Email is still one of the best ways for a small business to bring customers back. The hard part is writing subject lines, building campaigns and finding the right send time. AI email marketing tools take over much of that work. Here are the best options and how to pick one.
Quick picks
- Best for beginners: Mailchimp
- Best for online stores: Klaviyo
- Best value for small lists: Brevo
- Best for automation: ActiveCampaign
1. Mailchimp: best for beginners
Mailchimp offers drag-and-drop emails plus AI help with writing copy and suggesting subject lines. It is easy to learn and has a free starting plan, so it suits owners just getting started.
2. Klaviyo: best for online stores
Klaviyo connects to store platforms and uses customer purchase data for abandoned cart emails and product recommendations. A strong choice if most of your revenue comes from an online shop.
3. Brevo: best value for small lists
Brevo combines email with SMS and simple automations at a lower entry cost. Good if you want to start sending without a big monthly bill.
4. ActiveCampaign: best for automation
ActiveCampaign is built around automated sequences that respond to what each contact does. It takes longer to learn but rewards service businesses with long sales cycles.
How to use AI in your emails well
- Let AI draft the first version, then edit it so it sounds like you.
- Test two subject lines and send the winner to the rest of your list.
- Send a welcome email to every new subscriber automatically.
- Check current pricing on each vendor’s site because plans change.
Final thoughts
Pick the tool that matches how you sell today, not the one with the most features. See also our list of the best AI tools for small business.