Kit (formerly ConvertKit) vs Mailchimp vs Systeme.io for Affiliate Email Marketing
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If you've read my post on building your first affiliate email list, you already know why you need one. The next question I get right after that is always the same: "okay, but which tool do I actually sign up for?" So let's break down the three I see recommended (and use) most in the affiliate space.
Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links — I may earn a commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools I've personally used.
What Actually Matters for Affiliate Marketers Specifically
- Automation on the free/cheap tier — can you set up a welcome sequence without paying for the top plan
- Landing pages included — do you need a separate tool to build an opt-in page
- Deliverability — reputation for landing in inboxes vs. spam
- Affiliate-link friendliness — some providers are stricter than others about affiliate links in emails
Kit (formerly ConvertKit) — Best for Creators Going All-In on Email
Kit — you may still know it as ConvertKit, its name before a 2024 rebrand — was built with creators and bloggers in mind, and it shows. Automation is available even on lower tiers, which matters for affiliate marketing since you'll want new subscribers to automatically receive a welcome sequence with your best offers.
Best for: Bloggers who plan to make email a core, long-term channel
Free tier: Limited, but includes basic automation
Watch out for: Cost scales quickly as your list grows
Mailchimp — Best Known, But Not Built for This
Mailchimp is the name everyone's heard of. The problem: its free tier has gotten more restrictive, automation is limited unless you pay up, and it's historically been stricter about affiliate-heavy content triggering compliance reviews.
Best for: People who want a familiar, mainstream tool and don't mind the tradeoffs
Free tier: Yes, but automation and audience size limits are tight
Watch out for: Compliance reviews can flag high-volume affiliate-link accounts
Systeme.io — Best All-in-One for Beginners
I already did a full review of Systeme.io — it's the one I'd point a total beginner to first, since the free plan includes email automation AND landing pages AND funnels in one place.
Best for: Beginners who want one tool instead of three, on a $0 budget
Free tier: Generous — includes automation and landing pages
Watch out for: Less polished/flexible than Kit once your needs get more advanced
Comparison at a Glance
| Tool | Best For | Free Tier Automation | Landing Pages Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kit (ConvertKit) | Long-term, creator-focused email | Yes (basic) | No |
| Mailchimp | Familiarity, mainstream tool | Limited | No |
| Systeme.io | All-in-one for beginners | Yes | Yes |
Which One Should You Actually Start With?
If you're just building your first list and don't want to pay for anything yet: start with Systeme.io. If you outgrow it, migrating to Kit later is a reasonable next step. I'd skip Mailchimp for affiliate-heavy lists specifically.
Bottom Line
The "best" email tool depends on budget and how much you want to consolidate into one platform. For someone starting from zero: Systeme.io removes the most friction.
