Definition
💡 An email service provider (ESP) lets you send email campaigns to specific users (subscribers). It’s software that provides the infrastructure needed to help you send large volumes of emails. You can use an ESP to send emails to subscribers or potential clients automatically. ESPs also help you build email lists.
Example
If you’re using Gmail or Outlook to send and receive emails, then you’re already using an ESP. In the enterprise market, an email service provider lets you get in touch with a large number of customers via email.
How does an Email Service Provider work?
Depending on the ESP you’re using, some may have more advanced features like email automation, split testing, and segmentation capabilities. An ESP lets users:
- Manage their email lists.
- Monitor email metrics.
- Segment email lists to create targeted groups.
- Create email templates using intuitive editors.
- Seamlessly integrate their ESP with their existing tech stack.
What’s the difference between an Email Provider and an Email Service Provider?
Email providers like Gmail and Outlook let you send and receive emails. However, there’s a limit to the number of messages you can send daily. They may also lack features for sending bulk emails. Email service providers like Mailchimp, HubSpot or Constant Contact provide users with enterprise-level tools to send bulk emails. ESPs also have advanced features to ensure that your emails are compliant with anti-spam regulations.
What are the popular free email service providers?
When searching for the right ESP for your needs, consider the following points:
- Your ESP must ensure that all your emails are compliant with the CAN-SPAM Act.
- It must have robust data security features.
- It should have a beginner-friendly user interface.
- The ESP must be capable of providing high deliverability of email marketing campaigns.
With that in mind, here are some of the most popular free email service providers worth looking into:
- Gmail
- Outlook
- Yahoo Mail
- Proton Mail
- Zoho Mail
