The current pandemic and the subsequent quarantine will have consequences. This being a technology blog, we are going to deal with those for which we can do something. The way that By using open source software we can help reduce the economic consequences.
There are companies that can continue to carry out their operations using the Internet while others are unable to do so. However, They can use digital communication tools to build and strengthen relationships with customers so that they can continue with their normal activities.
According to digital marketers, le-mailing lists are one of the key tools in communication. Using it, you can distribute a newsletter, inform about offers, give access to gifts, etc.
Almost everyone agrees that the best platform to manage this is MailChimp. MailChimp has templates to create emails, the ability to create different lists, generate different types of reports AND the possibility of having an integrated website.
The drawbacks is that To get the best features you have to pay, and most importantly you are entrusting your customer list to a third party. Unless you have a copy elsewhere, this is usually never a good idea.
Let's start to analize what open source options do we have. Of course, it must be borne in mind that to use them we are going to need a server with enough capacity to support the mail traffic. And to manage our own service requires paying attention to technical and safety aspects.
Some alternatives to MailChimp
Of course, as MailChimp is a fully integrated platform, none of the options we offer will completely replace it. Therefore, we will have to do some things manually or combine more than one tool.
Sympa
Es A program free and available under the GNU license. It can handle up to 1 million contacts and works with 3 database engines; MySQL, PostgreSQL and Oracle.
Some features:
- Complete documentation (in English)
- Translated to Spanish.
- Access to administrator and user functions from a single screen.
- Web interface compliant with W3C standards.
- Document exchange function.
- Subscription by topics.
- Protection of the privacy of stored addresses.
- Forwarding of messages at the request of the user.
- Different roles with different types of access.
- Creation of templates.
phpList
Es one of the oldest and being written in PHP and working with MySQL databases, is compatible with most web hosting plans. It can be downloaded for free and used under the Affero General Public License as free software.
Through the browser you can access the functions sending newsletters by email, organizing marketing campaigns and creating advertisements.
Some features include:
- Flexible handling of subscribers, from a few to millions.
- Importing mailing lists from other sources.
- Creation of emails using plain text, html or templates.
- Management of an unlimited number of segmented lists with complex demographic data.
- Translated into our language.
- Recipient segmentation tools.
- Complete documentation in English.
OpenEMM
Es the open source version from a well-known industry software called EMM. It doesn't have as many functions like other alternatives, but in return it is easier to learn how to use it.
Some features
- Template-based email creation.
- Graphical representation of performance statistics.
- Real-time performance statistics.
- Self-defined and behavior-based target groups.
- User self-service based on web forms.
- Extension of functionalities through add-ons.
- Compliance with privacy regulations.
Given Mail
Another tool available under the GNU license.
It is a mailing list manager that It can be used to send newsletters and announce promotions and events. Discussion lists, announcements and groups can be created
Some features include:
- Custom subscription fields.
- Target audience segmentation.
- Personalization of messages.
- Message editor in plain text and HTML format
- Programmable shipping schedule
- Mail client support.
- Custom reports.