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Written by: Benjamin Paine
Managing Director at Digital Nomads HQ
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Email Marketing Platforms Your Business Needs To Try...
Ready to supercharge your email marketing without draining your budget? Smart email marketing shouldn’t cost a fortune – especially when you’re focused on growing your business.
The landscape of email marketing has transformed dramatically. Today’s free email marketing platforms pack professional-grade features that rival their premium counterparts. Think automated campaigns, detailed analytics, and robust list management tools – all without touching your marketing budget.
Our team has rigorously tested and evaluated dozens of email marketing solutions to uncover the platforms that truly deliver on their promises. We’ve filtered out the misleading options to bring you only the most capable free tools available.
What you’ll discover: A carefully curated selection of 8 powerful email marketing platforms perfect for 2024. Whether you’re launching your first newsletter campaign or scaling your marketing operations, these platforms offer the perfect balance of features, usability, and growth potential.
Each platform in our list comes with a detailed breakdown of features, limitations, and specific use cases – helping you make an informed choice for your business needs.
MailerLite - Best for Small Business Growth
Tool Information
Pricing
Free Plan Available
G2 Rating
4.6/5 Stars
Best for:
Small Business Growth
Overview
Smart email marketing demands a platform that evolves with your business. MailerLite stands out as the perfect companion for growing Australian businesses, delivering enterprise-grade features through a remarkably simple interface.
MailerLite Features and Capabilities
The heart of MailerLite’s appeal lies in its AI-powered drag-and-drop editor – transforming complex design tasks into simple, intuitive actions. Their automation suite includes powerful capabilities that drive real business results:
Smart sending time optimisation powered by AI
Visual campaign builder for seamless automation
Comprehensive A/B and multivariate testing tools
Dynamic content personalisation
Professional landing page creation
Robust e-commerce connectivity
Think of deliverability as the backbone of email marketing success – MailerLite excels here with industry-leading inbox placement rates and detailed performance analytics that keep your campaigns on target.
MailerLite Pricing Structure
MailerLite Integration Options
Picture this: A marketing ecosystem where everything works together seamlessly. MailerLite delivers exactly that with 140+ platform integrations, including:
E-commerce Platforms: Direct connections to Shopify, WooCommerce, and leading platforms enable automated purchase flows and cart recovery campaigns.
Design Tools: Seamless Canva integration brings professional design capabilities right into your email workflow.
Project Management: Streamline operations with Trello and Basecamp connectivity.
The platform’s true strength lies in its intelligent data synchronisation. Automatic updates flow between connected services, eliminating manual data entry and freeing up valuable time for strategic tasks.
Brevo - Top Choice for Marketing Automation
Tool Information
Pricing
Free Trial Available
G2 Rating
4.5/5 Stars
Best for:
Marketing Automation
Overview
Think of Brevo as your marketing automation command centre. The platform transforms complex marketing workflows into streamlined processes that deliver real results for Australian businesses.
Brevo’s Automation Features;
The visual workflow builder stands as Brevo’s crown jewel – turning sophisticated marketing sequences into intuitive, visual journeys. Their comprehensive automation toolkit delivers:
Feature Type | Capabilities |
|---|---|
Lead Management | Lead scoring, qualification, nurturing |
Communication | Email, SMS, WhatsApp, push notifications |
Personalization | Dynamic content, behavior-based triggers |
E-commerce | Abandoned cart recovery, post-purchase engagement |
Customer Journey | Welcome series, birthday emails, re-engagement campaigns |
Looking to maximise engagement? The platform’s intelligent ‘Best Time’ feature analyses past campaign performance to determine optimal sending times for your audience.
