AFFILIATE MARKETING
7 Best Mailgun Alternatives to Boost Your Email Marketing Success in 2023
Are you an entrepreneur looking for a reliable email delivery solution? Tired of dealing with the hassles and limitations of Mailgun? We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the seven best Mailgun alternatives to revolutionize your email marketing efforts.
From robust analytics to automation capabilities, these solutions offer powerful features that can take your business communication to the next level. So read on and find the perfect fit for you!
7 Great Mailgun Alternatives for Your Business
1. Sendinblue
Sendinblue is our top pick among Mailgun alternatives and is a perfect marketing solution for any SMB or enterprise-level business. You can send transactional emails and SMS to the desired recipient and track their effectiveness. The Detailed Analytics reports will help you fix any potential problems in email delivery or click performance.
You can use this all-in-one tool to create:
- Email marketing campaigns – design emails with the drag-and-drop editor or ready-made templates to send user-friendly emails
- Marketing automation – send responsive emails that are triggered once a condition in the workflow is fulfilled
- SMS marketing – communicate with customers on a more personal level
- Push notifications – send reminders for abandoned carts
Pricing
Sendinblue provides users with four plans to kickstart their business. The platform charges based on emails sent rather than on the size of your contact list.
Additionally, with the free plan, you can send 300 emails/day, along with the added features of SMS and Whatsapp campaigns.
The business plan is the most popular amongst entrepreneurs. You can send 20,000 emails/day for $40 a month. You will also gain access to a number of bonus features, making it a perfect choice for marketing managers and professionals.
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Forever-free plan
- Access services in more than 6 languages
Cons
- Lower free email sending limit compared to some of the other alternatives
2. Amazon SES
Amazon SES (Simple Email Service) is one of the cloud-based Mailgun alternatives used to send bulk marketing and transactional emails to customers. Small to large-scale businesses can use the platform to send emails through different methods. These include Amazon SES API, SMTP relay, and Amazon SES Console.
Amazon SES also provides support for owned, shared, or dedicated IP addresses to provide security and fast deliverability.
You can use the platform to send automated emails based on triggers and gain insights into their performance. Amazon SES is also known for its:
- Mailbox Stimulator – test how different scenarios will affect your application
- Email receiving – complete control over which emails to accept based on IP address and domain of the sender
- Reputation Dashboard – track issues of email performance such as bounce rate and feedback loops
Pricing
Amazon SES offers a pay-as-you-go scheme for sending emails. However, users hosting their applications on Amazon EC2 can send 62,000 emails a month for free.
You can also use the platform to receive up to 1000 emails for free and use pay-as-you-go to receive any additional emails.
Pros
- Increased sender security through multi-factor authentication
- Affordable rates for sending and receiving emails
- Generous forever free plan
Cons
- You’ll have to buy separate plans for inbound emails and outbound emails
3. MailerSend
MailerSend is another alternative to Mailgun that provides a transactional email service along with a transactional SMS service.
You can use the platform to send and receive emails with SMTP relay and get hold of the following features:
- Multiple domains – manage multiple products and domains with just one MailerSend account
- Email verification – advanced verification process to ensure messages are received in the intended inbox and avoid landing in spam
- Dynamic email templates – send bulk emails that are tailored to suit different customers
- IP allowlist – make your account more secure by adding IP addresses to a whitelist
Pricing
MailerSend offers a forever free plan with 12000 emails/month. It is best suited for startups or SMBs to benefit from bulk emailing, a drag-and-drop builder, and analytics tools.
The paid plan includes a Premium plan and an Enterprise plan. The Enterprise plan is specifically designed for large enterprises and offers unlimited domains and templates along with 30-day data retention.
Pros
- Bulk email sending
- Effortlessly integrate sending transactional emails with your technology
- Efficient sender reputation management using SPF, DKIM, and DMARC security protocols
- Provides resources to get you started
Cons
- No SMS marketing service available in the free plan
4. Postmark
Postmark is an email delivery service platform that differentiates itself from other Mailgun alternatives with its email deliverability.
It uses a separate but similar infrastructure to send promotional and transactional emails. The latter is delivered through a secure and faster network.
