From building customer relationships to boosting sales and increasing brand visibility, email marketing is a versatile tool that can propel your business forward. But to harness its full potential, you need to navigate the landscape wisely.

If you’re looking to get started with email marketing, we’ve got the beginner’s guide to help you build a strong foundation for success.

Tip 1: Choose the Right Email Marketing Platform

Alright, let’s get down to business. If you’re going to start building your email list and engaging with your customers through email marketing, you’ll need the right tools for the job.

Now, you might be wondering, “Why do I need an email marketing platform? Can’t I just send emails from my regular email account?” Well, you could, but here’s the thing: Email marketing platforms are specifically designed to make your life easier and your email campaigns more effective.

Here’s what you need to consider when choosing the right platform:

1. Features and Functionality: Different platforms offer different features. Think about what you need. Do you want to send newsletters, automate email sequences, or create eye-catching templates? Make a checklist of the features that matter most to your business.
2. Ease of Use: You’re a busy business owner, and you don’t have time to navigate a confusing interface. Look for an email marketing platform that’s user-friendly and intuitive. You want to spend your time crafting engaging emails, not figuring out how to use the software.
3. Pricing: Budget matters, right? Compare the pricing plans of different platforms. Some offer free plans with limited features, while others have tiered pricing based on the size of your email list or the number of emails you send. Find a plan that suits your budget and needs.
4. Integration: Your email marketing platform should play well with other tools you use, like your website, CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system, or e-commerce platform. Integration can save you time and streamline your marketing efforts.
5. Deliverability: This is crucial. You want your emails to land in your subscribers’ inboxes, not get lost in spam folders. Check the platform’s track record for email deliverability.

Here’s a brief overview of some popular email marketing platforms and what they’re best for:

1. MailChimp: Best for Small Businesses and Beginners

• MailChimp is known for its user-friendly interface, making it a great choice for beginners.
• Ideal for small businesses looking to create engaging newsletters and automated email sequences.
• Offers a free plan for those just starting out.

2. Constant Contact: Best for E-commerce and Event Promotion

• Constant Contact excels in helping businesses sell products online and promote events.
• It provides e-commerce integrations and event management tools.
• Offers a wide range of customizable templates.

3. SendinBlue: Best for Automation and Transactional Emails

• SendinBlue is a robust platform for businesses that heavily rely on automation.
• It’s great for sending transactional emails, such as order confirmations and shipping notifications.
• Offers SMS marketing in addition to email.

4. HubSpot: Best for Inbound Marketing and CRM Integration

• HubSpot is an all-in-one marketing platform with strong CRM integration.
• Ideal for businesses focusing on inbound marketing strategies and lead nurturing.
• Provides powerful analytics and a suite of marketing tools.

5. ConvertKit: Best for Content Creators and Bloggers

• ConvertKit is tailored for bloggers, content creators, and online entrepreneurs.
• It offers features like customizable opt-in forms and segmenting subscribers.
• Great for building relationships with your audience through content.

By selecting the right email marketing platform, you’re setting yourself up for success from the get-go. It’s like having a trusty partner in your corner as you embark on your email marketing journey. So, go ahead, pick your digital sidekick, and let’s start building that email list!

Tip 2: Create an Engaging Signup Form

Alright, you’ve selected your email marketing platform, and you’re ready to dive into the world of email marketing. But before you can start sending those captivating emails to your audience, you need to build your email list.

Your signup form is the gateway to your email list, and it’s crucial to make it as appealing and user-friendly as possible. After all, you want visitors to your website or social media profiles to willingly share their email addresses with you. Here’s how to do it:

1. Keep it Simple: The best signup forms are clean and straightforward. Ask for the essentials – a name and email address. The more fields you add, the less likely people are to complete the form. Keep it short and sweet.
2. Offer Incentives: Encourage sign-ups by offering something valuable in return. It could be a discount, a free e-book, exclusive access to content, or a newsletter filled with useful tips. Make it clear what subscribers will gain from joining your list.
3. Design Matters: Make your form visually appealing. Use eye-catching colors, fonts, and images that align with your brand. Ensure that it’s mobile-responsive, as many users access websites from their smartphones.
4. Placement is Key: Put your signup form where people can easily find it. Consider placing it prominently on your website’s homepage, in the header or footer, or as a pop-up. On social media, use call-to-action buttons to direct users to your signup page.
5. Optimize Messaging: Craft compelling copy that explains why visitors should subscribe. Use persuasive language that highlights the benefits of joining your list. For example, “Stay informed about our latest products and exclusive offers.”
6. Privacy Assurance: Address privacy concerns by assuring subscribers that their information will be kept secure and won’t be shared with third parties. A privacy policy link can go a long way in building trust.
7. Test and Refine: Don’t set it and forget it. Regularly test different form designs, copy, and placements to see what works best. Email marketing platforms often provide A/B testing features to help you optimize your forms.
8. Thank You Page: After someone subscribes, redirect them to a thank-you page. This page can confirm their subscription and provide additional information or offers to keep them engaged.

Remember, your signup form is your first point of contact with potential customers. Make it a positive experience, and you’ll start building a list of engaged subscribers who are genuinely interested in what you have to offer. So, go ahead and design that enticing signup form, and let’s start growing your email list!

Tip 3: Develop a Content Calendar

Congratulations on creating an engaging signup form and building your email list! Now, let’s dive into the next crucial step of your email marketing journey.

