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Added for You - Newsletters - Keeping Your Customers Informed
Franchising InformationFranchise oppotunities are all around us today. You may pop into Starbucks for coffee and then head for lunch at MacDonalds before returning home and ordering your dinner from another local franchise, Pizza Hut. Many of the most popular outlets you visit may be franchises as they offer the security of a brand name and the attraction of starting your own business.The world of Franchise is certainly complex but many people are now seriously looking at starting a franchise as they look to leave their routine day jobs and embark on an exciting business opportunity and run their own business. Indeed many franchise fairs and seminars are now the perfect location to meet franchise experts and discuss funding and business plans to determine what type of niche you may quickly recoup your investment with.Selecting the correct franchise opportunity is vital and you should research the company history and seek advice from current franchise owners before making important decisions. Many franchise opportunities allow you a great degree of freedom with your marketing and advertising, however many others have trademark guidelines and company policies which you must be aware of before launching a promotion.Joining your local chamber of commerce or business club is a good firs
Top Tips for successful email newsletter campaigns: Getting Subscribers:
· Do not purchase, trade or borrow an email list
Sending email to people who have not specifically requested to receive your mailings (opting in) is almost always regarded as spam. You will succeed only in alienating your potential customers.
· Make signing up and un-subscribing easy and visible
Add a sign-up form to your home page and if possible, somewhere on every page of your web site. You can also ask your customers whether they would like to sign up when you speak with them in person. You may want to ask subscribers only for their email address, first and last name, and one or two other questions such as their interests. This will allow you to target future mailings but not put off your prospects by being too invasive. In general, the less information you require, the more likely people are to sign up.
· Use double opt-in registration
There are two standard methods for online registration, single and double opt-in. Single opt in requires tha
Sales training programs encompass a variety of necessary components; things like company policies, sales paperwork, CRM/sales force automation orientation, sales processes, company services, sales skill training and product features and benefits.But when I ask Sales executives and Sales trainers how their current sales training program is aligned with their sales performance issues I get the look of “No speak English’.Let’s first categorize ‘Sales performance issues’. There are (4) distinct sales performance silos that will effect the overall outcome of any sales team, year in and year out. They are:• % of Sales reps to Quota • Average New-hire Ramp-to-Quota in months • Sales Employee Turnover rate • Time spent versus Result achievedThis is a good place to start in determining what sales skill training to implement to achieve a measurable return on investment. But here’s what will set you apart when you walk the request up to the front office. Start out with the NUMBERS. That’s right. Take a diagnostic view of your current sales performance silos, one by one.Let’s look at a real sales performance issue example of ‘Average New-hire Ramp-to-Quota’. I recently conducted a ‘Sales Performance Improvement Blueprint’ web-cast for this sales organization. The company was hiri
The following article offers advice on how to produce your own newsletter. For more detailed information on how to establish credibility and build online relationships, download our guide “Building Online Relationships” here: http://www.enable-uk.co.uk/html/book_4.html
Producing your newsletter doesn’t have to be a daunting task. The first thing you need to decide upon is the frequency of publication. This is could be based on how much time you can devote to writing each month or possibly the frequency of new offers or products you would like to extend to your potential customers. A frequency of bi-monthly to monthly has been shown to achieve the best results and will probably be a comfortable pace for both you and your readers.
Next you will need to decide upon a format for your newsletter. You can use a graphical format that will allow accurate tracking of open rates, links visited, etc or a text only version that offers a higher level of deliverability. Both have their advantages and disadvantages and a more in-depth look at these can be found in our guide: “Building Online Relationships” which can found here: http://www.enable-uk.co.uk/html/book_4.html
If you wish to proceed with a graphical design you will next need to produce a template design for your layout. Many email list management companies provide online templates for their customers and with many you can also upload your own template. Once this is set up you simply type or paste in your text information online, and an HTML newsletter is automatically created for you.
Now it’s time for the content of your newsletter. Concentrate on topics that your readers will be interested in and offers or product announcements that are appropriate to them.
