Here we are, the last of our 5 part series on The Top 5 Email Marketing Mistakes. I thank you for following the series, and taking time out of your day to read our posts. This last installment will be the shortest of the series. I know that it is the last installment, but in my opinion could have been the first. We saved it for last because many businesses will spend the most time on this portion and cause themselves to commit the other 4 mistakes in the process. The other reason I wanted to put this one up last is that hopefully with it being the last one you read, it will be the freshest on your mind as you begin your email campaign. What could be so important?
5.Email Design: One of the joys of using email as a marketing tool is that you can get very creative with what you are sending your customers. You can elect to use something as simple as a text email to convey your message, or you can go for the full out html email. I highly recommend that if your company is going to embark on an email marketing campaign, that you go with the html email option. This option allows you to basically make a web page for your customers when they open the email. By having pictures and logos, you create an environment similar to that of your business while your customer reads your email while at the same time further marketing your brand.
This concludes or series on the Top 5 Email Marketing Mistakes. Our goal from the beginning was to make sure that we would provide information to you that would help ensure that your email marketing campaign was successful. Email marketing as a tool is something that can be very powerful in customer retention, and at the same time detrimental if not handled with care. Just as your storefront is a reflection of your business, anything that your customer sees on your website or in an email is the same thing.
Once again, thank you for taking the time to read our series, I hope you enjoyed it as much as we enjoyed putting it together. As always feel free to leave your comments or questions and we will respond promptly.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Top Email Marketing Mistakes Pt. 4
Hello, welcome back for the fourth installment of our top email marketing mistakes. I would like to apologize for the delay, we ran into some problems with the nice little freeze that Houston got last week. So far we have touched on the value of opt-in emails vs spam email, the offer that you send to your customers, and the best day for delivery. Today we will go over the benefits of scheduling your emails on a regular basis.
4. Regular Scheduling: When using email marketing, one of the main things to keep in mind is that you are using this method to remind customers about your business, and get them back into your business as often as possible. Scheduling your emails on a regular basis is imperative to the success of your campaign. If you are constantly sending emails to your customers, they will no longer feel the need to open each email, since they know they will be receiving another within a short time span. If you are sending your emails to far apart, then you are loosing out on the time that they did not come into your business. Sending your emails every couple of weeks apart, you are making sure that you are not bombarding them to many emails, and at the same time making sure they will open each one, since another will be weeks away.
Hopefully by now you have been able to pinpoint the problems that you may have been running into with your email marketing campaign. These first four mistakes that we talked about are very common, but also very easy to fix. The final installment of this series will be over the design and look of your email. In ensuring that we are providing you with the best information possible, we welcome all comments on our posts.
4. Regular Scheduling: When using email marketing, one of the main things to keep in mind is that you are using this method to remind customers about your business, and get them back into your business as often as possible. Scheduling your emails on a regular basis is imperative to the success of your campaign. If you are constantly sending emails to your customers, they will no longer feel the need to open each email, since they know they will be receiving another within a short time span. If you are sending your emails to far apart, then you are loosing out on the time that they did not come into your business. Sending your emails every couple of weeks apart, you are making sure that you are not bombarding them to many emails, and at the same time making sure they will open each one, since another will be weeks away.
Hopefully by now you have been able to pinpoint the problems that you may have been running into with your email marketing campaign. These first four mistakes that we talked about are very common, but also very easy to fix. The final installment of this series will be over the design and look of your email. In ensuring that we are providing you with the best information possible, we welcome all comments on our posts.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Top 5 Email Marketing Mistakes Pt. 3
Welcome back, I hope that so far you have found the information in our first two articles over email marketing mistakes helpful, and that you have been able to adjust your campaign for any problems that may have been brought to light. The next mistake is one that is very easy to make for anyone that is just starting out with an email marketing campaign.
Typically most people arrive at work, have a cup of coffee, talk to their coworkers for a few minutes, and then turn to their email to see what all they have received. Is your email in their box? If it is, is your customer going to open it? Do they have time to read it? Even if they do, are they going to be receptive to the offer that you are sending them?
3. Email Timing: The answer to all of the questions above lay in two little words: email timing. The day and time that your customer receives your email is one of the most important things to the success of your campaign. If your customer doesn't even have time to read the email, then it was a waste of time to even send it to them. Studies have shown that Tuesday morning is the best time for your customer to receive your email. This is the portion of the week that is a little more lax, allowing your customer to be more receptive and prone to act acting upon your offers. This does not mean that other days will not suit your purposes, it just means that other days may not be as rewarding to your campaign. Any email program that you are using should allow you the ability to schedule the day and time that you want your email to be delivered. Remember you are only scheduling when you will be sending it out. Depending upon the delivery process, it may not arrive at the exact time you planned. You may never be able to pinpoint the exact time your customer will receive your email, but you can, and should control the day.
The first three mistakes that we have gone over work together in harmony. Making sure that one component is good, and leaving another behind will not benefit you in any way. Email marketing is just like any other form of marketing in that it has many pieces that need to come together correctly for it to be successful.
