Email marketing (using double opt-in email blasts) is more cost effective than website marketing. True!
When you combine your website with email marketing you get a synergy effect and this is an most cost effective way to market online. True!
Throw in some social networking a la Facebook or LinkedIn and you can even sell ice to Eskimos.
Do not do any spamming. Do not purchase email lists and send out emails to those lists. Only use DOUBLE OPT-IN EMAIL MARKETING.
How do you create effective EMAIL BLASTS? Follow these basic tips:
TOP TEN EMAIL BLAST TIPS
1. DO NOT USE OUTLOOK! Do not use any email software! Sign up for an EMAIL SERVICE where you can create professional looking email campaigns and track the effectiveness and the results.
2. Many email blast services offer nonprofits FREE or reduced price services. Some even offer free entry level services for commercial use; these are usually limited to a certain number of recipients.
3. Use DOUBLE OPT-IN mailing lists. Let your users sign up for the service, and DO NOT SPAM.
4. Create an email template that matches the style of your website. This will reinforce your identity and branding.
5. KISS (Keep it Short and Simple). If you have long articles only include the entry paragraph. Then link to your website for the full article. Also try to cover no more than 3 or 4 subjects per email blast.
6. Think VISUAL. Have at least one image to accompany each article
7. Include all your pertinent contact infos in every email.
8. Give your readers something for nothing – a discount, a freebie, some free tips, free advice, etc.
9. Do not send out too many emails. Monthly is good.
10. Add a sign up form to your website and let your visitors sign up for your email news.
Ready to start your email campaign? Some of the most popular email blast services are:
Vertical Response
* *Free for up to 10,000 emails.
http://www.verticalresponse.com/pricing/
MailChimp
* Free for up to 1000 contacts with up to 6000 emails a month
* Unlimited emails for $15/month
* 15% discount for non-profits
http://www.mailchimp.com/pricing/view-all
Constant Contact
* The most popular Email Blast service.
* $12/month for 500 contacts and unlimited emails; Prepay 12 months and pay $10.50/month
http://www.constantcontact.com/email-marketing/pricing/
iContact
* $24.65/month with annual contract
* 20% discount for non-profits
http://www.icontact.com/affordable-email-marketing/
Learn more about email marketing services from Kahl Consultants.
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