Robly

Drip

BombBomb

MailerLite

GetResponse

![LinkRoundUp--July2018](//images.ctfassets.net/f2ysq090txql/6V3pegIWTSww8QIy6CKcqG/6e203c5f1c9569a602be260351efae39/LinkRoundUp--July2018.png)

July is almost over, but before it's gone let's recap the best email marketing blog posts and news of the month. Our sources? Top email marketing experts! Here's our selection: 

### [MailerLite - How to design a winning newsletter header](https://www.mailerlite.com/blog/newsletter-header-design)

The Email header is the first thing that most people see when they preview or open your email. The right newsletter header design can be the secret weapon for making a great first impression on your readers. But how to design a winning header? In this blog post, our friends from MailerLite shared five guiding principles for designing effective newsletter headers and other amazing tips you can start using right now.   

### [GetResponse -Grow Your List from Day One with the GetResponse List Building Program](https://blog.getresponse.com/list-building-program.html)

No matter your level of list building or online marketing experience, establishing and then continuing to grow your contact list is an unavoidable factor in growing and maintaining your business. The experts at GetResponse created a "List Building Program" with free video lessons and complementary downloads to help marketers deal with just that. Check out all the details about this free program here. 

### [Drip - Drip’s Visual Email Builder Is Here and It’s Going to Melt Your Face](https://www.drip.com/blog/news/drip-visual-email-builder)

Here we have some amazing news! Drip did it again! They built "the Visual Email Builder that marketer dreams are made of." The new function gives you precise control over how your emails look and feel. Some of the builder’s best features are an easy content editor and a handy “undo” button. Learn all about Drip's Visual Builder and see it in action!

### [Robly - Are Your Emails Putting People to Sleep? Here’s How to Fix it](http://roblysupport.com/marketing/storytelling-in-email-marketing/)

Are your emails putting people to sleep? Oops! Then you better learn how to use storytelling to write amazing emails! Robly's email marketing experts tell us all about it. They also collected a bunch of resources to learn more about how to make your emails irresistible. Take a look! 


### [BombBomb - Learn Video and Learn Email in the BombBomb Academy](https://bombbomb.com/blog/learn-video-email-bombbomb-academy/)

Are you a BombBomb user? Then you can explore the available courses in the BombBomb Academy! Each one of the 9 lessons is designed to help you learn video and how to use email to improve your business results. The lessons blend high-level strategy with hands-on, how-to instruction on tactics. Here you can check out the course list, an introduction video and other practical information to get you started.  

<RelatedPost slug="email-marketing-best-practices" />


Email Marketing

Here are the Best Email Marketing blog posts and news of July!  

ActiveCampaign

ActiveDEMAND

HubSpot

SharpSpring

Mailchimp

Marketo

Wishpond

![QuickGuideMkt](//images.ctfassets.net/f2ysq090txql/24XjDXnDo04aYA2KWwqoKK/a4516e282c727c1a3543e1e041e5d897/QuickGuideMkt.png)

Cloud-based business applications are redefining the way SMEs do business. Massive campaigns that once were only reachable for big companies with big budgets are now accessible to smaller businesses. 

Among these revolutionary tools, marketing automation apps have a special role. They make marketers lives easier by automating repetitive tasks and making multi-channel workflows more efficient. 

But with so much variety available, when it comes to choosing just one, SMEs need to know where to look. That’s why we made a quick guide with some aspects that you might want to keep in mind before you click the “buy” button. 

## 1. Choose according to your company’s size

With so many options on the market, there’s no need to invest in a massive (and expensive) tool if you don’t really need it. Search for options that adjust to your company’s size and needs. 

Most apps and SaaS solutions offer different plans to reach out to various types of business. A good idea is to estimate the number of leads you will be expecting and choose a tool and plan that can handle that amount. Just remember to leave room for growth, because with your new marketing automation tool that will surely happen!   
 
 
## 2. Keep in mind the must-have features 

When you start searching for a marketing automation tool, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the numerous amount of features you’ll see around. Some apps even offer a feature set created especially for a particular industry. But don’t worry, here are some of the basic must-have features your selected app should have:   

- Overview of your customer data 
- Trigger-based emails
- Lead Scoring and Tracking
- Lead Nurturing
- Social Media Marketing 
- Segmentation
- Website Visitor Tracking
- Support Customer Outreach

Not enough? Don’t worry, most marketing automation tools offer a much more extensive feature set. Plus, you can always integrate them with other apps to give them additional “powers”. Here’s a couple of [interesting combinations you can make](https://www.piesync.com/blog/4-awesome-piesync-syncs/).   

