Small Business Guide to Email Marketing Services - Page 3

Pricing Plans and Considerations

Typically you can expect to pay a per-month (or per-year) subscription fee that offers set features and based on either a maximum number of emails sent or a maximum number of subscribers in your list. Exceeding maximums may carry a "per-instance" fee, or you may be upgraded to the next plan level. Be sure you understand exactly what happens when you exceed maximum numbers.

Some email marketing services have a basic set of features and require you to upgrade to access more advanced email marketing features. Try looking for a plan that offers all options from the get-go and will only require you to upgrade a service plan based on the volume of emails sent.

When trying a new provider, avoid term contracts longer than 30-days. If you decide after two months the service is not meeting your needs you may be stuck with the service or lose prepaid funds. You can avoid this by trying a vendor that offers a 30 or 60-day fully functional trial period.

Most vendors offer a free-trial subscription, so take advantage and try the email marketing service before you buy.

List of Email Marketing Services

• Benchmark Email: Web-based email marketing tools to send, track and manage newsletters, surveys and online polls [Pricing, Features]
• Boomerang: Email marketing with self-service and full-service options to create, send and track professional HTML email campaigns [Pricing, Features]
• Campaigner: Email marketing service to easily create and send effective email marketing campaigns [Pricing, Features]
• Constant Contact: Email marketing software that makes it easy to create professional HTML email campaigns; no tech skills required [Pricing, Features]
• Lyris HQ: Integrated email marketing software to connect you to your customers [Features]
• Emercury: Email marketing services and email marketing solution [Pricing, Features]
• eWayDirect (Direct|Connect Platform): Integrate an email strategy with acquisition, website reengagement and social marketing [Features]
• GetResponse: Send email newsletters, campaigns, online surveys and follow-up auto responders [Pricing, Features]
• GraphicMail: Create and manage your email newsletters, eflyers and mobile marketing campaigns [Pricing, Features]
• iContact: Allows you to create, send and track email messages [Pricing, Features]
• Mad Mimi: Create, send and track email campaigns [Pricing, Features]
• MailChimp: Design, send and track email campaigns with simple tools [Pricing, Features]
• Pinpointe: Cloud-based email marketing [Pricing, Features]
• RatePoint: Local business reviews, surveys and social media marketing tools [Pricing, Features]
• Silverpop: Email marketing, marketing automation, lead nurturing and more. [Features]
• Stream Send: Email marketing software for sending HTML email newsletters and promotions [Pricing, Features]
• Vertical Response: Create engaging email newsletters from more than 700 templates [Pricing, Features]

Based in Nova Scotia, Vangie Beal is has been writing about technology for more than a decade. She is a frequent contributor to Ecommerce-Guide and managing editor at Webopedia. You can tweet her online @AuroraGG.

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