In the expansive field of digital marketing, choosing the right email marketing tools is pivotal for orchestrating successful campaigns. Furthermore, as businesses strive for efficiency, automation, and integration, we present 10 of the top email marketing tools that have emerged as leaders in the industry.

1. SharpSpring by Constant Contact: Simplicity and Effectiveness Combined

Known for its simplicity and effectiveness, SharpSpring by Constant Contact caters to businesses seeking ease of use without compromising on features. Having now acquired SharpSpring, Contant Contact is now, importantly, able to offer a complete all-in-one solution too. With a range of customizable templates and robust analytics, it simplifies the email marketing process and subsequently aids in optimizing future strategies. Above all, when comparing Sharpsrping vs. Hubspot for example, there are several benefits to each. Sharpspring takes a little more setting up and possibly some knowledge, but over is all is significantly cheaper.

2. Mailchimp: Versatile and User-Friendly

Mailchimp markets itself well. And it’s a solid platform. As a result it remains a stalwart in the email marketing arena, offering versatility and user-friendly features suitable for businesses of all sizes. With a drag-and-drop editor, robust analytics, and automation capabilities, Mailchimp is a reliable choice for creating engaging campaigns. Whilst it’s not an all-in-one CRM like Hubspot or SharpSpring, Mailchimp is a contender.

3. HubSpot: All-In-One Marketing Excellence

HubSpot transcends traditional email marketing tools by providing an all-in-one marketing solution that includes customer relationship management (CRM). Ideal for personalised and targeted campaigns, HubSpot ensures a unified approach to tracking interactions and nurturing leads effectively. As mentioned above, the main drawback of Hubspot, particularly for small and medium businesses is the cost.

4. Klaviyo: Tailored for Creators and Professionals

Klaviyo integrates with Shopify. It steps in as a powerful choice for creators, bloggers, and professional marketers. Offering advanced automation features, it subsequently allows users to create intricate email sequences, segment subscribers effortlessly, and personalize content based on subscriber behavior.

5. ActiveCampaign: Power-Packed Automation and CRM Integration

ActiveCampaign combines robust automation with CRM integration. As a result, this tool is favoured by many businesses seeking comprehensive solutions, empowering users to optimize every touchpoint in the customer lifecycle, from personalized customer journeys to engagement tracking.

6. GetResponse: Comprehensive Marketing Suite

Similarly, GetResponse offers a comprehensive marketing suite, including email marketing, landing pages, and marketing automation. With an easy-to-use interface, A/B testing, and advanced segmentation, it caters to businesses looking for an all-in-one solution.

7. AWeber: Trusted Email Marketing for Over 20 Years

AWeber has been a trusted name in email marketing for over two decades. Known for its reliability and customer service, AWeber provides a range of features, including drag-and-drop email creation and autoresponder capabilities.

8. Drip: E-Commerce-focused Email Marketing

Drip is tailored for e-commerce businesses, offering advanced features like personalized product recommendations and revenue tracking. With powerful automation workflows, Drip helps businesses maximize customer engagement and conversion.

9. Campaign Monitor: Elegant and Intuitive Design

Campaign Monitor is renowned for its elegant and intuitive design. It provides a user-friendly platform with customizable templates and advanced analytics, making it a preferred choice for businesses focused on aesthetic and effective email campaigns.

10. Sendinblue(Now Brevo): All-in-One Marketing Platform

Closing our list is Brevo. Formerly Sendinblue, an all-in-one marketing platform that includes email marketing, SMS marketing, and more. With features like transactional emails and marketing automation, Sendinblue caters to businesses seeking a comprehensive and scalable solution.

Select the Right Email Marketing Platform For You

There are lots of benefits to email marketing. So, selecting the right email marketing tool is pivotal for achieving campaign success in the digital landscape. These 10 email marketing tools offer a diverse range of features to meet the specific needs of businesses, ensuring they can streamline their efforts, enhance engagement, and achieve meaningful results. So there you have it, now all you need to do is choose the best email marketing platform for you. At Back9 Creative we do however know that’s no mean fete, so feel free to reach out and have a chat. As a SharpSpring partner, we can offer a good deal of value in that platform though.

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing, one strategy that continues to stand the test of time is email marketing. But what exactly is it? And furthermore how can businesses leverage its potential for growth?

