Do I Need a Separate Email Marketing Platform for My First Store?

Updated 2026-05-31 · Hosting Reviews

When you launch a dropshipping store, the first question many newcomers ask is whether they need separate email marketing platform for dropshipping store or can rely on the built‑in tools of their e‑commerce host. The short answer: for a small‑scale shop, the built‑in email features are often enough, but a dedicated platform becomes valuable as your list grows and you need automation, segmentation, and advanced analytics.

What You Actually Need to Get Online

Before you worry about email, make sure the basics are covered:

• Domain name – a professional .com or .store that matches your brand.
• Hosting – shared hosting is fine for a starter store; cloud or VPS becomes worthwhile once traffic spikes.
• Store platform – WordPress + WooCommerce or a drag‑and‑drop builder like Hostinger’s Website Builder.
• Supplier integration – apps that sync orders with AliExpress, Oberlo, or other dropshipping partners.

Choosing the Right Hosting Plan

For a brand‑new dropshipping store, shared hosting from an affordable provider such as Hostinger will usually cost between $3‑$7 per month on an introductory term. This includes:

• 1‑click WordPress installation
• Free SSL certificate
• Enough bandwidth for a few hundred visitors per day

If you anticipate rapid growth, consider a cloud plan ($10‑$20/month) or a low‑end VPS ($15‑$30/month). These options give you more CPU cores, RAM, and the ability to scale without migrating.

WordPress + WooCommerce vs. a Website Builder

WordPress + WooCommerce offers the most flexibility. You can install plugins for dropshipping, SEO, and email marketing. The learning curve is steeper, but Hostinger’s one‑click installer and extensive tutorials make it manageable for beginners.

Website Builder (Hostinger’s own builder or similar) is faster to set up. It includes ready‑made store templates and built‑in checkout, which is perfect if you want a store live in a day or two. However, you’ll have fewer plugin options for advanced email automation.

Do You Need a Separate Email Marketing Platform?

Most shared‑hosting e‑commerce solutions include basic email tools: order confirmations, abandoned‑cart reminders, and a simple newsletter form. These are sufficient when you have under 500 subscribers and only need a handful of automated emails.

Consider a dedicated platform (like Mailchimp, Klaviyo, or ConvertKit) when you meet any of these criteria:

1. Your list exceeds 1,000 contacts.
2. You want advanced segmentation (e.g., “high‑value customers” vs. “first‑time buyers”).
3. You need complex workflows such as post‑purchase upsells, re‑engagement series, or SMS integration.

Dedicated services usually charge $10‑$30/month for the starter tier, which is a reasonable expense compared to the revenue boost they can deliver.

Step‑by‑Step: Get Your Dropshipping Store Live

1. Register a domain – use Hostinger’s domain registrar for a cheap .com or .store.
2. Choose a hosting plan – start with shared hosting; upgrade later if needed.
3. Install WordPress – one‑click from the Hostinger control panel.
4. Add WooCommerce – follow the setup wizard to configure currency, payment gateway, and shipping.
5. Connect a dropshipping plugin – install a free or low‑cost app that imports products from your chosen supplier.
6. Set up basic email notifications – enable order confirmations and abandoned‑cart emails inside WooCommerce.
7. Test the checkout flow – place a test order to confirm that emails are sent correctly.
8. Decide on a separate email platform – if you hit the thresholds above, sign up for a dedicated service and integrate it via a WooCommerce extension.
9. Launch ads – start with a modest budget on Facebook or Google; monitor ROI and adjust.

All of these steps can be completed within a weekend, and you’ll have a fully functional dropshipping store without inventory.

FAQ

Do I need a separate email marketing platform from day one?

No. Built‑in WooCommerce emails cover the basics. Upgrade only when your list grows or you need advanced automation.

Is shared hosting enough for a dropshipping store?

Yes, for the first few hundred visitors per day. If traffic spikes, move to cloud or VPS to avoid slowdowns.

Can I use Hostinger’s Website Builder for dropshipping?

Absolutely. It includes e‑commerce templates and a simple product import tool, making it a fast‑track option for beginners.