A content calendar is your roadmap for what and when to send to your subscribers. It’s a powerful tool that keeps you organized, consistent, and ensures your email content aligns with your business goals. Here’s how to get started:

1. Set Goals and Objectives: Begin by defining your email marketing goals. Are you looking to increase sales, promote new products, or simply nurture customer relationships? Your content calendar should reflect these objectives.
2. Understand Your Audience: Your subscribers have different preferences and needs. Segment your list based on demographics, purchase history, or engagement levels. Tailor your content to each segment’s interests.
3. Frequency Matters: Decide how often you’ll send emails. A consistent schedule builds anticipation. Whether it’s weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, stick to it so subscribers know when to expect your emails.
4. Content Themes: Plan out content themes that align with your business and resonate with your audience. For example, a fashion retailer might have themes like “Seasonal Trends,” “Style Tips,” and “Customer Spotlights.”
5. Promotions and Special Events: Incorporate promotions, sales, or events into your calendar. This ensures you’re ready to launch campaigns at the right time and capitalize on key opportunities.
6. Create Engaging Content: For each email, craft engaging content that speaks to your subscribers’ needs and interests. Include compelling subject lines, personalized greetings, and a clear call to action.
7. Visual Elements: Don’t forget the visuals. High-quality images and graphics can significantly enhance the appeal of your emails. Ensure they align with your brand’s aesthetics.
8. Test and Iterate: As you send emails, track their performance. Pay attention to open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates. Use this data to refine your content calendar over time.
9. Plan Ahead: Aim to plan your content at least a few months in advance. This allows you to align with seasonal trends, holidays, and industry events.
10. Automation: If your email marketing platform supports it, use automation to schedule emails in advance. This saves time and ensures your emails go out at the right times, even if you’re busy with other aspects of your business.
11. Consistency is Key: Stick to your content calendar religiously. Consistency builds trust with your subscribers, and they’ll come to expect and look forward to your emails.

So, roll up your sleeves, get creative, and start planning your email content. A well-structured content calendar is your secret weapon for successful email marketing campaigns.

Email marketing can drive your growth, expand your reach, and deepen your customer connections. Through careful planning and execution, you can turn your emails into revenue-generating tools and create a loyal customer base that champions your brand.

If you’re ready to unlock the full potential of email marketing and propel your small business to new heights, take the next step. Schedule a free strategy session with Six Degrees Digital Media today and let us help you craft a customized roadmap for your email marketing success. Your business deserves nothing less than to shine brightly in the inbox of your customers, and together, we can make it happen. Don’t miss this opportunity; your email marketing transformation begins now.

The post Three Tips to Get Started with Great Email Marketing for Your Small Business appeared first on Six Degrees Digital Media.

The decision to embrace email marketing can be a daunting one.

You might wonder if it’s the right fit for your business, or how it can truly make a difference. Well, you’re not alone.

That’s why we’re here to shed light on the five compelling reasons why your small business not only needs email marketing but can thrive with it.

So, if you’re on the fence, take a moment to explore how this powerful tool can transform your business and elevate your brand. Email marketing might be the game-changer you’ve been looking for.

Reason 1: Personalization

Let’s dive into the first compelling reason why your small business absolutely needs an email list – the magic of direct and personalized communication.

Imagine you own a boutique spa offering a range of rejuvenating treatments. You have a list of loyal subscribers who have willingly shared their email addresses with you. This group of subscribers includes clients who have visited your spa before and some who are simply interested in self-care tips and wellness advice.

Now, picture this: You decide to send out a carefully crafted email campaign to this list. In this email, you share some exciting news about a new, exclusive treatment that you’ve recently introduced—a luxurious, stress-melting, 90-minute massage.

Here’s where the magic happens:

1. Personalization: You address each recipient by their first name, creating an immediate sense of connection. Personalization like this shows that you know and appreciate your customers.
2. Direct Communication: Your email lands directly in their inbox, eliminating the competition and distractions found on social media or search engines. Your message gets their full attention.
3. Timely and Relevant Content: You time the email campaign strategically, perhaps promoting this new massage just as the holiday season approaches. People are looking for ways to relax and unwind during this time, making your offer timely and relevant.
4. Exclusive Offer: To reward your loyal clients, you include an exclusive offer in the email—15% off this new massage if they book within the next week.
5. Clear Call to Action: Your email provides a clear and enticing call to action: “Book Now.” A clickable button takes them directly to your website’s booking page.

 What happens next?

• Your subscribers feel valued because you’ve addressed them personally.
• They’re intrigued by the exclusive offer and the new massage treatment.
• The convenience of booking directly from the email encourages quick action.

As a result, your spa sees a surge in bookings for the new massage, boosting your sales and filling your appointment calendar. The direct and personalized approach of email marketing has not only increased sales but has also strengthened your relationship with your clients.

This is just a glimpse of how email marketing can work wonders for service-based businesses. It allows you to tailor your messages to the preferences and needs of your audience, creating a win-win situation for both you and your customers.

Reason 2: Cost effective marketing

Now that we’ve talked about the power of direct and personalized communication, let’s dive into another compelling reason why your small business needs an email list: the numbers game.

When it comes to marketing, budgets matter. As a small business owner, you’re probably conscious of every dollar you invest. That’s where email marketing shines, my friend – it’s incredibly cost-effective.

Think about traditional marketing methods like printing flyers or running newspaper ads. They can quickly drain your resources, leaving you with a hefty bill and uncertain returns. Email marketing, on the other hand, is budget-friendly. Here’s where the numbers come into play:

1. Low Overheads: With email marketing, you don’t need to worry about printing costs, postage fees, or other overheads associated with traditional marketing. You craft your message, hit send, and voilà – your message is delivered to your audience without breaking the bank.
2. Massive Reach, Minimal Expense: Email allows you to reach a vast audience with minimal expense. You can send a message to hundreds or thousands of subscribers simultaneously without incurring extra costs. Try doing that with direct mail!
3. Tracking and Analytics: Here’s where the numbers get interesting. Most email marketing platforms provide detailed analytics. You can track open rates, click-through rates, conversion rates, and more. These insights help you understand what’s working and what needs improvement in your marketing strategy.

Now, let’s talk ROI (Return on Investment). Since email marketing is cost-effective and provides valuable data, it often delivers an impressive return on investment. For every dollar you invest in email marketing, you can expect to see a substantial return – sometimes even outperforming other marketing channels.

So, while we’re all about the warm and fuzzy feelings of connecting with your customers, let’s not forget that email marketing is also about the cold, hard numbers. It’s a smart, cost-effective way to grow your small business without breaking the bank.

Reason 3: Increased Customer Engagement

Let’s take a moment to understand what customer engagement is and why it’s a treasure for your small business.

What is Customer Engagement?

Customer engagement refers to the emotional connection and involvement that customers have with your brand. It’s about creating a two-way relationship that goes beyond transactions. Engaged customers are not just buyers; they are loyal advocates who are genuinely interested in your business and its offerings.

Why Does Your Business Want Customer Engagement?

