As an Online Candidate service add-on, we offer Email Marketing Service Setup and Integration. We provide this service for two popular vendors – Aweber and MailChimp.
Both services provide a free version with enough free subscribers for most political campaigns. This is why we offer both services for setup.
We used to offer MailChimp setup exclusively, as the service was popular and simple to use. However, over time, MailChimp has become more complicated and has started to bundle additional services into their system. These days, some clients find the system harder to use. (And we have, too.)
Because of this, we decided to make an option of having our email setup and integration include both AWeber and MailChimp. We use AWeber ourselves, and in the last few years the service has added a number of additional features. You can incorporate any email system your want into your Online Candidate website. However, for our Email Setup Service, we only support Aweber and Mailchimp.
Which service should you choose? Both are good, but we thought we would lay out some of the pros and cons of each so you can choose what is best for you.
Aweber vs MailChimp
Pricing
Aweber’s free plan – which includes all the same features as the paid plan – includes up to 500 subscribers. Paid plans start at $19 per month.
MailChimp’s free plan includes up to 2,000 contacts. Some features are not included in the free plan. Paid plans start at $29.99 per month.
Ease of use
These days, MailChimp can be a bit confusing to use. At on point, it used to be easier. MailChimp has moved away from its core competency toward a CRM platform — short for Customer Relationship Management. These days, every time we log in to set up a client’s account, it seems as if everything has changed. It’s not as simple to use as it was. Some feedback from clients have been along the same lines.
Aweber is more straightforward, though it has a bit of a learning curve. There are a few odd things, like naming Autoresponder series ‘Campaigns’. But overall, the interface is clean and easy to use.
Customer support
For Aweber, you can call, email, or live chat with AWeber’s 24/7.
For Mailchimp Free, after 30 days, there is no email or live chat support. Phone support is only available on their premium level.
Dynamic segmentation
Dynamic segmentation allows you split subscribers into groups or lists for better email targeting. Most clients will not need this feature unless they have a large number of subscribers. Dynamic segmentation is included in the AWeber Free and AWeber Pro plan. Mailchimp only offers dynamic segmentation for the MailChimp premium level.
Web push notifications
Web push notifications are short, one-time messages that appear on a user’s desktop — usually in the corner of the screen — when they have a web browser open. Web push notifications instantly deliver direct and time-sensitive messages linking directly to a website, landing page or sign up form. AWeber includes web push notifications in all plans. Mailchimp does not offer web push notifications at all.
A word on email lists…
No legitimate email services allow purchased lists to be imported. Purchased lists are forbidden by terms of service and uploading one can result in your account being terminated.
Be sure your subscribers want to receive emails from you before adding them to a list. Sending emails to people without their permission is a form of spamming. Because subscribers on purchased lists have not explicitly given permission to be emailed by you, emailing to purchased lists is the same as spamming.
Signup through a website are fine. Also, for political campaigns, you can have people sign up for email updates offline. For example, you can have an email signup at a campaign event. Because those people have affirmatively given permission to be emailed, you can add those emails to your email services without a problem.
Email Service Alternatives
Of course, there are other email alternatives that you are free to use. Again, you can incorporate any email system you want into your Online Candidate website. However, for our Email Setup Service, we only support Aweber and Mailchimp.
The choice is yours!
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