No business owner wants to send out spam. Even the term “email blast,” the practice of launching a flurry of targeted messages at customers and prospects, has mixed connotations these days. Still, email remains a viable and even necessary communications channel. Here are four tips to help improve your email marketing and keep them out of recipients’ spam folders:
1. Craft a catchy subject line. It should be no longer than eight words and shouldn’t be in all caps. Put yourself in the customer’s place, particularly considering his or her demographic, and ask yourself whether you would open the email. Also, clearly indicate the message’s content.
Example: Office Supplies Blowout! 30% Year-End Discount
2. Write a compelling headline. The first thing readers see upon opening an email is the headline, so make it:
Different from the subject line,
Short (four or five words),
A larger font size than the body of the message, and
Persuasive.
Example: Rock Your Stockroom Now
3. Make it quick, keep it simple. Most people will read very little text and may not wait for slow-loading images. So think of each marketing email as an “elevator speech,” a quick and concise pitch for specific products or services. And keep images relatively small and easy to download.
Customers want to fulfill their needs at a reasonable price. Don’t expect them to search for answers about whether you can meet these expectations. Tell them why they should buy.
Example: Buying office supplies in bulk now will save you time and money throughout next year.
4. Close with a “call to action.” Instill a sense of urgency in readers by setting a deadline and telling them precisely what to do. Otherwise, they may interpret the email as merely informational and file it away for reference or simply delete it. Be sure to include clear, “clickable” contact info.
Example: Offer expires November 30. Call or visit our website now!
Speaking of calls to action, please contact our firm for help ensuring your marketing initiatives are cost effective.
