For new bloggers, sending beautiful email newsletters can be either a joy or a chaotic struggle—especially if you’re trying to navigate complex platforms like Mailchimp. While powerful, tools like Mailchimp can feel overwhelming due to their rigid templates and sometimes tricky interface. Fortunately, there are simpler, more intuitive options out there today that offer smooth drag-and-drop builders designed specifically for beginners who want to focus more on their content rather than fiddling with code or complicated layouts.
TL;DR: If you’re finding Mailchimp too complicated for your newsletter needs, you’re not alone. Many new bloggers prefer using email marketing tools with drag-and-drop builders for their ease and modern design options. Options like Beehiiv, ConvertKit, MailerLite, and others provide user-friendly experiences without sacrificing functionality. Let’s dive into the top 6 alternatives that are easier to use than Mailchimp’s templates.
1. Beehiiv
Created by former Morning Brew employees, Beehiiv is quickly becoming the favorite newsletter tool for bloggers focused on growth and monetization.
Beehiiv offers a sleek, intuitive drag-and-drop editor that lets you build newsletters in minutes. Designed with creators in mind, its templates are clean, mobile-optimized, and easy to work with—even if you’re not a designer.
- Simplicity: No HTML coding or plugin gymnastics—just click and edit.
- Monetization tools: Built-in referral systems and custom domains help you grow your audience rapidly.
- Analytics: See performance metrics like open rates and subscriber growth without messing with Google Analytics.
Beehiiv is great for new bloggers who want to focus on long-form content and turn their newsletters into a viable, scalable product. Plus, their freemium model offers plenty of features without breaking the bank.
2. ConvertKit
If you’re a blogger who values email automation and clean design, ConvertKit’s drag-and-drop system might be exactly what you need.
ConvertKit excels in simplicity. Its email builder is easy enough for first-timers while being powerful enough for future scale. Though it originally started without a visual drag-and-drop editor, recent updates have made it one of the most intuitive out there.
- Visual Automation: Easily map out sequences with a user-friendly flowchart builder.
- Personalization: Use tags and conditional content to tailor emails to subscriber interests.
- Creator-focused: Templates are minimal yet stylish, perfect for authors, bloggers, and educators.
ConvertKit also integrates with most blogging platforms, making it practically seamless to link your content and start nurturing your audience.
3. MailerLite
Known for its lightning-fast email design process, MailerLite is a favorite for bloggers on a budget looking for both simplicity and functionality.
The drag-and-drop builder feels almost like using a simplified Canva for email—intuitive, responsive, and highly editable. It doesn’t bombard new users with features but still provides enough flexibility to build professional-looking emails.
- Landing Pages: Create beautiful landing pages in tandem with your newsletters for list building.
- Templates Galore: From sales promos to welcome emails, MailerLite has pre-built options ready to customize.
- Affordable: Start for free and scale affordably as your list grows.
MailerLite is ideal for bloggers who want to get off the ground quickly without sacrificing design aesthetic.
4. Flodesk
Flodesk is the email marketing platform where design takes center stage—with a drag-and-drop editor that feels closer to Photoshop than your typical email builder.
Perfect for lifestyle, travel, fashion, or wellness bloggers, Flodesk mails look like they’ve come straight from a premium magazine. While many tools focus on function, Flodesk matches function with visual beauty.
- Beautiful Templates: No-code designs that look like they were made by pros.
- Unlimited Everything: One flat fee gets you unlimited subscribers and emails—no pricing tiers.
- Segmenting Made Easy: Tag and organize your audience for better targeting.
While some limitations exist on analytics and integrations, Flodesk wins hearts with its simplicity and aesthetic flair.
5. Mailmodo
Want your emails to do more than just inform? Mailmodo lets you include interactive elements like polls, forms, and calendars directly in the email.
This India-based email tool was built with functional design in mind. It supports AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages), enabling interactive emails that look and feel like web apps. All this is made accessible through their clean drag-and-drop system.
- Dynamic Content: Add interactive features without code.
- Behavioral Targeting: Trigger emails based on user actions for better engagement.
- Template Store: Choose from dozens of industry-ready drag-and-drop templates.
Mailmodo is especially useful for bloggers nurturing communities, courses, or coaching programs who want their subscribers to do more than just read.
6. Moosend
Moosend might fly under the radar, but it’s clutch for bloggers who want an all-in-one marketing suite with surprisingly robust automation and a smooth email builder.
The drag-and-drop email editor features pre-designed blocks and customizable elements that make building a cinch. All segments, automations, and even product recommendations are managed inside a dashboard that’s remarkably easy to use.
- Built-in CRM: Manage contacts and send targeted campaigns based on user activity.
- Templates for Bloggers: Use niche-specific templates without starting from scratch.
- Real-time Campaign Reports: Detailed analytics to help you improve future emails.
Moosend is ideal for bloggers looking to eventually branch into affiliate marketing, product sales, or digital courses—it grows with you as your audience does.
Final Thoughts
Each of these tools offers a fresh alternative to Mailchimp’s arguably outdated and complex templates. Whether you’re building a lifestyle brand, starting a tech blog, or developing a unique niche newsletter, the ease of a good drag-and-drop editor can’t be overstated.
Here’s a quick rundown to help you choose the best tool for your blogging journey:
- Beehiiv: Best for newsletter-style blogs and fast growth strategies
- ConvertKit: Best for creators and educators with an eye on automation
- MailerLite: Best for simplicity and affordability
- Flodesk: Best for bloggers who value gorgeous email designs
- Mailmodo: Best for interactivity and engagement
- Moosend: Best for all-in-one functionality with smart automation
The bottom line? You no longer have to wrestle with rigid Mailchimp templates to launch a professional emailing strategy. These drag-and-drop builders empower you to create, connect, and grow—without the tech headache.