Brevo's Email Template Library
Picture a template collection that combines professional design with practical functionality. Brevo delivers exactly that with 50 responsive templates engineered for results across all devices. Standout capabilities include:
Brand Library Integration: Centralise your brand elements for consistent messaging
Dynamic Content Blocks: Create personalised experiences at scale
Custom HTML Support: Unlock advanced customisation potential
Brevo's Analytics Dashboard
The Google Looker-powered analytics suite transforms raw data into actionable insights. Key features that drive marketing success:
Real-time Monitoring: Watch your campaigns perform live with comprehensive tracking of opens, clicks, and conversions.
Advanced Reporting: Seven purpose-built dashboards deliver deep insights into everything from email performance to revenue generation.
Environmental Impact: A groundbreaking Carbon Footprint dashboard helps Australian businesses monitor and optimise their digital environmental impact.
Brevo excels by making sophisticated marketing automation accessible to businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re orchestrating welcome sequences or managing multi-channel campaigns, the platform maintains its user-friendly approach without compromising on powerful functionality.
Sender - Most Generous Free Plan
Tool Information
Pricing
Free trial
G2 Rating
4.3/5 Stars
Best for:
Generous Free Plan
Overview
Looking for premium email marketing features without the premium price tag? Sender delivers exceptional value that Australian businesses need – especially when every marketing dollar counts.
Sender’s Free Plan Limitations;
Think of Sender as your premium marketing suite with a $0 price tag. The platform shatters expectations with an incredibly robust free tier:
Feature | Free Plan Allowance |
|---|---|
Subscribers | 2,500 |
Monthly Emails | 15,000 |
Automation | Unlimited |
Segmentation | Unlimited |
Templates | 60+ responsive designs |
Forms & Popups | Included |
The best part? Advanced features like behavioural segmentation and automation workflows come standard – no credit card required. The only trade-off? A small Sender branding signature in your emails.
Sender's Email Design Tools
Picture a design suite that transforms complex email creation into a seamless experience. Sender’s drag-and-drop builder stands out with practical features that matter:
Smart image editing with auto-resize capability
Dynamic elements including countdown timers and surveys
Seamless e-commerce product integration
Quick video-to-GIF transformation
Smart personalisation tools
The template collection might be compact, but each design delivers professional results across every device your subscribers use.
Sender's Deliverability Rates
Deliverability makes or breaks your email marketing success. Sender excels here with enterprise-grade authentication protocols – SPF, DKIM, and DMARC working together to maintain your sender reputation.
What truly sets Sender apart is their proactive approach to list management. The platform includes:
Smart List Management:
Built-in engagement monitoring
Automated list cleaning tools
Pre-send spam analysis
Google Analytics performance tracking
For Australian e-commerce businesses, Sender’s automatic product sync capability streamlines campaign creation significantly. Their pre-built automation sequences – from welcome series to abandoned cart recovery – deliver measurable results for growing businesses.
HubSpot - Best for CRM Integration
Tool Information
Pricing
Free trial
G2 Rating
4.4/5 Stars
Best for:
CRM Intergration
Overview
Powerful email marketing demands seamless CRM integration. HubSpot masterfully combines these essential business tools, revolutionising how Australian businesses manage customer relationships and marketing campaigns.
HubSpot’s CRM Features
Smart data enrichment stands as HubSpot’s cornerstone feature – automatically enhancing contact profiles using intelligence from 20+ million business records. The platform delivers enterprise-grade capabilities:
Live pipeline monitoring and management
Intelligent contact data enrichment
Comprehensive deal tracking
Sales performance analytics
Native Gmail and Outlook integration
The magic happens when all customer touchpoints converge in one central hub, creating a 360-degree view of every business relationship.
HubSpot's Email Marketing Tools
Ready to transform your email marketing strategy? HubSpot’s robust email capabilities work hand-in-hand with their CRM, featuring an intuitive design interface that turns complex campaigns into simple, effective communications.
Feature | Free Plan | Starter Plan | Professional Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
Contacts | 1,000 | 1,000 | 2,000 |
Email Sends | 2,000/month | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Templates | Basic | Premium | Custom |
A/B Testing | No | No | Yes |
Automation | Basic | Advanced | Enterprise |
HubSpot's Contact Management
The platform’s contact management system works like your personal marketing assistant. Every customer interaction – from email engagement to website behaviour – automatically populates into detailed contact timelines.