For example, I once bought some printer ink from an online retailer that offered me the opportunity to sign up for their special offers newsletter. Every month, regular as clockwork, I receive the latest special offers via email. These offers not only include ink, but also other stationary items that may be appropriate. It always prompts me to check my ink supplies, along with my stocks of stationary and a whole range of other similar items before deleting it. If I didn't get that e-mail from them, I would have probably bought the next batch of ink cartridges from whoever came up in an online search. And as it saves me time and because keeping these things all in one place is easier for me, they also now get my orders for stationary items as well.
Your newsletter could be product offerings and special offers mixed in with useful product reviews, or it may be a recap of what's going on in your industry or tips useful to your customers. If you aren't a writer there are often articles available for reprint in most industries. Most of these are available to use free of charge providing that you include a short bio and link back to the writer’s web site. Make sure the content you use has relevant value to your readers and is not just a topic that interests you.
Once written, make sure you archive the newsletter on your web site for additional content and make the archives available for browsing. This will also improve your search engine rankings as the content will be highly relevant and targeted to your customers. Having an archive will also encourage new subscribers as they find you through your articles.
Most web hosts have some mailing list capability, or you can compose and mail your newsletter in Outlook. If you intent to build a sizable list it is often best to use one of the many third-party mailing services, these also take care of the opting in/out process and make sure you adhere to all legal requirements.
I would recommend Vertical Response whom we have used for several years to manage our lists. They can be found here: http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=EavljUFQjXk&offerid=52409.10000007&type=1&subid=0
Top Tips for successful email newsletter campaigns: Getting Subscribers:
· Do not purchase, trade or borrow an email list
Sending email to people who have not specifically requested to receive your mailings (opting in) is almost always regarded as spam. You will succeed only in alienating your potential customers.
· Make signing up and un-subscribing easy and visible
Add a sign-up form to your home page and if possible, somewhere on every page of your web site. You can also ask your customers whether they would like to sign up when you speak with them in person. You may want to ask subscribers only for their email address, first and last name, and one or two other questions such as their interests. This will allow you to target future mailings but not put off your prospects by being too invasive. In general, the less information you require, the more likely people are to sign up.
· Use double opt-in registration
There are two standard methods for online registration, single and double opt-in. Single opt in requires that
Right after the Internet Service Provider's ribbon-cutting ceremony, I met the sales manager for some brainstorming. I came up with a smokin' Unique Selling Proposition. He asked for some help with a company brochure and to call him the following week. I agreed and did the work. He never returned my calls.Next...I finished a few spec assignments for a Christian direct marketing manager. She didn't reply. I e-mailed for her input and she said she'd call back. I'm still waiting.Forward...A realtor e-mailed me thrice for an appointment. I replied all three times by e-mail or voice mail. He never responded back—but continues to ask for an appointment.Have you ever been dealt such slighted hands?I bet you have. Anyone who's involved in their own business has been there, or will arrive soon. There are unscrupulous people who waste your valuable resources. I conclude God has a funny bone when He created such creatures.But if you don't see the humor—incorporate these seven strategies that will screen out such creatures:1) Free consultation: NOT! This is probably the hardest to do when you're starting out. It almost seems like you're turning away business. But there are schmucks whose sole purpose in life is to take your advice and use it for their own advantage without compensati
Next you will need to decide upon a format for your newsletter. You can use a graphical format that will allow accurate tracking of open rates, links visited, etc or a text only version that offers a higher level of deliverability. Both have their advantages and disadvantages and a more in-depth look at these can be found in our guide: “Building Online Relationships” which can found here: http://www.enable-uk.co.uk/html/book_4.html
If you wish to proceed with a graphical design you will next need to produce a template design for your layout. Many email list management companies provide online templates for their customers and with many you can also upload your own template. Once this is set up you simply type or paste in your text information online, and an HTML newsletter is automatically created for you.
Now it’s time for the content of your newsletter. Concentrate on topics that your readers will be interested in and offers or product announcements that are appropriate to them.