Tomorrow we will look more into the scheduling aspect of how often to send your emails, and the reasons behind a steady constant emailing schedule. Once again, if you haven't read the first two posts, take a quick look and make sure that you are on the right track. We thank your for reading our post, and would love to hear back from you. Don't be shy, leave us a comment and let us know we are doing.
Typically most people arrive at work, have a cup of coffee, talk to their coworkers for a few minutes, and then turn to their email to see what all they have received. Is your email in their box? If it is, is your customer going to open it? Do they have time to read it? Even if they do, are they going to be receptive to the offer that you are sending them?
3. Email Timing: The answer to all of the questions above lay in two little words: email timing. The day and time that your customer receives your email is one of the most important things to the success of your campaign. If your customer doesn't even have time to read the email, then it was a waste of time to even send it to them. Studies have shown that Tuesday morning is the best time for your customer to receive your email. This is the portion of the week that is a little more lax, allowing your customer to be more receptive and prone to act acting upon your offers. This does not mean that other days will not suit your purposes, it just means that other days may not be as rewarding to your campaign. Any email program that you are using should allow you the ability to schedule the day and time that you want your email to be delivered. Remember you are only scheduling when you will be sending it out. Depending upon the delivery process, it may not arrive at the exact time you planned. You may never be able to pinpoint the exact time your customer will receive your email, but you can, and should control the day.
The first three mistakes that we have gone over work together in harmony. Making sure that one component is good, and leaving another behind will not benefit you in any way. Email marketing is just like any other form of marketing in that it has many pieces that need to come together correctly for it to be successful.
Tomorrow we will look more into the scheduling aspect of how often to send your emails, and the reasons behind a steady constant emailing schedule. Once again, if you haven't read the first two posts, take a quick look and make sure that you are on the right track. We thank your for reading our post, and would love to hear back from you. Don't be shy, leave us a comment and let us know we are doing.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Top 5 Email Marketing Mistakes Pt. 2
As we go over the mistakes that companies are making when carrying out their email marketing campaigns, the second on our list seems to be one that many companies have the most difficulty with. Each and every time that you advertise your company, there should be something there that is of value to your customers. Very rarely do you hear a commercial or see a print advertisement with something simple as the company name and come see us today written under it. Nothing about that would inspire your customers to make an extra trip to come in and do business with you.
In today's world of group buying and online coupon sites, your business has to find a way to compete with others for business. Granted you are targeting your own customers since you had them opt in to your program, but don't let the fact that they are your customers get in the way. Don't you think that if they are in your email program, that they might also be in your competitor's as well? Since you have their attention when they are reading your email, give them a reason to use you and not the competition. That brings us to our second leading mistke:
2. The Offer: If you are just using this email program to remind your customer that you exist as a business, then you do not need to worry about sending them a reason to come see you. They have already done business with you, so a constant reminder is not what they are looking for. Each time they open your email, you have their undivided attention for a split moment, it is up to you how you choose to use it. Depending on your type of business, it is imperative that you offer something of value. The amount of the value is completely up to you. Each offer does not need to break the bank, but giving your email recipients makes them feel like they are getting a little extra because they are participating in your program.
There are many parts to a successful email marketing program, and the two topics that we have covered are just scratching the surface. By correcting the first two that we have gone over, you will start to see almost instant increases in the way your customers respond to this type of advertising.
Tomorrow we will focus in on the timing and scheduling of the emails and how that plays a role in the success of your email program. As always, if you have any questions or comments, please leave them for us.
In today's world of group buying and online coupon sites, your business has to find a way to compete with others for business. Granted you are targeting your own customers since you had them opt in to your program, but don't let the fact that they are your customers get in the way. Don't you think that if they are in your email program, that they might also be in your competitor's as well? Since you have their attention when they are reading your email, give them a reason to use you and not the competition. That brings us to our second leading mistke:
2. The Offer: If you are just using this email program to remind your customer that you exist as a business, then you do not need to worry about sending them a reason to come see you. They have already done business with you, so a constant reminder is not what they are looking for. Each time they open your email, you have their undivided attention for a split moment, it is up to you how you choose to use it. Depending on your type of business, it is imperative that you offer something of value. The amount of the value is completely up to you. Each offer does not need to break the bank, but giving your email recipients makes them feel like they are getting a little extra because they are participating in your program.
There are many parts to a successful email marketing program, and the two topics that we have covered are just scratching the surface. By correcting the first two that we have gone over, you will start to see almost instant increases in the way your customers respond to this type of advertising.
Tomorrow we will focus in on the timing and scheduling of the emails and how that plays a role in the success of your email program. As always, if you have any questions or comments, please leave them for us.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Top 5 Email Marketing Mistakes Pt. 1
As companies turn to the internet for more of their marketing needs, it is important that they have a dedicated plan on how to use each marketing campaign to its fullest. Using an opt-in email marketing campaign is one of the most cost effective tools in customer retention. Each and every email that you send out is going to a captured audience that is already expecting information from you, and it should be your goal as a business owner to make sure that they are giving them not only information about your business, but also a reason to continue using your services.
