Best Email Marketing & Automation Software in 2023!

The paragraph introduces the topic of email marketing software, highlighting the challenge of choosing the right one from the myriad of options available. It emphasizes the common issue of platforms making similar promises and listing identical features, which often do not live up to expectations. The speaker shares their experience of testing various platforms, including a switch to a new one in the past year, and sets the stage for a detailed discussion on the best email marketing automation platforms that cater to a wide range of users, from non-technical beginners to advanced power users.

This section provides an in-depth look at ConvertKit, an email marketing platform noted for its ease of use and intuitive interface. It is recommended for beginners or those who prefer not to engage with complex systems. The platform offers basic email templates with limited customization options, a straightforward sequence builder, and simple automation features. ConvertKit also includes basic landing page templates with minimal customization and relies on tags for subscriber segmentation. The platform's A/B testing is limited to subject lines, and it includes built-in e-commerce features, though these are more basic compared to third-party apps. Pricing is discussed, with a free plan for up to 1,000 subscribers and paid plans with a sliding scale based on the number of subscribers.

The paragraph discusses ActiveCampaign, a platform with more advanced features and customization options compared to ConvertKit. It has a clean interface and a drag-and-drop email builder that allows for extensive personalization. While more complex than ConvertKit, it offers a range of templates and advanced tools, such as content hiding for mobile devices and conditional content. ActiveCampaign's automation builder is versatile, supporting both basic and advanced automations. It also features advanced segmentation with lists, tags, and custom fields, and a highly customizable landing page builder. The platform boasts robust A/B split testing capabilities and lacks built-in e-commerce features but excels in integration with other e-commerce platforms. ActiveCampaign also includes a CRM for customer management. Pricing starts without a free plan, with plans ranging from $29 to $149 per month, depending on desired features.

Bento is introduced as a powerful and flexible email marketing platform that stands out for its innovative approach and speed. It is recommended for users with a technical background who desire a clean canvas for creating complex automations. Bento offers unique features like batch sending to avoid triggering spam filters and email filtering at the point of subscription. It integrates an advanced email builder from Stripo, providing over 1,000 templates, and a built-in sequence builder for basic automations. Bento's advanced automations allow for creating custom events and criteria, providing immense flexibility. It lacks a landing page builder but offers site tracking tools for integration with custom websites. The platform also features an impressive form builder and A/B split testing capabilities, though the latter is described as a DIY option. Segmentation is based on tags, custom fields, segments, or events, and does not rely solely on lists or tags. E-commerce integrations are powerful, and customer support is highlighted as exceptional. Pricing is based on a sliding scale with no free plan, starting at $30 for 3,000 users and scaling based on the number of users, without restricting features.

The conclusion summarizes the key points of the video, providing recommendations for the best email marketing software based on the user's needs and technical proficiency. ConvertKit is suggested for those who want a quick, easy, and non-technical solution. ActiveCampaign is recommended for users seeking customization, advanced automations, and room to scale, with a willingness to learn. Bento is ideal for technically-minded individuals who desire a clean canvas for complex tasks and access to innovative features. The video ends with an invitation to a free email list growth workshop for further learning on organic list growth strategies.