In the burgeoning market of email services, two platforms stand out for their distinctive approaches to user engagement and content distribution: Substack and Mailchimp. Substack, founded with the vision of empowering writers and creators, simplifies the process of connecting with an audience through a clean, straightforward platform. This service is especially geared towards those interested in monetizing their content directly through subscriptions, offering a seamless way for creators to earn revenue from their followers.

Substack Logo
Substack Logo

Conversely, Mailchimp has established itself as a robust, versatile email marketing tool that caters to a wide range of needs from basic to complex. Launched in 2001, Mailchimp has evolved into a comprehensive suite that supports detailed campaign management, audience segmentation, and deep analytics. This platform suits businesses and marketers who require a broad array of tools to craft highly targeted and effective email marketing campaigns. With features that accommodate everything from simple newsletter distributions to sophisticated, data-driven marketing strategies, Mailchimp provides scalability and versatility that can grow with a business’s evolving needs.

Mailchimp Logo
Mailchimp Logo

Both platforms reflect their core philosophies in their design and functionality: Substack prioritizes content creators and their storytelling, while Mailchimp focuses on providing a powerful toolset for dynamic email marketing campaigns.

Key Features Comparison

Key Features Comparison: Content Creation and Management

When comparing Substack and Mailchimp, their distinct approaches to content creation and management become apparent, each aligning with their unique user base.

SubstackMailchimp
Substack is designed with simplicity and writer-friendliness at its core, making it an ideal platform for independent writers and creators who prioritize content over complex design. Mailchimp, on the other hand, offers a more robust and versatile set of tools for email marketing. It features a powerful drag-and-drop editor that allows users to design complex email layouts that can include varied multimedia content—from images and gifs to embedded videos and polls.
The interface is straightforward and minimalist, allowing authors to focus on writing without the distractions of intricate toolsets.This capability is crucial for marketers who need to create visually engaging emails that capture the attention of their recipients and drive engagement.
This simplicity extends to the publication process as well; publishing on Substack is as easy as writing an email, which appeals to creators who seek to establish a direct line of communication with their audience.Mailchimp editor supports extensive customization, allowing users to tailor their communications to echo the branding and stylistic preferences of their business.
The platform supports this with a clean design that promotes readability, ensuring that the writer’s voice and content are front and center, undiluted by excessive formatting or design elements.Additionally, Mailchimp template library provides a wide array of starting points that can be further customized, catering to everything from promotional campaigns to regular newsletters.
Key features: Substack vs Mailchimp

Both platforms serve their intended audiences well: Substack, with its writer-centric, content-first approach, is perfect for creators looking to monetize their writings directly through subscriptions. Meanwhile, Mailchimp offers comprehensive solutions that serve the intricate needs of businesses aiming to optimize their email marketing strategies for maximum engagement and conversion.

Each platform’s features reflect a deep understanding of their users’ goals, providing tailored environments that enhance content delivery and audience connection.

Pricing and Plans

Pricing and Plans

Substack and Mailchimp offer distinctly different pricing structures that cater to their varied target audiences, each designed to match the specific needs and expectations of their users.

Substack is appealing particularly for its straightforward and creator-friendly pricing model. The platform itself is free to use for publishing newsletters; however, it adopts a revenue-sharing model where it takes a cut of 10% from the subscriptions that creators earn from their readers. This model is extremely attractive for new or independent writers who may not have initial capital to invest but are looking to monetize their content directly through a subscriber base.

substack price
Substack Pricing

Mailchimp, on the other hand, operates on a more traditional freemium model, which allows businesses and individuals to start with a no-cost option. The free tier supports up to 2,000 subscribers and 10,000 emails per month, which is suitable for small businesses or those just beginning with email marketing. As needs grow, Mailchimp offers graduated pricing tiers that scale up with additional features like advanced segmentation, multivariate testing, and comparative reporting. These features are crucial for businesses that need detailed analytics and more sophisticated marketing tools to manage larger subscriber lists and more complex marketing strategies.

