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Email marketing is one of the most cost-effective digital marketing channels, but many businesses ask the same question before starting: how much does email marketing cost?
The answer depends on the tools you use, the size of your email list, and whether you need automation. This guide breaks down email marketing costs in South African rands (ZAR) and explains what is included.
Here is a general breakdown of typical email marketing costs:
Some platforms offer free plans or free trials that allow you to:
Create email campaigns
Use templates
Send emails to a limited number of contacts
This is ideal for beginners and small businesses testing email marketing.
A smart way to start is to use a platform that offers a 14-day free trial with full features, so you can experience how email marketing and automation work before deciding to upgrade.
Create a free account and start email marketing at no cost
These plans usually include:
Email templates
Basic contact management
Limited automation
Monthly email sending limits
Good for small businesses with basic needs.
These plans typically include:
Advanced email automation
Contact segmentation
Campaign tracking and analytics
Business workflows
Best for growing businesses.
These are designed for large companies and include:
Advanced automation
CRM integrations
Dedicated support
Large contact databases
Most small businesses do not need this level.
When paying for email marketing software, you are not just paying to send emails. A proper email marketing platform includes:
Email templates
Email campaign builder
Contact and list management
Email automation
Signup forms
Campaign tracking and reporting
You can explore all available marketing and automation tools here:
View email marketing and automation features
Yes. Many platforms allow you to start free, especially if you are new.
Some email marketing platforms offer:
Free plans with limits, or
Free trials with full features
For example, you can start email marketing at no cost with a 14-day free trial, then decide whether to upgrade or continue later.
Create a free account and try email marketing
Compared to other marketing channels, email marketing is very affordable.
Email marketing helps businesses:
Communicate directly with customers
Promote products and services
Automate follow-ups
Increase repeat sales
Save time through automation
Even a small monthly investment can deliver strong returns.
To keep costs low:
Start with a free trial
Use templates instead of custom designs
Automate emails to save time
Only upgrade when your business grows
Using an all-in-one email marketing platform helps avoid paying for multiple tools.
If you are a beginner or small business, the smartest option is to:
Start with a free email marketing trial
Learn how campaigns and automation work
Upgrade only when you need more features
This reduces risk and keeps costs under control.
Sign up free and start email marketing today
So, how much does email marketing cost in South Africa?
It can cost nothing to start, and only a few hundred rands per month as your business grows.
With modern email marketing tools, you get:
Professional campaigns
Automation
Contact management
Scalable pricing
This makes email marketing one of the most affordable and effective marketing strategies for businesses.