Looking for the right email marketing partner to support your nonprofit or small business? Whether you’re seeking a freelancer for flexible, on-demand support or full-service email marketing agency, finding the right fit makes all the difference in your campaign success. Here’s how to choose the best partner for your needs.
Where to Find Email Marketing Support
When looking for an email marketing partner online, you’ll typically start in one of two places:
- Freelancer Marketplaces – Websites like Fiverr (for budget-friendly options) and Upwork let you browse profiles, compare pricing, and hire freelancers based on past client reviews. They offer a wide range of options, which can be helpful for finding the exact fit.
- Email Marketing Partner Directories – Platforms like Mailchimp’s Expert Directory and Klaviyo’s Partner Directory list certified freelancers and agencies specializing in their respective tools. If you’re already committed to an email marketing tool, this is a great place to find partners with verified experience.
Wherever you start, be sure to read profiles thoroughly and pay attention to any reviews.
Choosing a Freelancer vs. an Agency
The choice between a freelancer and an agency depends on your budget, needs, and workflow preferences:
- Freelancers are typically more affordable and flexible, making them a great choice for businesses that need quick turnarounds or prefer a one-on-one working relationship.
- Agencies generally provide more structure. They may support you with a team of specialists, detailed strategy, and reporting. They are ideal for long-term support and businesses that need comprehensive services.
Imagine your ideal. If you want to come up with an idea and have an email ready within a day or two, a freelancer is probably the right fit. If you’d rather have a professional review your website, recommend, and execute campaigns for the next month, you likely need an email marketing agency.
Look for Email Marketing Certifications
Not all email marketers are created equal. Check whether your potential freelancer or agency has certifications in your email marketing platform (like Mailchimp or Klaviyo). Bonus points if they hold additional credentials in SEO, social media, copywriting, or other skills that complement email marketing.
Just be sure to research certification titles, as some are more rigorous than others.
Check Out the Portfolio
A strong portfolio is one of the best indicators of expertise. Look for:
- Work that aligns with your preferred style
- Email designs for a wide variety of industries
- Mobile responsiveness and interactivity, when possible
Make sure your chosen email partner follows design best practices — hierarchical layouts, consistent branding, and accessible fonts/colors.
Confirm Experience in Key Areas
Along with email marketing, there may be other skills you’d find helpful in an ideal email marketing freelancer or agency. For example…
- Your CRM (HubSpot, Salesforce, Pipedrive)
- Social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Hootsuite)
- Automation tools (Zapier, Make)
- AI content generation
While these added skills may not be your top priority, a well-rounded partner can make collaboration smoother in the long run.
Talk Through Your Goals
Once you’ve confirmed a potential email marketing partner has what you need, it’s time to schedule an interview! Use this time to clearly communicate your marketing goals, and ask any additional questions that will help you locate your dream partner. An interview is a great time to touch base on time zones, communication styles, security expectations, and any other nitty-gritty concerns.
If their working style aligns with yours, you may have found the perfect fit!
Find Your Email Partner in Pure Firefly
Need a dependable email marketing agency that understands small business needs? At Pure Firefly, we specialize in Mailchimp and Klaviyo, and offer both strategic guidance and hands-on execution. Check out our portfolio to see some email design samples, or contact us for a free intro call!
