If you’re looking to start an email newsletter, you may be wondering which software to use. Two popular options are Substack and Mailchimp. Both have their strengths and weaknesses and ultimately the decision comes down to what you prioritize in an email newsletter software.
Substack is a relatively new player in the email newsletter game, but it has gained a lot of attention for its simple and user-friendly interface. It allows you to create a blog and a premium email newsletter, and it’s always free unless you create a premium email newsletter. On the other hand, Mailchimp is a more traditional email marketing software that offers a wide range of features beyond just email newsletters.
So, which one is the better option for you? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Substack vs Mailchimp, comparing their features, pricing, ease of use, and more, to help you make an informed decision about which email newsletter software is right for you.
By the way, my favorite email newsletter software is called Beehiiv and you can read more about Beehiiv here:
Overview of Substack and Mailchimp
If you’re looking for an email newsletter software, Substack and Mailchimp are two popular options. Both platforms offer different features that cater to different needs. Here’s a brief overview of both platforms:
Features of Substack
Substack is a platform that allows you to create a blog and a premium email newsletter. It’s always free unless you create a premium email newsletter. Substack’s main features include:
- Easy to use interface
- Customizable email templates
- Ability to create a blog and a premium email newsletter
- Analytics to track your email’s open rates, click-through rates, and subscriber growth
- Ability to monetize your newsletter through a subscription model
Features of Mailchimp
Mailchimp is a traditional email marketing software that offers a wide range of features. It’s free for users who have less than 2,000 subscribers and send less than 12,000 emails per month. Mailchimp’s main features include:
- Ability to create and send email campaigns
- Customizable email templates
- Insight and analytic functionalities
- Automation to send targeted emails based on subscriber behavior
- Integration with other platforms such as social media and e-commerce sites
Overall, Substack is geared towards writers and bloggers who want to create a premium email newsletter that can be monetized. Mailchimp is geared towards businesses and marketers who want to send targeted email campaigns and track their email’s performance. Depending on your needs, one platform may be more suitable for you than the other.
Pricing Comparison
When it comes to pricing, both Substack and Mailchimp offer different plans to fit different needs and budgets. Here’s a breakdown of their pricing:
| Plan | Substack | Mailchimp |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | Always free unless you create a premium email newsletter | Free for users who have less than 2,000 subscribers and send less than 1,000 emails per month |
| Paid Plan | 10% fee on all paid subscriptions | Starts at $9.99/month for up to 500 subscribers |
As you can see, Substack is always free unless you create a premium email newsletter and only charges a 10% fee on all paid subscriptions. On the other hand, Mailchimp offers a free plan for users who have less than 2,000 subscribers and send less than 12,000 emails per month. Their paid plans start at $9.99/month for up to 500 subscribers.
It’s important to note that both Substack and Mailchimp offer different features and functionalities in their paid plans. For example, Mailchimp’s paid plans offer advanced segmentation, A/B testing, and more integrations. Substack’s paid plans, on the other hand, provide custom domains, analytics, and more customization options.
Ultimately, the pricing of Substack vs Mailchimp depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re just starting out and have a small subscriber list, Mailchimp’s free plan may be a good option. However, if you’re looking for more customization options and don’t mind the 10% fee on paid subscriptions, Substack may be a better fit.
Ease of Use
When it comes to email newsletter software, ease of use is an essential factor to consider. Both Substack and Mailchimp have user-friendly interfaces, but there are some differences between the two platforms.
User Interface of Substack
Substack has a simple and clean user interface that is easy to navigate. It has a minimalistic design that is not overwhelming for users. The platform offers a drag-and-drop editor that makes it easy to create and customize email newsletters. Substack also provides a preview feature that allows you to see how your email will look on different devices.
User Interface of Mailchimp
Mailchimp also has a user-friendly interface, but it offers more features than Substack. Mailchimp has a more complex design that may be overwhelming for some users.I personally have often found it difficult to find certain features and for that reason, I switched to Beehiiv which I am very happy with. However, it provides a robust automation process that allows you to create targeted campaigns based on user behavior. Mailchimp also offers a wide range of templates that you can use to create your email newsletters.
In terms of ease of use, Substack is simpler and easier to navigate, while Mailchimp offers more features and customization options. Ultimately, the choice between the two platforms depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Customization
When it comes to customization, both Substack and Mailchimp offer a range of options to help you create a newsletter that reflects your brand and style. However, there are some differences in the customization options available on each platform.
Customization Options of Substack
Substack offers a range of customization options, including:
- Customizable templates: You can choose from a range of customizable templates to create a newsletter that reflects your brand and style.
- Custom domain: You can use your own custom domain to create a more professional look for your newsletter.
