Tips to Email Marketing Success
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Beware
Beware of strangers bearing lists -- email permission is not transferable or for sale.
Today, subscribers want to receive email from those companies they have subscribed to, not an unknown third party. Many email marketers become accidental spammers by making the mistake of buying a list.
When searching for a list, don't be fooled by offers of targeted, clean lists for sale on a CD or otherwise. If anyone claims you can "blast your ad to over 1,000 safe addresses for only $5.00," or "buy a CD with 10,000,000 email addresses for only $99," their lists are spam.
There are email lists (not unlike direct mail address lists) of individuals who have requested to receive promotional messages within selected categories of interest.
When considering renting a list, use a reputable list broker and expect to pay between 15 cents and 40 cents per name. If the list is too inexpensive or if the provider won't share the source of their email lists with you, do not go any further.
Be Straightforward
Remind recipients why they are receiving an email from you. Whether they are a valued customer, a prospect who expressed interest or a client you want to keep in touch with, the reminder will add credibility to your email and put it into context, differentiating your communications from unwanted email.
Be Specific
Tell people exactly why they should sign up for your newsletter and when they will receive it. Tell them all about the benefits they will receive by subscribing. You will make subscribers feel more comfortable by specifying what they will receive and when they will receive it.
Also, be specific about who you are and what address your email is coming from. You may want to let subscribers know what your emails will look like.
Be Respectful
Permission can be given and it can be taken away. All emails you send have the option for the recipient to unsubscribe or opt-out.
Interests may change over time and communications may no longer be valuable to a given subscriber. For instance, they may no longer be in business and do not need your information. Those subscribers are entitled to withdraw their permission at any time.
Be Trustworthy
Your privacy policy should be clearly posted. It adds credibility to your company and your email -- even if recipients do not click on the link.
Be Involved
Are your email communications valuable and are they sent at the right frequency? A survey can be an inexpensive, easy and immediate way to find out how your customers really feel about your company and your email communications. When you do a survey, don't forget to ask how your customers feel about your emails.
Be Current
Your target audience will change internet service providers, jobs and email addresses at random. Ask for updated information and give subscribers an easy way to change their email address, ensuring your communications continue to be received.
Be Considerate
Respect the privilege of communicating with your clients and prospects by not communicating too often. Gratuitous emails are not met with gratitude. Think carefully and plan how many and what kind of communications you send to your subscribers.
Be Diligent
Instead of using the automatic unsubscribe link, some subscribers try to unsubscribe by replying to the email. Monitor your inbox for subscription cancellations and complaints, then make sure you remove unsubscribe addresses right away and take action on any grievances.
Be Observant
Look at your reports -- you'll find a wealth of information. Always pay attention to your unsubscribe rate and ensure your churn rate remains positive. If you are losing more than 0.5 percent of your subscribers per month, review the elements of your campaigns and make any necessary adjustments.(Steve McIntyre-Smith)
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8 Simple Rules for Email Marketing:
#1: Don't overwhelm your prospects with too much information.. Give them one or two "teasers".
#2: Keep your emails short and to the point.
#3: Give testimonies whenever possible. Testimonials help prospects visualize themselves having success with your opportunity.
#4: Make sure there's a clear call to action in your email. Instruct prospects to call you or to email you. If you don't tell them what to do, they won't do what you want.
#5: Personalize your emails. Use the prospects name and use details about yourself and your life to create a real-life connection.
#6: Include a P.S. at the end. Studies show that the majority of people will read it, so it's a good idea to restate your call to action again in your P.S.
#7: Have a sense of urgency in your last 1-2 follow-up letters. The fear of loss angle will prompt some people to respond, or at least check out your web site/online presentation.
#8: Know what your prospects want. Most prospects are interested in making money from home, so no matter how great your product(s) are...make sure you're aware of what excited them to respond in the first place and communicate with them accordingly.