Email Marketing can be an inexpensive and effective tool for driving traffic to your website and/or brick and mortar business. It can also turn off your customers and drive them away. Here’s a few tips for getting the most from your email lists:
- Building your list. Make sure you have permission from your customers before sending emails. Too many businesses buy lists only to have them end up in the Spam box. You don’t want your reputation to be tarnished by being seen as a Spammer! Always include an “opt-out” for any Emails you send. Offer your customers an incentive in exchange for their Email addresses.
- Ignoring Requests. The importance of having an “opt-out” option on your Emails is worthless if you don’t update your database and honor those who wish to “unsubscribe.” Your integrity and business image suffers as a result.
- Tracking Results. Most Email programs available today allow you to track results within 24 to 48 hours. It is important to evaluate the system before you sign up. Does it allow you to track how many Emails were sent, successfully delivered and how many “click-thrus” resulted from the batch? With all the options online today, it’s important to know what you’re buying.
- Frequency. It is vital that you stay in your customer’s mind, however Emailing too frequently can guarantee either being ignored or ending up in the spam box once again. If you’re sending coupons or offering special sales, monthly Emails or newsletters are a good rule of thumb.
- Purpose. Before you design your Email, decide what action you want your customers to take. Are you asking them to “click” to visit a website or to download a printable coupon? Make sure that any links you send them to include links that can be tracked for reporting purposes.
Incorporating these five tips before doing an Email Blast can make your campaign more successful resulting in more dollars in your business bank account!
Good luck and Happy Emailing!