If you’re a blogger looking to grow your audience, monetize your content, and communicate consistently with your readers, choosing the right email marketing tool matters.
Two of the most common options you’ll hear about are:
- Mailchimp — one of the oldest, most popular email platforms
- ConvertKit — a creator-focused tool designed for bloggers and solo creators
In this guide, we’ll compare Mailchimp vs ConvertKit for bloggers side by side — covering ease of use, automation, pricing, tagging, design, and real-world blogging needs.
By the end, you’ll know which tool actually makes sense for your blog.
Quick Verdict
- ConvertKit is usually better for bloggers who want simple but powerful automation, list growth, and monetization.
- Mailchimp can work, but it’s often more complex and less tailored to creators.
If you’re curious about ConvertKit’s overall strengths and weaknesses, check out my full ConvertKit review for creators.
Who Each Tool Is Built For
Mailchimp
Originally built for small businesses, Mailchimp has evolved into a full-featured platform with:
- E-commerce tools
- CRM features
- Extensive integrations
- Lots of templates
Mailchimp works well when you:
- Run an online store
- Need design flexibility
- Send lots of promotional messages
ConvertKit
ConvertKit was built specifically for creators — bloggers, YouTubers, podcasters, coaches, and indie authors.
ConvertKit works well when you:
- Want to grow an audience
- Automate funnels
- Segment intelligently
- Sell products without complexity
Ease of Use
ConvertKit
- Simple dashboard
- Minimal learning curve
- Blogger-centered workflows
ConvertKit’s interface is clean, straightforward, and optimized for people who want to spend time writing, not tinkering with software.
Mailchimp
- Feature-rich dashboard
- More menus and sections
- Slightly steeper learning curve
Mailchimp’s interface can feel overwhelming if you’re a blogger just trying to send newsletters and automation.
Winner for simplicity: ConvertKit
Automation Power
ConvertKit
ConvertKit’s visual automation builder makes it easy to:
- Send welcome sequences
- Trigger emails based on behavior
- Tag subscribers by interest
- Build simple sales funnels
Automation in ConvertKit is intuitive — even if you’re not tech-savvy.
Mailchimp
Mailchimp has automation features too, but they are:
- Less flexible
- More rigid
- Often gated behind higher pricing tiers
This makes Mailchimp less ideal if your goal is blog growth through personalized journeys.
Subscriber Management: Tags vs Lists
This is a big deal for bloggers.
ConvertKit (Tag-Based)
ConvertKit uses tags to organize subscribers:
- One person, multiple interests
- No duplicate entries
- Easier segmentation
- More accurate analytics
Mailchimp (List-Based)
Mailchimp uses lists:
- Same person can be in multiple lists
- Can count as multiple subscribers
- Harder to segment
- Can cost more long-term
Tags win for bloggers who want clean segmentation without duplicates.
Templates & Design
Mailchimp
- Lots of email templates
- Drag-and-drop editor
- Great if you want visual designs
ConvertKit
- Fewer templates
- Clean, minimalist emails
- Designed for deliverability and readability
Minimalist doesn’t mean worse — in fact,
simple emails often perform better with blogs and newsletters.
Free Plan & Pricing
ConvertKit
ConvertKit offers a generous free plan:
- Up to 1,000 subscribers
- Unlimited email sends
- Email forms & landing pages
- Basic automations
ConvertKit starts affordable and scales reasonably.
If you want to understand what’s included at each level, check my ConvertKit pricing explained guide.
Mailchimp
Mailchimp also has a free plan, but:
- Fewer automation features
- Restricted send limits
- Mailchimp branding may appear
Mailchimp can get expensive as your list grows.
Overall, ConvertKit’s pricing tends to be friendlier for bloggers in the long run.
Blogging + Monetization
ConvertKit
ConvertKit shines when you want to:
- Sell digital products
- Build funnels
- Automate upsells
- Integrate with course platforms
It’s optimized for creators who make money directly from their audience.
Mailchimp
Mailchimp works with e-commerce, but it’s less intuitive for:
- Course delivery
- Affiliate promotions
- Personalized blogging funnels
Mailchimp’s strengths lean more toward traditional business use cases.
Support, Community, & Resources
ConvertKit
- Creator-focused help docs
- Community support
- Helpful tutorials for bloggers
Mailchimp
- Large knowledge base
- Business-oriented help
ConvertKit’s community tends to be more blogger-centric.
ConvertKit vs Mailchimp: Side-by-Side Summary
| Feature | ConvertKit | Mailchimp |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Automation | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Segmentation | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Templates | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Free Plan | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Best for Bloggers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
Final Recommendation for Bloggers
For most bloggers — especially those focused on:
- Audience growth
- Automation
- Monetization
- Clean segmentation
ConvertKit is the better choice.
Its features align with what bloggers need most, and it scales as you grow without unnecessary complexity.
If pricing is a concern, read my breakdown here:
If you want to see how these two actually stack up in action beyond blogging, check my complete ConvertKit vs Mailchimp guide.
Affiliate Disclosure
This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools I genuinely believe provide value.