Mailchimp Pricing
Mailchimp Pricing

Here’s an unbiased price plan comparison table for Substack and Mailchimp:

Price Plan ParametersSubstackMailchimp
Lowest Price Plan$0/month$0/month
Each Price Plan LimitationsFree to use; 10% fee on paid subscriptionsFree plan: 500 contacts, 1,000 emails/month
Highest Price PlanN/A (Revenue share model)$272.57/month (Premium, 10,000 contacts)
Free Trial LimitsAlways free with revenue share30-day free trial on paid plans
Free Trial DaysUnlimited (Free plan available)30 days
Add-on PricesN/ASMS Marketing add-ons, Custom-coded templates, etc.
This table highlights the key pricing differences between Substack’s revenue share model and Mailchimp tiered subscription plans.
Number of ContactsPaid SubscribersOverall EarningFinal EarningSubstack Platform Charge (per month)
10% of Overall ContactsFor $5 per monthAfter Platform ChargeDeducted from From Earning
50050$ 250.00$203$ 47.00
1000100$ 500.00$406$ 94.00
2000200$ 1,000.00$811$ 189.00
4000400$ 2,000.00$1,622$ 378.00
8000800$ 4,000.00$3,244$ 756.00
200002000$ 10,000.00$8,110$ 1,890.00
500005000$ 25,000.00$20,275$ 4,725.00
10000010000$ 50,000.00$40,550$ 9,450.00
50000050000$ 250,000.00$202,750$ 47,250.00
Substack Price Plans Calculation (Earnings and Platform Charge) based on $5 per charge on paid subscribers
Pricing:
Both platforms tailor their pricing to their respective audiences—Substack with its simple, low-barrier-to-entry model for creators, and Mailchimp with its scalable solutions for businesses at every level of growth.

Usability and Interface

Usability and Interface

Navigating the usability and interface of Substack and Mailchimp reveals their core focus and user-friendliness, each tailored to suit their distinct audiences.

Substack Interface
Substack Interface
SubstackMailchimp
Substack champions simplicity, making it highly accessible for beginners and those not technically inclined. Mailchimp, while it offers a broader range of features, presents a steeper learning curve.
The platform offers a clean, intuitive interface that eliminates any potential complexity in setting up a newsletter.Its interface is packed with powerful tools and options designed for detailed campaign management and audience engagement strategies.
This simplicity is a significant advantage for writers who want to focus exclusively on content creation without the hassle of navigating through complicated design tools. However, Mailchimp recognizes the potential complexity of its offerings and mitigates this with comprehensive onboarding tutorials and extensive customer support.
The process of starting a newsletter on Substack is as straightforward as composing an email, making it an excellent choice for creators who value ease of use over advanced functionalities.The platform’s drag-and-drop email builder, though more complex, allows for intricate design customizations, making it suitable for users who require more control over their marketing campaigns.
Usability and Interface: Substack vs Mailchimp
Mailchimp Interface
Mailchimp Interface

Both platforms are designed with their user bases in mind: Substack for the straightforward content creator focused on writing and direct audience engagement, and Mailchimp for the marketer or business that needs detailed, customizable email strategies to reach a broader audience effectively.

Integrations and Extensions

Integrations and Extensions

Exploring the integrations and extensions of Substack and Mailchimp further differentiates these platforms based on their adaptability and the ecosystem they offer to enhance user experience and functionality.

Substack: Integrations

  • Substack maintains a minimalist approach, focusing primarily on the core functionality of content delivery and subscription management. Its integrations are deliberately limited, supporting basic connections like Stripe for payment processing.
  • This streamlined approach suits creators who prefer a no-frills system that supports their writing and subscription-based business model without the clutter of excessive add-ons. However, this simplicity might be a drawback for users looking for a more integrated tool that can sync with other digital tools and services.
Substack Integration
Substack Integration with Stripe

