Summary
Choosing the best EU-based ESP involves considering various factors, with GDPR compliance being paramount. Several ESPs, including Mailjet, Sendinblue, MailerLite, GetResponse, CleverReach, and others, are popular choices. Understanding EU data privacy laws is crucial, regardless of where the ESP is headquartered. Key aspects include data processing agreements, security measures, data transfer mechanisms, and obtaining valid consent. US Based ESPs such as AWeber, are options if they are fully GDPR compliant.
Key findings
- Variety of ESPs: A wide range of EU-based ESPs exists, each with distinct features and focus areas (e.g., e-commerce, SMBs).
- GDPR is Key: GDPR compliance is a non-negotiable requirement for ESPs handling EU citizen data.
- Compliance Responsibility: Businesses are responsible for verifying an ESP's GDPR compliance and data protection measures.
- Consent Critical: Obtaining valid consent (freely given, specific, informed, unambiguous) is essential.
Key considerations
- GDPR Assessment: Thoroughly assess the ESP's GDPR compliance, including data processing agreements, security, and data transfer policies.
- Data Location: Consider data residency requirements and ensure the ESP's data storage location aligns with your needs.
- Feature Alignment: Select an ESP whose features (e.g., automation, segmentation, multi-language support) match your specific marketing goals.
- Legal Review: Consult with legal counsel to ensure full compliance with EU data privacy laws.
- Opt In and Opt Out: Provide clear ways for subscribers to opt in and out of marketing activities.
What email marketers say
15 marketer opinions
Several EU-based ESPs are available, each offering various features and focusing on different business needs. Popular options include Mailjet, Sendinblue, MailerLite, GetResponse, and CleverReach. Many ESPs also emphasize GDPR compliance and data privacy, which are critical considerations when choosing a provider for EU-based operations. AWeber while US based is also GDPR compliant.
Key opinions
- Popular EU ESPs: Mailjet, Sendinblue, MailerLite, GetResponse, CleverReach, Epsilon, Mailkit, Newsletter2Go are popular EU-based ESPs.
- GDPR Compliance: GDPR compliance is a crucial factor when selecting an ESP for EU-based operations.
- Feature Variety: ESPs offer a range of features, including marketing automation, segmentation, multi-language support, and e-commerce integrations.
- Location Diversity: Many ESPs are based in different EU countries, like Poland, Germany, and France
Key considerations
- GDPR Compliance: Verify the ESP's GDPR compliance measures and data processing agreements.
- Data Residency: Consider where the ESP stores your data and whether it aligns with your data residency requirements.
- Feature Set: Evaluate the ESP's features to ensure they meet your specific marketing needs, such as automation, segmentation, and multi-language support.
- Pricing: Compare the pricing models of different ESPs to find one that fits your budget.
- Customer Support: Assess the ESP's customer support options and responsiveness.
Marketer view
Email marketer from Campaign Monitor ensures that a company is completely compliant with GDPR. If you plan to target people in the EU then this can be important
27 Jul 2022 - Campaign Monitor
Marketer view
Email marketer from Reddit's r/emailmarketing suggests MailerLite and GetResponse as popular choices for EU-based businesses, citing their affordable pricing and focus on smaller companies.
30 Dec 2024 - Reddit
What the experts say
2 expert opinions
Experts emphasize that choosing an EU-based ESP necessitates a thorough understanding of EU data privacy laws, particularly GDPR. Compliance is not just advisable but crucial to avoid regulatory penalties. ESPs must demonstrate robust data protection measures.
Key opinions
- GDPR Importance: Understanding GDPR is essential when selecting an EU-based ESP.
- Compliance Crucial: Compliance with EU data privacy laws is not optional but a necessity.
- Risk of Penalties: Failure to comply with EU data laws can result in regulatory penalties.
- Data Protection Measures: ESPs must provide robust data protection measures to be compliant.
Key considerations
- GDPR Expertise: Assess your own understanding of GDPR and seek expert advice if needed.
- ESP Compliance Verification: Thoroughly verify the ESP's compliance with EU data privacy laws.
- Data Protection Assessment: Evaluate the ESP's data protection measures, including security protocols and data handling practices.
- Legal Counsel: Consider consulting with legal counsel to ensure full compliance.
Expert view
Expert from Spamresource.com highlights the need for EU based businesses to check EU based ESPs follow GDPR and other EU data laws. Failure to do so can mean regulatory punishment.
27 Dec 2022 - Spam Resource
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise, Laura Atkins, emphasizes the importance of understanding EU data privacy laws like GDPR when choosing an ESP, noting that compliance is crucial, and ESPs must provide adequate data protection measures.
2 Aug 2021 - Word to the Wise
What the documentation says
4 technical articles
The documentation emphasizes that GDPR compliance is a must for any ESP handling EU citizen data, regardless of the ESP's location. Key elements include assessing data processing agreements, security, and data transfer mechanisms. Transferring data outside the EU requires safeguards like Standard Contractual Clauses. Valid consent under GDPR must be freely given, specific, informed, and unambiguous, necessitating opt-in mechanisms. All marketing activities with audiences in the EEA must comply with GDPR, requiring easy opt-out options.
Key findings
- GDPR Mandate: GDPR compliance is required for all ESPs handling EU citizen data.
- Data Transfer Safeguards: Data transfers outside the EU need adequate safeguards like SCCs.
- Consent Requirements: Valid consent must be freely given, specific, informed, and unambiguous.
- Opt-Out Options: Marketing activities in the EEA must provide easy opt-out options.
Key considerations
- Due Diligence: Thoroughly assess ESP data processing agreements and security measures.
- Data Transfer Compliance: Ensure compliance with data transfer rules when using ESPs outside the EU.
- Consent Management: Implement compliant consent mechanisms, including opt-in and opt-out options.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Continuously monitor and update your GDPR compliance practices.
Technical article
Documentation from European Commission outlines the rules for transferring personal data outside the EU. They state that ESPs based outside the EU must have adequate safeguards in place, such as Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) or Binding Corporate Rules (BCRs), to ensure data protection.
6 Sep 2021 - European Commission
Technical article
Documentation from Cloudflare emphasizes that all marketing activities, must comply with the GDPR if you have audiences in the European Economic Area (EEA), this regulation applies to all organisations worldwide, including those based outside of the EEA. It is therefore important that your emails include a way for subscribers to opt out.
15 Apr 2024 - Cloudflare
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