The Best Email Marketing Tools for Small Businesses (And Why You Shouldn’t Do It Yourself)
From the Team at Dirt Cheap Customers

If you’re a small business owner, you’ve probably heard this a hundred times:
“You need to start email marketing.”

And it’s true.
Email is still the most powerful, cost-effective way to stay in touch with your customers, drive repeat sales, and grow your business on autopilot.

But where do you start? Which platform should you use? And how do you actually make money from your emails?

Let’s break it down.

The Top Email Marketing Tools for Small Businesses

1. Mailchimp – Great for Beginners

• Why it’s great: Easy to use, lots of templates, and a free plan if you’re just starting out.

• Use it for: Welcome emails, basic newsletters, and simple automations.

• Downside: Can get expensive as your list grows, and limited customization.

2. Klaviyo – Best for Ecommerce

• Why it’s great: Deep integrations with Shopify and WooCommerce, powerful automation, and excellent customer segmentation.

• Use it for: Abandoned cart flows, product recommendations, and promotional campaigns.

• Downside: Slight learning curve, but totally worth it for product-based businesses.

3. ConvertKit – Perfect for Creators & Coaches

• Why it’s great: Clean design, easy automations, and ideal for people selling services or digital products.

• Use it for: Lead magnets, course launches, and weekly content updates.

• Downside: Not as flexible for complex ecommerce needs.

4. ActiveCampaign – Automation Powerhouse

• Why it’s great: Powerful tagging and automation, excellent CRM features built in.

• Use it for: Multi-step funnels, high-ticket services, or businesses with multiple customer types.

• Downside: Can feel overwhelming without a clear strategy.

How to Actually Grow with Email

It’s not just about choosing software — it’s what you do with it:

• Step 1: Build a list. Add popups, opt-ins, and lead magnets to your site.

• Step 2: Send emails consistently. Weekly updates, promotions, tips — keep the conversation going.

• Step 3: Automate the basics. Welcome flows, abandoned cart reminders, and re-engagement emails can all run while you sleep.

• Step 4: Track what’s working. Open rates, click rates, sales — the data tells you exactly what your customers want.

Sounds simple, right?
But here’s the problem…

Most small business owners never get past Step 1.
They’re too busy running their business to write emails, build automations, or dive into software dashboards. And that’s where the money gets left behind.

So… Why Would You Do All This Yourself?

Let’s be real:
You didn’t start your business to write email sequences, figure out automation logic, or troubleshoot deliverability issues.

That’s what we do — and we do it for just $38/week.

At Dirt Cheap Customers, we:

• Pick the right email platform for you

• Write, schedule, and send your emails

• Build and manage your automations

• Grow your list with proven tactics

• Make sure every email is working to bring you more sales

Because when you’re making $5,000… $10,000… $50,000 from your list, that $38/week is the best investment you’ll ever make.

You could learn all the tools. You could write all the emails. You could DIY your way through it.

Or…
You could hire us, sit back, and let the emails print money.

👉 Contact Dirt Cheap Customers today.
Let’s turn your inbox into a revenue machine.