What is Email Marketing?

Simply put, it’s a targeted communication strategy that involves sending messages to a group of people via email. Unlike random email blasts, effective emails are personalised, relevant, and strategically timed to engage recipients. It serves as a direct line of communication between businesses and their audience.

The Anatomy of Email Marketing

At its core, email marketing involves building and maintaining a list (or lists) of subscribers who have opted in to receive communications from a business. This list is a valuable asset, allowing businesses to firstly, nurture leads, secondly cultivate customer relationships, and thirdly drive conversions.

Building Lists

The first step in email marketing is building a subscriber list – or database. To do this you’ll need a decent Email Platform or Software. A CRM like SharpSpring or Hubspot are among the top 10 Email platforms available. With a CRM in place to capture the information, businesses can gather email addresses through various means, such as website sign-up forms, social media promotions, or incentives like exclusive content or discounts. The quality of the subscriber list is crucial, emphasising the importance of obtaining permission and ensuring that content aligns with the subscribers’ interests.

Segmentation and Personalisation

Successful email marketing goes beyond mass communication. It involves segmenting the subscriber list based on buyer personas. For instance, this includes things like demographics, behaviours, or preferences. Segmentation allows businesses to tailor content, ensuring that each message resonates with specific audience segments. Personalisation, such as addressing recipients by name, enhances engagement and fosters a sense of connection.

Email Campaigns and Automation

Email marketing campaigns can take various forms, including, for example, newsletters, promotional offers, and product announcements. Marketing Automation tools enable businesses to schedule emails, trigger responses based on subscriber actions, and deliver a seamless and personalized experience.

Measuring Success with Analytics

To gauge the effectiveness of your efforts, businesses analyze key metrics such as open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates. These insights help refine future campaigns, ensuring continuous improvement and increased return on investment.

Ultimately You Own you Email Marketing Channel

In essence, email marketing is a powerful tool that allows businesses to connect with their audience on a personal level, driving engagement and fostering brand loyalty. Moreover, the database (or audience) is yours… Not Googles. Not Facebooks’ And not anyone else’s. This means that you control your messaing and exactly who gets that messaging. Whilst rules and processes around Email markeitng will likely change and evolve – like all things in the Digital space, you will always own your own database.

By understanding the fundamentals and employing best practices, businesses can unlock the full potential of email marketing as a dynamic and cost-effective strategy for sustained growth.

In the dynamic landscape of business, at Back9 Creative, we believe digital marketing has become an indispensable tool. Especially for companies aiming to amplify and thrive in the digital era. For these businesses, understanding digital marketing cost is key to making informed decisions and thereby maximising returns on investment (ROI).

The Basics of Digital Marketing Costs

To begin a successful digital marketing journey in New Zealand, one must consider various factors contributing to the overall expenses. Firstly, What is Digital marketing? And, secondly, What type of digital marketing channels will significantly influence costs?

Popular channels include:

1. Social Media (Marketing) Remember though, Social ‘Media’ is just that… Media. Whether it’s Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube, they are all just media channels to communicate your message to the audience that hangs out there. They are not forms of digital marketing.
2. SEO (search engine optimisation),
3. Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising – Such as Google Ads or Social Media Advertising, and;
4. Email marketing.

Social Media Marketing Costs

For many businesses, social media is a powerful platform to engage with their audience. In New Zealand, costs for social media marketing services can vary widely. On average, small to medium-sized enterprises or SME’s might invest between $500 to $5,000 per month, depending on the scale of the campaign and the chosen platforms.

SEO Expenses

Search engine optimisation is fundamental for enhancing online visibility. In New Zealand, SEO costs are influenced by factors such as the competitiveness of keywords and the complexity of the campaign. On average, businesses may spend between $500 and $5,000 per month on SEO services.

Pay-Per-Click Advertising

For businesses looking to generate immediate results, PPC advertising such as Google Ads, can be a viable option. Costs for PPC in New Zealand depend on the industry and target audience. On average, small businesses should allocate a minimum budget of $300 to $500. However, to see decent results we recommend an ads budget ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 per month for effective PPC campaigns.