Now, you might be wondering, why should I care about customer engagement? Well, here’s the scoop: Engaged customers are your business’s most valuable asset. Here’s why you want it:

1. Loyal Customers: Engaged customers are more likely to become loyal customers. They’ll keep coming back for your products or services and often spend more over time.
2. Word-of-Mouth Marketing: Engaged customers are your best brand ambassadors. They’ll spread the word about your business to their friends, family, and social networks, giving you free, authentic advertising.
3. Feedback and Improvement: Engaged customers provide valuable feedback, helping you understand their needs and preferences. This input can guide product improvements and better-tailored marketing efforts.
4. Increased Sales: Engaged customers are not just passive buyers; they actively seek out your offerings. When you engage them effectively, you can drive more sales and revenue for your small business.

Now that we’re clear on the ‘what’ and ‘why’ of customer engagement, let’s explore how email marketing can help you achieve it. We’ll even throw in an example email to illustrate the magic of engaged customers.

Imagine you run a boutique clothing store. Your customers love your unique, handpicked fashion items, but in today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy for them to forget about your store amidst the digital noise. This is where email marketing can help you stand out and boost customer engagement.

Example Email:

Subject: “Fashion Alert: Exclusive Sale for Our Fashionistas!”

Hey Fashionista,

We hope this email finds you well and stylish as always! We’ve got some exciting news to share with you. 🌟

As one of our valued customers, we wanted to give you an exclusive heads-up about our upcoming sale event. Starting this weekend, everything in our store will be 25% off for a limited time.

But here’s the kicker – you get early access! Simply show this email at the checkout, and you can enjoy these fantastic discounts a day before the general public. It’s our way of saying thank you for being part of our fashion-forward community.

What can you expect at the sale? Well, we’ve curated some fabulous new arrivals, including the latest sustainable fashion pieces and must-have accessories. Whether you’re looking for a chic outfit for a night out or something cozy for a weekend getaway, we’ve got you covered.

But hurry – our exclusive sale starts this Friday, and we don’t want you to miss out on the best deals.

Feel free to bring a friend or two along and make it a stylish shopping spree. We can’t wait to see you at our store and help you find the perfect additions to your wardrobe.

Stay fabulous!

Warm regards,

This example email illustrates how email marketing can be used to engage your customers effectively. It not only provides valuable information about an upcoming sale but also makes the customer feel special by offering them early access, strengthening their connection with your brand.

So, by engaging your customers through well-crafted emails like this one, you can keep them excited about your products and events, driving foot traffic to your store and ultimately increasing sales. Email marketing is all about nurturing those valuable customer relationships, and this example demonstrates how it’s done.

Reason 4: Building Brand Loyalty

Picture this: You run a charming coffee shop in the heart of your community. There’s a lot of competition, but your customers keep coming back, not just for your delicious brews but because they feel a strong connection to your brand. That’s the magic of building brand loyalty through email marketing.

Here’s how it works:

Example Scenario: The Coffee Shop’s Loyalty Program

You’ve introduced a loyalty program for your coffee shop, offering a free cup of coffee for every ten purchases. It’s a fantastic way to reward your regulars and encourage repeat visits. But how do you ensure your customers know about this exciting offer and keep them engaged?

Example Email Campaign:

Subject: “Unlock Your Free Coffee – Brew-tiful Rewards Await!”

Hey Coffee Lovers,

We hope this email finds you well and filled with caffeine-induced energy! ☕

We’re thrilled to introduce our brand-new loyalty program, and we think you’re going to love it. It’s our way of saying thank you for being a part of our coffee-loving community.

Here’s how it works: For every ten coffee purchases, you’ll receive a FREE cup of your favorite brew. That’s right – your next cup could be on the house!

But that’s not all. As a loyal customer, you’ll also get exclusive sneak peeks into our upcoming coffee blends, early access to special events, and surprise discounts just for you.

Getting in on the action is as easy as taking that first sip in the morning. Simply present this email at the counter, and we’ll start tracking your purchases. Before you know it, you’ll be sipping your favorite coffee for free.

We can’t wait to see you at our cozy coffee shop and share these Brew-tiful Rewards with you.

Stay caffeinated and brew-tiful!

Warm regards,

This email campaign illustrates how email marketing can help build brand loyalty. By regularly communicating with your customers and offering exclusive perks like a loyalty program, you’re not just selling them coffee; you’re forging a genuine connection.

Loyal customers are more likely to become your brand advocates, spreading the word about your business and bringing in new customers. Plus, they tend to spend more over time. So, keep engaging with your customers through email, offer them value, and watch as brand loyalty becomes your secret recipe for success.

Reason 5: Data

Your email list isn’t just a directory of subscribers; it’s a goldmine of valuable data waiting to be explored. Here’s how harnessing this data can benefit your business, along with some smart starting goals to set:

Benefit 1: In-Depth Customer Insights

By collecting data from your email subscribers, you gain valuable insights into their preferences, behaviors, and interests. This treasure trove of information can be used to tailor your marketing efforts, create personalized content, and make informed business decisions.

Starting Goal 1: Segment Your Audience

Set a goal to segment your email list based on demographics, purchase history, or engagement levels. This allows you to send targeted and relevant content to specific groups of subscribers, increasing the chances of conversion.

Benefit 2: Improved Marketing Strategies

Email marketing platforms provide analytics tools that help you track the performance of your email campaigns. You can see which emails are opened, which links are clicked, and even which products or services are generating the most interest.

Starting Goal 2: Monitor Email Performance

Begin by tracking key metrics like open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates. Set a goal to improve these metrics over time. For instance, aim to increase your open rates by 10% within the next quarter by optimizing your email subject lines.

Benefit 3: Enhanced Product/Service Development

Customer feedback and preferences gathered through emails can inform product or service improvements. By listening to your subscribers, you can develop offerings that better align with their needs.

Starting Goal 3: Collect Customer Feedback

Initiate surveys or feedback requests through email campaigns. Set a goal to receive feedback from a certain percentage of your subscribers, and use this input to make improvements to your products or services.

Benefit 4: Compliance with Regulations

Data protection regulations, such as GDPR in Europe or CAN-SPAM in the United States, require businesses to handle customer data responsibly. Ensuring compliance with these regulations is crucial to protect your business from legal issues.

Starting Goal 4: Review and Update Privacy Policies

Set a goal to review your privacy policies and ensure they align with current regulations. Make any necessary updates to maintain compliance and build trust with your subscribers.

