Website Articles

Checklist for a Successful E-mail Campaign

E-mail marketing has certainly changed over the past year or so (the most significant changes being the increase in e-mail blocking and filtering and the signing of the new Federal Can Spam law). These changes have resulted in updates to e-mail marketing practices that all legitimate e-mail marketers should follow. The difference is that some of these practices are now required by law.

1. Are you using a good permission policy? Make sure you have a pre-existing business relationship and/or affirmative consent.

• Pre-existing business relationship - The recipient of your e-mail has made a
  purchase, requested information, responded to a questionnaire or a survey, or had offline contact with you.
• Affirmative consent - The recipient of your e-mail has been clearly and fully notified of the collection and use of his/her e-mail address and has consented prior to such collection and use.

2. Does your "From" line include your company name or brand?

3. Is your "Subject" line the right length? (5-8 words, 40 characters including spaces)

4. Does your "Subject" line incorporate a specific benefit?

5. Does your "Subject" line include your brand (if for some reason your "From" line does not)?

6. Is your e-mail targeted, relevant and timely?

7. Is your e-mail personalized with the recipient's first name, last name or both, if appropriate?

8. Is your e-mail copy clear and concise?

9. Does it contain a strong call-to-action?

10. Are you prepared to handle inbound e-mail responses and questions resulting from your outbound e-mail campaign? Follow through is as important as the first contact. Do not miss the opportunity to open a two-way dialogue with these interested recipients.

11. Have you proofread the "From" line, "Subject" line and e-mail copy thoroughly?

12. Have you checked all links to be sure they work properly?

13. Have you previewed and sent yourself a test in both HTML, and text?

14. Does your e-mail include a way for recipients to unsubscribe, i.e., an unsubscribe/opt-out link and/or instructions?

15. Are you prepared to handle all unsubscribe requests within 10 days of the request?

16. Are you using good mailing practices? Have you been honest and truthful?

17. Have you used a legitimate header?

18. Have you used a valid "From" address?

19. Is your "Subject" line straightforward, vs. misleading?

20. Is your physical address included in your e-mail campaign?

There are many ways that your web site can play a more productive role in your sales and marketing effort -- just one of these is an effective permission-based e-mail program.

Give us a call at 401-454-1487, and we can help you identify an Internet program that will support your own set of business goals -- within your budget and technology comfort level.

Article source:
WebsiteDesigner.Com web design