Email Marketing Investments

Email marketing remains a cost-effective way to nurture leads and retain customers. For instance, in New Zealand, businesses may spend between $300 and $3,000 per month on email marketing services. This will depend heavily on the size of their database, which CRM they use and the frequency, complexity and scale of their campaigns. For example, a larger database with well thought our conversion paths and follow-up marketing automation steps will take more time to design and execute. Therefore it will cost more. In saying that, a well planned out campaign will more than likely yield better results.

Get an INSTANT Estimate

In conclusion, like all things, the cost of digital marketing in New Zealand is influenced by a multitude of factors. These range from the chosen channels to the competitiveness of keywords. It is imperative for businesses to carefully assess their goals and budget constraints when formulating a digital marketing strategy. A digital marketing Roadmap can greatly aid this process.

By understanding the costs involved, businesses can make informed decisions that align with their objectives and pave the way for digital success in the vibrant market of New Zealand.

Want to know more about Digital Marketing with Back9?

As the founder of Back9 Creative, embracing change has been our main strength over the years. So as I reflect on the journey our company has embarked upon since its inception I’m buoyed by the continuous series of positive changes we’ve made… Whilst it has not always been easy, to accept and embrace all changes, it has at times been necessary.

From the outset, our philosophy has been one of adaptability and growth. A commitment to delivering the best to our clients in an ever-evolving landscape.

Over the years, we’ve witnessed a dynamic shift in the business and digital marketing arena. As the demand for custom websites, Ecommerce solutions, SEO, and Google Ads services continues to surge, we believe it’s essential to align our focus with the evolving needs of our clients and the industry as a whole.

Therefore, after careful consideration and strategic planning, we’ve decided to continue embracing change. So we intend to hone our expertise and concentrate solely on the digital (marketing), web design and software development space. While we have appreciated the opportunities to provide sign-writing services and traditional print items such as business cards, flyers, and stickers in the past, we’ve chosen to streamline our offerings.

Moving forward, Back9 Creative will no longer be sourcing or providing print services. Instead, we are doubling down on our strengths, which lie in custom web and app design, development, SEO, and targeted digital advertising on platforms like Google and Meta.

This shift will allow us to focus on what we do best! But also enable us to offer services that align more closely with the ever-changing digital landscape. By concentrating on these core competencies, we can better measure the impact of our work. That means our clients can see it as an investment rather than a cost.

We believe that this strategic decision will be a win-win for everyone involved. By concentrating on our areas of expertise, we can forge stronger partnerships with businesses that share our vision and goals. We aspire to be more than just a service provider; we want to be collaborators in your growth journey.

For clients who have relied on our print services in the past, we want to ensure a seamless transition. When it’s time to reorder, we will happily supply all the necessary files for you. Then you can take them to a specialist print company of your choice.

I want to take this moment to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has supported Back9 Creative throughout the years. Your trust and partnership have been instrumental in our growth, and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead in this new chapter.

As we embrace change and look towards the future, I invite you to join us on this exciting journey. Together, we can continue to innovate, adapt, and achieve success in the ever-evolving landscape of business and digital marketing.

Thank you for being part of the Back9 Creative family.

Warm regards,

Phil and Allison Robinson, Back9 Creative

Update: Check out Marketing Trends for 2025

When we start talking about Key Marketing Trends for 2024 or beyond, they are seemingly a trend in themselves right…?

Well maybe. But at Back9 Creative, it’s no secret that we love digital marketing. But it’s true that it is constantly changing and evolving. In some cases so fast that it’s hard to keep up. That’s especially true if digital marketing trends are not your day job.

If you’re curious about the future of marketing in 2024 though, Let’s explore the top 5 trends that will redefine how businesses connect with their audiences.

1. Personalised Experiences Redefine Connection

Forget about Outbound mass marketing once and for all. Inbound marketing is the way of the now and for marketing trends in 2024 – and indeed beyond. Inbound marketing is about creating tailored content for your customers through every stage of their buying journey. In the upcoming year, personalised marketing will take the spotlight. Creating tailored experiences through Marketing Automation and other avenues will bridge the gap between brands and consumers, fostering a stronger sense of connection.

2. Video Content Continues to Rule Social Platforms

Turning to social media, short-form videos will remain dominant. Who doesn’t love a Facebook or Instagram reel or story? Quick, engaging videos will still prove to be highly effective marketing trends in 2024 by swiftly conveying messages and capturing the audience’s attention.