Data collection and analysis provide the insights needed to create more effective campaigns, improve customer experiences, and make data-driven decisions. By setting these smart starting goals, you’re on your way to harnessing the power of data for your small business’s growth and success.

Email marketing has emerged as a dynamic force capable of transforming your business from a mere presence to a thriving brand. From personalization that fosters meaningful connections to cost-effective strategies that make every dollar count, and from heightened customer engagement to the creation of unwavering brand loyalty, email marketing holds the keys to your success. And that only scratches the surface.

If you’re ready to unlock the full power of email marketing, we invite you to take the next step. Schedule a free strategy session with Six Degrees Digital Media today, and let us guide you towards harnessing the unparalleled potential of email marketing for your business.

The post 5 Reasons Your Business Can’t Afford to Miss Out on Email Marketing appeared first on Six Degrees Digital Media.

Email has become one of the most common ways for people to communicate in both personal and professional settings. Furthermore, as a result of our current new normal, some supply chains are broken and millions of people are working from home, resulting in even more email usage.

While writing an email appears to be a simple task, many employees make mistakes when sending or receiving work messages. Because of the volume of messages we read and write, we may be more prone to making mistakes, which can have serious consequences for a business.

Following commonly accepted social rules when communicating via email, on the other hand, helps you create a positive image in the minds of employers and professional contacts.

So, if you want to reflect your company in a professional environment, follow these ten email etiquette rules.

1. Maintain a clear subject line

The significance of a clear subject line cannot be overstated, especially if the email is being used for direct marketing.

A clear subject line informs the recipient about the content of your email and increases the likelihood that they will open it. If your subject line is vague or casual, the recipient may delete or disregard your email.

Your subject line should communicate and summarize the body of your email in a clear, concise, and to-the-point manner. As a result, try using a subject line that informs readers that you are responding to their concerns or business issues.

2. Use only professional salutation

Even if the recipient is a close acquaintance or friend, use a professional salutation in your work-related emails.

The relaxed nature of your writing should not affect the salutation in an email; rather, when emailing someone outside your organization whom you do not know, you should assume the highest level of courtesy.

The tone of formality can be determined by how contacts communicate with you. Most professionals use their first name in business communications, but in a global workplace, you should be mindful of cultural norms.

Pro tip: If you’re writing in a chain of emails where the context has already been established in a previous email or even over the phone, you can skip the greeting.

3. Confidentiality

A general rule of thumb is to assume that what you write will be seen by others, so don’t write anything you wouldn’t want everyone to see. After all, email is a dangerously easy medium to spread, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Another common error that occurs in the workplace is when an email is sent to the incorrect recipient. Before clicking “send,” double-check that you have the correct recipient’s email address.

4. Add your/company’s signature

If you’re running marketing campaigns, professional email signatures can lead to higher ROI rates. It makes sense to provide additional information about yourself or your company to your reader.

Most businesses have a policy in place regarding what is and is not permitted in your signature block. A signature block typically includes your name, designation, company name, and contact information.

5. Use a professional email ID

Using a professional email address is an essential part of proper email etiquette. This is one of the most important outreach marketing tips because it instantly makes you appear more credible and significantly improves email deliverability.

Thus, if your company has provided you with an official email ID, use it, or consider using an email address that includes your name rather than something that sounds too casual.

6. Use standard formatting

Choose an appropriate font, color, and size for your emails so that they are easy to read.

Avoid business jargon, abbreviations, and smiley faces – and keep punctuation marks to a minimum at the end of each sentence. If you’re used to using exclamation points, keep them to a minimum when expressing your enthusiasm or excitement.

The right size and lettering combination ensures that your email is easy to read and can be quickly scanned by most recipients.

Usually, standard fonts such as Arial, Calibri, and Times New Roman with a font size of 10 or 12 works best. Also, for font colors, prefer using black, and if you want to highlight your text use a soft color like yellow.

7. Maintain professionalism

Another important aspect of good email etiquette is to maintain a professional tone in your professionally-oriented emails.

Instead of negative words like ‘failure’, ‘careless’ and ‘disappointed’, consider using positive words like ‘please’, ‘good try’, ‘better luck next time’, and ‘thank you.

Also, refrain from using all caps, foul language, or sending inappropriate jokes. Remember that humor can sometimes appear rude or hurtful, so if in doubt, leave it out.

Finally, nail your tone. For example, to avoid misunderstandings, read your message aloud before sending it; if it sounds harsh to you, it will sound harsh to the reader.

8. Be clear and precise

Because the recipients will not be able to see your body language while reading your email, you must write your message clearly and precisely to avoid confusion and miscommunication.

To begin with, avoid using emojis or other animations in your professional emails, such as smiley faces. The use of emojis casually can harm the recipient’s sentiments.

Furthermore, before including an attachment in your email, make sure it is required for the specific email you are sending. Also, make a point of mentioning the attachment in your email so that the recipient does not overlook it.

9. Avoid grammar or spelling errors

As previously stated, email marketing can easily lead to miscommunication, especially if you cater to customers from all over the world.

Making grammatical and spelling errors in such a situation can be concerning. It is critical to ensure that you have spelled correctly in your email. A single misspelling can render your communication sloppy and offensive.

Avoiding grammatical or spelling errors, on the other hand, shows the recipient that you take your correspondence seriously and are not careless with your emails.

Keep in mind that most people will ignore an email that is more than two or three paragraphs long. As a result, adding grammatical and spelling errors will only serve to shorten their attention span.

10. Proofread

Make a habit of proofreading your emails before sending them. Don’t rely on spell-check; instead, read them aloud to yourself to check for errors.

Your email recipients will most likely notice errors, and while everyone makes mistakes and misspellings from time to time, repeated errors and misspellings can appear sloppy. Before you send an email, re-read it to ensure that it makes sense and is free of errors.

If you need assistance with your marketing, schedule a strategy session with us today

The post 10 Email Etiquette Rules for Every Professional appeared first on Six Degrees Digital Media.

Email is a huge part of any marketing strategy. If you do it correctly, your email marketing campaign will reach the right audiences and encourage them to buy your products or services. However, it’s even more essential that you learn how to create messages that convert and engage as email marketing gets more popular. Your copy has to have all of the information you want to share, but you have to present it correctly too.

