Online Email Marketing for Beginners
Online email marketing is one of the crucial fundamentals for every company that is serious about harnessing the potential of the the web. In contrast to other conventional methods of marketing, the use of email creates an instantaneous method of bringing content to both prospects and customers alike. Moreover, the response of those customers and prospects can be followed, presenting the company owner with information that will help refine further marketing efforts in the future.
Online Email Marketing Systems
There are three vital things necessary when formulating an e-mail focused marketing plan online. The first element is an effective subscription or “optin” system. This system achieves two key functions. The first function is providing a mechanism by which prospects and customers can sign up to receive regular content broadcast by the business through email. The second process is what is normally referred to as “double optin” feature. Which means that a subscriber is asked to confirm their subscription request through a separate email prior to being included in the email marketing list. This second process is made to comply with anti-spam laws and decrease the number of unsolicited email claims.
Another key element in the marketing strategy is the implementation of an email autoresponder system. This system automates the process of following up with individuals that have already registered and authenticated their subscription. A sequence of follow up letters are created along with the time frame that they are to be delivered. Most autoresponders will permit numerous subscriber campaigns to be created, this functionality offers the business owner the opportunity to run multiple online email marketing campaigns at once. This is incredibly ideal for those who are want to promote multiple lines of products or run regular short term promotions.
The last essential element of a successful online email marketing strategy is a contact management system. This system automates the task of administrating the subscriber list. A good example of this would be the automatic removing of a recipient who clicks the unsubscribe hyperlink in the marketing e-mail. The system would instantly adjust the subscriber’s status to unsubscribe and no additional emails would be received by the former subscriber.
Online Email Marketing Service Providers
These kind of key features are generally packaged with each other and provided on a monthly enrollment basis by email service providers. In addition to these basic features many providers will provide subscriber analytics and tracking, so that the business owner can target future campaigns on people most responsive to the content being presented. Other helpful tools include customizable lead capture forms, social media integration and hosted lead capture webpages. Any savvy business person knows that the secret to long term success comes from building a profitable marketing list. The systems and technologies currently available make the process of online email marketing both reasonably priced and easily managed for businesses of all sizes.