Other features of Postmark include:
- Analytics tools – 45 days of data retention that ensures you don’t miss any detail
- Email templates – choose layouts for common transactional emails
- Webhooks – get notifications on important events such as bounces, clicks, or any spam complaints
Postmark offers a forever-free plan that includes 100 emails per month. However, more is needed for growing organizations.
The paid plans start with 10,000 emails at $15/month. Any additional emails sent in the month are charged with pay-as-you-go. You can also add dedicated IPs at $50 a month to any package.
Pros
- Complete email marketing software to send transactional and broadcasted messages
- Free expert advice
- Fast and reliable email delivery
- Email and application security
Cons
- No SMS support
- Marketing automation and segmentation features are not available
- Pricey for the number of emails allowed
5. SendGrid
SendGrid is a marketing and transactional email service provider that uses web API and SMTP relay to send emails. It is trusted by startups, enterprises, developers, and high-volume senders to increase customer engagement and experience.
Other than sending transactional emails, you’ll also get access to:
- Email marketing campaigns – send crafted automated messages to build meaningful relationships with customers
- Email testing – spam test and create flawless emails that look perfect in every inbox
- Deliverability insights – scalable email delivery measured using primary metrics and trends to improve the health of your email programs
- Email templates
Pricing
SendGrid allows users to choose between Email API plans and Marketing Campaign Plans. Both categories offer forever free plans, with the email API plan starting at 100 emails/day.
Additionally, The Marketing Campaign Plans offers a free plan where you can send up to 6000 emails/day along with segmentation, email automation, and design & code editors.
However, you need to upgrade to the Advanced Plan to get access to a dedicated IP address. It will provide you with faster site speed and a secure sender reputation.
Pros
- Forever free plan
- Free resources to initiate the correct email program
- The platform supports different programming languages
Cons
- You can not receive Email API plans and Marketing Campaigns Plans under one package
6. SocketLabs
SocketLabs is an email delivery solution for IT pros, developers, and high-volume senders. It offers SMTP relay service and transactional email APIs. It’s one of the best Mailgun alternatives on the market because it offers many of the same features.
Users can trust the platform to deliver bulk emails that are fully verified and passed through strict anti-spam processes. With a tedious job cut out, the marketing teams can focus on using SocketLabs to create tailored solutions for priority accounts.
If you like SocketLabs for its ability to forward a high volume of emails, check out these best email forwarding services for even more options.
Pricing
SocketLabs offers a 30-day free trial for the Core plan. Then you can send 40,000 emails/month for $39.95.
The more expensive plans include the Pro Plan and the Concierge Plan. You can send 100,000 emails per month starting from $79.95.
You’ll also get access to “Insight History” and “Performance History” reports with all plans.
Pros
- Useful resources and code libraries to easily set up sending emails
- Integrate with any application
- Useful analytics tool to improve email performance
Cons
- No SMS marketing service
- No forever free plan
- Ongoing training and email performance review are not available for low-tier plans
7. SparkPost
SparkPost is a reliable platform for brands to send and deliver emails. You can use advice from high-level industry experts to create email programs that engage and retain customers.
SparkPost is not just like any other Mailgun alternative. It goes beyond the basic deliverability of emails to provide an all-in-one marketing tool that increases customer engagement through:
- SparkPost signals – track email health and recipient behavior to improve email performance and reduce the risk of hitting spam traps
- Taxi for email – use segmentation and personalization to create powerful email campaigns
- Recipient validation – verify email addresses before you send them
- Inbox tracker – receive a higher return on email ROI by reaching more subscribers
Pricing
SparkPost has a free test account that limits the sending volume of emails but gives unrestricted access to API or SMTP relay.
Also, as a new sender, you can choose the Starter plan that offers 50,000 emails at $30 a month. This includes alerts to increase engagement and email health.
With a Premier plan, you can send 100,000 emails at $75/month and also get access to advanced templates and snippets, AB testing, prioritized support, and a dedicated IP address.
Pros
- Easily track how consumers are responding to competitors’ email campaigns
- Affordable plans for sending transactional emails
- Integrates with different apps and websites to fit user’s needs
Cons
- Limited volume for sending emails with free test accounts
Bottom Line: What’s The Best Mailgun Alternative For Your Business?
