With many high street retailers disappearing before our eyes, it is little surprise that retailers both online and offline are doing their best to increase their post-Christmas sales after a disappointing run up to the festive season.
You will have seen early sales and promotions on the high street, and email marketing has also been used to increase awareness of these sales. However, it appears that retailers are bombarding customers with poorly targeted offers, in the hope that they will generate those much needed sales.
Instead of taking a shot-gun approach, eShoutz recommends that you stick to carefully planned email marketing to inform people of your deals and promotions. Resist the urge to mass mail, and use targeted emails to stand out from all other messages about New Year sales in the inbox. Also, ensure that your landing pages are still relevant to the email campaign, highlighting the important information.
So our advice to you is...the credit crunch scary, but stick to your email marketing best practices and maintain your brand, image and trust.
Wednesday, 24 December 2008
Thursday, 18 December 2008
New version of eShoutz coming soon!
We are pleased to announce that a new version of eShoutz is on its way! eShoutz will shortly have a whole host of new features to make your email marketing even more effective. With advanced reporting tools, free survey creators and microsite builders, you can now get even more from email marketing.
Some of the new features include:
Triggered email campaigns
Set up triggered email campaigns to help generate leads and conversions automatically. You will be able to create unlimited triggered emails based on any variables you choose from your address books.
Subject split testing
Simultaneously test subject lines for individual campaigns. eShoutz will test which subject line is performing the best on a percentage of your send, and switch the rest of your email sends to the more effective subject line.
Unlimited custom data fields
Store as many data fields within your address books as you like. This means that you can store lots of information about your recipients and tailor your email campaigns according to the information that you have. Send dynamic content emails reflecting the stored data.
Segmentation tools
Query and segment your address books using key demographic variables. Queries will also update themselves in real-time so you will never need to re-run the queries as more recipients are added to your address books.
Advanced reporting
The new version of eShoutz will have even more advanced reporting tools, including reporting on top domains, geomaps of results and the ability to create address books from your reports.
Survey builder
There will be an easy to use online survey builder available on the new eShoutz. Learn more about your recipients by sending surveys to your address books and gather more information about their preferences. Include the survey in an email or on your website.
Micro-site builder
The new eShoutz allows you to create dedicated landing pages for use with your email campaigns. It is simple to design and build micro-sites that reflect your own website and email campaign branding.
For more information visit the eShoutz website at www.eshoutz.com
Some of the new features include:
Triggered email campaigns
Set up triggered email campaigns to help generate leads and conversions automatically. You will be able to create unlimited triggered emails based on any variables you choose from your address books.
Subject split testing
Simultaneously test subject lines for individual campaigns. eShoutz will test which subject line is performing the best on a percentage of your send, and switch the rest of your email sends to the more effective subject line.
Unlimited custom data fields
Store as many data fields within your address books as you like. This means that you can store lots of information about your recipients and tailor your email campaigns according to the information that you have. Send dynamic content emails reflecting the stored data.
Segmentation tools
Query and segment your address books using key demographic variables. Queries will also update themselves in real-time so you will never need to re-run the queries as more recipients are added to your address books.
Advanced reporting
The new version of eShoutz will have even more advanced reporting tools, including reporting on top domains, geomaps of results and the ability to create address books from your reports.
Survey builder
There will be an easy to use online survey builder available on the new eShoutz. Learn more about your recipients by sending surveys to your address books and gather more information about their preferences. Include the survey in an email or on your website.
Micro-site builder
The new eShoutz allows you to create dedicated landing pages for use with your email campaigns. It is simple to design and build micro-sites that reflect your own website and email campaign branding.
For more information visit the eShoutz website at www.eshoutz.com
Thursday, 13 November 2008
Want to lower your unsubscribe rate?
Does it seem like you unsubscribe rate is increasing? Do you want to lower your unsubscribe rate?
Here are some typical reasons for unsubscribing and how you respond to them.
1. You are sending too many emails
Problem - You may overwhelm your subscriber is you send out emails too often and this may prompt them to use the unsubscribe link like a stop button.
Solution - Try using a preference page during your sign-up process as this would give your subscriber the option to select the topics/services/products that interest them the most and you could use this information to send emails that reflect your subscribers interests.
You could also offer the option for subscribers to select how often they wish to receive your email, i.e. weekly, monthly etc
You could also try testing different mailing frequencies to see how your unsusbscribe rate is affected.
