Which E-mail Marketing Platform is Best for My Church? Comparing Mailchimp vs Constant Contact

June 6th, 2023

Navigating the digital landscape for effective church communication can be challenging. The right e-mail marketing platform can make all the difference. With it, you can reach your congregation effectively, disseminate information, engage your community, and even grow your church.

What is an E-mail Marketing Platform?

An e-mail marketing platform is a service that enables organizations to send out e-mails to a list of subscribers. These platforms help automate the process of sending e-mails, managing subscriber lists, and tracking engagement metrics like open rates and click-through rates. For churches, e-mail marketing is a potent tool for fostering communication, sharing service times, inspirational messages, events, and more.

Mailchimp Vs. Constant Contact
Here at Worship Times, we primarily use two e-mail marketing platforms, Mailchimp and Constant Contact. Both offer unique features designed to meet the varying needs of different organizations.

Mailchimp
Mailchimp is a comprehensive marketing platform that offers a variety of services, including e-mail marketing. It provides a user-friendly interface, making it a popular choice for many organizations.

Pros of using Mailchimp

Free tier for up to 2000 subscribers, allowing small churches to use the platform without incurring costs. Once you reach a paid tier, they offer a discount for nonprofits.
Versatile and easy-to-use e-mail design templates.
Offers robust analytics for tracking engagement.

Cons of using Mailchimp

As your congregation grows, the cost can increase.
The interface, though user-friendly, can seem overwhelming due to the multitude of features.

Constant Contact
Constant Contact is an e-mail marketing focused platform known for its excellent customer service and integration capabilities.

Pros of using Constant Contact

Provides a multitude of integrations, including social media and other church management software.
Offers exceptional customer service with extensive online training materials.
Unique event management feature, beneficial for managing church events.
Offers discounts for prepayment and for nonprofits.

Cons of using Constant Contact

Slightly more expensive than other platforms, particularly for larger email lists.
Limited customization options for their email templates compared to Mailchimp.

Make a Decision
Choosing between Mailchimp and Constant Contact depends on your church’s specific needs. Evaluate your congregation size, budget, required integrations, and desired level of customization before making a decision. Remember, effective communication fosters a thriving community. But don’t stress! Ultimately, choosing between Mailchimp and Constant Contact often comes down to preference as to which platform feels easier for you and your team to use. Either choice is a good option.

Need guidance on choosing the right e-mail marketing platform for your church? Leave a comment below or reach out to us at https://worshiptimes.org/contact/