One of the easiest ways you can go about this is by trimming your email’s length. If you’re not sure how long your marketing email should be, this is for you. We’re going to outline it for you below.

What’s the Ideal Email Length for Digital Marketing Purposes?

A large amount of people don’t read their emails like they do traditional print media. Instead of reading from left to right and reading every word, they scan the text. The readers’ eyes go over the images and copy following an “F” pattern. They are drawn to brightly colored calls to action or any parts of the email they find to be interesting. A lot of people will skip over any introductory sentences.

Once they open the email, a lot of people only spend a maximum of 60 seconds looking at the content. In turn, you only get a few seconds to capture their attention and get a click-through.

Subject Line Length – 28 to 50 Characters

Take a look at your email list before you write your subject line. Do most of them use smartphones? How many use a desktop or laptop device to open the emails? If you’re catering to a mobile audience, you should try to go for a shorter subject line. The title should be between 28 and 39 characters. Having a narrower range can increase your open rates.

Preheader Text – 40 and 100 Characters

If you’re not using preheaders, it’s a good idea to start. It allows you to pack in a lot of smaller details without taking up a huge amount of space. Some people keep them shorter at 40 to 50 characters, and they shouldn’t conflict with your main layout. Your preheaders can extend to 85 or 100 characters.

Email Text – 50 and 125 Words

You may believe that 125 words aren’t nearly enough to get your full marketing message across, and this could be the case once in a while. However, the fact is, having a brief copy will help you perform better. Generally speaking, email copy with 50 and 125 words can increase your response rates by a decent amount. If you want a list in your email, you can add bullet points. This will help you organize and separate your thoughts while preventing you from getting lost by adding too much detail.

Call to Action – 2 to 5 Words

The call to action should be the easiest thing for your readers to pick out in the email. You should try to make it short and sweet, and it should be action-oriented. This part of the email is usually formatted to be brighter, larger, and they use eye-catching fonts. You want the design to speak more than the words do, and having a two to five-word call to action is usually more than enough to get your point across while ensuring your readers don’t lose focus. Anything larger than this can look confusing or messy.

Contact Six Degrees Digital Media

Email readers are usually scanners, and some of your subscribers won’t read a word of any marketing email you send out. Instead, they’ll disregard the message if you fail to draw their attention, or they’ll skip to whatever part they’re interested in. You can adapt your strategy to fit low attention spans. This includes writing more impactful but shorter messages and incorporating eye-catching design elements.

So, try to keep your subject line between 28 to 50 characters, the preheader between 40 and 100 characters, the email copy between 50 and 120 works, and your call to action between 2 and 5 words. Doing so can help improve your click-through rate, and Six Degrees Digital Media is ready to set up a strategy session and help you flesh out the perfect email for your next marketing campaign. Contact us today, and our professional and experienced staff will be more than happy to help.

The post How Long Should Marketing Emails Be? appeared first on Six Degrees Digital Media.

Stop sending newsletters! Find out what you should do instead…but only if you want better open rates and more traffic.

If you’re sending newsletters to your email list, that is basically the business version of a Christmas letter that families used to send, then let me tell you something – few people are reading them. Well, maybe your relatives, if they are subscribed to your list that is.

People have enough emails flooding their inbox. Sending a generic newsletter covering the happenings at your business will get you an invite into their spam folder or a click on the “unsubscribe” link. But don’t worry. We’ve got the solution for you to keep your subscribers happy and hungry for every word.

Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.

No that’s not a leaky kitchen faucet reference. It’s the email strategy savvy business owners use to captivate their audience and turn subscribers into customers.

Here’s what it looks like.

The 5 Email Drip Campaign Road Map

An email drip campaign is NOT like a newsletter. Instead of updating your subscribers about your latest office addition, you’re sending them a specific set of emails that take into account content, timing, and most importantly your sales funnel. 

Email drip campaigns are meant to guide your subscriber down the path of their own choosing. A complex drip campaign includes multiple segmentations – kind of like the “choose your own adventure stories”. Composing your first campaign doesn’t need to be nearly so robust. Although everyone loves a hero story.

Here is a simple email drip campaign method you can use.

#1: Lead Magnet Delivery.

Timing: Immediately upon subscribing

Content: Your first email needs to be value-driven. Clearly tell your subscribers what they will be getting when they sign up for your list. A guide to brewing beer? A discount code for your eCommerce shop? A free invitation to your in-person summit? The options are quite endless and you may need to develop multiple lead magnets to test out their market viability.

Remember you need to deliver a lead magnet that your ideal clients want.

#2: Checking In & Pain Point

Timing: 1-3 days after sending the first email. Timing is important. You don’t want to overstep your welcome with 5,6,7 emails in 24 hours. But you don’t want to wait so long that they forget you. Also, timing gives them a chance to look over your lead magnet.

Content: The second email your subscribers receive from you needs to stir the pot, touching on their pain point (the reason they joined your list). You know why your clients come to you, what problem they are trying to solve. They know it too and considering they are on your list at all, they are clearly looking for solutions. They are currently in the problem-aware stage – they know there is a problem and are researching different solutions. 

Your subscribers likely aren’t familiar with you, your business, and what makes your product unique – but DON’T FOCUS ON THAT YET. I know you’ll want to but think of this as a cliffhanger email – meant to whet their appetite and have them salivating at the mouth to read your next email. This email can be long or short. Explore a specific pain point your clients have and tell them you’ll be following up.

#3 – Show them a solution

Timing: 1-3 days after your last email.

Content: Spend the very first part of the email relating to what they must feel with regards to their pain point. Then transition to offer your solution. If you have a free trial period, supplemental free products, a Facebook group, or another secondary lead magnet you may offer it at this time. Show your subscribers what makes your product or service different. Do you sell the softest T-shirts this side of the Mississippi? Bringing in testimonials can also be effective.

#4: Make them an offer they can’t refuse Timing: 1 day after the last email

Content: In a perfect world you have written three emails that have your subscribers dying to work with you.  You are THE ONE that they have been waiting for and they are ready and willing to pull out their credit card. In reality, this isn’t always the case, so don’t be discouraged if you make them an offer you think they can’t refuse, but they DO.  

You can add in additional emails similar to email #3 before making an offer, and you can send additional emails after this series to encourage your subscribers to make a purchase or become a client. 