2. Your subscriber has a new email address
Problem - Subscribers may not want to leave your list but just want to change the address that the email is sent to. If there is no easy way to do this, then they may just unsubscribe. If you're lucky this act is followed up by a new sign-up.
Solution - You could include details in the footer of your email about how your subscriber can update their details/change their email address. If your website doesn't have the functionality for this, then give them alternative instructions such as sending you an email.
3. Your subscriber isn't receiving what they expected
Problem - The subscriber will have opted-in to your email marketing with certain expectations. If these expectations aren't met, then they have no incentive to stay.
Solution - Ensure that the expectations you set at the sign-up stage match exactly what you send.
You could also allow your subscribers to select the type of content/topics they wish to receive by use of a preference page during the sign-up process.
4. Your subsciber is receiving too many emails
Problem - Unfortunately, people get a lot of emails and it is possible that your subscriber is overwhelmed by the amount of emails they are receiving in their inbox.
Solution - Although you may have lost them as an email subscriber it doesn't mean that they do not want to stop all communication with you altogether, so you could show them the other ways they can stay in contact by using links to your blog etc on the unsubscribe page.
Finally, the best way to find out why people are unsubscribing from your email list, is to ask them. You could add an optional feedback form on the page users reach when they press the unsubscribe link.
For more email marketing tips visit eShoutz.com
Here are some typical reasons for unsubscribing and how you respond to them.
1. You are sending too many emails
Problem - You may overwhelm your subscriber is you send out emails too often and this may prompt them to use the unsubscribe link like a stop button.
Solution - Try using a preference page during your sign-up process as this would give your subscriber the option to select the topics/services/products that interest them the most and you could use this information to send emails that reflect your subscribers interests.
You could also offer the option for subscribers to select how often they wish to receive your email, i.e. weekly, monthly etc
You could also try testing different mailing frequencies to see how your unsusbscribe rate is affected.
2. Your subscriber has a new email address
Problem - Subscribers may not want to leave your list but just want to change the address that the email is sent to. If there is no easy way to do this, then they may just unsubscribe. If you're lucky this act is followed up by a new sign-up.
Solution - You could include details in the footer of your email about how your subscriber can update their details/change their email address. If your website doesn't have the functionality for this, then give them alternative instructions such as sending you an email.
3. Your subscriber isn't receiving what they expected
Problem - The subscriber will have opted-in to your email marketing with certain expectations. If these expectations aren't met, then they have no incentive to stay.
Solution - Ensure that the expectations you set at the sign-up stage match exactly what you send.
You could also allow your subscribers to select the type of content/topics they wish to receive by use of a preference page during the sign-up process.
4. Your subsciber is receiving too many emails
Problem - Unfortunately, people get a lot of emails and it is possible that your subscriber is overwhelmed by the amount of emails they are receiving in their inbox.
Solution - Although you may have lost them as an email subscriber it doesn't mean that they do not want to stop all communication with you altogether, so you could show them the other ways they can stay in contact by using links to your blog etc on the unsubscribe page.
Finally, the best way to find out why people are unsubscribing from your email list, is to ask them. You could add an optional feedback form on the page users reach when they press the unsubscribe link.
For more email marketing tips visit eShoutz.com
Wednesday, 12 November 2008
Tips for growing your email list
Looking to grow your email list? Then take a look at the eShoutz tips below.
1. Make your sign-up easy to find - Put your sign-up form/button in a hard-to-miss location on your homepage and also put on as many pages of your website as possible because not all users will enter your website on the homepage, for example, Pay-per-click marketing normally directs clients to specific landing pages.
2. Provide a convincing incentive for users to sign-up - This is normally as simple as 'Sign up to receive our newsletter', as this tells them what they are entering their details for.
3. Reassure the user - Some users may be concerned about what will happen to the information they have provided, so it may help to include information about provacy assurance.
4. Don't ask for too much information - The more information you ask for, the more hesitant or fed-up the subscriber may become. Keep it simple, only ask for the information you need in order to reach your personalisation goals.
5. Do your best to keep the subscribers you already have - Keep your current subscribers, provide good products/services and great customer service. Happy subscribers might even mention your website/company to friends.
6. Use a thank-you page - Once you have gained a subscriber you want to do your best to turn them into an active reader, someone that enquire/buy your products/services. The thank-you page is the first opportunity for you to do this so you should set the expectations about what they should expect to receive.
