I was a MailChimp die-hard for a long time (like, at least 15 years), and I’m sad to say I am just about to move my last list and close my last account. I finally hit my breaking point. MailChimp was once the go-to platform for email marketing. It’s user-friendly, has fun branding, and gets recommended everywhere. But over time, I discovered some serious downsides that made me rethink my loyalty to the service.
Here’s why I quit MailChimp, and why you might want to consider alternatives too.
The Allure and Hidden Costs of MailChimp
MailChimp has long been a popular choice for email marketers, especially those starting out. Its free plan, which offers up to 2,000 subscribers and 10,000 emails per month, seemed perfect for budding authors looking to build their mailing list without breaking the bank. However, the reality of scaling up revealed a different story.
1. Escalating Costs After the Free Plan
While MailChimp’s free plan is generous, transitioning to a paid plan quickly becomes expensive. Let’s break down the pricing for a more substantial subscriber base to highlight the disparity:
- MailChimp:
- Free Plan: Up to 2,000 subscribers and 10,000 emails/month.
- Essentials Plan: Starts at $13 per month for up to 500 subscribers, escalating to $299 for 50,000 subscribers.
- Standard Plan: Begins at $20 per month for 500 subscribers, reaching $499 for 50,000 subscribers.
- Premium Plan: Starts at $350 per month for 10,000 subscribers, scaling up significantly from there.
In contrast, when you outgrow the free tier, MailChimp’s pricing can quickly become prohibitive, especially for authors who are just starting to monetize their readership.
MailerLite vs. MailChimp: A Cost Comparison
MailerLite offers a more affordable and straightforward pricing structure:
- Free Plan: Up to 1,000 subscribers and 12,000 emails/month.
- Paid Plans:
- Paid Lite: Starts at $10 per month for up to 1,000 subscribers, scaling up to $50 for 5,000 subscribers.
- Premium Plan: Offers advanced features starting at $21 per month for 1,000 subscribers.
When comparing for a subscriber base of 5,000:
- MailChimp Essentials: Approximately $48/month.
- MailerLite Paid Lite: $10/month.
MailerLite provides comparable, if not better, features at a fraction of MailChimp’s cost.
Email Octopus: Another Affordable Alternative
Email Octopus presents another budget-friendly alternative:
- Free Plan: Up to 2,500 subscribers and 10,000 emails/month.
- Paid Plans:
- Paid: Starts at $10 per month for up to 5,000 subscribers.
- Growth Plan: $25 per month for up to 15,000 subscribers.
For 5,000 subscribers:
- MailChimp Essentials: Approximately $48/month.
- Email Octopus Paid: $10/month.
Email Octopus not only matches MailChimp in terms of subscriber capacity but does so at a significantly lower price point.
2. The Missing Autoresponder Feature
One of the most critical features for authors is the autoresponder—automated email sequences that nurture relationships with readers, welcome new subscribers, and promote new releases. Unfortunately, MailChimp has removed access to its autoresponder feature from the free plan, forcing users to upgrade to paid tiers to retain this essential functionality.
Why Autoresponders Are Vital for Authors
Autoresponders enable authors to:
- Welcome New Subscribers: Automatically send a welcome email when someone joins your mailing list.
- Nurture Relationships: Engage with readers through regular updates, behind-the-scenes content, and exclusive offers without manual intervention.
- Promote Releases: Schedule automated campaigns to announce new book launches, pre-orders, and special promotions.
Without access to autoresponders on the free plan, authors are left to manually manage these crucial communications or face the steep costs of upgrading to maintain automation.
3. They Raise Prices Without Adding Value
MailChimp has a habit of raising their prices without offering additional features or improving the user experience. While many services evolve and offer more value with price changes, MailChimp just… charges more.
To make matters worse, canceling your account isn’t as easy as it should be. It feels like they put up unnecessary roadblocks, as if hoping you’ll give up halfway through and stay. No one likes feeling trapped, especially when there are more affordable options out there.
4. You Pay for Unsubscribed Users Unless You Archive Them
This one was the final straw for me. Recently, MailChimp was called out for continuing to charge users for unsubscribed contacts unless they’re manually archived.
Think about that for a second:
- Someone unsubscribes from your emails, and you assume they’re off your list.
- MailChimp, however, still counts those people toward your subscriber total, which means you’re being charged for people who don’t even want to hear from you.
- The only way to stop this? You have to manually archive those contacts – something MailChimp doesn’t openly tell you.
How are you supposed to know this? Unless you dig into the fine print or happen to stumble upon the issue, you’ll keep paying more for nothing. It’s shady and unfair, and it left a bad taste in my mouth.
Why Switching Makes Sense
Given the high costs and the removal of essential features like autoresponders from MailChimp’s free plan, switching to a more affordable and feature-rich provider like MailerLite or Email Octopus makes strategic sense. Here’s why:
Cost-Effectiveness
- Significant Savings: Both MailerLite and Email Octopus offer comparable or superior features at a fraction of MailChimp’s cost.
- Scalable Pricing: These alternatives provide scalable pricing models that grow with your subscriber base without exorbitant fees.
Comprehensive Features
- Autoresponders Included: Unlike MailChimp, MailerLite and Email Octopus include autoresponder functionality in their free or low-cost plans, ensuring you can automate vital communications without additional expenses.
- User-Friendly Interfaces: Both platforms are known for their intuitive interfaces, making it easier for authors to create and manage campaigns without a steep learning curve.
Superior Support and Flexibility
- Dedicated Support: MailerLite and Email Octopus often provide more personalized customer support, catering specifically to the needs of small businesses and independent authors.
- Flexible Integrations: These platforms integrate seamlessly with various author tools and websites, enhancing your overall marketing strategy.
Conclusion: Making the Smart Move for Your Author Brand
As an author, your primary focus should be on writing and engaging with your readers, not wrestling with expensive and limiting email marketing platforms. MailChimp’s escalating costs and the removal of key features like autoresponders from their free plan make it a less attractive option, especially when more affordable and equally capable alternatives like MailerLite and Email Octopus are available.
By switching to a platform that offers essential features at a sustainable price, you can invest more in your writing and marketing efforts, ultimately fostering stronger relationships with your readers and driving your author brand forward.
Don’t let high costs and missing features hold back your email marketing potential. Explore MailerLite and Email Octopus today and take control of your author communication strategy without breaking the bank.
The Bottom Line
MailChimp might look great on the surface, but their pricing model, lack of transparency, and frustrating user experience make it hard to justify sticking around. When there are services like MailerLite, EmailOctopus, AWeber, Kit, and GetResponse offering better features for a fraction of the cost, the choice becomes pretty clear. I actually have a breakdown of all the email services I recommend right here.
If you’re looking for:
- Affordable pricing as your list grows,
- Full access to essential features (like automation),
- And a transparent, user-friendly experience…
…then it’s time to consider leaving MailChimp behind.
Switching email platforms might seem daunting, but it’s worth it to save money, regain control of your list, and work with a service that values its users.
Your subscribers deserve the best. You do too.
Have you experienced frustrations with MailChimp? Let me know in the comments – I’d love to hear your story!
