Email marketing has become an essential part of any business’s marketing strategy.

With the rise (and reignition) of email marketing platforms like Flodesk and MailerLite, businesses now have more options when it comes to choosing a platform that fits their needs.

But with so many options, it can be challenging to determine which one is the best choice for your business.

In this article, I’ll provide an in-depth comparison of Flodesk* and MailerLite* across key factors like features, pricing, ease of use, and more.

By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of the pros and cons of each platform to help you decide which one is the better fit.

Overview of Flodesk and MailerLite

Flodesk* and MailerLite* are two popular email marketing platforms designed for small businesses, bloggers, and entrepreneurs.

What is Flodesk?

Flodesk* is a relatively new platform, founded in 2019. It’s gained quick popularity, especially among female entrepreneurs, thanks to its visually appealing templates and intuitive interface.

Some key features of Flodesk include:

• Email template builder with modern, stylish templates
• Drag and drop editor
• Signup forms
• Workflow automation
• Analytics

Flodesk uses a flat monthly pricing model regardless of subscriber count.

What is MailerLite?

MailerLite* is a well-established email platform known for its affordability and simplicity. It offers robust features for creating targeted campaigns but with a user-friendly interface.

Key features of MailerLite:

• Drag and drop email builder
• Automation workflows
• Subscriber management
• Signup forms
• Landing pages
• Detailed analytics

MailerLite bases pricing on number of subscribers, starting at $10/month.

Pricing Comparison

One major difference between Flodesk and MailerLite is their pricing structure:

• Flodesk charges a flat monthly fee of $38, regardless of subscriber count. It does offer 50% off discounts*, bringing it down to $19/month.
• MailerLite pricing is based on number of subscribers, it offers a free plan for up to 1000 subscribers, and paid plans starting at $10/month.

For smaller businesses just getting started, MailerLite’s model based on subscribers can be more affordable. But Flodesk’s flat rate is ideal if you have a large subscriber base.

Features and Functionality

While both platforms offer the core features needed for email marketing, there are some key differences in their specific capabilities.

Email Builder

Both Flodesk and MailerLite provide drag-and-drop email builders to create and customize emails. However, there are some differences:

• MailerLite offers greater flexibility — you can build emails from scratch or use/edit their professional templates.
• Flodesk requires selecting a pre-made template first before customizing it in its editor. The selection of templates is more limited compared to MailerLite.

Overall, MailerLite provides more freedom and options for designing highly customized emails. Flodesk makes it easier to create emails with their beautifully designed templates.

Signup Forms

MailerLite has a powerful form builder with numerous templates and customization options to create:

• Embedded forms
• Landing pages
• Full websites

Flodesk’s form builder is more limited to basic popups, inline forms, and landing pages with fewer template choices.

For businesses that need advanced forms and landing pages, MailerLite is the better choice. Flodesk offers simple forms that are quick and easy to set up.

Automation Workflows

Both platforms allow you to set up automated email sequences and workflows based on subscriber actions. However, there are some notable differences:

• MailerLite enables highly advanced workflows with multiple triggers like date-based, clicks, custom fields, etc. Workflows can be quite complex.
• Flodesk only offers one main trigger – when added to a subscriber segment. The workflows are simpler to set up with less flexibility.

MailerLite is better suited for users who require sophisticated branching workflows and advanced automation. Flodesk automations are simpler for basic sequential emails.

Analytics and Reporting

MailerLite provides very extensive analytics on email campaign performance. Key stats provided:

• Open rates
• Click through rates
• Unsubscribe rates
• Location data
• Link clicks
• Conversion tracking

Flodesk analytics cover the basics like opens and clicks but lacks some of the deeper data of MailerLite. The dashboard is simpler for beginners to understand.

For comprehensive campaign performance data, MailerLite is the superior choice. Flodesk offers simpler reports better suited to beginners.

Ease of Use

When it comes to ease of use, Flodesk generally offers a more beginner-friendly interface with its visually focused design. The platform is simpler to navigate compared to MailerLite’s more traditional interface.

However, MailerLite makes up for its more complex interface by providing thorough tutorials, detailed help docs, and excellent customer support. So while MailerLite may have a steeper learning curve, the resources available make it easy to master.

So Who Are These Platforms Best Suited For?

Based on their stand-out features and target users, here is an overview of the best types of businesses for each platform:

Flodesk

Flodesk is an excellent choice for:

• Bloggers, influencers, creatives — creating visually appealing emails is made easy with Flodesk’s stylish modern templates.
• Beginners – the simple interface, pre-built templates, and automation features make email marketing more accessible.
• Businesses focused on branding – the templates help reinforce brand image.

MailerLite

MailerLite is ideal for:

• Advanced users – the extensive features support complex, sophisticated email campaigns and workflows.
• E-commerce businesses – integrations with e-commerce platforms and advanced automations suit sales-driven emails.
• Businesses requiring detailed analytics – robust reporting provides data to optimize campaigns.
• Startups and small businesses – affordable pricing plans make it budget-friendly.

Other Competitors

As one of the top email marketing platforms, MailerLite also faces competition from other popular tools like:

• ConvertKit* – focuses on creators and digital products, with an emphasis on automation, complex tool that offers everything
• EmailOctopus* – Easy-to-use platform with focus on deliverability and inbox placement, ideal beginner platform to get into email automation
• Beehiiv – Affordable all-in-one marketing platform with email and landing pages, tailored towards writers and newsletters specifically
• ActiveCampaign – combines email marketing with CRM and marketing automation.

Compared to these options, MailerLite strikes a great balance of being both affordable yet powerful in capabilities for small businesses. The easy-to-use system makes it appealing to beginners as well.

Conclusion: Should You Choose Flodesk or MailerLite?

So when considering Flodesk vs MailerLite, which platform comes out on top?

While both are great options, MailerLite wins out as the more well-rounded email marketing platform. The affordable pricing, robust features, and powerful editing and automation capabilities make it suitable for a wider range of small businesses. Advanced users will also appreciate the flexibility MailerLite provides.

However, Flodesk can be the better solution for beginners or creatives focused on beautiful email design. The templates and simple interface make email creation easy. But functionality is more limited compared to MailerLite.

Ultimately, think about your business’s specific needs and priorities.

MailerLite is ideal if you need advanced features or detailed analytics while keeping costs low.

Flodesk is a great choice if ease of use and design aesthetics are key factors for crafting engaging emails.

Whichever platform you choose, using a dedicated email marketing service is essential for growing your subscriber base and driving conversions. With the right tool, you can create targeted, professional emails that help take your business to the next level.