Flodesk vs Mailchimp vs ConvertKit: Which email marketing platform is best for small businesses?

Have you been wondering, “Which email marketing platform is best for small businesses?” I totally get it. With so many options like Flodesk, Mailchimp, and ConvertKit out there, it can feel overwhelming trying to pick the right one. As a small business owner myself, I’ve tested them all, and I’m here to break it down for you.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the pros and cons of Flodesk, Mailchimp, and ConvertKit, but I’ll also be totally honest about which one is my fave. (Spoiler alert: Flodesk has my heart for so many reasons, and by the end of this, you might just fall in love with it too!)

Flodesk: The Dream Platform

Let’s start with Flodesk because, well, it’s been a game-changer for my business. If you care about how your emails look (and trust me, your audience does), then Flodesk is the platform for you. It’s all about stunning, easy-to-create emails that don’t require you to have a graphic design degree to make them look good.

Flodesk gives you drag-and-drop templates that are as beautiful as they are simple to use. When I first switched to Flodesk, I was blown away by how quickly I could create branded, professional-looking emails. You don’t have to spend hours figuring out the tech either – it’s all super intuitive.

And can I just say… pricing! Flodesk has a flat rate of $38 a month, no matter how big your email list grows. So if you’re tired of worrying about getting hit with extra fees as your business grows (looking at you, Mailchimp), Flodesk is a breath of fresh air. And if you sign up with my link, you’ll get 50% off your first year!

Oh, and did I mention I’ve created Flodesk email design templates to make things even easier for you? You’ll be able to start sending gorgeous emails in no time, without all the hassle.

Why I Love Flodesk for Small Businesses:

• Flat rate pricing: No extra fees, no matter how big your list gets. Just $38 a month. (Plus, with my link, you’ll get 50% off your first year!)
• Beautiful email templates: Flodesk makes it easy to create stunning emails that match your brand.
• Unlimited subscribers: Your bill won’t go up as your list grows.
• Simple, intuitive design: Drag and drop, and you’re done!
• Automation made easy: Setting up automated email workflows is a breeze.

Flodesk Cons:

• Limited integrations: While Flodesk is gorgeous and easy to use, it doesn’t integrate with as many tools as Mailchimp or ConvertKit. You might need workarounds if you’re looking for advanced integrations.
• Limited analytics: Flodesk offers basic insights, which might feel too simple if you’re into detailed data.
• No free plan: They offer a 30-day free trial, but after that, you’ll need to pay. 

Mailchimp: The Old-School Option

Next, let’s talk about Mailchimp. It’s been around forever, and honestly, a lot of people start their email marketing journey here because it’s super well-known. If you need advanced features like advanced analytics or tons of integrations, Mailchimp can be a solid option.

But… I’ll be real: It’s not the easiest platform to navigate, especially if you’re not super techy. I’ve personally found it to be a bit clunky compared to Flodesk, and while Mailchimp does have a free plan, it’s pretty limited once your list starts growing. The moment you hit certain subscriber numbers, those costs can add up fast.

Why You Might Like Mailchimp:

• Tons of integrations: Connect it with almost any platform you use.
• Great for data lovers: If you like advanced analytics, Mailchimp has you covered.
• Free plan for beginners: You can get started for free, but you’ll outgrow it quickly.
• Powerful automation: It’s there, but it’s not as easy to set up as Flodesk.

Mailchimp Cons:

• Not as user-friendly: There’s a steeper learning curve with Mailchimp, especially if you’re not used to email marketing.
• Pricing can add up: While there’s a free plan, Mailchimp gets expensive quickly as your list grows. It’s also based on the number of subscribers, so if you’re scaling, you might want to keep an eye on that.
• Design limitations: Mailchimp’s templates are functional but not nearly as pretty or customizable as Flodesk’s. If aesthetics matter to you, this can be frustrating.
• Clunky automation setup: Automation is powerful, but setting it up can feel overwhelming, especially compared to Flodesk’s smooth, easy workflows.

Mailchimp works, but if you’re looking for something more user-friendly and prettier (let’s be honest, design matters), Flodesk still wins for me.

ConvertKit: Made for Creators

Then there’s ConvertKit, which is really popular among content creators – think bloggers, YouTubers, and podcasters. If you need super-targeted automation and tagging, ConvertKit is a great option. It’s powerful, and it’s known for making segmentation really easy.

That said, ConvertKit’s email designs are… well, basic. If you care about creating visually appealing emails that reflect your brand, you might feel limited here. It’s all text-based with minimal design options, so if aesthetics are important to you (and your brand!), you might feel like something is missing.

Why You Might Like ConvertKit:

• Perfect for creators: If you’re a blogger or content creator, it’s great for audience segmentation.
• Advanced tagging: Get really specific with how you segment your audience.
• Simple automations: Easy to set up email sequences.
• Landing pages: ConvertKit has landing page features if you need them.

ConvertKit Cons:

• Basic designs: If you want beautifully designed emails, ConvertKit will leave you wanting more.
• Pricing: Like Mailchimp, ConvertKit’s pricing increases as your subscriber list grows, and it’s based on the number of subscribers.
• Learning curve: It’s easier to use than Mailchimp, but ConvertKit still requires a bit of a learning curve, especially if you’re new to email marketing.

So, which email marketing platform is best for small businesses?

Now that we’ve gone through Flodesk, Mailchimp, and ConvertKit, the big question remains: Which email marketing platform is best for small businesses? It really depends on your priorities.

If you want something that’s visually stunning, super easy to use, and offers flat-rate pricing, Flodesk is hands-down the best choice. It’s perfect for service providers and small businesses who want to send professional, on-brand emails without spending hours in front of a computer.

Mailchimp is better for those who need more advanced integrations or love analytics, but it’s not as user-friendly or affordable as Flodesk in the long run. ConvertKit, on the other hand, is excellent if you’re a creator who prioritizes segmentation and automation, but its design capabilities definitely don’t compare to Flodesk.

For most small businesses (especially service providers like you), I’d recommend Flodesk all the way. It has everything you need, and I promise, you’ll love how easy it is to create stunning emails. Plus, you won’t have to worry about your bill increasing with your email list!

And don’t forget! I’ve created Flodesk email design templates to make it even easier for you to get started. These templates are designed specifically for service providers who want to send polished, beautiful emails that actually convert.

Why I’m All About Flodesk

After using all three platforms, I keep coming back to Flodesk for its simplicity and design. The flat pricing, the easy-to-use interface, and the fact that I don’t have to be a tech genius to create stunning emails make it my top pick for small business owners.

If you’re ready to give Flodesk a try, check out my Flodesk email design templates to kick-start your email marketing journey. today With these templates, you’ll be sending on-brand, professional emails in no time – and loving every minute of it!

Wrapping It Up

In the debate of Flodesk vs Mailchimp vs ConvertKit, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but for service providers who want something easy, beautiful, and affordable, Flodesk is the clear winner.

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links. If you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. Keep in mind that I only share about companies that I truly believe in and use myself! For my details on affiliate links, please visit my terms of use.