For example, I once bought some printer ink from an online retailer that offered me the opportunity to sign up for their special offers newsletter. Every month, regular as clockwork, I receive the latest special offers via email. These offers not only include ink, but also other stationary items that may be appropriate. It always prompts me to check my ink supplies, along with my stocks of stationary and a whole range of other similar items before deleting it. If I didn't get that e-mail from them, I would have probably bought the next batch of ink cartridges from whoever came up in an online search. And as it saves me time and because keeping these things all in one place is easier for me, they also now get my orders for stationary items as well.
Your newsletter could be product offerings and special offers mixed in with useful product reviews, or it may be a recap of what's going on in your industry or tips useful to your customers. If you aren't a writer there are often articles available for reprint in most industries. Most of these are available to use free of charge providing that you include a short bio and link back to the writer’s web site. Make sure the content you use has relevant value to your readers and is not just a topic that interests you.
Once written, make sure you archive the newsletter on your web site for additional content and make the archives available for browsing. This will also improve your search engine rankings as the content will be highly relevant and targeted to your customers. Having an archive will also encourage new subscribers as they find you through your articles.
Most web hosts have some mailing list capability, or you can compose and mail your newsletter in Outlook. If you intent to build a sizable list it is often best to use one of the many third-party mailing services, these also take care of the opting in/out process and make sure you adhere to all legal requirements.
I would recommend Vertical Response whom we have used for several years to manage our lists. They can be found here: http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=EavljUFQjXk&offerid=52409.10000007&type=1&subid=0
Top Tips for successful email newsletter campaigns: Getting Subscribers:
· Do not purchase, trade or borrow an email list
Sending email to people who have not specifically requested to receive your mailings (opting in) is almost always regarded as spam. You will succeed only in alienating your potential customers.
· Make signing up and un-subscribing easy and visible
Add a sign-up form to your home page and if possible, somewhere on every page of your web site. You can also ask your customers whether they would like to sign up when you speak with them in person. You may want to ask subscribers only for their email address, first and last name, and one or two other questions such as their interests. This will allow you to target future mailings but not put off your prospects by being too invasive. In general, the less information you require, the more likely people are to sign up.
· Use double opt-in registration
There are two standard methods for online registration, single and double opt-in. Single opt in requires tha
Almost any advertisement that has struggled for results in the past can earn a second chance with a little dusting off and a simple swivel of the camera. Video camera, movie camera, digital camera, 35mm camera, one of those old 110 cameras with the flash cubes, or even the camera in your mind…it doesn't matter.If your camera is pointed at you it's backwards and you're wasting film and ad dollars (not to mention those hard to find flash cubes).Your potential customers don’t really care about you. (Pause for effect and repeat). Your potential customers don't really care about you. They care about what you can do for them and indeed, about themselves.No news there, right?Most people are already on the same page as you and I – but most people still ignore that fact when it comes time to write ad copy. 30 years in business, bonded and insured, weekly service, competitive rates, family owned and operated, yada, yada, yada, you've heard them all – probably even used a few yourself. The truth is most ads – in print, on the web, on TV, and in the mail – spend tons of space, time, and moolah talking about the company and the products.Most ads leave the most important word out. Most ads just don't seem to work.But if it's so simple, why doesn't everybody who spends money advertising just put that
Your newsletter could be product offerings and special offers mixed in with useful product reviews, or it may be a recap of what's going on in your industry or tips useful to your customers. If you aren't a writer there are often articles available for reprint in most industries. Most of these are available to use free of charge providing that you include a short bio and link back to the writer’s web site. Make sure the content you use has relevant value to your readers and is not just a topic that interests you.
Once written, make sure you archive the newsletter on your web site for additional content and make the archives available for browsing. This will also improve your search engine rankings as the content will be highly relevant and targeted to your customers. Having an archive will also encourage new subscribers as they find you through your articles.
Most web hosts have some mailing list capability, or you can compose and mail your newsletter in Outlook. If you intent to build a sizable list it is often best to use one of the many third-party mailing services, these also take care of the opting in/out process and make sure you adhere to all legal requirements.
