Ecommerce stores have specific requirements from email marketing software that general-purpose tools often do not meet. This list focuses on tools that are built for or well-suited to ecommerce: with strong store integrations, purchase-triggered automation, and measurable revenue impact.
What ecommerce businesses need from email marketing
The difference between a general email tool and an ecommerce-specific one is significant. Ecommerce businesses need automation triggered by purchase behavior: abandoned cart, post-purchase sequences, browse abandonment, and win-back campaigns. They also need revenue attribution so you can see what your emails are actually earning.
Klaviyo is the default choice for serious ecommerce email. Deep Shopify and WooCommerce integration, revenue attribution, predictive analytics, and pre-built ecommerce flows are all built in. It is more expensive than alternatives but the ecommerce ROI usually justifies it.
- Best-in-class Shopify and WooCommerce integration
- Revenue attribution per campaign
- Pre-built abandoned cart and post-purchase flows
- Predictive analytics and CLV modeling
Omnisend is built for ecommerce stores that want SMS alongside email. Its automation flows are pre-built for ecommerce events and the free plan is a good starting point for smaller stores. Push notifications are also available.
- SMS and email in one ecommerce platform
- Pre-built ecommerce automation flows
- Push notifications included
- Good free plan for smaller stores
ActiveCampaign is the right choice for ecommerce businesses that also have a sales team. Its CRM is strong and its automation connects ecommerce events to sales workflows. If you sell online and also have a consultative sales process, ActiveCampaign bridges both.
- Strong CRM alongside ecommerce automation
- Deep automation for complex workflows
- 14-day free trial
- Best for businesses with both online and sales-driven revenue
Brevo is a reasonable choice for ecommerce businesses that find Klaviyo too expensive. It has Shopify integration, ecommerce segmentation, and SMS. It doesn't match Klaviyo's depth but it costs significantly less.
- Lower cost than Klaviyo
- SMS and email together
- Unlimited contacts on free plan
- Shopify integration available
How to choose
For most ecommerce stores, Klaviyo is the right answer if the budget is there. For stores on a tighter budget or those that want SMS included at a lower price, Omnisend is excellent. For businesses that combine ecommerce with a sales operation, ActiveCampaign is the best fit.