Why shouldn't I just send mass emails using my personal Gmail or Outlook account?

You should not use personal email accounts like Gmail or Outlook for mass emails because these services are designed for one-to-one communication, not marketing. Sending a bulk newsletter through a personal account often triggers spam filters, and your emails will likely be blocked by major providers. Additionally, personal accounts do not include a one-click unsubscribe link, which is a legal requirement for marketing emails. Using a dedicated service like Brevo or Constant Contact makes sure your emails are compliant and actually reach the inbox.

What is the best free email marketing service for a small business on a budget?

Brevo is currently the best free email marketing service for beginners because it allows you to store an unlimited number of contacts for free. While other services like MailerLite also offer excellent free plans, Brevo is unique because it includes transactional email features and a built-in CRM at no cost, making it the most cost-effective way to start and grow an email list without a large upfront investment.

Is there a difference between newsletters and transactional emails?

Yes, there is a major difference. Newsletters, such as those sent via MailerLite, are marketing messages sent to your entire list to share updates or promotions. Transactional emails are automated messages triggered by a specific user action, such as a password reset or an order confirmation. While some platforms like Brevo handle both types of email perfectly, other services may require a separate setup or an additional paid add-on to manage transactional messages reliably.

How do I make sure my emails don't end up in the spam folder?

To prevent your emails from ending up in spam, you must use a reputable provider that has a high deliverability reputation. You should also ensure you are using a professional business email address (like name@yourcompany.com) rather than a free @gmail.com address. For WordPress users, we also recommend using the WP Mail SMTP plugin alongside your chosen email marketing service to make sure all your website's notifications are authenticated and delivered correctly.

Can I switch from one email marketing provider to another later?

Yes, you can switch from one email marketing provider to another at any time. The major services allow you to export your subscriber list as a CSV file, which you can then import into your new platform. Most reputable services will even offer free migration tools or support to help you move your contacts and automated workflows to ensure you don't lose any data during the transition.