The game-changer? Smart CRM technology that powers personalised email campaigns based on real customer behaviour. Segment your audience with precision and deliver targeted messages that drive meaningful engagement.
HubSpot excels in tracking multi-channel engagement patterns, helping Australian businesses understand which email marketing automation sequences deliver the best results. This insight proves invaluable for:
Creating targeted nurture campaigns
Developing adaptive drip sequences
Optimising engagement strategies
The platform’s real-time performance tracking dashboard transforms raw data into actionable insights, empowering your team to make informed decisions that drive marketing success.
Mailchimp - Ideal for Beginners
Tool Information
Pricing
Free plan
G2 Rating
4.3/5 Stars
Best for:
Ideal for Beginners
Overview
Starting your email marketing journey shouldn’t feel overwhelming. Mailchimp stands as the perfect launchpad for Australian businesses taking their first steps into digital marketing. Our extensive testing reveals a platform that masters the balance between simplicity and capability.
Mailchimp’s User Interface
Think of Mailchimp as your personal marketing mentor. The platform guides you through campaign creation with remarkable clarity. Their intuitive dashboard delivers professional-grade tools without the complexity:
Smart campaign creation wizard
Visual workflow builder
Live preview functionality
Mobile-first design tools
Quick campaign duplication
Mailchimp's Template Selection
The template library serves as your springboard to professional email design. Each template category serves specific business needs:
Category | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
Minimal | Clean, modern designs | General announcements |
Featured | Industry-specific layouts | Targeted campaigns |
Basic | Simple, customizable formats | Regular newsletters |
Full-width | Image-focused designs | Visual content |
Ready to build your brand? Every template includes strategic placeholder content that guides you through proper email structure. The style editor transforms brand elements into stunning designs with just a few clicks.
Mailchimp's Learning Resources
Knowledge powers success. Mailchimp Academy stands as your comprehensive guide to email marketing mastery. The learning hub delivers:
Interactive courses from basics to advanced automation
Professional certification programs
Real-world campaign examples
Step-by-step implementation guides
Looking to fast-track your team’s success? Paid plans unlock personalised onboarding support, while the Customer Journey feature helps create dynamic marketing paths that evolve with your subscribers.
The platform’s educational commitment extends beyond basic tutorials – expect valuable insights into email marketing best practices that help Australian businesses build effective, long-term marketing strategies.
EmailOctopus - Best for Simplicity
Tool Information
Pricing
Free trial
G2 Rating
4.1/5 Stars
Best for:
Simplicity
Overview
Simple email marketing shouldn’t mean basic functionality. EmailOctopus proves this point perfectly, delivering a streamlined platform that Australian businesses need – without the complexity that often plagues enterprise solutions.
EmailOctopus Features Overview;
Think of EmailOctopus as your streamlined marketing command centre. The platform strips away unnecessary complications while delivering powerful capabilities:
Smart workflow automation builder
30+ mobile-optimised email templates
Intuitive landing page creator
Precision segmentation tools
Live campaign analytics
Smart personalisation options
The secret sauce? A laser-focused approach to email marketing that perfects essential features rather than overwhelming users with endless options.
EmailOctopus Pricing Plans
Transparent pricing meets scalable solutions. The platform’s straightforward pricing structure grows with your business:
EmailOctopus Support Options
Quality support shouldn’t be complicated. EmailOctopus delivers multi-channel assistance that gets results:
Email Support: Daily availability with sub-24-hour response times from technical experts who understand your challenges.
Live Chat: Unlimited access for Pro users, while free accounts enjoy 30 days of onboarding support. Quick, practical solutions when you need them most.
Knowledge Base: A comprehensive resource centre packed with detailed guides, video tutorials, and real-world examples. Regular updates ensure you’re always working with current best practices.