Mailchimp: Integrations

  • Mailchimp, in contrast, excels with an extensive range of integrations, boasting compatibility with over 800 third-party applications including major e-commerce platforms like Shopify, content management systems like WordPress, and CRM systems like Salesforce.
  • This vast network of integrations empowers businesses to create a highly customized and automated marketing ecosystem. These connections facilitate a more seamless flow of information across different platforms, enhancing the ability to perform sophisticated marketing strategies that involve detailed customer insights and behavioral data analysis.
Mailchimp Integrations
Mailchimp Integrations

For users whose operations rely heavily on a suite of digital tools, Mailchimp provides the necessary infrastructure for complex, multi-platform campaigns. This capability makes it a robust tool for businesses that need to interact with customers across various digital touchpoints, thereby creating a more cohesive and interactive user experience. Conversely, Substack straightforward setup continues to attract creators who prioritize ease and focus over extensive functionality.

Analytics and Reporting

Analytics and Reporting

Analytics and reporting capabilities are critical for assessing the effectiveness of any content distribution strategy, and here, Substack and Mailchimp cater to very different needs and sophistication levels.

Substack: Analytics and Reporting

  • Substack offers basic analytics that are easy to understand and navigate, making it suitable for creators who need straightforward insights. The platform focuses on key metrics such as subscriber numbers, open rates, and click rates. This level of analytics is sufficient for writers and creators who are primarily concerned with gauging reader engagement and growth over time.
  • Substack dashboard presents these metrics in a clear, uncluttered format, allowing creators to quickly assess the health of their newsletters without getting bogged down by overly complex data.
Substack Analytics
Substack Analytics

Mailchimp: Analytics and Reporting

  • Mailchimp, on the other hand, provides a much more comprehensive suite of analytics tools designed to cater to the needs of sophisticated digital marketers. Users have access to advanced reporting features that include audience behavior tracking, geographic segmentation, and the performance of specific content pieces within emails.
  • Mailchimp robust analytics also extend to A/B testing tools, which allow users to test different versions of their emails to determine which elements perform best. Additionally, its integrations with e-commerce platforms enable detailed tracking of conversions and sales, making it an invaluable tool for businesses that tie their email marketing efforts directly to their revenue streams.
Mailchimp Analytics
Mailchimp Analytics

For individual content creators and small publishers, Substack simpler, more accessible analytics are often adequate, offering just enough information to help them connect with their audience effectively. Meanwhile, Mailchimp detailed and diverse analytics capabilities are ideally suited for businesses and marketers who need to dive deep into data to refine their strategies and maximize the impact of their communication efforts. This distinction highlights the platforms’ differing approaches to user support and functionality, with each catering to its target demographic’s specific needs and technical comfort levels.

Email Automation and Deliverability

Email Automation and Deliverability

Email automation and deliverability are pivotal in optimizing email marketing strategies, and Substack and Mailchimp approach these functionalities with tools that reflect their core user base and platform capabilities.

SubstackMailchimp
Substack simplifies the email distribution process, focusing on delivering content directly to the subscriber’s inbox with minimal setup. Mailchimp, in contrast, stands out with its advanced automation features that cater to a range of marketing needs, from simple autoresponders to complex workflows involving customer journeys and behavioral triggers.
The platform offers basic automation for sending newsletters, which is ideal for creators and writers who want to maintain regular communication with their audience without navigating complex software. This functionality is crucial for businesses that require sophisticated engagement strategies, allowing them to send targeted emails based on specific actions taken by users, such as visiting a particular page on a website or abandoning a shopping cart.
Substack approach ensures that emails are delivered efficiently and on schedule, but it lacks the advanced automation features that allow for personalized and triggered email sequences based on subscriber behavior.Mailchimp also excels in deliverability control, offering tools to manage and optimize email delivery. These include options for setting up custom domain authentication, monitoring blacklists, and analyzing delivery data to ensure high deliverability rates.
Email Automation and Deliverability: Substack vs Mailchimp

Mailchimp comprehensive suite of tools for automation and deliverability makes it a robust choice for marketers looking to execute nuanced, data-driven email campaigns. On the other hand, Substack streamlined, no-frills approach to email sending makes it accessible and straightforward for creators who prioritize content and simplicity over detailed marketing automation. This dichotomy emphasizes the platforms’ differing goals: Substack focuses on ease and accessibility for content creators, while Mailchimp provides detailed, technical solutions for marketers aiming to maximize engagement and conversion rates.

