Oh, Mailchimp, you’ve been great
You’ve helped me grow my email lists from zero to over 6,000 subscribers across different projects.
But it’s time to move on.
You’ve just gotten so…big, and non-intuitive, and expensive.
No hard feelings, but we’re moving to Flodesk.
Flodesk is a simple and straightforward email service provider. It does what it does really well. It’s not trying to be an all-in-one solution for all things.
It does email.
We’ve tested Flodesk with a small list and are in the process of switching over everything, including my weekly newsletter with 2,400-plus subscribers.
And I couldn’t be happier.
Here’s a breakdown of nine reasons I’m ditching Mailchimp for Flodesk.
1. Mailchimp has far more bells and whistles than I need
What’s the deal with companies being great at something, then falling into the growth at all cost trap, adding a million “features” and leaving their users behind?
I mean, the Mailchimp founders just made a bunch of money so I guess their plan worked for them, but it hasn’t been great for me for a while. I imagine there are people (read: agencies and enterprises) that take advantage of all the things Mailchimp offers, but I’ve found that the more complicated it’s become, the less I want to use it.
The Mailchimp UX has gotten confusing, non-intuitive and bloated. I don’t want to have to Google how to do every little thing on the platform. I prefer software solutions that are clean and lean.
2. Flodesk has everything I need
Flowdesk has automated funnels (called workflows), unlimited subscribers, the ability to segment and tag people, decent stats, eye-catching templates and more.
That covers everything I need at this point.
3. Mailchimp’s pricing has gotten out of control
As Mailchimp has grown into the all-things-to-all-people platform, it’s pricing has skyrocketed. They keep addind more features that I don’t need, then charging me for them.
So, from my perspective, it’s gotten less user friendly, more confusing and…more expensive. Not a great combo.
4. I like tools that do one thing really well
I’m not a fan of all-in-one solutions. My experience has been that they do all the things so-so at best. I like tools that are intentionally designed to be really great at one thing.
When it comes to email, Flodesk understands what I need and makes it ridiculously easy to do. I need to write and send emails to an engaged list in a pleasant writing environment with an intuitive sending sequence.
Done and done.
5. Flodesk is clean, simple and sophisticated
It is. Which is a breath of fresh air.
6. Flodesk offers unlimited subscribers for a set price
One thing I really love about Flodesk is that you’re not penalized for growing your list. They offer unlimited subscribers for a set price ($19 with this link)
7. Flodesk is flexible
With Flodesk, I can use a graphic-based email template for Lab and a text-based email for my Thursday newsletter. I like the freedom to choose either because sometimes (read: almost always) I just want to send out a simple email.
8. Lovely writing environment
Writing is the heart and soul of your email, whether you use a graphic layout or simple text.
Flodesk makes writing easy and intuitive. If I never have to wrestle with content boxes and sections that don’t do what I want them to do, I’ll be a much happier human.
9. The right fit for me
Mailchimp is focusing on being an enterprise-level solution, which I am not.
Flodesk is focused on small business owners, which I am.
Next Steps
If you have questions about my experience so far with Flodesk, drop me a message. I’m happy to share what I know.
If you’re sold, give Flodesk a try and save 50% on your subscription with this link: https://flodesk.com/c/HWFGK4
