version is like finding out your favorite hair product has been discontinued. Heartbreaking!
• Limited A/B testing capabilities: For the tinkers and testers out there, this can feel a bit like being stuck in a one-flavor ice cream shop. Talk about bland!

Despite its hiccups and some quirks that make us raise an eyebrow, this platform still has a lot of value to offer. We might just need to roll with the punches to make the most of it! Who knows, maybe in a few updates, it’ll address the concerns, and we’ll all have a reason to cheer.

Now, we're going to explore how MailerLite breaks the mold with its fantastic features at wallet-friendly prices. Think of it as the friendly neighborhood superhero for email marketing—without the spandex.

MailerLite: Affordable Features that Pack a Punch

Ah, email marketing! It’s like trying to find the best dessert in a bakery—you have to taste a lot of options. In our experience, while some platforms like Constant Contact give you the basics, MailerLite swoops in with trendy tools that don’t hit your wallet with a sledgehammer.

So, let’s unpack some essentials that make MailerLite shine:

Creative Freedom with a Drag-and-Drop Editor

Ever tried building an email campaign and felt like you've been handed a 500-piece puzzle where half the pieces are missing? MailerLite’s drag-and-drop editor is the opposite. It’s like painting a masterpiece—no one puts baby in a corner with limited templates. Try your hand at:

• Intuitive drag-and-drop options
• Rich-text formatting
• Custom HTML for the daredevils among us

Flexibility is key! Embed social media posts and create designs that can make your subscribers think, "Wow, this is straight-up gorgeous."

Email Content That Speaks to Each Person

MailerLite knows that personalization isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the secret sauce that keeps email marketing crispy. With savvy targeting tools like email segmentation, we can craft messages tailored to different audience pockets. Those "one-size-fits-all" emails can be a fast track to the spam folder, trust us on that.

Landing Pages That Convert

Imagine having a dreamy landing page without hiring an overpriced designer. MailerLite gives us customizable templates that sync effortlessly with our overall strategy. And here's the kicker—you can whip up 10 landing pages without a single dime going out the window during the free plan phase!

Signup Forms That Work Overtime

With MailerLite, embedding forms is as easy as pie. We can create forms that not only gather new subscribers but also segment them on the fly. Why settle for ordinary when we can jazz things up with bright pop-ups or even a “spin the wheel” for email opt-ins? Thrilling, isn’t it?

SURVEYS: Channeling Our Inner Sherlock Holmes

Got questions? MailerLite lets us be the detectives of our audience’s mind. Crafting surveys is a piece of cake, helping us understand what our subscribers really want. Who could resist giving their thoughts when the survey doesn’t feel like standard homework?

Sending Options That Are Smart as a Whip

Smart Sending with AI

MailerLite’s smart sending is like having a personal assistant who knows exactly when each subscriber wants to hear from us. Research shows that emails sent at optimal moments lead to more opens—essential for keeping our audience engaged.

Resend with Style

For those emails that missed the mark, MailerLite offers an auto-resend feature. You can send a revised email with a catchy new subject line. It’s like wearing a new outfit to a second date—you just might win them over!

Deeper Automation for the Data-Driven

If you're serious about email marketing, automation is key! MailerLite’s visual workflow builder is like navigating a fancy restaurant menu—much easier than you’d think. You can design complex automations and trigger emails based on subscriber behavior. It's all about engaging with subscribers without sounding like a robot.

And you know what? Testing is vital, and MailerLite doesn’t skimp. Their A/B testing allows us to truly hone in on what gets our readers clicking and converting.

In summary, it’s hard to resist MailerLite’s charm when it delivers powerful features without sending our bank accounts into a spiral. Why settle for leftovers when you can feast on a banquet of options?

Now we are going to talk about pricing strategies that actually deliver value without making your wallet scream. Let’s explore how MailerLite stands out in the email marketing crowd!

Cost Breakdown

Free Plan That Actually Packs a Punch

So, Constant Contact wants you to start paying right after that free trial, but MailerLite? Oh boy, it’s a different story! MailerLite serves up a generous free plan that supports up to 1,000 subscribers and allows 12,000 monthly emails. It’s like finding a $20 bill in an old coat pocket—what a delightful surprise!

This free tier isn’t just a skeleton with fancy clothes. We get a drag-and-drop editor that’s simpler than pie, a handy email automation builder, and even a shiny website. Plus, there are 10 landing pages, unlimited sign-up forms, and yes, pop-ups that don’t just pester—but actually help engage. It even throws in some automation templates and A/B testing. Talk about value!

