Internetretalier.com recently conducted a survey of 275 web retailers on the benefits of e-mail marketing, almost all of which reported that e-mail marketing tools have greatly (and positively) affected their business operations. If you’re a merchant, it’s clear that you should be considering email for much more than inter-office communication.
In this current state of economic crisis, businesses everywhere are seeing much less in profits and are forced to get creative in order to stay afloat. Similarly, consumers are need incentives to entice them to buy products and take advantage of services. Given that everyone now has and utilizes an email account of some form or another, there is tangible value in putting your name and products in front of people via email.
Here are some tips and information you should know if you’re starting an email marketing campaign or improving your existing one.
The survey concluded e-mail flyers have become just as successful as the traditional mailing flyers used by businesses for decades, in part because of the versatility these communication methods provide. They can be content-rich, as well as fun and incentive –laden at the same time. Personal content can be added directly to enhance the message, establishing a closer, familiar relationship between business and customer that is crucial.
Make sure you have an updated and current e-mail list first and foremost. With more regulated e-mail systems to combat spam, it has become harder to reach people and keep them on mailing lists. Setting up incentives with current and existing customers can be a great way to keep them on your outreach list. Offer a coupon or small credit to them signing up on your email list or for recommending a friend to your site. According to the survey, spending $5 for an e-mail address results in an average return revenue of nearly four times that ($20). Not too bad, especially if your mailing list is hundreds of e-mails long.
Ensuring safety and quality in every e-mail makes a consumer feel safe. Include all contact info (email, phone, fax) on every e-mail you send, which will legitimize the business in the eyes of the customer. Try consumer feedback questionnaires to collect ideas on what changes can be made to improve your e-mail marketing and business overall. Knowing the preferences and tastes of your customers can help you target certain products towards them. After all, they will be more inclined to look at your website if there is something that appeals to them personally.
Other important tips to improving your e-mail marketing are as follows:
•Target e-mails on behavior of events (i.e. Mothers day)
•Personalize messages by including names or saying happy birthday
•Adding links to allow forwarding to friends
•Allowing leeway by joining your e-mail such as receiving a newsletter but not daily e-mails
•Including customer reviews
•Being able to share links
•Include interactive video links
Got more tips? Include them below in the comment box!
Blog looks great and I’ve been chugging through content! You share some great opinions and insight here. Always looking for motivating blogs to keep mine going!