Are email newsletters a thing of the past?
There have been major shifts in how businesses communicate with their customers – fading are the days of snail mail and physical paper flyers, but is email marketing on its way out the door too?
The simple answer to this is… NO! Email marketing is still an amazing way to get in front of your customer’s eyes, but it can be tricky tactic.
What are the benefits?
1. Build a relationship with your customers
Newsletters offer another way to connect with your customers, and create a space where they can learn more about your brand – while also feeling in the loop.
2. Keep your business top of mind
Even if they don’t open it – getting your name in a customer’s inbox is a reminder that your brand exists. If your click through and open rates are not where you want them – don’t give up so fast!
3. Highlight your strengths
Newsletters are like the Instagram of online marketing. You can show off your best work, offers, prices, stories etc. It is a great opportunity to show the best possible version of your brand – without coming off as inauthentic.
4. Promote or incentivize specific features or services
Have a special of the month? Or an event coming up you really want people to know about? Newsletters are a great way to re-cap on the past – but also place the spotlight on upcoming events that your customers do NOT want to miss!
5. Cost and time effective
In a sea flooded with unread messages, spam emails, and junk mail folders, it is becoming harder and harder to grab the attention of your customers.
Tips to get those open rates higher:
1. Catch their eye
The subject line is literally the MOST important part of a newsletter. Without an enticing subject, your email will be overlooked – or even worse – sent directly to junk mail, never to be seen again.
2. Don’t get blocked
Sending too many emails, or using spammy language and offers can automatically get your emails blocked from a users account. Make sure you have a clean CRM that organizes your contacts into the proper categories. If someone unsubscribes, you can’t just keep sending him or her emails. Thankfully, most CRM software and email marketing software will take the guesswork out of this process. Be sure to get familiar with whatever software your business is using!
3. Keep it short
People are not going to read your 4-paragraph explanation of why they need your business. Keep text to a minimum, and use an email newsletter to drive your audience somewhere else (like your website, store, blog, etc.). The newsletter should not do all the talking – but give your viewers a teaser into more to come or see.
4. Pictures trump words
If you can’t use text – how do you get your message across? PICTURES. Emails can be very visual. The beauty of a picture is that – even if your audience only opens your email for a few seconds, they will still see an image. Using high-quality photos in your newsletter is a great way to catch your viewer’s eye, and keep your company top of mind.
5. Less is more
The shorter, cleaner, and most precise newsletters are the ones that get the best open and click-through rates. We know you have a ton of things you want your audience to know, but by telling too much at once – they will hear nothing at all!
If you want to add email marking into your strategy – reach out to us today! We have experience in many different types of software – and can be sure to choose the best system to highlight your business and work with your current customer database.
If you don’t have a customer database or system in place to collect emails – you REALLY should. But not to fear – we can help you with this too!
No matter the size of your list or your business – we can help. Contact us today to setup a discovery session and let’s rock your 2019 email marketing strategy.
