Choosing the right email marketing tool is one of the biggest decisions small business owners face. Two names dominate the conversation: Constant Contact and AWeber. Both have millions of users, but they cater to slightly different needs. If you’re asking, “Constant Contact vs AWeber: which should I recommend to my small business clients?” this breakdown will give you clear, actionable answers.
What Is Constant Contact?
Constant Contact is an all-in-one digital marketing platform built specifically for small businesses. Launched in 1995, it’s one of the oldest email marketing tools on the market, with a focus on user-friendliness and integrated marketing features beyond just email.
Key Constant Contact Features for Small Businesses
- Drag-and-drop email builder with 100+ pre-designed, mobile-responsive templates
- List segmentation by demographics, purchase history, and engagement
- Pre-built automation workflows (welcome series, abandoned cart reminders, birthday emails)
- Integrated tools for event marketing, social media ads, and donation collection
- 300+ integrations with platforms like Shopify, WordPress, and QuickBooks
- Real-time analytics for open rates, click-throughs, and revenue attribution
What Is AWeber?
AWeber is a streamlined email marketing tool launched in 1998, focused on simplicity and affordability for solopreneurs, creators, and small teams. It’s known for its reliable deliverability and no-frills approach to core email marketing features.
Key AWeber Features for Small Businesses
- Drag-and-drop email builder with AI-powered design assistant that auto-generates on-brand templates
- Unlimited automated email sequences (drip campaigns) even on the free plan
- Customizable sign-up forms and landing pages to grow your email list
- 700+ integrations via Zapier, including WooCommerce and Canva
- Detailed engagement reports with subscriber activity tracking
- Free plan available for up to 500 subscribers and 3,000 monthly emails
Constant Contact vs AWeber: Direct Comparison
As noted in HubSpot’s 2024 Email Marketing Benchmarks Report, 81% of small businesses rely on email as their primary customer acquisition channel. Here’s how the two tools stack up for that audience:
Pricing
Constant Contact offers a 60-day free trial, with paid plans starting at $12/month for up to 500 contacts. Pricing scales with your list size, and all plans include access to event marketing and social ad tools.
AWeber’s free plan is a major draw for budget-conscious small businesses: it supports up to 500 subscribers and 3,000 monthly emails with no credit card required. Paid plans start at $14.99/month for up to 500 contacts, with discounts for annual billing.
Ease of Use
Constant Contact wins for non-technical users. Its interface is intuitive, with guided setup wizards and pre-built templates that require zero coding knowledge. AWeber is simple for basic tasks, but its automation builder has a steeper learning curve for advanced workflows.
Customer Support
Constant Contact offers 24/7 live chat, phone support, and a searchable knowledge base. AWeber provides email support, live chat (available 8am-5pm ET), and a robust community forum. Neither tool charges extra for support.
Deliverability
Both tools have strong deliverability rates (Constant Contact averages 89%, AWeber averages 91% per industry benchmarks). AWeber edges out slightly for creators sending high-volume newsletter content, while Constant Contact performs better for promotional emails with purchase links.
Who Should You Recommend to Small Businesses?
Recommend Constant Contact if your client:
- Needs 24/7 customer support for urgent issues
- Wants to run in-person events, donate buttons, or social media ads alongside email marketing
- Prefers pre-built automation workflows over custom setup
- Has a team with limited technical expertise
Recommend AWeber if your client:
- Is on a tight budget and wants to test email marketing for free
- Focuses on newsletter content, course sales, or affiliate marketing
- Wants AI-powered design help to create on-brand emails quickly
- Already uses Zapier to connect their existing tools
FAQ
- Is Constant Contact better than AWeber for beginners?
- It depends on your priorities. Constant Contact is more intuitive for non-tech users, while AWeber’s free plan lets you test features without spending a cent.
- Does AWeber have a free plan?
- Yes, AWeber’s free plan supports up to 500 subscribers and 3,000 monthly emails, with access to all core features including automation and landing pages.
- Can I migrate my list from AWeber to Constant Contact?
- Yes, both tools offer easy import/export features. Constant Contact also provides free dedicated migration support for all paid plan users.
- Which tool has better automation features?
- Constant Contact has more pre-built workflows tailored to small business use cases. AWeber’s automation is more customizable for users who want to build complex drip campaigns from scratch.
Conclusion
Both Constant Contact and AWeber are excellent, proven tools for small businesses. Constant Contact is the better pick for full-service small businesses that want integrated marketing features and round-the-clock support. AWeber is ideal for solopreneurs and budget-focused brands that prioritize simplicity and free entry-level access.
When making your recommendation, align the tool with your client’s budget, technical skill level, and long-term marketing goals. You can’t go wrong with either, but picking the right fit will save your clients time and money in the long run.
Ready to pick your email marketing tool? Sign up for a free trial of Constant Contact or AWeber today to test features risk-free and see which fits your small business best.
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