Overview

Constant Contact has been in email marketing longer than most competitors exist, since 1995. This longevity shows in their focus: reliable, approachable email marketing for small businesses and nonprofits who need simplicity over sophistication. The company knows its audience and serves them consistently.

The standout feature is customer support. Phone support is available, genuinely available, not buried behind tiers. When small business owners hit problems, they can call someone who helps. This accessibility matters enormously for users who aren't technical and don't want to figure things out from documentation.

Event management integration adds unique capability. Create, promote, and manage events from within Constant Contact, registration forms, email promotion, RSVP tracking, and follow-up all integrated. For organizations running events, this eliminates separate Eventbrite or Splash subscriptions.

Features Deep-Dive

Beginner-Friendly Experience

Constant Contact prioritizes approachability in every design decision. The email builder is straightforward, templates are clearly categorized by industry and purpose, and guidance appears throughout the interface. Users without marketing expertise can create professional campaigns.

The onboarding process is notably thorough. New users receive structured guidance rather than being dropped into an empty dashboard. For small business owners wearing multiple hats, this hand-holding creates genuine value.

Customer Support

Phone support is the differentiator. Call during business hours and reach helpful humans. This accessibility exceeds what most competitors offer. Mailchimp and others push users toward chat and documentation.

For users who prefer talking through problems rather than searching help articles, this support model provides real value. The support team understands small business contexts and explains things in accessible terms.

Event Marketing

The event management features, registration forms, promotion emails, RSVP tracking, attendee management, integrate naturally with email marketing. Promote events to your list, track registrations, send reminders, and follow up, all from one platform.

For nonprofits, community organizations, and businesses running workshops or meetups, this integration simplifies operations significantly.

Pricing Analysis

Constant Contact's Lite plan starts at $12/month for basic email with limited automation. Standard at $35/month adds full automation, segmentation, and scheduling. Premium at $80/month includes advanced features and more users.

Pricing scales with contacts: 2,500 contacts costs $35/month on Standard, $80/month on Premium. The pricing is higher than competitors like MailerLite for comparable features, reflecting the support investment.

No free tier exists, though a 60-day trial provides extended evaluation time.

Who Is This For?

Constant Contact works best for:

• Small businesses wanting reliable email without complexity
• Nonprofits with event marketing needs
• Users who prefer phone support over chat and documentation
• Event-based organizations needing registration integration
• Marketing beginners who benefit from guidance

The platform excels for users who value accessibility and support over advanced features.

Who Should NOT Use This

Constant Contact might not be the right choice if:

• Advanced automation matters: ActiveCampaign goes much deeper
• Budget is tight: Cheaper alternatives offer more features
• You want modern design: The interface feels dated
• E-commerce is focus: Klaviyo and Drip serve stores better
• You've outgrown basics: Sophisticated marketers will find limits quickly

Bottom Line

Constant Contact delivers on its promise of accessible email marketing with genuine human support. For small businesses and nonprofits who need reliable email tools without technical complexity, the combination of approachability and phone support creates real value.

The pricing and feature set don't compete well against modern alternatives for sophisticated users. Constant Contact serves a specific audience, small businesses and nonprofits wanting simplicity and support, and serves them well. Know whether you're that audience.

FAQ

Is Constant Contact good for beginners?

Excellent. The interface, templates, and guided onboarding prioritize beginners. Phone support helps when you're stuck. If you're new to email marketing and prefer talking to humans over reading documentation, Constant Contact excels.

Why is Constant Contact more expensive?

Constant Contact invests in phone support and customer service rather than competing purely on features. The premium reflects this support investment. Whether this value proposition matches your needs depends on how much you value accessible help.

Does Constant Contact have automation?

Yes, though more limited than competitors. Standard automation like welcome sequences and birthday emails work well. Complex multi-step automations with advanced triggers require tools like ActiveCampaign. Know your automation needs.

How does Constant Contact compare to Mailchimp?

Constant Contact offers phone support that Mailchimp lacks. Mailchimp offers a more modern interface and free tier. Constant Contact serves less technical users who value support; Mailchimp serves users comfortable with self-service.

Is Constant Contact good for nonprofits?

Yes, particularly for event-focused nonprofits. The event management integration, approachable interface, and accessible support suit nonprofit needs. Constant Contact also offers nonprofit discounts. The combination makes it popular in this sector.