Email Marketing Platforms: A Beginner-Friendly Guide to Choosing and Using Them
In this guide, I compare the most beginner-friendly email platforms, share what worked (and didn’t) when I tested them, and show you how to actually start using email to grow your website without overcomplicating things.
When I first started looking into email marketing, I’ll be honest, I felt completely overwhelmed. Every guru out there seemed to be saying, “You need an email list!” but no one explained what that actually meant in practice.
So I went down the rabbit hole: researching platforms, testing free trials, and trying to figure out how email fits into an online business. The good news? Once you strip away the buzzwords, email marketing is actually one of the simplest (and most powerful) tools you can add to your website - They are essential in growing a successful affiliate marketing or e-commerce/dropshipping website.
In this guide, I’ll break down:
- Why email marketing is worth your time (even if you’re just starting out)
- A comparison of popular platforms (Mailchimp, ConvertKit, Brevo, etc.)
- Step-by-step tips for getting started without overcomplicating things
Let’s get into it.
Why Bother with Email Marketing?
Here’s the thing about social media and search traffic: you don’t own it. Algorithms change, trends come and go, and your reach can disappear overnight.
With email, you build a direct connection to your audience. If someone gives you their email, it’s a sign they want to hear from you. That’s incredibly valuable.
For beginners, the main benefits are:
- Control - you’re not relying on Instagram, TikTok, or Google to reach your people.
- Conversion - email consistently drives more sales per subscriber than social media.
- Relationship - you can show up regularly in someone’s inbox, building trust over time.
It’s not about spamming people; it’s about sharing value, updates, and offers in a space that feels personal.
What Makes a Good Email Marketing Platform?
When I was comparing platforms, I found there are a few key things to look for as a beginner:
- Ease of use - does the dashboard make sense, or do you feel lost?
- Free plan or trial - you probably don’t want to spend $50/month right out the gate.
- Templates and automation - can you easily create nice emails and set up basics like a welcome sequence?
- Integrations - does it play nicely with your website builder (WordPress, Shopify, etc.)?
Comparing Popular Email Platforms for Beginners
Here are the ones I have tested and recommend for beginners:
1. Mailchimp
- Best for: absolute beginners who want a free plan to test the waters.
- Free plan: up to 500 contacts, 1,000 sends/month.
- Pros: drag-and-drop builder, lots of templates, integrates with almost everything.
- Cons: pricing jumps quickly as your list grows, automations are limited on free tier.
My experience: Mailchimp felt like the “default” option - simple to get going, but a bit clunky once I wanted to automate more.
2. ConvertKit
- Best for: creators (bloggers, YouTubers, course creators).
- Free plan: up to 1,000 subscribers.
- Pros: super clean interface, powerful automations, tagging system to organize your audience.
- Cons: fewer design templates, more focused on text-style emails.
I liked ConvertKit because it feels less like a corporate newsletter tool and more like something made for individual creators.
- Brevo (formerly Sendinblue)
- Best for: small businesses who need email + SMS.
- Free plan: unlimited contacts, 300 emails/day.
- Pros: very affordable as you scale, strong automation tools, transactional emails (great if you run a store).
- Cons: daily sending limit on the free plan, not as sleek as ConvertKit.
Brevo surprised me. If you’re doing e-commerce or dropshipping, it might be a strong choice because of the SMS + transactional options.
- Best for: beginners who want a clean, modern interface.
- Free plan: up to 1,000 subscribers, 12,000 emails/month.
- Pros: nice landing page builder, generous free tier, easy automation.
- Cons: fewer integrations than Mailchimp, approval process can take time.
I tested MailerLite and really liked how intuitive it felt. It’s very beginner-friendly without looking outdated.
5. ActiveCampaign (advanced option)
- Best for: businesses ready to get serious with automation.
- Free plan: none (starts at ~$29/month).
- Pros: extremely powerful automation and CRM tools.
- Cons: steep learning curve, more expensive.
I wouldn’t start here as a beginner, but it’s good to know where you might graduate to once you’ve built momentum.
Which One Should You Pick?
If you’re just getting started, here’s my honest take:
- Want free & simple? → Mailchimp or MailerLite
- Creator/blogger vibes? → ConvertKit
- E-commerce focus? → Brevo
- Already serious & scaling? → ActiveCampaign
Don’t overthink it, the key is to actually start building your list, not to chase the “perfect” tool.
How to Use Your Email Platform Effectively (Beginner Steps)
Okay, so you’ve chosen a platform. Now what? Here’s how I set mine up step-by-step:
1. Create a Lead Magnet
People rarely hand over their email for nothing. A lead magnet is a simple freebie, like a checklist, template, or discount that gives them a reason to subscribe.
Example: On a site about affiliate marketing, you could offer a “Beginner’s Toolkit: My Favorite Free Tools for Starting Online.”
2. Set Up a Signup Form
Most platforms let you embed forms or pop-ups on your site. I started with a simple “subscribe for updates” form in the sidebar, then later tested a pop-up with a free guide.
3. Write a Welcome Email (or Sequence)
Your first email is the most important. It sets the tone. I recommend:
- Thank them for signing up.
- Deliver your lead magnet (if you promised one).
- Introduce who you are and what kind of content they can expect.
Later, you can expand this into a sequence: maybe 3–5 emails that drip out over the first week.
4. Send Regular Value
The biggest mistake I made early on was not emailing enough. People forget who you are!
A good rhythm for beginners is once a week. Share something valuable, a tip, a story, or even a curated list of useful links. Keep it simple and consistent.
5. Track What Works
Every platform gives you basic analytics: open rates, click-throughs, unsubscribes.
Don’t obsess, but do pay attention. If a subject line gets a 40% open rate, what made it work? If hardly anyone clicks, maybe your call-to-action isn’t clear.
Final Thoughts
Email marketing felt intimidating to me at first, but once I actually tested a couple of platforms, I realized it’s just another tool, and a powerful one.
If you’re starting your online business, getting even 50–100 people on your list can make a real difference. It’s not about huge numbers; it’s about connection.
So pick a platform, set up your first form, and send that first email. You’ll learn more by doing than by endlessly comparing features.
