Great Autoresponder for Those Starting Out Online
Updated May 12, 2022

Great Autoresponder for Those Starting Out Online

Ashlie Pappas | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 5 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Software Version

Legacy Plan

Overall Satisfaction with Mailchimp

I help get new wellness professionals get set up in their Mailchimp software as it's still one of the most popular starter autoresponders, due to its affordable price point and robust (from the view of someone newer in their business) capabilities. Mailchimp makes it easy to build and nurture a list - especially with their features that have been added in the past couple years, albeit making it a bit more complex and less intuitive.
I personally use Mailchimp as a backup to my regular autoresponder system as I've had my account for over 7 years and it has always been reliable - usually running a couple opt-in campaigns into it at any given time.
  • Price point.
  • Integrations.
  • Commitment to adapt to meet user needs.
  • Ability to give access to VAs.
  • With the added features, the platform is no longer intuitive and easy to figure out.
  • Unless VA is a recognized Mailchimp Agency Partner, it uses a "seat" to give them access, otherwise password must be shared and coordination set to pass off the verification code.
  • It seems like MC is trying to compete with platforms like ConvertKit, Keap, etc., but the UX is extremely more overwhelming and less effective. It's currently stuck in limbo between beginners software and a full on CRM.
  • Since they are constantly adapting to meet the times, their platform changes pretty frequently which can be frustrating.
  • The email autoresponder capabilities could be improved greatly.
  • The user interface is trendy, but is VERY fatiguing to the eyes if you work in Mailchimp for any extended period of time.
  • It's been a lifesaver while moving platforms, since it is reliable and easy to use for basic functions, allowing to continue to bring in leads and nurture them while in transition.
  • By not being super intuitive, clients often need help with initial setup - so using and being familiar with Mailchimp creates a ROI in that sense.
As stated previously, I use Mailchimp as a secondary autoresponder (for transitions between platforms or in case of performance issues with the primary). My primary autoresponders are ConvertKit for marketing, and Kajabi for digital product delivery and support, although I am currently preparing to transition to FGFunnels.
ConvertKit, Infusionsoft (I went to ConvertKit shortly after it became Keap), and Ontraport are superior to Mailchimp.
Drip and Kajabi are about the same in terms of email capabilities - however since Drip is owned by Leadpages, there are some superior qualities in terms of the Leadpages integrations and function. Kajabi is far superior for course or digital product creators, since it's all in the same platform and Kajabi is a great LMS.
Mailchimp outperforms Constant Contact and AWeber in almost all areas.
The user interface and use of trendy terms for functions (such as "journey" for the advanced campaign builder) are confusing and not intuitive. However, with a little time and learning, it does what it's supposed to do and is reliable as an autoresponder.
With their regular updates and large platform changes, it can be frustrating to get accustomed to a new interface or system and then have it completely changed, having to learn it all over again.
They do have an extensive support system and it is easy to find instructions on how to navigate the software (making sure to search based on recent materials provided so you don't end up with obsolete instruction).
They are trying to do too much here when they need to focus on building out their email autoresponder abilities and user interface.
When I think of autoresponders, Mailchimp comes to mind immediately.
When I think of shopping carts, e-commerce, graphic design, web hosting, landing pages, etc - Mailchimp isn't a blip on the radar. It's very rare you find a software that has truly mastered being a "jack of all trades," and Mailchimp isn't one of them.
The biggest thing is that they are reliable as an autoresponder, even though the user interface and their systems have become less intuitive over the years, it is still fairly easy to use and figure out.
I may end up going back to using Mailchimp as my primary if they do a little more in terms of the email, campaign, automation, sequence capabilities and hopefully the user interface. But ultimately, I trust Mailchimp to get my emails to my audience safely.
Mailchimp will probably always be my go-to for those who are just starting their list or online business, as it is easy to use for basic functions.

However, I don't think it's a great option for anyone with a sizable list who needs advanced email marketing capabilities. Even with their most recent changes, the interface is hard to look at for any extended period of time and is cheesy. To be honest, it may be my prejudice from working with other email platforms and the difference in user interface. For someone who starts and grows with Mailchimp, it could very well handle more complex functions considering the newer features such as "Journey" automations. But it still doesn't feel very intuitive where other platforms are.

Mailchimp Feature Ratings

WYSIWYG email editor
5
Dynamic content
7
Ability to test dynamic content
7
Landing pages
3
A/B testing
8
Mobile optimization
7
Email deliverability reporting
8
List management
7
Triggered drip sequences
8
Standard reports
8