I would recommend Vertical Response whom we have used for several years to manage our lists. They can be found here: http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=EavljUFQjXk&offerid=52409.10000007&type=1&subid=0
Top Tips for successful email newsletter campaigns: Getting Subscribers:
· Do not purchase, trade or borrow an email list
Sending email to people who have not specifically requested to receive your mailings (opting in) is almost always regarded as spam. You will succeed only in alienating your potential customers.
· Make signing up and un-subscribing easy and visible
Add a sign-up form to your home page and if possible, somewhere on every page of your web site. You can also ask your customers whether they would like to sign up when you speak with them in person. You may want to ask subscribers only for their email address, first and last name, and one or two other questions such as their interests. This will allow you to target future mailings but not put off your prospects by being too invasive. In general, the less information you require, the more likely people are to sign up.
· Use double opt-in registration
There are two standard methods for online registration, single and double opt-in. Single opt in requires tha
SimplicityDo not over complicate the CV. It is your one and only chance to impress the reader, so keep it simple and pull out your strongest points to sell yourself. Keep it short, to the point and punchy.AchievementsAchievements are important to highlight and shows the reader the level of your ability. Use active verbs, such as, managed, led, responsible for, achieved as this just highlights all of your skills in an effective way.Work chronologicallyThe CV should start with your current or last employment and work backwards. If this is your first job, then list any work experience you have got in the construction industry. If you have many years experience, include about 5 previous employers. Include the employer’s name, job title, start and end dates and include a short description of your job along with your major achievements.HonestyAvoid lies and exaggerating. If you are lucky enough to be invited to an interview, you will be asked to elaborate on what you have put in your CV. Interviewers can identify liars via body language. If you get caught out, you will not even be considered for the role – so it is not worth it.EducationMake sure you include your education but perhaps highlight those achievements made at this stage of your life (outside of work) e.g. cap
Once written, make sure you archive the newsletter on your web site for additional content and make the archives available for browsing. This will also improve your search engine rankings as the content will be highly relevant and targeted to your customers. Having an archive will also encourage new subscribers as they find you through your articles.
Most web hosts have some mailing list capability, or you can compose and mail your newsletter in Outlook. If you intent to build a sizable list it is often best to use one of the many third-party mailing services, these also take care of the opting in/out process and make sure you adhere to all legal requirements.
I would recommend Vertical Response whom we have used for several years to manage our lists. They can be found here: http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=EavljUFQjXk&offerid=52409.10000007&type=1&subid=0
Top Tips for successful email newsletter campaigns: Getting Subscribers:
· Do not purchase, trade or borrow an email list
Sending email to people who have not specifically requested to receive your mailings (opting in) is almost always regarded as spam. You will succeed only in alienating your potential customers.
· Make signing up and un-subscribing easy and visible
Add a sign-up form to your home page and if possible, somewhere on every page of your web site. You can also ask your customers whether they would like to sign up when you speak with them in person. You may want to ask subscribers only for their email address, first and last name, and one or two other questions such as their interests. This will allow you to target future mailings but not put off your prospects by being too invasive. In general, the less information you require, the more likely people are to sign up.
· Use double opt-in registration
There are two standard methods for online registration, single and double opt-in. Single opt in requires tha
Feedback can be a wonderful thing. It tells you where you stand in the scheme of things. Most of the world isn't as straight forward as eBay, where you will get feedback on a regular basis if you buy or sell items. A high feedback score can be very useful to you, but in the beginning you are stuck at the bottom.You need to take care of your feedback profile, because it is your reputation in the eBay community. If you intend to sell items, you want to be trusted by your potential customers. But how can you get your score up if no one will buy from you yet? First, let's examine the feedback system briefly.Each eBay user id has a number in parenthesis. This number is the number of positive feedback entries the user has received. For example, naughty(12) has twelve positives total. A negative feedback is a -1 to the total. Neutral Feedback of course has no effect either way.One aspect of feedback that may be overlooked when you are starting out is that each eBay member can only affect your score once. Let's say you buy 48 items from JohhnysDepot and don't buy from anyone else. He gives you positive feedback 48 times. Your score will be 1 until another member gets in the picture.Now, how to raise your score? Well, you can just get in on a few auctions here and there and buy items you want for yourself
Top Tips for successful email newsletter campaigns: Getting Subscribers:
· Do not purchase, trade or borrow an email list
Sending email to people who have not specifically requested to receive your mailings (opting in) is almost always regarded as spam. You will succeed only in alienating your potential customers.
