If there is one social media which rules above all others, I think email would be a good contender. Despite being one of the first forms of social media on the web, it just keeps going. Other sites and services have risen and fallen but email is still one of those services which everyone uses (even people who don’t use Facebook. Yes, there are still people who don’t use Facebook), has one of the highest read rates, and often results in more information being absorbed by the readers.
With that in mind, it’s no surprise that churches, ministries and missionaries have been using email for a long time to reach supporters, get prayer requests out, raise funds, and co-ordinate.
With that in mind, I found this new app from Mailchimp to be really interesting, especially for missionaries. It’s called Mailchimp Snap and basically it’s an app that let’s you email pictures with text from your smart phone (iOS or Android) to a Mailchimp email list.
Why You Should Care About Mailchimp
In case you haven’t heard of Mailchimp, it is an email automation and list service that helps you to send great looking emails to a group of followers. It follows a pretty amazing freemium model that has made it a favorite to many bloggers (ChurchMag included) as you can have 2000 followers for free! It also features easy to create sign up forms and good looking customized templates.
This makes it a great tool to keep in contact with people, let them know what you are doing, and more. They have had a series of iOS and Android apps for a while and now Mailchimp Snap is joining the list.
Personally, I think this app will be the most used app for many missionaries and small church leaders instead of the regular website and app.
What’s Good
In additional to the great existing benefits of using Mailchimp (freemium pricing, relatively simple to use, looks good, sign up forms, etc) Snap offers one key features.
Simplicity.
I know that I mentioned Mailchimp is simple to use (which it is for an email list service), but Mailchimp Snap takes it to a whole other level. With snap, you open the app, pick a picture from either your camera roll, previous pictures, or Instagram account (if you choose to link it), set a title, enter some text, then pick who to send the email to.
All of which is an easy process.
There is no adjusting of email template layout or picking multiple text/fonts and images. Instead you have a stripped down email that is perfect for quick updates. This makes it great for businesses who want to send quick special offers (which is the use case that Mailchimp highlights), but it is also perfect for the non-design savvy ministry (always better to go simple) or out in remote area missionary who only has mobile access and wants to send a quick update.
What’s Bad?
Of course, as usually, the simplicity is its greatest strength and weakness. Don’t expect the ability to create highly customized newsletters, full of different segments, multiple pictures, call to action buttons, and so on. You need the Mailchimp editor app for that (luckily you can get that).
Other than that, your issues are basically limited to the issues associated with using Mailchimp. For example, although the free offering is great some of the later premium prices aren’t as great as their competitors.
Wrapping Up
Personally, I was very glad to see this as an option for me to share some pictures connected to my photography blog; however, this app is far more useful for many churches than just my simple idea.
If you are interested in sending simple emails which focus around a single picture, then Mailchimp Snap is a great tool for you to check out. If you need something more complicated then check out the Mailchimp editor…if you use a different email service or have no need for one…then maybe you should tell someone who does use one about Mailchimp Snap.
– Design 4.5 stars
– Features 3 stars
– Performance 4 stars
– Value for Money 5 stars
Simon L Smith says
Interesting. Thanks for this. I use MailChimp, but was not aware of this.
I plan to utilize Periscope for “real time” movie reviews (as my site is all about sharing God’s story with movies) and MailChimp Snap seems like a GREAT way to let people know its coming. Snap a pic of the wife and me at the movies and let them know that when its over I will be on Periscope talking about it, etc.
Seems great for pastors to do the same. Snap a pic of their studying/desk/etc of the Sunday Sermon, with a few sneak peeks, etc. and then remind everyone to join him at the server for the sermon, etc.
Even kids/youth – use this to send a behind the scenes of the children’s choir, etc with a reminder of when the performance is, etc.
I like this. Thanks again for sharing!
Chris Wilson says
I completely agree Simon. I think it’s a great way to easily add the power of email to a church or ministries tool kit. PLUS you can use it in such an authentic way. I love your idea because it uses authentic images and the connection of Snap and periscope seems like a match made in heaven. BTW have you looked at some of the downloading services? You might want to think about a way to use them and perhaps use mailchimp to share those videos too?
Best of luck simon.
Eric Dye says
Oh, snap!
Chris Wilson says
Oh no he didn’t!
Greg says
Two words: Face Palm 🙂
Chris Wilson says
Pics or it didn’t happen.
Eric Dye says
😛
Dan says
Hey! I found mail chimp late last year and it’s been a blessing. Before, I wasted hours trying to create elaborate emails but with MC Snap. Thanks for your input on the app. I also just finished a new article with more detail about how to maximise the potential from MC Snap which I hope you and your readers might like!?
Please feel free to share too. Thanks so much 🙂