- Customizable branding: You can customize your branding by adding your logo, choosing your own colors and fonts, and creating a custom header image.
- Customizable content blocks: You can add custom content blocks to your newsletter, including text, images, videos, and more.
Customization Options of Mailchimp
Mailchimp also offers a range of customization options, including:
- Customizable templates: Mailchimp offers a wide range of customizable templates to help you create a newsletter that reflects your brand and style.
- Custom domain: You can use your own custom domain to create a more professional look for your newsletter.
- Customizable branding: You can customize your branding by adding your logo, choosing your own colors and fonts, and creating a custom header image.
- Customizable content blocks: You can add custom content blocks to your newsletter, including text, images, videos, and more.
Overall, both Substack and Mailchimp offer a range of customization options to help you create a newsletter that reflects your brand and style. However, if customization is a top priority for you, Substack may offer a slightly more flexible range of options.
Email Deliverability
Email deliverability is a crucial factor to consider when choosing an email newsletter software. It refers to the ability of your emails to reach your subscribers’ inboxes without being flagged as spam. Both Substack and Mailchimp have good deliverability rates, but there are some differences to note.
Mailchimp has a good reputation for deliverability, thanks to its strict anti-spam policy and advanced email authentication protocols. It also offers a feature called Inbox Preview, which allows you to preview your emails in different email clients and devices to ensure they look good and are not filtered out as spam. Mailchimp also provides a detailed report of your email campaign’s deliverability rate, bounce rate, and spam complaints.
Substack also has a good deliverability rate, but it does not provide as many features as Mailchimp. According to a comparison by DirectIQ, “Substack’s deliverability is good, but not as good as Mailchimp’s.” Substack does not offer an inbox preview feature or a detailed deliverability report. However, it does use DKIM and SPF authentication to improve deliverability.
When it comes to email deliverability, both Substack and Mailchimp are good options. However, if you want more advanced features and detailed reports, Mailchimp may be the better choice. If you prioritize simplicity and ease of use, Substack may be the way to go.
Analytics and Reporting
Analytics and reporting are essential features of any email newsletter software. They allow you to track the performance of your campaigns and gain insights into your subscribers’ behavior. Here’s a breakdown of the analytics and reporting features of Substack and Mailchimp:
Analytics of Substack
Substack provides basic analytics and reporting features that allow you to track the performance of your newsletters. You can view the number of subscribers, open rates, and click-through rates for each newsletter. Substack also provides a dashboard that displays your subscribers’ growth over time. However, Substack’s analytics features are limited compared to Mailchimp.
Analytics of Mailchimp
Mailchimp provides robust analytics and reporting features that allow you to track the performance of your campaigns in real-time. You can view the open rates, click-through rates, bounce rates, and unsubscribe rates for each campaign. Mailchimp also provides a dashboard that displays your subscribers’ growth over time and allows you to segment your audience based on their behavior. Additionally, Mailchimp offers A/B testing, which allows you to test different subject lines, content, and send times to optimize your campaigns.
Mailchimp’s analytics and reporting features are more advanced than Substack’s, making it a better choice for businesses that require in-depth insights into their subscribers’ behavior.
Integration with Other Platforms
When it comes to integrating with other platforms, both Substack and Mailchimp offer a range of options, but with some differences.
Mailchimp has a vast number of integrations available, including popular platforms such as Shopify, WordPress, and Salesforce. This makes it an excellent choice for businesses that use multiple platforms and want to streamline their email marketing efforts. Mailchimp also offers an API that allows developers to create custom integrations.
Substack, on the other hand, has limited integrations. It primarily focuses on integrating with payment platforms such as Stripe and PayPal, which is essential for writers who want to monetize their newsletters. However, it doesn’t offer integrations with other popular platforms, which might be a disadvantage for businesses that use multiple tools.
Overall, Mailchimp has a more extensive range of integrations available, making it a better choice for businesses that use multiple platforms. Substack’s focus on payment integrations is beneficial for writers who want to monetize their newsletters.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing between Substack and Mailchimp for your email newsletter software, the decision ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Both platforms offer a range of features and benefits that can help you grow your audience and engage with your subscribers.
If you are looking for a platform that is easy to use and offers a free plan, Substack may be the better option for you. With Substack, you can create a blog and a premium email newsletter, and the platform is always free unless you create a premium email newsletter.
On the other hand, if you need an email marketing platform that is packed with features and integrations, Mailchimp would suit you better. With Mailchimp, you can create and manage email campaigns, automate your email marketing, and access a range of analytics and reporting tools.
Ultimately, the decision between Substack and Mailchimp comes down to your specific needs and preferences. Consider your budget, your goals, and the features that are most important to you when making your decision.