The platform’s support team stands out by delivering personalised solutions rather than generic responses. Their priority support system proves invaluable during crucial campaign periods, helping Australian businesses maintain marketing momentum.
Benchmark Email - Perfect for Creative Teams
Tool Information
Pricing
Free trial
G2 Rating
4.3/5 Stars
Best for:
Creative Teams
Overview
Creative excellence demands powerful design tools. Benchmark Email delivers exactly that, revolutionising how Australian creative teams approach email marketing. Our extensive testing reveals a platform that truly understands the unique challenges creative professionals face.
Benchmark’s Design Features;
Smart Design AI technology transforms the way creative teams work. Forget about repetitive design tasks – Benchmark’s intelligent system automatically applies your brand elements while maintaining perfect consistency across campaigns:
AI-driven email generation
Multi-device preview functionality
Smart colour palette management
Professional image editing suite
Dynamic content integration
The platform’s intuitive drag-and-drop builder shines, but the real game-changer? A built-in Inbox Checker that ensures your designs look pixel-perfect across every email client.
Benchmark's Collaboration Tools
Think of Benchmark as your virtual creative studio. The platform’s team-focused features streamline collaboration between designers and marketers:
Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
Role-based Access | Control permissions for different team members |
Design Libraries | Share brand assets across campaigns |
Template Sharing | Collaborate on design templates |
Review System | Get feedback before campaign launch |
Version Control | Track changes and revisions |
Ready to supercharge your workflow? Native Canva integration lets your design team create stunning visuals without leaving the platform – maintaining brand consistency has never been easier.
Benchmark's Template Library
Beautiful design meets practical functionality. The platform’s 100+ responsive templates cater to every marketing need imaginable. Each template serves as a launchpad for your creative vision, backed by robust customisation options.
Struggling with content creation? The Smart Content feature steps in as your AI-powered copywriting assistant, generating engaging preview text and subject lines that drive open rates through the roof.
The platform’s commitment to mobile excellence ensures every template looks stunning across all devices. Their A/B testing capabilities empower Australian creative teams to:
Experiment with design elements
Test different content approaches
Optimise engagement metrics
Perfect campaign performance
Benchmark Email stands out by delivering sophisticated design tools without sacrificing practical functionality. The result? Stunning email campaigns that not only look professional but deliver measurable results for your business.
Omnisend - Best for E-commerce
Tool Information
Pricing
Free trial
G2 Rating
4.5/5 Stars
Best for:
eCommerce Solution
Overview
Australian e-commerce demands sophisticated marketing automation. Omnisend delivers exactly that – purpose-built features that understand the unique challenges of online retail. Our extensive testing reveals a platform that transforms complex e-commerce marketing into streamlined, revenue-generating campaigns.
Omnisend's E-commerce Features
Smart retail automation meets practical functionality. The platform’s dynamic product blocks automatically sync with your store inventory, revolutionising how Australian retailers create campaigns. Standout capabilities include:
Intelligent product recommendations
Smart discount code generation
Live inventory synchronisation
Behavioural tracking suite
Multi-channel messaging hub
The secret to higher conversions? Personalised shopping experiences powered by automated product suggestions based on real customer browsing patterns.
Omnisend's Integration Options
Seamless connectivity powers retail success. The platform’s integration ecosystem supports every major e-commerce channel:
Platform Type | Available Integrations |
|---|---|
E-commerce | Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Wix |
CMS | WordPress, PrestaShop, nopCommerce |
Marketing | Facebook, Google Ads |
Analytics | Google Analytics, Custom API |
Ready to save countless hours? Omnisend’s automatic data synchronisation eliminates manual updates across your integrated services, letting you focus on growing your online store.