Support and Community Resources

Support and Community Resources

When it comes to support and community resources, Substack and Mailchimp each offer distinct advantages tailored to their platforms’ overall focus and user base.

SubstackMailchimp
Substack provides a straightforward support system primarily through email. This method aligns with its overall minimalist approach, focusing on direct and uncomplicated channels of communication. Mailchimp, on the other hand, offers a more robust support structure, which includes 24/7 live chat and email support for all users, with phone support available to premium subscribers.
While this might be sufficient for individual creators who may not require immediate assistance, the lack of real-time support could be a limitation for some users. This comprehensive support system is designed to assist users in navigating its extensive features and resolving issues quickly, which is crucial for businesses relying on timely email delivery for their marketing efforts.
Additionally, Substack fosters a community-driven support environment through forums and social media groups where creators can exchange tips and experiences, adding a layer of peer-to-peer interaction that enriches the user experience.Moreover, Mailchimp extensive knowledge base, tutorial videos, and community forums are invaluable resources, providing users with self-help options and learning tools that allow them to make the most of the platform’s capabilities.
Support and community resources: Substack vs Mailchimp
your choice:
These contrasting support models highlight the platforms’ core audiences—Substack lean towards independent creators who can manage with more basic support, and Mailchimp aim to serve businesses that might need detailed and immediate assistance to optimize their marketing strategies effectively.

Ideal User Profile

Ideal User Profile

The ideal user profiles for Substack and Mailchimp reflect their designed functionalities and the specific needs they cater to within the email marketing and content distribution landscapes.

SubstackMailchimp
Substack is ideally suited for independent writers, journalists, and creators who prioritize ease of use and direct monetization of their content through subscriptions. Mailchimp, conversely, is tailored for small to large businesses that require a comprehensive email marketing solution.
This platform is perfect for those looking to foster a personal connection with their audience, offering a straightforward tool that allows creators to focus on producing and delivering content without the complexities of advanced marketing tools. It is particularly beneficial for users who need detailed audience segmentation, advanced automation capabilities, and in-depth analytics to refine their marketing strategies.
Substack model appeals to individuals seeking a simple, effective way to build a subscriber base and generate revenue directly from their readers.The platform’s robust toolset supports diverse marketing campaigns, from simple newsletters to complex promotional strategies involving multiple channels. This makes Mailchimp a suitable choice for businesses looking to scale their operations and engage with a broader audience through highly targeted and personalized emails.
Ideal user profile: Substack vs Mailchimp

Each platform thus serves its target demographic with tools and features that best meet their specific requirements, whether it’s a writer looking to monetize a personal blog or a business aiming to execute a sophisticated marketing strategy.

Our Experience

In Our Experience

Choosing between Substack and Mailchimp ultimately depends on your specific needs as a creator or marketer. Substack offers a streamlined, user-friendly platform that excels for writers and creators looking to directly monetize their relationships with subscribers through a subscription model. Its simplicity allows creators to focus solely on content, making it ideal for those who prefer a direct and uncomplicated approach to audience engagement.

Mailchimp, on the other hand, provides a robust suite of tools designed for detailed, sophisticated email marketing strategies. It is the superior choice for businesses and marketers who need extensive customization, detailed analytics, and advanced automation capabilities to reach and engage a diverse audience effectively.

