Choosing the right email marketing platform is a critical decision for South African businesses. With so many options on the market, it is worth knowing which providers are local, which are global, and which offer the best mix of software and services to match your needs.
In this article, we look at the top email marketing platforms available to South African businesses today, as well as some of the leading international alternatives.
We will also unpack what makes TouchBasePro unique in this space, and why businesses needing more than just software should take notice.
Who are the top local email marketing platforms?
South African businesses have access to several homegrown platforms that are built with local context and support in mind.
1. TouchBasePro
TouchBasePro and Everlytic were founded at the same time and have grown into the two largest email service providers in South Africa.
Where TouchBasePro edges ahead is not just in the software, but in the services wrapped around it. Businesses can tap into a full-service agency team on retainer to handle strategy, design, campaign execution, automation builds, and reporting. It is not just a platform, it is a complete solution.
TouchBasePro also offers flexibility no one else in South Africa does. The team can work across other leading ESPs like Mailchimp, Campaign Monitor, and SendGrid. This makes TouchBasePro the only provider in the country that can step in, optimise, and manage email marketing for businesses regardless of their platform choice.
2. Everlytic
As TouchBasePro’s long-time counterpart, Everlytic is one of the most established platforms in South Africa. Its strength lies in its robust, enterprise-level features, particularly around complex campaign functions, which it has a slight edge in compared to TouchBasePro.
Everlytic is widely used for large-scale communication where data-driven automations and advanced features are needed. However, unlike TouchBasePro, it does not position itself as an email marketing agency. It only provides some supporting email services.
3. Mail Blaze
Mail Blaze offers email marketing software designed for businesses of all sizes. It has a user-friendly interface, templates, and automation features. Mail Blaze is a good option for companies that want a straightforward platform with local support.
Like Everlytic, Mail Blaze provides the tool, but it does not extend into campaign management or agency services.
What about the international platforms?
outh African businesses also rely on well-known international ESPs. These often bring brand recognition and advanced features, but they usually lack local support.
1. Mailchimp
Mailchimp is perhaps the most recognised email marketing platform globally. It is a popular choice for SMEs due to its ease of use and extensive library of integrations. However, support can be limited for South African businesses, and advanced functionality often comes with steep pricing.
2. SendGrid
SendGrid, owned by Twilio, is one of the most powerful delivery-focused platforms available. It is often chosen by businesses with high-volume transactional email needs. However, SendGrid offers no agency services at all. Businesses are left to figure out setup, strategy, and execution on their own.
This is where TouchBasePro comes in. As one of SendGrid’s South African partners, TouchBasePro provides onboarding, support, and even managed services for SendGrid clients. That is something SendGrid themselves do not offer.
3. Campaign Monitor
Campaign Monitor is known for its design-focused approach, with beautiful templates and intuitive tools for marketers. Like Mailchimp, it is globally trusted, but it operates as a software-only solution. There is no local support team to lean on, and no services to help you execute.
What makes TouchBasePro different?
The major difference between TouchBasePro and other providers, local or international, is the combination of technology and services.
- Software + Services: You can use the TouchBasePro platform, but also get a full agency team to manage campaigns.
- Cross-Platform Expertise: Unlike other providers, TouchBasePro can manage campaigns in Mailchimp, Campaign Monitor, and SendGrid, giving clients real flexibility.
- Local + International Reach: Based in South Africa, but with global-standard capabilities and partnerships.
For businesses that want more than “just the tool”, TouchBasePro stands out as the only provider that offers both the platform and the people to run it.
Which platform should you choose?
- If you want local support with software-only access, Everlytic or Mail Blaze are good options.
- If you want global software features with no local support, Mailchimp, SendGrid, or Campaign Monitor will do the job.
- If you want the best of both worlds, with powerful email software plus a team to execute your strategy, TouchBasePro is the clear choice.
Bottom line:
Email marketing remains one of the most effective digital channels, but the platform you choose makes a big difference in how successful your campaigns will be.
South African businesses have excellent options both locally and internationally. But for those who want a partner, not just a platform, TouchBasePro offers a unique blend of technology, expertise, and execution that others simply cannot match.
