Introduction
AWeber is a powerful email marketing platform established in 1998 that helps businesses create, send, and optimize email campaigns to connect with their audience and drive sales. This comprehensive solution combines user-friendly design tools, automation capabilities, and analytics to help businesses of all sizes implement effective email marketing strategies without technical expertise.
Core Platform Features
Email Creation and Design
| Feature | Description | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Drag-and-Drop Editor | Visual interface for creating emails without coding | Use consistent branding elements in all emails |
| 600+ Responsive Templates | Pre-designed email layouts for various industries | Choose templates aligned with your campaign goals |
| Smart Designer | AI tool that creates branded templates from your website | Run the tool when you update your website design |
| Canva Integration | Create custom graphics directly within AWeber | Use consistent visual style across all campaign elements |
| Global Font Styles | Set text formatting across entire messages | Establish brand style guide with 1-2 consistent fonts |
| Web Fonts Support | Use non-standard fonts in emails | Test rendering across different email clients |
Subscriber Management
| Feature | Description | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| List Building Tools | Various options for growing your email list | Implement multiple signup points on your website |
| Custom Fields | Store additional subscriber information | Collect only data you’ll actually use in segmentation |
| Tags | Label subscribers based on interests or actions | Create a tagging strategy before implementation |
| Segments | Group subscribers with similar characteristics | Review segments quarterly to ensure relevance |
| Import Options | Add subscribers via CSV, copy/paste, or integrations | Always verify permission status when importing |
Signup Forms and Landing Pages
| Feature | Description | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Form Types | Pop-up, inline, lightbox options | Test different form types to find highest conversion |
| Landing Page Builder | Create dedicated pages for list building | Include one clear call-to-action per page |
| Form Integrations | Connect forms with WordPress, Facebook, etc. | Match form design with destination page style |
| Custom Domains | Connect landing pages to your own URL | Use branded domains for higher trust |
| Smart Content | Display dynamic content from external sources | Update source content regularly to keep pages fresh |
Email Automation
| Feature | Description | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Autoresponders | Single automated messages triggered by actions | Keep welcome emails concise and action-oriented |
| Campaigns | Multi-message sequences with conditional logic | Map customer journey before building automation |
| Behavioral Triggers | Automation based on subscriber activity | Set clear objectives for each automated sequence |
| Split Testing | Test different email versions | Test one element at a time for clear results |
| AMP for Email | Create interactive elements within emails | Use for polls, appointment scheduling, or forms |
E-Commerce Tools
| Feature | Description | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Product Sales | Sell directly through emails and landing pages | Include high-quality product images |
| Payment Processing | Integrations with Stripe and PayPal | Offer multiple payment options for higher conversion |
| Sales Tracking | Monitor revenue from email campaigns | Set revenue goals for each campaign |
| Abandoned Cart Recovery | Automated emails for incomplete purchases | Send within 24 hours of cart abandonment |
Analytics and Reporting
| Feature | Description | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Email Performance | Track opens, clicks, and other engagement metrics | Focus on trends rather than absolute numbers |
| Sales Metrics | Monitor revenue generated from campaigns | Calculate ROI for each email campaign |
| Subscriber Growth | Track list growth and engagement over time | Set monthly list growth targets |
| Deliverability Reports | Monitor email delivery performance | Review and clean list quarterly |
| Click Heatmaps | Visual representation of where subscribers click | Use insights to optimize button placement |
Common Email Types and Best Practices
Welcome Series
Purpose: Introduce new subscribers to your brand and set expectations Recommended Structure:
- Immediate welcome with promised lead magnet (if applicable)
- Day 2: Brand story and values
- Day 4: Showcase popular products/content
- Day 7: Request feedback or engagement
Best Practices:
- Keep subject lines clear rather than clever
- Include one primary call-to-action per email
- Set expectations about email frequency
Newsletter
Purpose: Regular updates to maintain connection with subscribers Recommended Structure:
- Consistent header with logo
- Brief, scannable content sections
- Mix of educational and promotional content
- Clear footer with social links and unsubscribe option
Best Practices:
- Maintain consistent sending schedule
- Use a recognizable sender name
- Preview and test on multiple devices
Promotional Campaigns
Purpose: Drive sales or conversions for products/services Recommended Structure:
- Clear value proposition in headline
