I use and love Aweber myself. I've been a happy customer for many years now. I'm also an affiliate, and recommend them to everyone online business owner know. Not for the commissions, but because they are THE market leader in email marketing and mailing list management.
Most people ultimately end up at Aweber (if they're smart), and moving your email lists is no easy task. In fact, you'll lose about 90% of the subscribers you've worked so hard for, so it just makes sense to start where you're going to end up.
This is an extremely important topic. There are things you need to know about MailChimp, real life stories you need to hear, and details you need to consider regarding your Email Marketing - whether you already have something set up, or you're currently looking for the best deal and the right option...
MailChimp has very strict policies, and it's a well known fact that they are NOT "affiliate friendly". Many marketers have had their accounts shut down, losing the ability to email their lists at all. Others have simply not been allowed to send their emails. As an example, here's a discussion with Sharon on Facebook:
Even if you're not an "affiliate marketer" this could STILL affect you. If you are using MailChimp, you'll want to read their terms VERY closely. Just to give you an idea, see this discussion:
With all that said, Brett wrote a guest post for us explaining MailChimp's terms, and "his side of the story." It's always good to hear both sides, get educated on the details, and then make your own decision...
MailChimp vs Affiliate Marketers
Guest Post by Brett Romero
I imagine you’ve read you’ve many times that MailChimp is an affiliate marketer’s worst enemy. You’re aware that MailChimp offers your first 2000 subscribers for free. It’s tempting to use them because that’s a decent wad of cash in your pocket, compared to other services.
But, you don’t want to build up 500, 1000 or even 1500 subscribers, only to have MailChimp destroy all of your hard work by shutting down your account. Your reasoning is because every time you read a “MailChimp vs” thread or ask someone about MailChimp, it’s always the same answer: MailChimp hates affiliate marketers and will shut down your account for no reason.
The Truth Revealed
I’ve been using MailChimp for a while. I find their support fantastic. I couldn’t imagine why they would be so against affiliate marketers or why they would be so quick to shut down an account.
I for one didn’t want my account shut down either. I started asking the MailChimp staff questions about their hatred to affiliate marketers and here’s what I found out.
MailChimp doesn’t have anything against affiliate marketers. In fact, you can send out affiliate links to your heart’s desire.
Wait! You say. I’m not buying it. Everyone I know has had their account shut down for sending out affiliate links.
One Simple Trick Saves All
I get it. I’ve heard this plenty as well.
Here’s the simple trick to avoid any issue with affiliate marketing through MailChimp: Be sure your affiliate link is not black listed. That's it!
MailChimp even provides several ways to verify if an affiliate link is black listed. They go into detail about it here http://kb.mailchimp.com/article/does-mailchimp-ban-affiliate-links. Scroll to the bottom of that page to check that your affiliate link is not black listed.
Here are another way to check if a link/domain is black listed and how to find a domain from an IP:
- Check blacklisted sites: http://mxtoolbox.com/ReverseLookup.aspx
- Find IP address: http://whois.net/domain-name-ip-address/
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How To Save $210 Your First Year
You likely already know about MailChimps carrot they always dangle in your face: first 2000 subscribers for free with up to 12,000 emails per month. For a new business or blogger, 2000 subscribers in your first year is a lofty goal. Meaning, you can use MailChimp for free during that first year (or likely more).
How exactly do you save $210 than? Let's compare MailChimp against one of its biggest competitors - Aweber.
Here’s how it works. Aweber charges $19/mo for your first 500 subscribers. Your first month is only $1. $1 + 11 months x $19 = $210. In full discloser, you can bring that number down some by paying quarterly or annually with Aweber.
Keep Saving With 2000+ Subscribers
But, you can go a little further on savings and keep beating Aweber even when you have 2000+ subscribers. Here’s how it works:
MailChimp charges $30/mo for 1001-2500 subscribers. Aweber charges $29/mo for 501-2500 subscribers. A $1 difference.
MailChimp gives you a 10% discount when you use AlterEgo (http://kb.mailchimp.com/article/what-is-alterego), which is a multi-factor authentication system for your MailChimp account. That reduces the $30/mo price to $27/mo.
Of course, the real savings come in for those that aren’t yet at 2000 subscribers.
The Verdict
Hopefully this has given you some new information to ponder when considering MailChimp vs any other email marketing service. You may think twice before writing off MailChimp when you hear the naysayers telling you how quickly they’ll shut down your account.
What is the verdict you ask? That is up to you. Information is power and now you have it. I’d like to know if this post has changed your mind about MailChimp’s stance on affiliate marketing or if perhaps you are now considering MailChimp...
About: Brett Romero helps people navigate all forms of technical land mines. He consistently doles out bitesize business strategies like popsicles on a scorching hot day. To get his advice delivered to your inbox, sign up at http://www.bitesizebschool.com/welcomeclicknewz.
Thank you, Brett! I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences regarding MailChimp, or whether you feel differently after reading this article. Please leave a comment below.
Personally, I still stand behind Aweber as the better choice for Mailing List management, and will continue to recommend them.
They have tons of templates for both opt-in forms and professional email designs, which are mobile friendly by the way!
They also have great support, the super-handy Blog Broadcast feature, and tons of how-to tips & videos for anything you might need regarding email marketing. The bottom line though is this: It's not all about "pricing" when it comes to choosing your mailing list manager!
You may be looking to save a few bucks, but consider how much you'll earn by having a great provider - and what you stand to lose if you don't...
If you're looking for a great mailing list manager, try Aweber's $1 trial and check it out for yourself.