If you’re wondering about reporting features, MailerLite’s got your back. With premium insights like comparative reporting, list growth metrics, and e-commerce sales tracking, it’s like having a mini consultant in your pocket. Who needs a pricey marketing guru when you’ve got MailerLite?

Now let’s talk numbers. For just $10 a month (don’t forget that sweet 10% discount if you go for an annual plan), you can upgrade to their lowest paid tier for up to 500 subscribers.

• Selling digital products
• Unlimited templates
• Dynamic emails
• Campaign auto-resend
• Multivariate testing galore

And yes, unlimited websites! If that doesn't make you jump, we don't know what will. Honestly, you'd think they were giving away puppies or something. It’s like MailerLite is saying, “We’ve covered you on all fronts!”

Ever tried building a website? It’s easier to assemble IKEA furniture with half the instructions! But with MailerLite, it felt a tad simpler. They also offer the chance to create blogs and landing pages in a jiffy!

And as a little cherry on top, here’s a website that was whipped up using MailerLite. It's nothing short of magic! If it can help us create something slick, just imagine what it can do for you!

Now we are going to talk about the friendly face-off between two popular email marketing platforms: Constant Contact and MailerLite. Spoiler alert: one might just steal your heart!

MailerLite vs. Constant Contact: What's the Fuss About?

MailerLite is quite the hero for those just dipping their toes into the email marketing pool. Remember when last year you stumbled upon DIY email templates, and your cousin’s cat ended up in more newsletters than actual customers? With MailerLite, those days of haphazard marketing are behind us! It’s wallet-friendly, making it ideal for budding entrepreneurs and small businesses. Picture this: you’ve got a great product, but with a shoestring budget. You need all the tools in your corner, and MailerLite delivers without the hefty price tag of some other platforms.

Just last week, MailerLite snagged some shiny awards from G2 and Email Tool Tester, proving it’s no ordinary player! Here’s a quick rundown of what makes MailerLite sparkle like a fresh donut in the bakery:

• User-friendly interface
• Affordable pricing plans
• Excellent customer support
• Powerful automation features

On the flip side, we can't forget about Constant Contact. It’s like that old friend who always shows up for the big events with a fancy suit. But let’s see how these two stack up.

In the end, both platforms have their merits, but it ultimately hinges on what one needs. Do you want a sleek, affordable, and easy ride? MailerLite may just be your best buddy. Or do you fancy an established, more traditional path with a solid reputation? Constant Contact might be calling your name. It’s a bit like picking between two delicious desserts; they’re both sweet in their own right! We’ve all been there, standing at the bakery, trying to decide between chocolate cake and cheesecakes. So, which one hits the sweet spot for you?

Conclusion

FAQ

• What makes Constant Contact's onboarding process user-friendly?
  Constant Contact asks essential questions about goals, preferences, and provides a personalized dashboard to guide users through the setup process.
• What does domain authentication involve in Constant Contact?
  If using your own domain, you need to manually insert DNS records, which helps improve email deliverability and avoid spam filters.
• How does Constant Contact facilitate unsubscribing from emails?
  It provides a clear unsubscribe option and collects feedback from users about their reasons for unsubscribing, aiding in overall user experience.
• What are the main features of MailerLite that make it appealing?
  MailerLite offers a drag-and-drop editor, customizable landing pages, email automation, and segmentation for personalized content, all at affordable prices.
• How does MailerLite's free plan compare to Constant Contact's trial?
  MailerLite's free plan supports up to 1,000 subscribers and 12,000 emails monthly, whereas Constant Contact requires payment after the trial period.
• What are the limitations of Constant Contact's automation features?
  Constant Contact primarily supports basic automations with one trigger per automation, unlike other platforms that offer advanced multi-step automations.
• What is MailerLite's approach to email personalization?
  MailerLite emphasizes personalization through segmentation tools, allowing users to craft tailored emails for different audience segments.
• What are some pros of using Constant Contact?
  Constant Contact offers an excellent user interface, a comprehensive feature set for basic needs, strong multichannel capabilities, and good email deliverability rates.
• What drawbacks can users expect from MailerLite?
  MailerLite may have limitations in advanced automation, fewer templates, and less sophisticated reporting in comparison to some higher-end platforms.
• What criteria can you use to segment contacts in Constant Contact?
  Users can segment contacts based on profiles, email activities, engagement levels, membership in lists, shopping behavior, sources, and tags.