- Product benefits (not just features)
- Social proof elements (reviews, testimonials)
- Urgency element (limited time, limited quantity)
- Prominent call-to-action button
Best Practices:
- Send at optimal times based on audience data
- Create mobile-optimized designs
- Test different offers and discount structures
Abandoned Cart Recovery
Purpose: Recapture potentially lost sales Recommended Structure:
- First email (1-3 hours after abandonment): Reminder with product image
- Second email (24 hours later): Address common objections, maybe offer support
- Third email (48-72 hours later): Consider offering incentive to complete purchase
Best Practices:
- Use personalized subject lines mentioning the product
- Include product images and direct link to cart
- Test different timing strategies
Technical Specifications
Email Design Limitations
- Maximum email width: 600-700px recommended
- File size: Keep under 100KB for better deliverability
- Image to text ratio: Aim for 60% text, 40% images
- Subject line length: 41-50 characters optimal
Deliverability Best Practices
- Authenticate your domain with SPF and DKIM
- Maintain list hygiene by removing inactive subscribers
- Avoid spam trigger words in subject lines
- Include physical address and unsubscribe link
- Send from a consistent, recognizable email address
AWeber Plan Comparison
| Feature | Free Plan | Lite Plan | Plus Plan | Unlimited Plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subscribers | Up to 500 | Starts at 500 | Starts at 500 | Unlimited |
| Monthly Emails | 3,000 | 25,000+ | 25,000+ | Unlimited |
| Email Lists | 1 | Multiple | Multiple | Unlimited |
| Custom Segments | No | 1 | 3 | Unlimited |
| Landing Pages | 1 | 3 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Automation | Basic | 3 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| A/B Testing | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sales Tracking | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Custom Branding | AWeber logo | AWeber logo | Optional | No AWeber logo |
| Support Options | Email, Chat | Email, Chat | Email, Chat, Phone | Dedicated Manager |
Common Challenges and Solutions
Challenge: Low Open Rates
Solutions:
- Test different subject lines (questions vs. statements)
- Segment your list for more targeted content
- Experiment with sender name variations
- Clean your list of inactive subscribers
- Optimize send times based on audience behavior
Challenge: Poor Click-Through Rates
Solutions:
- Use clear, action-oriented button text
- Limit the number of calls-to-action per email
- Increase button size for mobile users
- Test different button colors and placements
- Ensure content delivers on subject line promise
Challenge: High Unsubscribe Rates
Solutions:
- Review email frequency and adjust if necessary
- Improve content relevance through better segmentation
- Offer subscription preferences instead of full unsubscribe
- Survey departing subscribers for feedback
- Ensure expectations set during signup match actual email content
Challenge: Deliverability Issues
Solutions:
- Authenticate your domain (SPF, DKIM, DMARC)
- Regularly clean your list of inactive subscribers
- Avoid spam trigger words and excessive punctuation
- Maintain balanced text-to-image ratio
- Implement a sunset policy for non-engaging subscribers
Integration Capabilities
Website Platforms
- WordPress
- Squarespace
- Wix
- Shopify
- Custom HTML sites
E-Commerce Platforms
- Shopify
- WooCommerce
- Etsy
- PayPal
- Stripe
CRM and Sales Tools
- Salesforce
- HubSpot
- Pipedrive
- Zendesk
- Zoho
Social Media
- YouTube
Zapier Connection
- Links AWeber with 4,000+ additional applications
- Create custom workflows between platforms
- Automate multi-step processes across tools
Best Practices and Tips
Establish Clear Goals
- Define specific metrics for each campaign
- Align email objectives with broader business goals
- Create benchmarks based on industry standards
Maintain List Hygiene
- Remove inactive subscribers quarterly
- Implement double opt-in for new subscribers
- Use confirmation emails for subscription changes
- Regularly update and clean custom fields
Optimize for Mobile
- Use single-column layouts when possible
- Ensure buttons are large enough for thumbs (min 44x44px)
- Preview all campaigns on multiple devices
- Keep subject lines under 50 characters
Test and Refine
- Run A/B tests on one element at a time
- Test send times and days for your specific audience
- Experiment with different content formats
- Monitor metrics to identify successful patterns
Personalization Beyond Names
- Segment based on purchase history
- Tailor content to subscriber interests
- Use behavioral triggers for timely messages
- Create customer journeys based on engagement levels
Resources for Further Learning
Official AWeber Resources
- AWeber Blog: blog.aweber.com
- AWeber Knowledge Base: help.aweber.com
- AWeber YouTube Channel: youtube.com/user/emailmarketing
- AWeber Community: facebook.com/groups/awebercommunity
Email Marketing Education
- Email Marketing Rules by Chad White
- Email Marketing Demystified by Matthew Paulson
- MarketingProfs Email Marketing Courses
- Really Good Emails (inspiration gallery)
- Email on Acid (testing resource)
Tools for Email Enhancement
- Hemingway App (readability checker)
- CoSchedule Subject Line Analyzer
- Canva (graphic design)
- Unsplash (free stock photos)
- Grammarly (content editing)