If you’re already using Timely to manage bookings (great choice, by the way), you might be wondering what email platform works best alongside it. Mailchimp is often the go-to, and for good reason, but it’s not your only option.

Whether you’re sending monthly newsletters, rebooking reminders, or special offers, choosing the right platform can save you time and help you stay front-of-mind with your clients.

Here’s a breakdown of the top contenders, depending on your salon’s needs.


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1. Mailchimp – Easy and Timely-friendly

Best for: salons who want simple, reliable email marketing with direct Timely integration.

• Connects directly with Timely (no extra tools needed)
• Drag-and-drop editor and ready-made templates
• Set up basic automations like birthday emails or follow-ups
• Free plan available for small lists

Worth knowing: Mailchimp gets pricier as your list grows, and more advanced features (like segmentation or A/B testing) are limited on cheaper plans.


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2. ActiveCampaign – Smarter automation if you want to do more

Best for: salons ready to get strategic with rebooking flows, upsell campaigns, or reminders.

• More powerful automation options
• Great for segmenting your audience (e.g. “hasn’t booked in 8 weeks”)
• Works with Timely via Zapier or API
• Built-in CRM if you want to track client journeys in more detail

Worth knowing: Slightly steeper learning curve, and more of a time investment to set up — but really powerful once it’s running.


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3. Flodesk – Stylish emails made simple

Best for: design-led salons who want beautiful emails without the overwhelm.

• Stunning templates perfect for beauty and lifestyle brands
• One flat price (no matter how many subscribers you have)
• Easy to use, even if you’re not techy

Worth knowing: No native Timely integration (you’ll need to use Zapier), and automation is more limited than Mailchimp or ActiveCampaign.


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4. Klaviyo – Great if you sell products online

Best for: salons with online stores who want to link emails directly to sales.

• Advanced tracking and segmentation based on customer behaviour
• Ideal for salons selling haircare, gift vouchers, or memberships online
• Syncs product data and revenue reports

Worth knowing: No direct Timely integration and may be a bit “overkill” if you’re not selling products online.

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So, which one should you go for?

Here’s a quick summary:

• Quick and easy with Timely? Mailchimp
• Smarter automations and rebooking flows? ActiveCampaign
• Gorgeous emails, no faff? Flodesk
• ‍Email + ecommerce power? Klaviyo

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Final thoughts

If you're just getting started with email marketing, Mailchimp is a safe and solid place to begin, especially with that built-in Timely integration. But if you’re ready to take things up a notch with automations or beautiful designs, it’s worth exploring the other platforms too.

Need help choosing the right setup for your salon?
At Vuno, we don’t just build websites, we make sure your whole digital setup works beautifully together. Get in touch and we’ll help you find the best tools for where your business is at (and where you want it to go).

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