Email marketing services, also known as autoresponder services, are a dime a dozen. There are an abundance of providers and products available and each one is pitched as the next best thing. Comparing products can be a time consuming process. Here�s how to pick the right email marketing service for your internet marketing business.
Decide if you want a full service software package with a number of features or simple, straight forward email marketing? Some products come with autoresponders, shopping cart software, to product delivery tools
Do you want HTML templates or are you going to send your email messages in text format? There are benefits to both. Graphics and embedded links are great for creating captivating and converting messages however many people have their HTML turned off.
Comparing apples to apples. Much of the jargon on a particular product�s website can be vague. Here�s what you want to look for:
- How many messages can you send each month?
- Can you send personal messages to individual members on your list?
- Is there a size or length limit to your messages?
- How many subscribers or contacts can you have on your list?
- Do they offer technical support 24/7?
- Do they at least have telephone support during regular business hours or is it all email/ticket based?
- How long have they been in business? (Having your email provider go out of business can leave you high and dry)
- Do they offer a free trial?
- Do you have to commit to a year contract or can you go month by month?
- Do they provide room for you, and your list, to grow?
Many email marketing products offer tiered programs. Each tier offers you a certain number of subscribers and a limit to the number of messages you can send each month. However, some email providers allow you to build customized plans to meet the needs of your specific business. This is a great way to get exactly what you need.
Email marketing is a critical component for any internet based businesses marketing strategy. Finding the right email provider can save you valuable time, help you market and represent your business in a professional manner, and result in a bigger bottom line. It pays to do your research, try a few programs, and don�t settle for the marketing product of the moment. Your business is too important.
Recommended Services:
I use a great service called Mail Chimp (www.mailchimp.com). It’s super easy to use. i wanted to send HTML emails but I wasn’t really interested in learning to write HTML. They have customizable templates and if your list is 100 or less you can use the service for free 6 time per month. The service also creates an archive of pasts emails/newsletters. I added a link on my website to my past newsletters so that people new to my site can read what I have sent out in the past.
Hope this helps!
Scrapbook Fairy
Good points Tawnie! I, too, like the ability to have archives available for the newer subsribers.
To your success,
Dawn