It sounds simple, get your customers to sign up, and then send them an email or two every month, and that basic reminder of your company should be enough to get them back into the door. If you think that is all there is to it, please keep reading and focus in on the opportunities that you are missing from your already valued customers. Over the next week your N-Touch marketing staff will focus in on one mistake a day, and the ways to correct it, and make your next email marketing campaign a success. The first mistake we will be looking at is below.
1. Opt-In Permission: Whether you have your customers signing up inside one of your business locations, or just using your website, making sure that it is an opt-in program is a must. Once a customer has signed up, it is recommended that you send them a confirmation email for them to validate their enrollment into your program. If signing up through your website, your customer should be able to receive the email almost immediately, while customers signing up through your store will have to wait until their information is put into the database. It is imperative to make sure that the time frame from sign up to confirmation is as short as possible. This will show your customers that their participation is important to your business, and that they are a valued asset. These little actions go a long way to making sure that your email marketing program is on track for success.
Tomorrow will be focused in on the second problem that most businesses run into during their email marketing campaign, and that is the offer that they send out to their customers. Our goal is to make sure that everyone, whether our client or not, gets the best information to help promote their businesses. Comments are always welcome since open discussion is the backbone to success.
It sounds simple, get your customers to sign up, and then send them an email or two every month, and that basic reminder of your company should be enough to get them back into the door. If you think that is all there is to it, please keep reading and focus in on the opportunities that you are missing from your already valued customers. Over the next week your N-Touch marketing staff will focus in on one mistake a day, and the ways to correct it, and make your next email marketing campaign a success. The first mistake we will be looking at is below.
1. Opt-In Permission: Whether you have your customers signing up inside one of your business locations, or just using your website, making sure that it is an opt-in program is a must. Once a customer has signed up, it is recommended that you send them a confirmation email for them to validate their enrollment into your program. If signing up through your website, your customer should be able to receive the email almost immediately, while customers signing up through your store will have to wait until their information is put into the database. It is imperative to make sure that the time frame from sign up to confirmation is as short as possible. This will show your customers that their participation is important to your business, and that they are a valued asset. These little actions go a long way to making sure that your email marketing program is on track for success.
Tomorrow will be focused in on the second problem that most businesses run into during their email marketing campaign, and that is the offer that they send out to their customers. Our goal is to make sure that everyone, whether our client or not, gets the best information to help promote their businesses. Comments are always welcome since open discussion is the backbone to success.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Quality Link Building
Many of the people that I talk to about search engine optimization ask how many links will I need? Well that is always an interesting question. Many times it is not about the quantity of the links as it is the quality of the links. I have seen sites that rank really well with a low number of links, and sites that struggle with the same number. There are so many things that take place when ranking your site and your link building campaign is just a small part of the equation. This leads us to the tip of the day:
Go for quality, and quantity will soon follow.
When looking for quality links, you should focus in on links that are relevant to your business. Make sure that you if you are a member of any organizations that have business profile pages online, that you have your website listed if allowed. If you participate in any forums or blogs, make sure that you are getting your link in with your responses or any articles that you are posting. When using online directories, make sure that they have some relevance, and that they are of good standing.
Many times it is easy when getting going that you want to rush in and get links any way that you can. A lot of people look to a link building company to help get them started building links. Be wary of these companies, many times they are doing nothing but selling links from shady link farms, which in the long run will hurt your website in your search engine rankings. A good link building company is one that is always ongoing and one that not only creates links, but also creates traffic to your site.
Good luck with all of your ventures.
N-Touch Marketing Staff
Go for quality, and quantity will soon follow.
When looking for quality links, you should focus in on links that are relevant to your business. Make sure that you if you are a member of any organizations that have business profile pages online, that you have your website listed if allowed. If you participate in any forums or blogs, make sure that you are getting your link in with your responses or any articles that you are posting. When using online directories, make sure that they have some relevance, and that they are of good standing.
Many times it is easy when getting going that you want to rush in and get links any way that you can. A lot of people look to a link building company to help get them started building links. Be wary of these companies, many times they are doing nothing but selling links from shady link farms, which in the long run will hurt your website in your search engine rankings. A good link building company is one that is always ongoing and one that not only creates links, but also creates traffic to your site.
Good luck with all of your ventures.
N-Touch Marketing Staff
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
An Introduction
Welcome to N-Touch Marketing's new blog. Our goal with this blog is to help inform our clients of changes in marketing and advertising that will help them reach the goals that they have established. There are many avenues that we could have chosen to use, and this choice to us was simple. Having a blog allows each of our clients the ability to communicate with each other, and possibly share ideas that will help them in their everyday activities. For those of you that are visiting us for the first time, welcome and let us share a little about our company. We provide small and large business in Houston search engine optimization services, web design services, internet marketing services, and print and graphic design services. By choosing to work with smaller businesses, we understand that it is vitally important to their survival that we are able to market their business in the most cost effective manner. In doing so we hope to find the balance between budget and success. To those of you that are new, thank you for stopping by, and hope to see you again soon. To our clients, thank you for all of your support and we look forward to growing with you as business partners and friends.
Thanks
N-Touch Marketing Staff
Thanks
N-Touch Marketing Staff
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)