If you're on this site you are probably trying to figure out how to get started on, or optimize your email marketing situation. Did you google "Mailchimp vs. Klaviyo" and get lost in the internet comparison hole? Most of my clients arrive here that way :). I love both platforms so I'll try to help you make a decision.

So which ESP (email service provider) makes the most sense for you and your business? Mailchimp or Klaviyo?  Answer a few questions:

1. Are you an e-commerce store with a lot of SKUs? If yes, you can stop reading here and sign-up for Klaviyo, or read more about the differences here.

2. Do you need crazy flows and automations connected not only to your e-commerce platform, but to other apps, like Yotpo and Smile.io? You can stop reading here and sign-up for Klaviyo, or read more about the differences here.

3. Are you a coach, yoga studio or brand that doesn't sell a lot of products? Read on for Mailchimp info!

Mailchimp

Being one of the most well-known email service providers, it’s no surprise that Mailchimp is one of the most used email platforms on the internets.

It's slightly cheaper than Klaviyo with the free service plan offering:

  • Up to 2000 contacts
  • One audience (an audience is kind of like a list)

While their $299 premium plan offers:

  • Up to 200,000 contacts
  • Unlimited audiences

Mailchimp is extremely easy to use and takes a more simple approach to display analytics and data reports. 

Just like Klaviyo, Mailchimp is  integrated with many other platforms but they no longer connect directly to Shopify, so if you have Shopify and lots of SKU's, I would recommend Klaviyo. You can still pull products into Mailchimp from Shopify, but you don't get the type of integration you get with Klaviyo.

Mailchimp has an excellent automation tool that allows you to create beautiful lifecycle emails (sales email for coaches, welcome series, etc). You need a paid plan for lifecycle series but you can create static series on the free plan!

If you fall into any of these categories I would recommend Mailchimp:

  • Coach
  • Consultant
  • Education
  • Influencer
  • Studio
  • Freelancer
  • Content Creator
  • Artist
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Digital Download provider
  • B2B

Basically, you don't sell a lot of physical products. If you do, signup for Klaviyo!

Klaviyo‍

Klaviyo’s pricing differs from Mailchimp because you pay for how large your email list is.

Unlike Mailchimp, Klaviyo offers a TON of advanced features and allows you to deep-dive into your data (the reporting is super user friendly and easy to read). 

Klaviyo integrates directly with ALL the ecomm platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento and more. Plus they have custom integrations if needed.

But best of all, Klaviyo's flow builder is unmatched in the email space. They make it SOOOOOOOO easy to create drip campaigns and automated flow series.  Things like Welcome series, Abandoned Cart, VIP, Birthday - anything you can think of.

The flows do take quite a while to set up, but once you do, you get all the INCREMENTAL REVENUE 🤑🤑. It's almost set it and forget it. Design and build it once, then update quarterly with new assets or offers.

Still need help making a decision? Email me and we can talk about it!