Here’s a comparison table for Substack and Mailchimp, rating 25 key features on a scale of 1 to 5 stars (in emoji):

FeatureSubstack RatingMailchimp Rating
Ease of Use⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Email Design Flexibility⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Content Monetization⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Subscriber Management⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Analytics and Reporting⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Automation Capabilities⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Audience Segmentation⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Integration Options⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer Support⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Landing Page Builder⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mobile Optimization⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A/B Testing⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Template Library⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Deliverability⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
API Access⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Social Media Integration⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
CRM Integration⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
E-commerce Integration⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Visual Automation Builder⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Form and Signup Tools⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Multimedia Support⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pricing Flexibility⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Support for Multiple Users⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customization Options⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Learning Resources⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This table highlights the strengths and weaknesses of both platforms across various key features, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs.
Final Decision:
Therefore, your decision should align with your goals: opt for Substack if you value simplicity and direct monetization, or choose Mailchimp if your focus is on scaling and diversifying your marketing efforts with a comprehensive toolset.

FAQs

Before You Choose between Substack and Mailchimp

What are the main benefits of Substack for new writers?

Substack is highly appealing to new writers for several reasons. First, its simplicity and ease of use allow writers to focus on their content without the distractions of complex tools or marketing strategies. The platform’s straightforward design means that anyone with basic technical skills can start publishing their work immediately. Additionally, Substack offers a direct monetization model through subscriptions, which is particularly beneficial for writers looking to establish a steady income stream from their audience. This model encourages a close-knit community as writers directly engage with their subscribers, fostering a loyal readership base. Furthermore, the freedom from ads and the direct relationship with readers ensures that the content remains uncompromised and true to the creator’s vision.

How can businesses maximize their email marketing ROI with Mailchimp?

Businesses can maximize their email marketing ROI with Mailchimp by leveraging its advanced segmentation and personalization tools. By using Mailchimp detailed analytics and segmentation capabilities, businesses can tailor their messages to specific groups within their audience, ensuring that each campaign is relevant and engaging. Personalization goes beyond merely addressing a recipient by name; it involves crafting email content that resonates with the recipient’s past interactions and behavior. Additionally, Mailchimp A/B testing feature allows marketers to test different aspects of their email campaigns, from subject lines to content and sending times, to determine the most effective strategy. This data-driven approach helps businesses optimize their campaigns and improve engagement, ultimately enhancing their ROI.

What are the limitations of Substack customization options?

While Substack simplicity is one of its main attractions, this also comes with limitations in customization. Unlike more robust email marketing platforms, Substack offers very basic design options. This means that writers have limited ability to alter the look and feel of their newsletters. The platform does not support extensive HTML or CSS customization, which can be a drawback for those wishing to create a unique brand identity through their emails. Additionally, Substack lacks the ability to incorporate advanced multimedia elements or interactive content, which can make newsletters less engaging compared to those created with more sophisticated tools.

Which platform offers better analytics for tracking engagement?

Mailchimp undoubtedly offers more comprehensive analytics compared to Substack. With Mailchimp, users have access to in-depth data on virtually every aspect of their email campaigns, including open rates, click rates, subscriber retention, and detailed engagement metrics. The platform also provides insights into the performance of specific elements within an email, such as which links were clicked and the demographics of the audience engaging with the content. This level of detail is invaluable for businesses that rely on data to refine their marketing strategies and improve campaign performance. In contrast, Substack provides more basic analytics that focus primarily on subscriber counts and open rates, which may suffice for individual creators but might not meet the needs of users looking for detailed reporting and analysis.

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Navodit Ravi
Navodit Ravi

I am an accomplished marketing expert with over 10 years of experience focused on growth strategies, emerging technologies, and startup success stories. Driven by a passion for continuous learning, I actively explore and analyze new tools and services that enhance workplace productivity and efficiency. I possess deep expertise across key areas including CRM software, ecommerce, email marketing, marketing automation, and user engagement and retention. My analytical approach stems from hands-on experience implementing platforms that help businesses scale. I stay on top of the latest trends and successful case studies in order to provide actionable insights to brands looking to adopt innovative solutions. My articles and analysis spotlight marketing, growth hacking, and the strategic implementation of technology. As a lifelong learner, I am dedicated to helping both established companies and startups identify opportunities to streamline operations, boost ROI, and thrive.

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