All in all, there are a host of excellent Mailgun substitutes that can completely transform your email delivery process.
Selecting the right alternative depends on your organization’s specific needs and requirements. So be sure to do some research before making a final decision. But in general, we believe that Sendinblue is a very excellent choice for most cases.
Hope this guide helps make it easier for you to find the best Mailgun alternatives for your entrepreneurial needs!
AFFILIATE MARKETING
Cut Costs, Not Features with This Microsoft Bundle Deal
Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.
Software subscription fees can quickly add up, and for small-business owners, entrepreneurs, or freelancers, these costs can eat into profits. Businesses spend approximately 29% of their IT budgets on software, according to a 2023 survey by Gartner.
For business professionals who are looking to streamline workflow without paying steep subscription fees, the Ultimate 2019 Microsoft Bundle might be the perfect solution. For just $71.94 (regularly $927), this comprehensive four-part bundle offers Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019, Windows 11 Pro, Project 2019, and Visio 2019.
While it’s not the newest version of Microsoft’s software, it can deliver tremendous value for anyone seeking tools to manage their business, boost productivity, and work efficiently. The bundle offers a lifetime license, meaning you’ll get all the functionality you need without the recurring costs associated with subscription services like Microsoft 365.
However, it does come with Windows 11 Pro, which includes the recent AI updates. Windows 11 Pro delivers a modern, intuitive interface with enhanced security features such as biometric login and Smart App Control, making it ideal for professionals who prioritize privacy and usability. It’s also equipped with tools that support multitasking, such as Snap Layouts and Virtual Desktops.
For companies looking to reduce overhead without compromising essential functionality, making a one-time purchase of slightly older software is a smart financial move. This includes Office’s most popular productivity tools, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Project 2019 is a must-have for anyone who is managing large or small projects. It helps track tasks, timelines, and resources, making it easier to stay on top of deadlines and ensure your team moves in the right direction. Project 2019 gives you the tools to streamline processes and manage tasks efficiently.
Visio 2019 is ideal for creating professional diagrams, flowcharts, and organizational charts. It’s particularly valuable for visualizing complex data or workflows, which is essential for business owners looking to improve operational efficiency.
If you need a productivity boost without eating into savings, take a closer look at this bundle.
Get the Ultimate 2019 Microsoft Bundle with Office, Project, Visio, and Windows 11 Pro for $71.94 (regularly $927).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
AFFILIATE MARKETING
3 Trends That Will Change the Future of Entrepreneurship
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
The most recent data from the new Global Entrepreneurship Monitor report reveals a powerful trend for the future of entrepreneurship.
Young adults, aged 18-24, had both the highest entrepreneurial activity and entrepreneurial intentions in the United States, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2023-2024 United States Report. With similar results in 2022, this is not just a minor shift — it’s a fundamental change that could have lasting impacts on the economy and society.
I serve as the chair of the board for the Global Entrepreneurship Research Association, the entity that oversees GEM, which was founded in 1999 as a joint venture of Babson College and the London Business School. As the GEM U.S. team co-leader and a professor of entrepreneurship at Babson, I see firsthand the impact of the research created by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor.
Here are three entrepreneurship trends from the new GEM report that are changing the landscape for the future.
Related: 21 Success Tips for Young and Aspiring Entrepreneurs
1. Young entrepreneurs on the rise
For years, entrepreneurship has been dominated by older, more experienced individuals, but this year’s report shows that the youngest adults are now at the forefront. According to GEM, 24% of 18- to 24-year-olds are engaged in some form of entrepreneurial activity, a higher rate than any other age group. What’s driving these young entrepreneurs is equally remarkable: They aren’t just starting businesses to make money; many are deeply committed to making a positive impact on society and the environment.
These young entrepreneurs make sustainability a key priority. They are more likely than entrepreneurs from older generations to build businesses with sustainability as a core focus — whether that means reducing their environmental footprint or focusing on social causes. This shift toward impact-driven entrepreneurship isn’t just anecdotal. GEM data shows a significant number of young entrepreneurs taking real, measurable steps to create businesses that align with their values. With sustainability as their north star, young entrepreneurs appear to be simultaneously pursuing societal impact as well as profits.
