Mailchimp vs Constant Contact: Classic Email Platforms Compared

Platform Overview

Mailchimp has evolved from an email marketing tool into a broader marketing platform with CRM, landing pages, social media tools, and more. This expansion brings capability but also complexity. The platform serves millions of users from small businesses to enterprises.

Constant Contact maintains a tighter focus on email marketing and events. The platform is known for excellent customer support and a gentler learning curve, making it popular among small businesses and nonprofits.

Template Building Experience

Mailchimp Templates

Mailchimp offers approximately 100 email templates with a drag-and-drop editor. The editor is capable but can feel cluttered with options. Templates range from modern to dated, with quality varying significantly. Recent AI features assist with content generation, though they require editing.

Constant Contact Templates

Constant Contact provides 200+ templates optimized for different industries and use cases. The editor prioritizes simplicity over features, making it easier for beginners. Templates are mobile-responsive and generally professional, though design flexibility is more limited.

Ease of Use

Constant Contact wins on ease of use. The platform is designed for users without marketing expertise, with clear guidance throughout the interface. Setting up your first campaign is straightforward.

Mailchimp has a steeper learning curve, especially as they have added features. The interface can overwhelm new users, though documentation and tutorials are extensive.

Marketing Features

Pricing

Mailchimp: Free tier (limited), then from $13/month. Pricing scales with contacts and features needed. Can become expensive as you grow.

Constant Contact: From $12/month with no free tier (only trial). Generally more predictable pricing that scales more gradually with list size.

Customer Support

Constant Contact is renowned for excellent customer support. Phone support is available, and response times are typically fast. This is a major differentiator for businesses that need help.

Mailchimp offers support but primarily through chat and email. Phone support is limited to higher tiers. Self-service documentation is extensive but navigating it can be challenging.

Modern Alternatives

Both Mailchimp and Constant Contact represent traditional approaches to email marketing. For businesses wanting more modern, efficient template creation, Sequenzy offers AI-powered generation that creates brand-matched templates automatically.

Rather than spending time in template builders, Sequenzy users describe what they need and receive professional templates with both design and copy generated automatically. This represents a significant evolution in how email templates are created.

Recommendation

For small businesses and nonprofits who value ease of use and support, Constant Contact delivers a less frustrating experience. For businesses needing advanced automation and broader marketing tools, Mailchimp offers more capabilities despite the complexity.

Consider whether you need all-in-one platforms or would prefer specialized tools for different functions. For template creation specifically, Sequenzy often produces better results faster than either traditional platform.