Question
I'm contemplating doing a monthly "newsletter", in part, to "remind" buyers and perusers of my website/s, in part to educate, and perhaps even to increase my "value" on the Internet.
I have more than enough subjects for 2 years, once a month, with a bunch left over.
Is it better to send (email) these newsletters to those that wish to receive them, mail them (USPS), or post them on my website with hot links and an email "reminder" that the newest edition is ready?
If you receive newsletters from websites, in what form do you receive them (email, snail mail, other) and do you READ them, or do they hit the circular file/trash can?
Are you more likely to return to the website in which you receive a monthly newsletter when looking for a particular item?
Hey! I'm open to ideas, suggestions, and criticisms.
Answer
I don't have any answers but I have thought about creating NLs to let past customers know about new products.
Two of my webhosts (XO, Earthlink) offer email NL programs.
You might want to check to see if your hosting co has something similar.
Answer
I have a link on my website where customers can opt-in for my newsletter. I normally use it to give my newsletter customers "first crack" at any new items I get. About 50% of the time I sell out before it ever gets listed on the website. I currently have about 250+ on the list. I don't have a set schedule just whenever I feel like it. I have done 2 in one month without complaints. Been doing this for several years and only had one to opt-out. I use "blind copy" to protect my subscribers.
Answer
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Cobaltlady:
I have a link on my website where customers can opt-in for my newsletter. I normally use it to give my newsletter customers "first crack" at any new items I get. About 50% of the time I sell out before it ever gets listed on the website. I currently have about 250+ on the list. I don't have a set schedule just whenever I feel like it. I have done 2 in one month without complaints. Been doing this for several years and only had one to opt-out. I use "blind copy" to protect my subscribers. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Thanks, Mike! I had forgotten that you send one out. If I may........
*Do you also post a copy of this newsletter somewhere on your website?
*Do you use some type of software application to keep track of your subscribers? (And if so, could you recommned yours or others?)
*Is there a way of "tracking" the subscribers to see how many return to your site and/or purchase due in part to the newsletter?
I'm certain I'll have more ?????, but those are the primary ones I have at the moment.
Answer
No I don't post my newsletter for public viewing. It gives my subscribers a feeling of being in a "exclusive club".
I have a box setup in Outlook that holds all my newsletter addresses. I set up newsletter from Frontpage so when someone signs up I send them a welcome note then they are assigned a number to their email address and put in my newsletter box in outlook. When I go to send out newsletter I just put all of them in the bbc box and away it goes.
As for tracking I normally ask them to reply to email for purchase. I think you can even put paypal link on the newsletter but I haven't explored that. I have gotten lazy in my old age.
Answer
Thanks, Mike, for taking the time to answer my questions. Momentary brain-freeze due to information over-load at the moment, but you've given me lots to chew on for a bit.
Here's my thoughts:
I'm seriously thinking about doing a newletter contaning
a) specials or new items (for subscribers only-first "crack") and
b) an indepth "article" on a particular basket form, technique or weaver.
I was contemplating placing the second half (the "article") on a website page (AFTER a yet undetermined amount of time) for "public viewing", in hopes of:
a) educating or further educating buyers,
b) being a "reference" to those who needed it and
c) additional relevant "content" to my website.
Good idea?
Bad idea?
Comments/suggestions?
Answer
Oh I think those are great ideas. Like I said I've gotten lazy so that would be a little too much for me.
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Kathleen,
You could also put your information on a password protected webpage initially, email the customers a password. Then you would see how many customers actually visit your site for this. After your predetermined amount of time, you could then remove the password requirement.
Mike,
Are you having any issues with your mass email getting through to your customers? I would think that some ISP's and spam software would treat it as spam since you have multiple email address listed.
Answer
So far I haven't had a problem. About 1% return mainly people that have changed email addresses. Last month I mailed out 260.
Answer
Mike,
That's surprising.
On our end of auction notices I was sending a copy to the bidder, my partner, and a copy to myself. Seemed to have a huge problem with spam filters, at least a fair percentage claimed not to get them.
I removed the copy to myself, and improved the results a LOT. I would have thought having 260 address would really make it look like spam.
Someday we may try something similar, it's on about list 14 of things to try http://community.here.com/infopop/em...s/icon_eek.gif