However, it’s not all smooth sailing. While young people are leading the way in starting businesses, they are also discontinuing them at higher rates than their older counterparts. The discontinuation rate for 18- to 24-year-olds is 15%, the highest among all age groups. This is not surprising, given the challenges of inexperience and more limited access to capital. Starting a business is tough, and sustaining one is even more challenging. But despite these hurdles, the enthusiasm and energy that young people bring to entrepreneurship are undeniable, and with the right support, this generation has the potential to drive substantial change.
2. Tech gender gap narrows
One of the most promising findings in the GEM report is the narrowing gender gap in the technology sector. Historically, tech startups have been dominated by men, but 2023 saw a record-low difference in the number of men and women starting tech companies. The gap has narrowed to just 1%, with 8% of women compared with 9% of men launching businesses in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector.
This is a significant step forward and reflects broader efforts to support more women technology startups. Still, it’s important to recognize that while progress is being made, continued focus on providing equal opportunities is essential to ensuring this trend continues.
3. Optimistic outlook for Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs
Another highlight from the report is the optimistic outlook among Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs. These groups showed stronger confidence in their entrepreneurial abilities and lower fear of failure compared to their white counterparts. Black respondents, in particular, demonstrated high levels of resilience and self-assurance, which is vital in overcoming barriers faced in starting and sustaining businesses. This optimism is encouraging, but there’s still much work to be done in assuring ecosystems offer equal opportunities for all aspiring entrepreneurs, regardless of their background.
Related: I Wish I Received This Advice as a Young Entrepreneur
A promising future
Reflecting on the key findings of this year’s GEM report, it’s clear that the entrepreneurial landscape is changing in meaningful ways. The rise of young, sustainability-driven entrepreneurs signals a future where business is not only about profit but also about making a difference. These young entrepreneurs are launching businesses at a time when the world is looking for solutions to some of its most pressing challenges — climate change, poverty and economic recovery.
Yet, to fully realize the potential of this next generation, there must be more focus on addressing the challenges they encounter. Young entrepreneurs need access to the right resources — whether it’s funding, education or mentorship — to turn their innovative ideas into sustainable businesses. The narrowing gender gap in tech is encouraging, but we must continue to foster environments that support women and other underrepresented groups in entrepreneurship.
The GEM report paints a picture of an entrepreneurial future driven by purpose, diversity and innovation. But it also reminds us of the work that lies ahead in making entrepreneurship more accessible and sustainable. If we can provide young entrepreneurs with the tools and support they need, we will not only see more businesses being created — we’ll see businesses that are making a lasting, positive impact on the world.
AFFILIATE MARKETING
These Are the Top Side Hustles to Work Less, Make More Money
In the best-case scenario, a side hustle could turn into a multimillion-dollar business that generates a passive income stream — but at the very least, starting a side gig could help pay some bills.
A new survey from personal finance software company Quicken shows that almost half (43%) of Americans with a side hustle, or an extra source of income added to a primary income, make more money and clock in fewer hours overall than those without a side hustle.
The three most popular side hustles pursued by those who work less and make more money were personal assistance (20%), cooking and baking (16%), and caregiving (16%). One in five people with side hustles said they were business owners, too, selling products online or offering services like photography.
The majority of people with side hustles (82%) said starting a side gig helped them financially, and kept them from living paycheck to paycheck. Most with side hustles (57%) had savings equal to at least four months of living expenses.
The survey also found that, for younger side hustlers, a way to an extra income doubles as a path to becoming more employable. 44% of Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012) choose to start a side hustle in order to obtain skills for long-term careers, much higher than the overall 18% of Americans who started a side hustle with the same motivation.
Quicken conducted the survey online, gathering responses from more than 1,000 Americans.
Additional research on side hustles, released in August by NEXT Insurance, showed that three out of five people bring in less than $1,000 monthly in side income, while 22% make $1,000 to $10,000 a month, and 15% make more than $10,000.
Related: Starting a Side Hustle Should Come With a Warning Label — Here’s What You Need to Know
You must be logged in to post a comment Login