This email can be long or short depending on your brand image. You can bring in testimonials again, and be sure to include two or three links to the next step. If you are promoting a certain online course, digital product, or service – make it easy for your subscribers to see how to sign up – this includes buttons in your email as well as embedded links.

#5: Remind & Re-offer

Timing: 1-2 days after the last email

Content: Reiterating everything you’ve already said. Condense it to be sure it’s concise. If a subscriber has deleted every email you’ve sent except this one it still needs to be effective. If you have a disappearing offer, something that is only available for a limited time, you’ll want to remind your subscribers that it will be gone in x number of days.

You can do these 5 emails to lead your subscribers to another free product then start the process over again. You can also send follow-up emails to this group highlighting new products or services you offer. Basically, you can have a complex email drip campaign but this is a good place to start.

Sitting down to write five emails may not seem like a big deal to you. Why would it be when you are a wordsmithing genius? However, if writing five emails is a chore, you’d rather forget, just schedule a complimentary strategy session with us today. We can help you develop, write, and set up your email drip campaign. 

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Email marketing is one of the simplest, cheapest and most effective ways to reach your target audience and turn online sales leads into loyal customers.

In fact, 77 percent of customers choose email as their preferred way to receive permission-based sales contact.

While this may sound great, many business owners make the mistake of jumping in headfirst and become overwhelmed by the process of building lists and creating email marketing content.

Email marketing is surprisingly simple, but that doesn’t make it easy.

That’s why there are numerous email software options available to take much of the guesswork, planning, and drudgery out of email marketing.

This article will compare and contrast five major email software options available to you in order to help you make an informed decision as to which is right for your needs.

Infusionsoft

More than 30,000 customers put their mailing lists in the hands of Infusionsoft.

While most other companies on this list focus on email marketing, Infusionsoft takes a more comprehensive approach by offering a greater variety of sales and marketing software geared towards small businesses.

Infusion truly thrives when it comes to contact management, simplifying the process of importing your contacts from online as well as other sources.

Infusionsoft offers a variety of service packages, each one integrating email marketing with other elements of sales and marketing.

For this reason, Infusion is ideal for the business owner who wants comprehensive marketing assistance in addition to managing your email campaigns

Some of Infusionsoft’s notable services and features include:

• Contact importation and management
• Email list management
• Marketing automation
• E-Commerce
• Sales automation
• Free demo

Infusionsoft comes at a variety of price points that are reasonable for a comprehensive service but may be a bit out of reach if you only want email management.

The cheapest plan starts at $199 each month and covers only contact and marketing management with 12,500 emails per month.

The next tier costs $299 each month and adds either sales automation or E-Commerce with 25,000 emails per month.

The Complete package costs $349 and offers 50,000 emails each month.

With the Team package, the price increases to $599 per month and allows 100,000 emails each month.

Aweber

Aweber is a leader in the email software industry for good reason.

Aweber offers total integration with some of your favorite marketing programs, including WordPress, Shopify, PayPal, Facebook, and more.

This makes it easy to create content and draft an email in the same space, saving time and effort.

Aweber also offers email templates that are designed for your type of business and easily customized to communicate the personality of your brand.

Customer service assistance seven days a week is another reason why many marketers choose Aweber.

No matter how well you plan or how reliable the service may be, it is always nice to have access to support when a marketing emergency occurs.

Seven-day support means no more waiting for Monday if you get locked out of your account or have an issue with distribution.

Some other notable features of Aweber include:

• Time-saving autoresponders
• 30-day free trial
• Easy opt-in free importing
• Mobile-ready sign-up forms
• Reliable delivery

The most basic Aweber pricing plan starts at $19 per month and gives you support for up to 500 subscribers.

The more intermediate plans of $29 and $49 give you access to 2,500 and 5,000 subscribers respectively.

At $69, the 10,000 subscriber plan is a jump worth taking for many, and the much pricier $149 plan more than doubles that figure with support for 25,000 subscribers or more.

Get Response

Get response advertises the “world’s easiest email marketing,” and they certainly aim to deliver with a variety of related products and services.

From autoresponders to 99 percent email deliverability, they take email seriously.

Get Response has a great reputation for providing support when customers need it and even offers a way to publish unique landing pages in a matter of minutes.

Most importantly, Get Response has a streamlined email creation system that uses templates to help you create unique and compelling emails that won’t cost a lot of time.

Features include:

• A/B testing
• 24/7 customer support
• Responsive email design
• Email creator
• Customizable autoresponders
• Inbox previews

Get Response offers some of the lowest prices in the email marketing industry with their most popular plan beginning at $25 per month for 2,500 subscribers.

The $15 monthly plan supports 1,000 subscribers, and the most expensive plan is $450 per month and supports 100,000 subscribers.

Mail Chimp

Mail Chimp is easily one of the most recognizable email software providers out there, likely due to the fact that the brand keeps things simple.

From their streamlined website to a simple pricing structure, Mail Chimp is a straightforward service that provides only what you need and does so expertly.

Subscriber profiles allow you to gain insight into your subscribers, making it possible to adjust your email marketing to be even more effective.

The automation and personalization system is one of the most effective in the industry, allowing you to send timely emails that are personalized with each recipient in mind.

Some other notable features include:

• Twitter Tailored Audiences
• Advanced analytics
• Flexible design options
• CRM integration
• CMS customization

Mail Chimp offers three simple pricing packages, including Entrepreneur, Growing Business, and High Volume Sender.

The Entrepreneur package is free and allows you to send 12,000 emails, while the Growing Business package is free up to 12,000 emails and provides support for up to 600,000 subscribers.

The High Volume Sender package supports a maximum of 615,000 subscribers at $2,650.

Constant Contact

Constant Contact is known for its sleek user interface and powerful marketing results.

Users simply sign up to start creating professional emails in a matter of minutes with drag-and-drop templates and editing.

The service also provides list growth assistance and helps you reach out to your target audience on social media.

Some of Constant Contact’s greatest features include:

• Free 60-day trial
• Real-time reports
• Social media integration
• List management
• File storage
• Mobile-friendly templates

The Email Plan costs $20 per month and offers mobile templates, tracks open-rate, clicka, forwarding, and custom advice from the Constant Contact Team.

The Email Plus Plan costs $45 per month and includes all the features of the email plan as well as a customized template.

Constant Contact works on a unique pricing system since you are charged a flat monthly fee based on the number of email addresses in your account.