7. Understand why subscribers are leaving - If you are noticing increased number of subscribers, try to find out why this is. One way of doing this is to give subscribers the option to leave feedback when they unsubscribe. This may point out any glaring issues.
Visit eShoutz.com for more useful email marketing tips.
1. Make your sign-up easy to find - Put your sign-up form/button in a hard-to-miss location on your homepage and also put on as many pages of your website as possible because not all users will enter your website on the homepage, for example, Pay-per-click marketing normally directs clients to specific landing pages.
2. Provide a convincing incentive for users to sign-up - This is normally as simple as 'Sign up to receive our newsletter', as this tells them what they are entering their details for.
3. Reassure the user - Some users may be concerned about what will happen to the information they have provided, so it may help to include information about provacy assurance.
4. Don't ask for too much information - The more information you ask for, the more hesitant or fed-up the subscriber may become. Keep it simple, only ask for the information you need in order to reach your personalisation goals.
5. Do your best to keep the subscribers you already have - Keep your current subscribers, provide good products/services and great customer service. Happy subscribers might even mention your website/company to friends.
6. Use a thank-you page - Once you have gained a subscriber you want to do your best to turn them into an active reader, someone that enquire/buy your products/services. The thank-you page is the first opportunity for you to do this so you should set the expectations about what they should expect to receive.
7. Understand why subscribers are leaving - If you are noticing increased number of subscribers, try to find out why this is. One way of doing this is to give subscribers the option to leave feedback when they unsubscribe. This may point out any glaring issues.
Visit eShoutz.com for more useful email marketing tips.
Tuesday, 11 November 2008
Top tips for creating successful landing pages
If you are sending email marketing campaigns, it is always advised that you develop an effective, dedicated landing page for each campaign you send out. If your recipients click through to your website, the landing page can determine whether or not you make a sale.
Here are some eShoutz tips on how to create successful landing pages:
1 - Make your landing pages look good
You can grab the attention of your readers with an impactful design, and reinforce your message with large, colourful font or images.
2 - Create a seamless experience
Your landing page should reflect the email campaign, and be the design should be consistent with the email. Try using the same images on landing pages as in the email, and include similar headlines on both the page and email newsletter.
3 - Make your landing pages relevant
Don't repeat the information in your email on the landing page, but make sure that the content compliments your newsletter sales message.
4 - Reduce any distractions from your key message
Don't lose customers who have clicked through to a landing page from your email by offering them too many options once they get there. Avoid links to too many other pages on your website that may prevent a recipient from making a purchase.
5 - Use your landing page to build trust
To build trust and brand awareness, include testimonials of happy customers and company information on your landing page.
6 - Have a clear call to action
Tell customers what you want them to do next with clear buttons or telephone numbers.
7 - Use page tracking with your email campaigns
If you integrate advanced ROI tracking into your website, you will be able to see where your email recipients click through and also track their activity throughout your website. You can then analyse the activity to determine whether your landing pages are working or not.
For more email marketing tips visit eShoutz.com
Here are some eShoutz tips on how to create successful landing pages:
1 - Make your landing pages look good
You can grab the attention of your readers with an impactful design, and reinforce your message with large, colourful font or images.
2 - Create a seamless experience
Your landing page should reflect the email campaign, and be the design should be consistent with the email. Try using the same images on landing pages as in the email, and include similar headlines on both the page and email newsletter.
3 - Make your landing pages relevant
Don't repeat the information in your email on the landing page, but make sure that the content compliments your newsletter sales message.
4 - Reduce any distractions from your key message
Don't lose customers who have clicked through to a landing page from your email by offering them too many options once they get there. Avoid links to too many other pages on your website that may prevent a recipient from making a purchase.
5 - Use your landing page to build trust
To build trust and brand awareness, include testimonials of happy customers and company information on your landing page.
6 - Have a clear call to action
Tell customers what you want them to do next with clear buttons or telephone numbers.
7 - Use page tracking with your email campaigns
If you integrate advanced ROI tracking into your website, you will be able to see where your email recipients click through and also track their activity throughout your website. You can then analyse the activity to determine whether your landing pages are working or not.
For more email marketing tips visit eShoutz.com
Monday, 10 November 2008
Email Newsletter Templates
Thinking about using a template for your email newsletter?
