Sometimes we don't remember signing up for the newsletter. Sometimes we get email forwards from friends (or people we've only met once). Sometimes we get 5 emails a day from 1 person/business. Sometimes it's only a few times a year.
An email can be a beneficial tool to your marketing plan - if done properly. I find myself some how subscribing myself to email newsletters and then getting bombarded with emails. Now, I signed up for it because I did want to hear something from you, but not all day every day.
So here are a few tips that I've learned about email marketing:
- Consider how many you get from any 1 company. If you think that's too much, do less. Unless you have a lot to say, don't send more than 1 or 2 a month - if that. If you have a lot to say - write a blog.
- Know your audience, and what will get their attention: What key words or phrases will encourage them to open the email, but not be deceitful and cause your contact to unsubscribe
- Include links - lots of them! Usually, your e-newsletter provider will track the clicks; you'll know what got the readers attention for next time.
- Don't make it all about you, make it about them. Offer up a great piece of information (suggesting they follow you on Facebook or Twitter to learn more), promote a giveaways, etc.
- Be a person, not a machine. Add some personality to it, this is Social Networking, so stay social!
- Don't get upset if people unsubscribe - you've done it too!
There are several great services available. I've been using MailChimp to send my messages, and WuFoo for my opt-in forms. I'm very pleased with it so far - if you're looking to start with an email campaign, start small, and try it out for free! If you need help, Sociably Cindy is here for you!
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