Best email marketing tools for UK sole traders 2026
Building an email list is the single most reliable way to generate repeat business as a sole trader. Your own list can’t be taken away by an algorithm. Here’s how to get started.
Quick picks
Reviews
MailerLite is our top recommendation for sole traders starting email marketing. The free plan is remarkably generous — 1,000 subscribers, 12,000 emails per month, and crucially, automation workflows are included. You can build a welcome sequence, segment your list and create landing pages all on the free tier.
- Most generous free plan — 1,000 subscribers with automation
- Landing page builder included
- Clean drag-and-drop email editor
- Strong deliverability rates
- Simple to set up and learn
- 24/7 support only on paid plans
- Some advanced features need paid tier
- Fewer integrations than Mailchimp
Kit (formerly ConvertKit) has a remarkable free tier — up to 10,000 subscribers with no time limit. It’s built specifically for creators, coaches and consultants who want to build audiences and sell digital products. Subscriber tagging lets you send highly targeted emails based on what people have shown interest in.
- Free plan supports up to 10,000 subscribers
- Purpose-built for creators and coaches
- Excellent subscriber tagging and segmentation
- Sell digital products directly
- Strong community and educational resources
- Free plan lacks email automation (paid feature)
- Templates less polished than Mailchimp
- Pricing jumps significantly after free tier
Mailchimp is the household name in email marketing and remains a solid choice for sole traders. The template library is excellent, integrations are extensive, and the brand name itself can reassure clients who see it powering your communications.
- Most recognisable brand in email marketing
- Excellent email template library
- 1,000+ integrations including Shopify and WooCommerce
- Strong e-commerce features
- User-friendly interface
- Free plan limited to 500 contacts (was 2,000 previously)
- Automation limited on free plan
- Pricing increases steeply as list grows
Comparison table
| Tool | Price | Free subscribers | Automation free | Landing pages | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MailerLite | Free / £9 | 1,000 | Yes | Yes | Beginners |
| Kit | Free / £22 | 10,000 | No (paid) | Yes | Creators |
| Mailchimp | Free / £10 | 500 | No (paid) | No | Brand recognition |
| Brevo | Free / £15 | Unlimited | Yes (limited) | Yes | High volume |
| ActiveCampaign | From £15 | None | Yes | Yes | Automation |
Getting started with email marketing as a sole trader
You don’t need a big list to start. Even 50 engaged subscribers who are past or potential clients can generate significant business. Start with a simple welcome email, share one useful tip or update per month, and add a sign-up form to your website. MailerLite’s free plan is the lowest-friction starting point — you can have your first email sent within an hour of signing up.