Is your company taking part in e-mail marketing? If not, you should. It's an easy, inexpensive way to keep in touch with clients and attract new ones. And it's not going away any time soon. If you're wondering where to begin, here's a quick guide to get you started.
What is E-mail Marketing? Simply put, it's sending a message about your company or products via email. It can be as basic as a typed e-mail message or as complex as a message that includes graphics, multiple links or even forms and surveys. Many people scoff at the concept of e-mail marketing, saying it's nothing more than spam. In some cases, yes it is "spam," which is the term used for unwanted, junk e-mail. However, I'm not asking you to become a "spammer." People who send spam do not ask people first if they want to receive their e-mail. By creating a contact list comprised of people who agree to receive your e-mail, or sign up to receive them, you are not only staying on the right side of the law, you are gaining a contact who is actively interested in your company and what you have to say. People who willingly sign up to be on your list are more likely to read what you send, and getting people to open and read your messages is exactly what e-mail marketing is all about.
There are really three simple steps to starting an e-mail marketing program:
