Before diving into the email marketing platforms I’ve used, let me start by saying this: your email list is your biggest business asset. It’s the heart of your community, where relationships are built, nurtured, and strengthened. Unlike social media, where algorithms control visibility, your email list is your direct line to your audience. It’s a place where people actively choose to hear from you, learn from you, and stay connected.

This is where you get to share your wisdom, your experiences, and your personality with those who are genuinely interested in what you offer. Emails aren’t just updates—they’re conversations.

So, if you’re an entrepreneur or content creator, it’s essential to constantly grow and engage your email list because that’s a true reflection of how many people are invested in your business.

When I first started my entrepreneurial journey as a content creator, I knew that building an email list was non-negotiable. I started experimenting with different platforms to find what worked best for me and my audience. I’ve tried quite a few, but these three—MailChimp, ConvertKit, and Flodesk—are the ones that have stood out along the way. Here’s a breakdown of my personal experiences with each.

1. MailChimp

The first email marketing platform I ever used was MailChimp. Back in 2015, it was the go-to option for small businesses and creators who needed something affordable and relatively easy to set up. It was my first step into the world of email marketing, and while it had its pros, it didn’t exactly win me over long-term.

What I liked:

• Affordable for beginners (free up to 500 contacts, pricing starts at $13/month).
• A good option for those just starting to build an email list.
• Decent features for creating basic email campaigns.

What I didn’t like:

• It wasn’t the most user-friendly experience. I remember feeling overwhelmed by the cluttered interface.
• The templates felt very “blocky” and didn’t allow me to showcase my personality as I wanted. It reminded me of those generic emails you get after shopping somewhere—nothing personal, just salesy.
• Limited design flexibility for someone like me who craves creativity in everything I put out.

I used MailChimp for a while, but I knew I needed something that felt more like me. I wanted a platform that would help me connect with my audience on a deeper level, not just send out generic sales emails.

2. ConvertKit

After MailChimp, I made the switch to ConvertKit. This was a game changer in terms of deliverability and analytics. As a creator, I needed to see how my emails were performing and ConvertKit did a solid job of offering in-depth insights.

What I liked:

• Great deliverability—my emails consistently landed in inboxes rather than spam.
• Simple interface—it was easier to navigate than MailChimp.
• Automation—ConvertKit’s automation features were super helpful for setting up email sequences and workflows.

What I didn’t like:

• While ConvertKit was much better than MailChimp in terms of analytics and simplicity, it still didn’t have that personal touch I craved.
• The designs were very basic, and as someone who thrives on creativity and standing out, I felt limited. The templates still looked too structured and sales-focused for my liking.

ConvertKit worked well for a while, but again, I was on the hunt for a platform that allowed me to truly infuse my personality into every email. It was like wearing a nice suit to a casual event—it was polished, but it wasn’t me.

3. Flodesk

Enter Flodesk. I can honestly say this platform has my heart. From the first time I used it, I knew I had found my match. Flodesk’s design-first approach was exactly what I had been searching for—something that would let my emails feel like a true reflection of me and my brand.

What I love:

• Flat-rate pricing—no matter how many subscribers you have, it’s $38/month (or $19/month with a referral). There’s no stress of your price increasing as your list grows!
• Aesthetically pleasing templates—this was a game changer. Flodesk offers beautiful, customizable templates that make every email feel unique and engaging. I get compliments on my emails all the time because they’re easy to read, visually appealing, and not too cluttered.
• Super simple drag-and-drop builder—it’s intuitive, which means I spend less time creating emails and more time focusing on my business.
• Innovative features—Flodesk has added some amazing features recently, like the ability to sell digital products directly from your emails or add video to landing pages. These updates keep me excited about what’s coming next.

If I had to choose a platform that feels like it truly embodies my personality and allows me to connect deeply with my audience, Flodesk is hands down the winner.

The Verdict

Out of the three platforms I’ve tried, Flodesk has been the one that aligns most with my style and business needs. It’s the only platform that has allowed me to truly infuse my personality into my emails, helping me create beautiful, engaging content that resonates with my subscribers. But beyond just the aesthetics, Flodesk makes it easier for me to connect with my audience on a deeper level. This is something that, as an entrepreneur and content creator, is invaluable to my business growth.

However, the platform you choose is only part of the equation. You have to take your email marketing seriously. If you’re not prioritizing your email list and nurturing it with high-quality, authentic content, you’re missing out on a massive opportunity to grow your business. Your email list should be at the very top of your goals, because it’s a direct reflection of how many people are truly invested in what you have to offer. It’s where your most engaged followers are—those who want to hear from you, learn from you, and support your journey.

When you focus on growing a thriving email list, it becomes so much easier to build your business. Think about it—your email subscribers are the ones who are excited to hear from you, who eagerly open your emails, and who are much more likely to become loyal customers or clients. With a strong email list, you can launch products, promote services, and share your message with confidence, knowing that the people receiving your emails are genuinely interested in what you have to say. It takes the stress out of marketing because you have a dedicated group of people who want to hear from you, and that’s a powerful thing.

By investing in the right email platform—one that allows you to personalize and connect with your audience on a deeper level—you’re setting yourself up for long-term success. That’s why, for me, Flodesk is the clear winner. Not only is it beautiful and user-friendly, but it also allows me to show up authentically in my emails, which is what keeps my list thriving and growing.

If you’re ready to take your email marketing seriously and build a community that’s excited to hear from you, I can’t recommend Flodesk enough. And if you want to give it a try, you can click here to get 50% off your first year. Trust me, once you see how easy and impactful it is to grow your business with a thriving email list, you won’t look back.

And remember, your email list is more than just numbers. It’s a community of people who are invested in you and your journey. Make sure you’re sending them content that feels true to who you are. 🙂