3. Voice Search Optimisation Becomes Essential for Marketing in 2024

We’ve been saying this for 3 years now… But it is still relevant! Voice search is no longer a luxury but a necessity for businesses looking to adopt these marketing trends in 2024. Optimising content for voice searches ensures visibility in a digital landscape increasingly driven by voice-activated technology.

4. Sustainability Emerges as a Marketing Priority

Sustainability is more than a marketing trend for 2024; it’s a crucial marketing focus. Brands adopting eco-friendly practices resonate with consumers increasingly mindful of their environmental impact.

5. The Metaverse Opens New Avenues for Marketing Trends 2024

In the tech realm, the metaverse is set to revolutionize marketing. Venturing into virtual worlds enables brands to engage audiences in immersive and interactive ways.

What Does This Actually Mean for Business Owners and Marketers?

For businesses, adapting to these marketing trends in 2024 and beyond is not just an option but a necessity. Personalization builds customer loyalty, video content enhances engagement, voice optimization ensures visibility, sustainability aligns with consumer values, and the metaverse offers new avenues for innovative marketing.

Embracing these trends positions businesses to stay relevant and connect effectively with their target audiences. It’s about meeting evolving consumer expectations and leveraging technology to create meaningful brand experiences. As we step into 2024, staying ahead in marketing trends means embracing these transformative shifts and capitalising on the opportunities they bring.

Start 2024 with some Direction

Destination. Direction. Drive.

Our digital marketing roadmap will help you set the destination (define your goals), which in turn will give you a direction to head. Then all you need is to take action (Drive).

In the ever-evolving realm of digital marketing, there’s a question business owners often ask us at Back9: “Why does SEO cost so much?”. Let’s delve into the intricacies of this question and shed light on the value SEO can bring to your business.

At Back9 Creative, we live and breathe SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) and as such, we understand the dynamic landscape it exists within. As we explore the factors around SEO costs, it’s essential to grasp the intricate dance between investment and return. In addition, we try to be as upfront with our SEO pricing as possible. So we have developed complete SEO packages to be as transparent as we can.

Get an INSTANT SEO Estimate

Transitioning into the Basics: What is SEO and Why is it Crucial?

SEO, or Search Engine Optimisation, is the cornerstone of online visibility. It’s not just about ranking higher on search engines; it’s about connecting with your audience. This fundamental understanding sets the stage for comprehending the costs associated with SEO.

In simpler terms, SEO costs are reflective of the effort required to enhance your digital presence. From keyword research to content creation, each element contributes to the overall expense.

Understanding the Complexity of SEO Algorithms and Updates

Transitioning into the heart of the matter, the dynamic nature of Google search engine algorithms and how they work, adds complexity to SEO strategies. Keeping up with these changes demands continuous effort and expertise, contributing to the cost.

Moreover, search engines favour websites that provide valuable, up-to-date quality content. Regularly updating and optimizing your content aligns with these preferences but adds to the overall expenses.

The Role of Competitiveness in SEO Pricing

In the competitive digital landscape, outranking competitors requires a strategic approach. Transitioning to the competitive aspect, the more saturated the market, the higher the investment needed to stand out. This competition-driven dynamic significantly influences SEO costs. Therefore when discussing SEO Pricing in NZ, understanding how much SEO costs and why is super important. Likewise, when looking at the SEO Services, what you need to know is what you are getting for these costs. Finding a decent SEO agency is key. And with an experienced agency, you will more than likely (or should be) getting results!

Back9 Creative excels in navigating this competitive terrain. Our tailored strategies ensure that your investment in SEO yields substantial returns. We recognise that effective SEO isn’t just a cost; it’s an investment in the sustained growth and visibility of your business.

Investing Wisely in SEO for Long-Term Success

The question of “Why does SEO cost so much?” finds its answer in the multifaceted nature of digital marketing. It is a long term game that takes time to implement. At Back9 Creative, we guide businesses in making strategic investments, understanding that effective SEO is the linchpin of long-term online success. The main thing to consider is that if we use our IDEA iceberg on our back9 home page, SEO sits within the Amplify section – which is well underneath the surface… It’s the 90% you can’t see and more than likely won’t (maybe ever) understand. It takes time to implement but if done well – it works!! So Partner with Back9 to unlock the true potential of your digital presence.