## 3. Customization  

The advantages of customization and phrases such as “Make it personal” are nothing new to marketers. But how far can this concept go when it comes to marketing automation?

Imagine your ideal automation app as a toolbox. Inside that toolbox, you’ll find a variety of features designed precisely to “make it personal.” It’s up to you and your team to get the full 100% out of those tools. 

When properly implemented, a marketing automation tool can offer personalized content recommendations, [trigger behavior-based emails](https://www.piesync.com/blog/how-real-estate-agents-can-double-their-open-rate-for-trigger-based-emails/), and ultimately create an amazing customer experience. 
  

## 4. Make sure you can integrate it with your other platforms 

Most cloud-based apps are not natively integrated. Some of them don’t even speak the same programming language, but all of them gather valuable information across your company. 

With integration, you can make sure your marketing automation app is constantly communicating with other platforms such as customer success tools, accounting or billing software, CRM, etc. By keeping your apps in sync, you are enriching your database and eliminating data silos. 

<RelatedPost slug="3-eye-opening-reasons-to-integrate-your-crm-and-marketing-automation-tool" />

Usually, integrations require third-party solutions. Check out [all the apps PieSync can help you keep in sync](https://www.piesync.com/connections/).   


## The Marketing Automation Tools that SMEs are using  

If you’ve checked the previous tips, you are ready to know the names of the best marketing automation tools available. Luckily, G2Crowd, Capterra, and other business solutions review platforms are constantly publishing lists with The-Best-Of-The-Best according to users reviews. Let’s see some results...

On April 2018, Capterra published the [Top 20 Most User-Friendly Marketing Automation Software](https://www.capterra.com/marketing-automation-software/#user-friendly). The list is based on usability, customer services offered, and average review score.  Number one on the list is [Drip](https://www.drip.com/), self-denominated as “ the first ECRM – an Ecommerce CRM designed for building personal and profitable relationships with your customers at scale”. As if that wasn't enough, this great tool has a special mention on Capterra as one of the most affordable automation tools around. 

This list also features [HubSpot](https://www.hubspot.com/) Marketing Automation, [ActiveDEMAND](https://www.activedemand.com/), [Wishpond](https://www.wishpond.com/marketing-automation/) and [GetResponse](https://www.getresponse.com/). Curiously, the most popular Marketing Automation Software on Capterra is not Drip but [MailChimp](https://mailchimp.com/). Never underestimate a little chimp!  

Want a second opinion? Well, according to G2Crowd’s [“Best Marketing Automation Software for spring 2018”](https://www.g2crowd.com/categories/marketing-automation), HubSpot is the indisputable leader followed by [Marketo](https://www.marketo.com/). However, [SharpSpring](https://sharpspring.com/) and [ActiveCampaign](https://www.activecampaign.com/) are names on the list you definitely want to take a look at.     


Marketing automation tools make marketers lives easier by automating repetitive tasks and making multi-channel workflows more efficient. But here's a quick guide with some aspects that you might want to keep in mind before you click the “buy” button. 

Quick Guide: How to choose the best Marketing Automation tool for your SME

[![](https://blogassets.piesync.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/GetResponse-.jpg)](http://www.piesync.com/getresponse/?utm_source=launch&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=getresponse&utm_content=cta1)
## Welcome to the PieSync Family!
GetResponse is an integrated online marketing platform that features high-performing tools, including: email marketing, landing pages, marketing automation, webinars, and more. Many integrations with e-commerce, analytical, and CRM services are available. Platform testing is available in a [30-day free trial](http://www.getresponse.com/). Here are all the apps you can currently sync GetResponse with:

<Widget left="getresponse" />

## What is a two-way sync?
You’re probably using several cloud apps to help you run your business. These cloud apps collected prospect and customer information and stores this information in the app. ![](https://blogassets.piesync.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/multiple-sources.jpg)The problem is these apps are rarely integrated. Which means you have to work out a way to get this data from one app to another. A lot of businesses use the time-wasting import/export method, but it means the data in your apps is never really up to date. ![](https://blogassets.piesync.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/manual-labour.jpg)So when it comes to calling a lead, or sending out a targeted email campaign, you never really know if you’re calling the right number, or sending an email to the right address.  
* * *
### Related Article: [Using Excel to remove duplicates? There's an easier way!](http://blog.piesync.com/remove-duplicates-excel/?utm_source=launch&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=getresponse&utm_content=excel-duplicates)
* * *
  You could try and find apps that natively integrate, but let’s face it, your choice becomes severely limited. Wouldn’t it be great to have maximum freedom in choosing which cloud apps you’d like to work with? That’s where PieSync steps in. **PieSync automatically syncs your databases two-way and in real time between your connected cloud apps.**![](https://blogassets.piesync.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/PieSync-Seamless-Sync.jpg)You never have to manually transfer data again! Your cloud apps will always be up to date with the correct customer and prospect information. [Why not sign-up to a 14-day free trial today?](http://www.piesync.com/getresponse/?utm_source=launch&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=getresponse&utm_content=cta2)

Marketing 

GetResponse 2-Way Contact Sync is Here!

