Pick a provider that fits your immediate needs. If you want basic automation and landing pages on a free plan, options such as MailerLite are friendly for beginners. If you value automation and web tracking on the free tier, Brevo (formerly Sendinblue) is another strong option. Verify any limits (contacts, daily sends, automation availability) before committing.
See provider policies for the latest free plan details.
Import only subscribers who explicitly opted in. Use a CSV import or the platform’s signup form. Keep your first list small (a few hundred) to avoid free-plan caps while you learn. Always provide an unsubscribe link and collect consent where required.
Write a short subject (30–50 chars), a clear opening, and one call to action. Keep email content concise and ensure a plain-text version exists. Use the phrase “email content creation” as a reminder to plan structure; treat “email campaign optimization” as the post-send checklist.
Choose a responsive single-column template. Use the drag-and-drop editor to add a logo, header, short body, and CTA button. For first sends, avoid heavy images and complex layouts to maximize deliverability.
Set a clear From name and a monitored reply-to. Configure SPF/DKIM in your DNS when possible to improve deliverability; platforms provide step-by-step instructions for this.
Send test emails to multiple clients (Gmail, Outlook, mobile). Verify links and the unsubscribe mechanism. Manual checks are a reliable fallback if the free plan limits automated previews.
Schedule sends at times your audience reads email. Observe daily/monthly caps on free plans — split sends over multiple days if necessary.
Analyze opens, clicks, bounces, and unsubscribes. Track the metric tied to your CTA. Use A/B testing when you have enough volume and the platform supports it.
Set up a simple welcome automation, segment subscribers, and create a landing page to collect signups. Gradually add personalization and flows based on behavior.
