Going bananas over MailChimp
Update May 2023: I used the free version of MailChimp for several years. It worked very well until I needed to create a multiple-letter sequence to welcome new subscribers automatically. That type of automation is no longer available on the free plan, so I’ve switched to the free version of MailerLite.
Squarespace and other DIY website builders have introduced their own built-in email marketing tools, but they usually charge a subscription fee to add to a website. Built-in email marketing is a more convenient option, but you’ll need to justify the cost.
I've been wanting to try MailChimp, the email marketing service, and finally had a chance to explore its features in recent weeks. I've been using the free version, which is ideal for small-business owners. I created some test subscribers, customized some of the signup and confirmation forms, and designed a test newsletter easily. Creating the newsletter was similar to using the drag-and-drop features of image and text blocks in Squarespace.
Helping a client recently, I also learned you can generate a signup form in MailChimp and add its HTML code to your website to encourage visitors to sign up for your newsletter easily. You can even create email campaigns for specific groups of subscribers, based on location, gender, or other criteria that you can add, such as Interests.
I'll definitely recommend MailChimp to my small-business clients. Who wouldn't go bananas over a little primate who cheers you on at each step?
Update: As of December 2018, for a new Squarespace website, you’ll need a Business plan or higher to add a third-party mail provider sign-up form to your website. Connecting a newsletter is now a premium feature that isn’t included on the Personal plan.