· Make signing up and un-subscribing easy and visible
Add a sign-up form to your home page and if possible, somewhere on every page of your web site. You can also ask your customers whether they would like to sign up when you speak with them in person. You may want to ask subscribers only for their email address, first and last name, and one or two other questions such as their interests. This will allow you to target future mailings but not put off your prospects by being too invasive. In general, the less information you require, the more likely people are to sign up.
· Use double opt-in registration
There are two standard methods for online registration, single and double opt-in. Single opt in requires that you enter an email address into a web site and click on the sign up or subscribe button. With double opt in you will be sent an email to the address you have used when signing up and you will need to click a link on it in order to verify that you wish to receive the publication. Double opt-in is the preferred method because it requires confirmation and therefore establishes that it is the owner of the email address that has signed up.
· Link to your privacy policy
Place a link to your privacy policy near to your list subscribe form. Your policy should describe how you handle the information you collect and how people can contact you in case they have any concerns or questions. It is also a good idea to confirm that their information will not be sold, rented or passed on in any way to any third parties.
Maintaining your subscriber list:
· Send a welcome message to each new subscriber
When you receive a subscription request, send a welcome message immediately. Include a description of what they will receive and how frequently, and how to unsubscribe. It is also a good idea to try to get them to return immediately to your web site. You can offer a timed discount or a link to previous free articles, anything you think that might get them to look again at your offering.
· Keep accurate sign-up records
Occasionally you or your Internet service provider (ISP) may receive a spam complaint from someone who forgot they subscribed to your list. Keep accurate records that include the date and web address from which they signed up. Using a third party mailing service should prevent this.
· Ask your members to opt in again if you are using an older list
If you have not sent a mailing for a while, ask subscribers to indicate that they want to continue to remain on your list by sending you an email, clicking a link or visiting a web page. Make it as simple as possible to reaffirm their interest to avoid losing potential customers.
· Remind people that they subscribed
Include a standard heading each time you send a message. A short note such as “Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter” will remind recipients that they requested your mailings and that the content of the newsletter will be of interest to them.
Producing an effective newsletter:
· Avoid spam terms in your subject line and message text
If your message contains words frequently used by spammers, people will delete it and possibly file a spam complaint. ISPs often filter emails with suspicious subject lines; also note that it is illegal to use deceptive or misleading ones. Avoid obvious spam words like “free” and if in doubt, good mailing services offer a free spam check facility prior to your newsletter being sent out. They will actually scan the newsletter and alert you to any words that might set off the spam filters.
Vertical Response offer this service, click here for a free trial: http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=EavljUFQjXk&offerid=52409.10000007&type=1&subid=0
· Include your physical address and phone number
Put your phone number and postal address in your message. This allows readers to contact you to place an order or inquire about your services. In addition, legislation in some countries requires that physical addresses are included on commercial email messages.
· Send your mailings regularly
Keep in touch with your subscribers frequently so they don’t forget they signed up to receive your mailings. They will begin to anticipate your messages if you adhere to a regular schedule.
· Reply promptly to each inquiry or spam complaint
If you receive an inquiry or a spam complaint, respond to it as soon as possible. Always include the subscriber’s sign-up information with your response.
Following these simple suggestions will help you retain your subscriber base, which is fundamental for a thriving permission-based electronic newsletter or marketing campaign.
If you are considering using a third party mailing service, I would recommend that VerticalResponse's iBuilder is the email marketing solution you need to build your opt-in mailing lists, publish your online newsletters and manage your direct email advertising campaigns, right from your browser
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