There are some good reasons to use a template for your email newsletter, such as;
1. recipients know what to expect
2. recipients recognise your newsletter therefore recognising your brand and company
3. it is cost effective - you should only need your template to be designed once (you'll probably need a little help from the designers occassionally) and so it is a long-term investment because it is reuseable
4. it is time effective - the sections are pre-defined for your content so you should be able to edit your template in-house
5. mistakes are minimal - since the template is reused errors are highlighted and corrected
With eShoutz you don't need a large budget to create a bespoke template for your email newsletter. The eShoutz design team can create a tailor-made template for you from as little as £45 per hour.
Call the eShoutz team on 0870 161 1226 for a personalised design quote.
There are some good reasons to use a template for your email newsletter, such as;
1. recipients know what to expect
2. recipients recognise your newsletter therefore recognising your brand and company
3. it is cost effective - you should only need your template to be designed once (you'll probably need a little help from the designers occassionally) and so it is a long-term investment because it is reuseable
4. it is time effective - the sections are pre-defined for your content so you should be able to edit your template in-house
5. mistakes are minimal - since the template is reused errors are highlighted and corrected
With eShoutz you don't need a large budget to create a bespoke template for your email newsletter. The eShoutz design team can create a tailor-made template for you from as little as £45 per hour.
Call the eShoutz team on 0870 161 1226 for a personalised design quote.
Should I include a permission reminder on email newsletters?
A permission reminder is a sentence or two explaining to the subscriber where you had their email address from. It is usually found in the footer and can often help prevent you from being blacklisted or reported as a spammer.
It is a good idea to integrate your permission reminder with your unsubscribe link. This means that if a recipient believes that the email is spam and goes to click the unsubscribe, they may be reminded that they actually signed up to receive your email marketing campaigns and add you to their safe senders list instead.
Realistically, if you are sending to quality address books you will not need to remind subscribers where you had their email addresses from as they will have signed up for your newsletters on your website. However, permission reminders are not just for your subscriber's sake. If you do ever become blacklisted and classed as a spammer, your permission reminder can help determine that you are a 'good guy' when it comes to email marketing and help to get you off any blacklists.
When writing a permission reminder, explain thoroughly how your recipient's email address was added to your address book. Don't try listing all of the options, but cover as many as you can in one small explanation. For example 'You're receiving this email because you opted in for email newsletters whilst on our website'.
Always be polite in your permission reminder. Show that you genuinely care about your recipient's privacy, and include actual proof that a recipient gave you permission to email them.
Remember, if you find it difficult to write a good permission reminder, it may be a sign that you don't actually have permission to use all of the emails within your address books.
Finally, here's an example of a good permission reminder:
'In the past you provided 'Company name' with your email address xxx@yahoo.co.uk whilst purchasing from their website. Occassionally you will receive special offer newsletters and promotional emails. If you no longer wish to receive these please click unsubscribe.
For more email marketing tips visit eShoutz.com.
It is a good idea to integrate your permission reminder with your unsubscribe link. This means that if a recipient believes that the email is spam and goes to click the unsubscribe, they may be reminded that they actually signed up to receive your email marketing campaigns and add you to their safe senders list instead.
Realistically, if you are sending to quality address books you will not need to remind subscribers where you had their email addresses from as they will have signed up for your newsletters on your website. However, permission reminders are not just for your subscriber's sake. If you do ever become blacklisted and classed as a spammer, your permission reminder can help determine that you are a 'good guy' when it comes to email marketing and help to get you off any blacklists.
When writing a permission reminder, explain thoroughly how your recipient's email address was added to your address book. Don't try listing all of the options, but cover as many as you can in one small explanation. For example 'You're receiving this email because you opted in for email newsletters whilst on our website'.
Always be polite in your permission reminder. Show that you genuinely care about your recipient's privacy, and include actual proof that a recipient gave you permission to email them.
Remember, if you find it difficult to write a good permission reminder, it may be a sign that you don't actually have permission to use all of the emails within your address books.
Finally, here's an example of a good permission reminder:
'In the past you provided 'Company name' with your email address xxx@yahoo.co.uk whilst purchasing from their website. Occassionally you will receive special offer newsletters and promotional emails. If you no longer wish to receive these please click unsubscribe.
For more email marketing tips visit eShoutz.com.
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