| It's no secret that I am a BIG advocate of sending | | | | easy and accessible for any small business owner. |
| frequent marketing communications in order to build, | | | | But consider going one step better. I personally use |
| maintain, and grow a business. One way to do that is | | | | and recommend a web-based email marketing |
| by using newsletters and postcards to reach your | | | | services provider called Constant Contact. For a |
| clientele, and if you've been reading this e-newsletter | | | | reasonable monthly fee, they provide fantastic |
| for any length of time, you know that I am quite a | | | | newsletter templates. (Your e-newsletters will always |
| fanatic with regards to these specific methods. | | | | look crisp and professional!) They also offer delivery |
| If you've been contemplating which communication | | | | and list management services, such as adding and |
| method is right for you, I strongly encourage you to | | | | removing names, managing bounced emails, and |
| give e-newsletter marketing a try. It's my favorite | | | | sending automated messages to readers as they |
| marketing tool -- affordable and easy. And best of all, | | | | come on the list. This service saves me loads of time |
| you can create one -- using my directions below -- in | | | | each month. |
| under an hour! But first, here are a few reasons why | | | | If you'd like to try sending an e-newsletter like mine, |
| e-newsletters (short for electronic newsletter) are so | | | | here's how you can do it. Set up a free trial account |
| great: | | | | with Constant Contact. Once you're registered, click |
| - E-newsletters allow you to stay in touch. Your | | | | on the "emails" tab at the top of the page and then |
| clients, potential clients, and colleagues will be | | | | "create." You can use the Email Wizard to view a |
| reminded of your services and products on a regular | | | | variety of newsletter templates, ranging from basic |
| basis. | | | | to high tech, traditional to contemporary. Select one |
| - Those who receive your e-newsletter are being | | | | that appeals to you (you can even play with the |
| educated. An educated customer will be motivated | | | | colors to maintain consistency with your company |
| and excited to buy your products and services. | | | | colors.) Add your logo and/or photo(s). Now you're |
| - E-newsletters are a low-cost method of | | | | ready to go. Just insert your article(s), preview your |
| communication. There are no printing or postage | | | | e-newsletter, give it a proofread, schedule your |
| costs, and no time spent labeling and stamping | | | | e-newsletter (called a "campaign") for your desired |
| envelopes. | | | | date and time, and your job is done. |
| - E-newsletters are nearly instantaneous. With minimal | | | | If you're stalling out at the article-writing stage, just |
| work, you can even have an e-newsletter out the | | | | remember to keep it simple. As far as article content, |
| door (so to speak) in under an hour. | | | | select helpful, timely, educational topics. |
| - E-newsletters can compliment your existing | | | | Once the campaign is sent, you'll be able to see |
| marketing methods and company branding. Match the | | | | instant, measurable data. Constant Contact tracks |
| colors, add your logo, reinforce your tagline or slogan, | | | | how many people open your e-newsletters, how |
| and you've solidified your image once again. | | | | many links were clicked, who clicked on which links, |
| To send an e-newsletter, you simply need an article | | | | and more. So what are you waiting for? Go ahead |
| (or two) per issue, a database of email addresses | | | | and create your very own newsletter. With minimal |
| (you probably already have this), and a method to | | | | effort, you'll create new connections with your client |
| deliver the email. You could send a simple, text-only | | | | base, leading to customer education and satisfaction |
| newsletter from your current email program, such as | | | | and -- your ultimate goal -- increased sales for your |
| Outlook, Hotmail, or Yahoo, putting the email | | | | company. |
| addresses in the Bcc line. This method is certainly | | | | |