Question

Topic: E-Marketing

Email Marketing To Complement Online Publication

Posted by betterwords4you on 2/10/2008 at 9:32 AM ET 250 Points
My new online publication will go live soon and I'm thinking of using email marketing to generate interest for the site. Is this a good idea? If so, how might I offer a free content consultation in the email so people will get interested in the site?

I'm new to online publishing as well as email marketing so any and all suggestions are appreciated
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  • Posted by Inbox_Interactive on 2/10/2008 at 10:10 AM Member
    When you say email marketing, what do you mean? Renting lists to let people know about your new online publication. I am not a fan of that strategy.

    What do you mean by a free content consultation?

    Are you talking about marketing methods to get advertisers for your publication, or readers?

  • Posted by betterwords4you on 2/10/2008 at 11:11 AM Author
    Inbox_Interactive, thanks for asking good questions that help clarify the question.

    I don't have, and don't intend to rent, an extensive list. Over the last few months I've acquired a stack of business cards from people who expressed an interest in my publication. I plan to use those contacts as my starter database.

    Although I didn't get their specific approval to send emails, I'll offer a free site content "audit," so the email shouldn't be considered spam. The audit will be along the lines of what we see on the MarketingProf SEO/SEM forum, but about effective writing. It'll be presented in a way that should remove any suspicions that they've gotten another sales pitch. Info on my physical address here in Sugar Land, and the business name in my return email address, should also help with credibility.

    Instead of overt marketing stuff I'll include forms for feedback, comments and queries along with links to such content.

    The emails and publication will both be designed with enough value so some readers may eventually consider becoming my customers; and with enough visitors I hope to soon be generating ad revenue.
  • Posted on 2/11/2008 at 1:10 PM Accepted
    I have been using Constant Contact for 6 months or so. I get complimented on my professional emails all the time. It is very easy to use and comes with a 60 day free trial. Which I used to set everything up and designed some of my first emails. I didn't pay until I was ready to import my email addresses.
    You need to have some offer to drive people to your site. Is your site free or do they have to pay a subscription fee? If so say the first 50 people to sign up receive 6 months free.

    The 2 most important tips about emailing are:
    Subject Line Why should they open this email
    Offer Why should I click this link

    Oh and one more thing Constant Contact will allow you to see how many opens and how many click troughs your getting. If nothing else check out there website.
    https://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp
    Good Luck in whatever you do.....
  • Posted by flanger on 2/13/2008 at 12:44 PM Accepted
    I think that the best solution is to use e-mail marketing - mass mail software. I use this one https://www.massmailsoftware.com/blog/ and really adore it - it's easy, fast. Check it and you'll get many subscribers in short time
  • Posted on 2/13/2008 at 2:11 PM Accepted
    I'd go straightforward.
    Using the above mentioned email programs, (which can personalize the address) ... I'd say,

    "Hi Bob. You gave me your business card because you said you were interested in my publication. It's online now and here's a peek. Let me know what you think."

    Teaser for Article One
    Teaser for Article Two
    etc

    With Constant Contact you can even track which articles are clicked on (a good way to test interest in content).
  • Posted by betterwords4you on 2/13/2008 at 10:21 PM Author
    Thanks for the very good advice, everyone!

    Since I'm a writer, and my web site isn't live yet, I may do the kinds of emails you recommend (not blasting, maybe 10-15 personalized emails a day) offering a free report with (seven?) tips about business writing, targeted to my niche market of high-tech startups.

    If any of you are interested please contact me directly by email.

    Take care and have a great year.
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