GetResponse is an integrated online marketing platform that features high-performing tools, including: email marketing, landing pages, marketing automation, webinars, and more. Many integrations with e-commerce, analytical, and CRM services are available. Platform testing is available in a [30-day free trial](http://www.getresponse.com/).

getresponse

google contacts logo

Google Contacts

nimble

Nimble

pipedrive

Pipedrive

hubspot

microsoftdynamics

Microsoft Dynamics 365

salesforce

Salesforce

ZohoCRM

Zoho CRM

Contacts+ Logo Mark (1)

Contacts+ (formerly FullContact)

bitrix

Bitrix24 CRM

intercom

Intercom

freshsales

Freshsales

outlook-office365

Outlook

teamleader

Teamleader

Copper-icon-circle-pink

Copper

insightly

Insightly

amocrm

amoCRM

pipeliner

Pipeliner Hybrid

Mailchimp Logo-Vertical Black

helpscout

Help Scout

infusionsoft_by_keap_logo

Infusionsoft by Keap

salesflare

Salesflare

connectwisemanage

ConnectWise Manage

stripe

Stripe

highrise

Highrise

drip

xero logo

Xero

logo monochrome inverted background

Less Annoying CRM

salesseek

SalesSeek

myphoner logo

myphoner

onepagecrm

OnePageCRM

activecampaign

bigcontacts

BigContacts

shopify

Shopify

vtiger

Vtiger CRM

companyHub

CompanyHub

apptivo

Apptivo

recurly

Recurly

bpmonline

Bpm'online

Gist (formerly ConvertFox)

followupboss

Follow Up Boss

d-logo-L-transparent

Debitoor

1CRM-logo-box

1CRM Cloud

aweber

AWeber

act!

Act! 365

actpremium

Act! Premium Cloud

activedemand

activetrail-1502192111-logo

ActiveTrail

agendor_logo

Agendor

agilecrm

Agile CRM

aircall-icon@2x (1)

Aircall

allclients

AllClients

aproplan

Aproplan

autopilot

Autopilot

batchbook

Batchbook

benchmark

Benchmark

bigcommerce

BigCommerce

bombbomb

bookeo

Bookeo

BoomTown

Brivity CRM

bullhorn

Bullhorn

campaignmonitor

Campaign Monitor

campaigner

Campaigner

capsulecrm

Capsule

chargebee

Chargebee

logo-cin7

Cin7

cxsocial

Clarabridge Engage

Classy-icon-coral

Classy

clio

Clio

constantcontact

Constant Contact

Contactlab Marketing Cloud

contactually

Contactually

Crisp

currentrms

Current RMS

datavalidation

DataValidation

daylite

Daylite

Delivra

desk

Desk

directmailmac

Direct Mail for Mac

dotloop

Dotloop

Drift Logo

Drift

ERPNext logo

ERPNext Cloud

eztexting

EZ Texting

easybill

EasyBill

efficycrm

Efficy CRM

Elastic Email

emma

Emma

espocrm

EspoCRM

eventbrite 2018

Eventbrite

facebook-lead-ads

Facebook Lead Ads

facten

Facten

fastbill

FastBill

finfolio

FinFolio

flexmail

Flexmail

freeagent

FreeAgent

freshbooks

FreshBooks

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Start syncing GetResponse with one of our 184 other apps

Recent GetResponse Blog Posts

Here are the Best Email Marketing blog posts and news of July!

Quick Guide: How to choose the best Marketing Automation tool for your SME

GetResponse 2-Way Contact Sync is Here!

Start syncing your GetResponse contacts two-way with more than 180 other apps

Discover how PieSync can make your cloud apps work together

Accurate & real-time data

Save time

Easy & Secure

Free Trial

Start syncing GetResponse with one of our 184 other apps

Recent GetResponse Blog Posts

Here are the Best Email Marketing blog posts and news of July!

Quick Guide: How to choose the best Marketing Automation tool for your SME

GetResponse 2-Way Contact Sync is Here!

Start syncing your GetResponse contacts
two-way with more than 180 other apps