UA How to Create an Effective Email: Where to Start?
Email marketing remains one of the most effective channels for winning customers, boosting sales, and building long-term relationships. But the days when you could just “throw some text into an email” and get results are long gone. Today, the winners are the ones who build eye-catching, responsive, and personalized email templates that don’t just land in the inbox — they drive clicks, engagement, and conversions.
Can you pull this off without a designer or a developer? Yes — thanks to modern email template builders and ESP platforms that automate the design, sending, and analytics of your campaigns. In this guide we’ll cover the best services of 2025: from free tools for startups to powerful platforms with AI assistants, AMP support, and integrations with CRM, CMS, and e-commerce systems.
What Are a Builder and an ESP?
- Template builder — an online tool for designing emails with no code required.
- ESP (Email Service Provider) — a full platform covering design, sending, analytics, and automation.
Current Challenges and Trends
- Fierce competition for inbox attention: standing out takes strong design, responsiveness, and fast content production;
- Deliverability matters more than ever, thanks to newer spam filters and preventive tools;
- Personalization, AI automation, and a mobile-first strategy are now front and center.
Template Builders (Design Only)
These tools let you build striking HTML templates and use them in any ESP. They work equally well for small businesses and marketing agencies.
Selzy — a Full Builder+ESP with Ukrainian Support
How it works: drag-&-drop editor + AI assistant + integrations.
Pricing: free for up to 100 contacts; from UAH 210/mo (≈ $5.25) for up to 50,000 contacts; enterprise plans available.
Why it matters: strong deliverability, AI recommendations, localized support.
Features:
- Build email campaigns in a convenient drag-and-drop editor
- A template library for a quick start
- Audience segmentation by actions, status, and data
- Automated email campaigns based on user behavior
- Testing and preview of emails before sending
- Integration with CMS, CRM, and eCommerce platforms
- Improved deliverability and technical support in Ukrainian
- A free plan with basic features to try out the service
Stripo
- Templates: 1,600+ responsive and AMP blocks;
- Editor: drag-and-drop and HTML modes;
- Integrations: Gmail, Mailchimp, GetResponse, Campaign Monitor, UniSender, eSputnik, and others;
- Pricing: free with limitations; Pro starting at ~$12.50/mo;
- Why choose it: thorough testing tools, AMP support for innovative email campaigns.
Tabular
- Modular structure: clean code, fast template building;
- Team features: real-time editing and commenting;
- Pricing: free for personal use; business tiers are paid.
BeeFree (Beefree)
- Content: 500,000+ stock images, social media content;
- Editor: visual drag-and-drop;
- Pricing: the basic version is free; paid tools start at $15/mo.
Chamaileon
- For teams and agencies: collaborative editing, comments, image design;
- Plan: starts at ~$125/mo.
TOPOL.io, Postcards, Unlayer, Designmodo
- Simplicity: minimalist interfaces;
- Best for: quick campaigns, landing pages, one-off sends.
ESP Services with a Built-In Builder + Sending
These services cover the full marketing cycle — from design to analytics.
SendPulse
Plan: free for up to 500 contacts (15,000 emails); paid plans from UAH 200–300/mo.
Features:
- multichannel: email, SMS, push, bots;
- drag-and-drop editor, template catalog;
- automation, A/B testing, segmentation;
- integrations with CMS, CRM, e-commerce.
GetResponse
Pricing: from $15/mo for 1,000 contacts;
Features: autofunnels, A/B testing, email + landing pages, GIF banners.
Pros: rich design tools and analytics in a single interface.
Mailchimp
Plan: free for up to 2,000 contacts; premium starts at $9.99/mo;
Features: HTML editor, API, automation, analytics.
Why: the most flexible platform for small businesses and startups.
ActiveCampaign
- CRM + Email: segmentation, lead scoring, automation;
- Plans: start at ~$15, works well with Bitrix/Shopify/1C integrations.
Brevo (formerly Sendinblue)
- Advantages: email + SMS + chat, custom workflows;
- Pricing: free for up to 300,000 emails.
Omnisend
- Built for e-commerce: cart abandonment flows, product recommendations;
- Plans: free tier available; Premium starts at ~$16/mo.
Constant Contact, Zoho Campaigns
- For small business: templates and easy tools for building email loyalty;
- Integrations: CRM, social.
Why These Tools Matter for SEO & UX
- Responsive design → a better first impression + higher CTR
About 89% of users read email on mobile in 2025. - Clean HTML → strong deliverability
Messy code can get your emails flagged as spam. - AI assistants → speed and personalization
GPT-powered content and subject line generation. - Automation → localization and targeting
Audience segmentation means higher conversion.
“Email campaign ROI runs around 4,200% once your automation and personalization sequences are properly set up.” — email marketing expert and influencer.
Comparison Table
| Tool | Type | Free Plan | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selzy | ESP + AI | up to 100 contacts | Ukrainian support, AI, segmentation, A/B testing |
| Stripo | Builder | basic access | AMP blocks, drag-and-drop, integrations |
| Tabular | Builder | free | Modular structure, team collaboration |
| SendPulse | ESP | up to 500 contacts | Multichannel, automation |
| GetResponse | ESP | limited | Autoresponder, landing pages, GIF |
| Mailchimp | ESP | up to 2,000 contacts | API, HTML editor, A/B testing |
Practical Tips for Maximum Impact
- Quick start: pick a builder + ESP combo → minimal cost, maximum functionality.
- Testing: use GlockApps or the built-in tools (Stripo, SendPulse, Selzy).
- Personalization: add the recipient’s name, dynamic content, product recommendations.
- Frequency and timing: target your audience carefully to avoid overloading their inbox.
- Analytics: focus on opens, clicks, and conversions — behavioral data matters more than open rate alone.
FAQ
1. Builder or ESP — Which Should You Choose?
- For a quick campaign launch: an ESP (SendPulse, Selzy, GetResponse).
- For agencies and studios: Stripo, Tabular + a powerful ESP.
2. Are AI Assistants Actually Useful?
- Yes. They cut template creation time by 40–60% (2025 research). A precise tone of voice translates into a better CTR.
3. How Can You Improve Deliverability?
- Keep your lists clean.
- Send transactional emails via SMTP or the ESP API.
- Check your inbox placement rate using a tool like GlockApps.
4. A/B Testing — What Should You Test?
- Subject lines, CTA buttons, overall design, and GIF placement.
Related Reading
- See the “Segmentation and Automation” section under SendPulse or Selzy above.
- Learn more in the “AI Assistants” section under Selzy or Stripo.
- See the mobile-first approach and deliverability notes above.
Conclusion
- Selzy — the best choice for a Ukrainian audience: AI, localization, budget-friendly pricing.
- Stripo — an excellent design tool with AMP support.
- SendPulse and GetResponse — comprehensive solutions for business.