Omnisend's Automation Workflows
Revenue-driving automation made simple. The platform’s e-commerce workflows deliver measurable results:
Customer Journey Automation: Transform casual browsers into loyal customers with sophisticated sequences:
Smart welcome series
Abandoned cart recovery
Browse abandonment re-engagement
Cross-sell opportunity targeting
Multi-Channel Magic:Looking to boost engagement? Omnisend’s omnichannel approach combines email, SMS, and web push notifications into cohesive customer experiences that drive results.
The platform’s e-commerce-specific templates provide the perfect foundation for:
Converting first-time buyers
Maximising repeat purchases
Boosting average order value
Reducing cart abandonment
Smart Personalisation takes centre stage with conditional workflow splits, creating tailored experiences based on customer behaviour. Robust analytics tools track every aspect of campaign performance, helping Australian retailers optimise their marketing investment for maximum returns.
Comparison Table: Your Guide to Free Email Marketing Platforms
Ready to choose the perfect email marketing platform for your Australian business? Let’s break down how these leading solutions compare across essential features and capabilities.
Note: All pricing and limitations are current as of January 2024. Contact providers directly for the most up-to-date information.
Platform | Free Plan Limits | Key Features | Notable Integrations | Target Users/Best For | Standout Capability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MailerLite | 1,000 subscribers, 12,000 monthly emails | AI-powered editor, Visual workflow builder, A/B testing | 140+ platforms including Shopify, WooCommerce, Canva | Small Businesses | AI-powered sending time optimization |
Brevo | Not mentioned | Visual workflow builder, Lead scoring, Multi-channel communication | Google Looker | Marketing Teams | Advanced automation with visual workflows |
Sender | 2,500 subscribers, 15,000 monthly emails | 60+ responsive templates, Unlimited automation, Segmentation | Google Analytics | Budget-conscious users | Extensive free plan features |
HubSpot | 1,000 contacts, 2,000 emails/month | CRM integration, Contact enrichment, Pipeline visibility | Gmail, Outlook | CRM-focused businesses | Automatic contact data enrichment |
Mailchimp | Not mentioned | Drag-and-drop editor, Campaign wizard, Mobile-responsive design | Not mentioned | Beginners | Comprehensive learning resources |
EmailOctopus | 2,500 subscribers, 10,000 emails/month | 30+ mobile-responsive templates, Visual automation builder | Not mentioned | Users seeking simplicity | Streamlined, focused feature set |
Benchmark | Not mentioned | Smart Design AI, Live preview, Collaborative tools | Canva | Creative Teams | Smart Design AI technology |
Omnisend | Not mentioned | Product recommendations, Dynamic discount codes, Multi-channel messaging | Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Wix | E-commerce businesses | Real-time inventory sync |
Pro Tip: Consider starting with platforms offering generous free plans like Sender or EmailOctopus to test their capabilities before committing to a paid solution.
Looking for specific industry solutions? Each platform excels in different areas:
E-commerce: Omnisend’s inventory sync
Creative Teams: Benchmark’s Smart Design AI
Small Business: MailerLite’s intuitive tools
Enterprise: HubSpot’s robust CRM integration
Choose the platform that aligns with your business goals, technical requirements, and growth plans. Remember, the best solution isn’t always the one with the most features, but rather the one that fits your specific needs.
Final Thoughts
Email marketing success doesn’t require a premium price tag. Today’s free email marketing platforms rival their paid counterparts in both features and functionality. Our comprehensive testing reveals solutions that cater to every Australian business need.
Ready to choose your perfect platform? Consider these market-leading options:
MailerLite transforms small business marketing with growth-focused features
Omnisend revolutionises e-commerce capabilities
Brevo masters marketing automation
Mailchimp delivers unmatched simplicity for beginners
Smart platform selection starts with understanding your needs. Consider these crucial factors:
Current and projected subscriber numbers
Required automation capabilities
Essential integration requirements
Available technical resources
Growth trajectory expectations
Think of your email marketing platform as a business partner. The right choice isn’t about having every feature imaginable – it’s about finding the solution that aligns perfectly with your business objectives and operational capabilities.
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