Marketing Virgin

These days it’s almost impossible to get someone to read your e-mail. I’m a pretty difficult subject myself, half the time I don’t even read the e-mails my own friends send me! Then again, all I get from them is…(Fwd:Fwd:Fwd:Fwd:Fwd:Read this!!!). So in business, how do you get your prospect to open your e-mail?

First, it takes a good “from” address. Use your brand name for recognition.

Second, the headline. This is the subject line of the e-mail. Make it short, make it relevant to the actual e-mail, and include your brand name again. As a general rule, keep it to under 35 characters.

Third, send your e-mail on the right day. E-mails are generally opened earlier in the week than later. I recommend sending them on Tuesday’s. People often have a full inbox on Monday’s and as the week drags on, e-mail fatigue sets in and they are less likely to view your e-mail.

Fourth, add personalization inside the e-mail. Add the recipients’ name. For example, “Dear Andrea” will often peak my interest over “Hello”.

Finally, test, test, test! Never send an e-mail without testing it first.Keep in mind that there are two types of e-mail: HTML and Text Only. HTML e-mails are attractive – often containing nice graphics and a good layout. The drawbacks of HTML are that not all e-mail recipients can view your content, and it runs a greater risk of being caught in a spam filter.  

E-mailing Services:

Autoresponder Plus

AWeber

ConstantContact

GetResponse

Global IntelliSystems

Got Campaigner

IntelliContact

Topica

VerticalResponse