If you prepay six months in advance, you can receive a 10 percent discount.

Prepay 12 months and your discount increases to 15 percent, while nonprofits get an even greater discount of 30 percent for prepaying a year in advance.

Comparing Services

Each email software provider offers its own unique set of benefits.

If your budget is your primary concern but you are not willing to sacrifice qualify, Constant Contact and Mail Chimp are likely the best options.

On the other hand, if you are looking for more comprehensive marketing management, Infusionsoft may be worth the added cost.

Aweber and Get Response are ideal for those looking for a more middle-of-the-road option as they offer plenty of variety in terms of pricing and go beyond the basics of email marketing.

Email marketing is a great way to generate leads and keep your established customers engaged. For more assistance with your marketing efforts, contact us today for your consultation.

The post 5 Email Software Options appeared first on Six Degrees Digital Media.

History of Spam

If you have an email account, you have probably been the recipient of spam.

Spam is considered any unauthorized email communication that is sent to a large group of users.

Spam can come in the form of special offers, financial propositions, and more.

In some cases, marketers even hijack email and social network accounts so they can send spam to contacts.

I had this happen to me years ago with a company email.

One of the worst parts was all the bounce-back notices.

I ended up having to change my email address.

Despite spam regulations such as CAN-SPAM, spam continues to thrive as a viable marketing solution in the eyes of many online marketers.

The name “spam” comes from a Monty Python sketch and has been in use since the 1980s.

The very first spam messages were sent over telegraph lines.

These early messages were used to send offers to wealthy people in America.

ARPANET, a military computer network that came before the Internet, saw the first modern spam.

In 1978, a spammer named Gary Turk solicited around 400 people through email to advertise his computers.

However, the attempt was not successful.

In 1994, Usenet, which was another precursor to the Internet, was hit by spam advertisements for law services.

The lawyers defended what they had done and even wrote a book about making money by spamming.

From there, spam became more popular and thrives as an industry to this day.

According to studies, spam makes up roughly 70 percent of emails sent each day.

As social networking has become more popular, spammers have found many new avenues to reach a wide variety of readers.

Spammers find it easy to send advertisements to huge contact lists by hijacking social networking accounts.

Social networks do not have the same spam protection email offers, making them easier to exploit.

Spammers find it easy to send advertisements to huge contact lists by hijacking social networking accounts.

The rise of blogging has also contributed to the world of spam.

The minds behind the spam-filtering tool Akismet state that the vast majority of blog comments are spam.

Such messages typically include commercial links and content that is not relevant to the post at hand.

Why People Spam

Spamming is just another way to market products and draw attention to a brand.

Even though spam does not often have good results, that small percentage of people who do respond makes it worth it in the eyes of many spammers.

According to an old 2008 study, spammers have a response rate of 0.000008 percent or one in every 12.5 million emails.

Numbers could vary now in either direction.

More people on the Internet but seasoned Internet users are wiser to spam.

Even though the chances of getting a response are poor, spammers are still able to profit.

Spamming is generally a free practice, and resisting the urge to market a product or brand at no cost is difficult for many marketers to resist.

The same research team that conducted the 2008 study tried another experiment in which they used a network to send out their own spam messages.

After 26 days and hundreds of millions of emails, they only received 28 sales.

However, in spite of the poor response rate, the rate seen in the study would still make a profit of about $100 per day.

According to the researchers, if they scaled up the experiment and sent as many emails as real spammers sent, they could make around $2 million each year.

Even though that number is not impressive when compared to how many messages would need to be sent out, that kind of profit is still worth the trouble to many spammers.

You may be tempted to send spam, but spamming is not without its consequences.

Much like the way keyword stuffing can hurt your SEO, spam can hurt your overall email marketing strategy.

One consequence of spam is that it might tarnish your company’s reputation.

If you become associated with spamming, your company may be seen as desperate or dishonest.

One consequence of spam is that it might tarnish your company’s reputation.

Potential clients, customers, or leads may decide against buying your product or working with you if they receive your spam or hear about it from another source.

Even if your spam results in a few good results, those results may have come at a larger price.

Spam, especially when it is not cleverly disguised, is frowned on by many.

You can make spam look professional and neat, but most recipients will still be able to tell what it is.

There is also the chance of legal consequence, though this is a rare occurrence.

The 2003 CAN-SPAM Act

Towards the end of 2003, U.S. President George W. Bush passed the CAN-SPAM Act, which was aimed at preventing the dissemination of unsolicited marketing messages and adult content.

The CAN-SPAM Act established the first national standards in the United States that concerned the sending of commercial email.

CAN-SPAM covers all forms of non-solicited marketing.

The following types of email are all considered spam:

• One email sent at a time (some think it must be sent through an automated system)
• Unwanted solicitation
• Emails sent indiscriminately to large groups
• Inappropriate or irrelevant emails sent without permission to large groups

However, some have criticized the CAN-SPAM Act for failing to prohibit all types of email spam.

For example, it does not require someone to get permission before emailing a marketing message.

The Act also makes it impossible for states to create up-to-date anti-spam laws.

Individuals who have been spammed are prohibited from using the companies that sent the emails.

Overall, the Act has not been enforced well, even though less than one percent of spam followed the spam regulations set forth in the Act.

There have been some modifications made to the first edition of the CAN-SPAM Act. Such as:

• One example is the addition of definitions of the terms “person” and “sender.”

• Another is the clarification that a sender may be able to follow the guidelines set by the Act by listing a private mailbox or post office box within correspondences.

• There was also a clarification that, in order for an opt-out request to be considered valid, the recipient must be able to opt-out without providing any additional information.

• Also, a recipient of spam cannot be asked to pay an opt-out fee.

• A recipient cannot be asked to take any opt-out steps besides visiting a webpage or sending an email.

Spam Lawsuits

While spam can be successful, it also occasionally results in lawsuits.

In one groundbreaking case, the social networking giant Facebook won a $711 million judgment against Sanford Wallace.

Sanford Wallace, also known by his nickname “Spamford,” is a marketer who logged into Facebook accounts so he could send advertisements to their connections.

Facebook also won an $873 million judgment in 2008 against another spammer.

However, most of the time, spamming goes unpunished.

Even though most spam messages do not comply with CAN-SPAM, busts do not happen often.

Spam will likely continue to thrive even in the face of spam regulations.

For the most part, lawsuits against spammers are unsuccessful.

One example is the 2015 $600 million lawsuit brought against Kraft Foods.

The Circuit Court concluded that the plaintiff, Beyond Systems, was not eligible for recovery because it had consented to Kraft Foods’ email marketing.

This was one landmark case that opened the door for spammers in similar situations.

If spammers can somehow get potential recipients to agree to receive emails and other correspondence, the spammers may be able to defend themselves in court.

With the right message, you can turn an ineffective campaign into a lead-generating machine.

Six Degrees Digital Media can help you create a thriving email campaign through a solid list and optimized messages that will not be flagged as spam. Schedule a complimentary strategy session with us today.

The post What are Spam Regulations? appeared first on Six Degrees Digital Media.

Email marketing is one of those rare forms of online marketing that is both relevant and time tested.

Businesses that use automated emails triggered by the reader are 133 percent more likely to deliver messages that are in tune with the purchase cycle of their customers, according to the Lenskold and Pedowitz Groups.

Businesses in every industry still use email as a major mode of communication between employees, customers and distributors, but many overlook the power of email as a marketing medium.

Automating your email is a great way to improve the efficiency of communications both within and outside of your business, welcome new customers and cut down on the amount of time you spend answering the same questions over and over.

This guide will show you how you how to automate email and make it work for your brand.

How to Automate Email

The first step to automating your email system is to adopt a specialized program like Campaign Monitor or MailChimp.

Which service you choose is largely a matter of personal preference, as all mail automation services offer the ability to send emails that are automatically generated when a visitor to your website takes a certain action, such as registering for a forum, filling out an online contact form or emailing your customer service department directly.

Fortunately, no matter which service you choose, the basic steps for automating your email through most programs are as follows:

• Open the Automation or similarly marked command
• Input your desired email information
• Create a new workflow or set of commands for certain types of email
• Set a trigger, such as joining your mailing list
• Create a subscriber list
• Add content to the automated email template
• Review, finalize and activate

Formatting an Automated Email

When it comes to formatting an automated email sequence, there are no hard and fast rules.

However, it is important to remember that someone who just signed up for your mailing list or subscribed to your service wants only the facts they need to proceed with the next step.

Long company histories are best left to your About page, but you can still find creative ways to add a personal touch to even the most standard of form emails.

Experts say that brevity begins with your subject line, which should be kept to 50 characters or fewer to maximize open rates.

While there is no magic word count for automated emails, the context varies.

Welcome emails should be as brief as possible, since readers will grow bored with an email that is too long but never be disappointed or offended by a short email.

On the other hand, sequential emails that introduce customers to a long-term product or service can be a bit lengthier as long as they discuss relevant information that the reader will find useful and time appropriate.

When in doubt, you can always check your mailbox to observe the type of content and formatting your competitors are sending out to get an idea for what works in your industry.

Sometimes you can learn even more from a competitor’s automated mistakes than their successes.

Common examples of content to place in an introductory automated email include:

• Special offers and “upsales”
• A brief description of the company
• Links to how-to resources
• Relevant company news
• Customer service contact information

Email Sequences

An email sequence is a powerful marketing tool for those in the business of subscription services, online periodicals and communities.

One entrepreneur, the owner of a standardized test prep service, uses automated email sequences to stay connected with customers at crucial intervals of membership.

He sends a fairly brief introductory email to welcome clients to the service and provide links to some resources that will help familiarize them with the site.

A few weeks later, once the free trial membership is about to expire, new members receive a follow-up email reminding them of the trial expiration and offering a 40 percent discount off a one-year subscription.

The 60 percent of trial members who choose to subscribe receive several additional emails over the course of the next few months to introduce them to more features of the service and offer discounts on premium versions and apps.

Those who choose not to subscribe receive another offer one month later with an even more generous discount that leads many to sign up.

This is just one example of the many different ways you can turn automated email into a winning salesman for your team.

Subject Line

You already know that subject lines are best kept short, but content matters as much if not more than length and sometimes what you don’t say is every bit as important as what you do say.

The first major don’t of any automated email subject lines is use of the caps lock key.

Caps lock is seen as a sign of yelling across the Internet and communicates disrespect, which is the last message you want to send new customers.

While exclamation points are not quite as offensive as all caps, they do tend to come across as unprofessional and may get your message flagged as spam before your customers even read your carefully crafted subject line.

Another major automated email faux pas is the practice of using clichéd sales language such as “free,” “money-back guarantee,” “act now,” and “for a limited time only.”

These phrases are not only likely to get your message categorized as spam by your new lead’s email filter but in the customer’s mind as well.

Instead, try to focus on the unique benefits your brand has to offer.

If you run a music subscription service, entice customers with your expanded music library or an exciting feature of your mobile service.

While you may be offering a free trial or an amazing deal, using clichéd language only makes your brand blend in with the crowd, while fresh and concise language tells potential customers that you have something unique and meaningful to offer.

Like other marketing mistakes, automatic email marketing mistakes are often the result of behaviors that are easy to change with a little research.

Spam Percentage

If your email receives too many complaints of spam, your account could be suspended or even closed permanently.

To combat this, you should keep a close eye on your account’s rate of spam percentage, or the amount of time that users are flagging your message as spam.

A high rate may indicate that your subject line falls into one of the several traps listed above, or your content itself could be to blame.

In any case, a high spam percentage should never be ignored since users who are flagging your emails certainly aren’t being converted to customers.

Automated email service Campaign Monitor notifies users if 0.2 percent of emails are flagged as spam.

Accounts in excess of 0.5 percent are temporarily suspended.

These are good general guidelines to follow when considering how much spam is too much.

The industry standard holds that a complaint rate of more than 0.1 percent is too much, but even a low number can give you valuable information.

If a significant amount of your emails are being flagged yet you believe your subject line and email are appropriate, that is a sign your emails could be automatically rerouted to the spam folder for some ISPs.

If you do not include a link that allows users to easily unsubscribe from your emails, your messages are also particularly likely to be treated as spam.

Getting Assistance

Whether you are just familiarizing yourself with the world of automated email marketing or your long-term strategies aren’t quite as effective as they once were, Six Degrees Digital Media can help you develop an impressive automated email campaign.

Contact us today or give us a call today for more information.

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