Those who own a business are often curious about how new customers can be reached without having to significantly increase spending. A practice that fits with such a concern is what is known as email marketing. If you're unfamiliar with this kind of marketing, keep reading! The piece that follows will explain it all to you.
You can change the format slightly to make your emails more personal on occasions. For example, use plain text if you usually use HTML and vice versa. When written well, this can actually come across as rather simple and intimate, giving your customers an emotional avenue towards your products and services.
Strive to set a personal tone in every message you send as part of an email marketing effort. You will get a much better response from your customers. You could have the CEO or president of your company sign their name at the bottom of the email to help your message make a better impression on your audience.
Provide an incentive with each email you send to your customers. Give your customers a compelling reason to give their business to you instead of your competition. As an example, give them free shipping when they order more than $50 worth of merchandise or services directly from a link on your site.
Try to make your email as personal as possible. Like any other kind of marketing, treating your customers as individuals can make them more likely to respond positively to your message. For example, if you are aware of the reasons for them signing up with your emails, add that reason in an email to them.
Never add emails to your email list without permission from the subscriber. Filling your mailing list with individuals who never chose to receive your marketing emails will not do your business any favors among potential customers or the account owners. In addition, you may end up being reported and, ultimately, banned by your Internet service provider for breaking rules regarding spam.
Market to your readers. After you have established a small reader base, try to get them to spread the word to their friends. Always provide a link to subscribe to your emails. This will help you to be sure that if someone passes the email on, the person reading it can sign up. Your email base can really grow this way.
Get permission if you are going to contact customers by email. All unrequested emails are spam, whether or not that was the intention of the sender. Violating your ISP or web host's policies can lead to major catastrophe.
Avoid sending out important marketing messages too close to major holidays. People are often out of their office or on vacation during these times, and so they won't read your emails. There are some exceptions. Emails about special promotions like Black Friday are exceptions to this.
Have a special birthday email for your subscribers. Let your subscribers give you their birthday if they wish and then send out automated greetings to them. You will find that customers respond positively to this approach. The added benefit for you is the opportunity to send a birthday discount or coupon that will attract more business.
You should send out your newsletter regularly, based on your target audience's typical schedule. For instance, a newsletter related to business will be more successful if it is send out during work days. Send personal e-mail a few days before events so everyone has a chance to read them.
Try keeping subject lines around 60 characters. A lot of email providers will shorten them to this length anyways. Some email clients won't be able to display anything that's too long. Regardless, 60 characters is more than enough for readers to decide whether they want to read the email more or simply delete it.
It is obvious that businesses that use email marketing get more customers than those who do not. Considering the minimal cost that is involved, there really is not a solid reason for avoiding an email marketing campaign. Incorporate these tips into your overall marketing plan and you'll begin to see positive results!