Email marketing is one of the simplest and effective ways to increase sales. There are some important things to consider when launching a successful campaign:

1. What is the goal of the email campaign?

Is it to invite people to an event or promote a new product? Is it a monthly newsletter? Or, is it part of a drip email campaign that is attempting to sell something? If you have another marketing strategy, then your email marketing should be integrated into the bigger plan.

Your subject line should lead the reader to open the email. Think about all the junk mail most people receive from businesses – it can be overwhelming and your email needs to stand above the crowd.

The body content of the email should be personalized and capture the features and benefits of whatever you are promoting. The most effect way to present the information is in an advertorial style:

Headline

Subheadline

• Feature/Benefit Statement
• Feature/Benefit Statement
• Feature/Benefit Statement

Keep the small talk and drivel to a minimum and quickly steer the prospect towards the goal of the email campaign. Every email should have a single call to action that pushes the reader further down the campaign funnel. To improve response rates, use trust-based selling tactics instead of the hard sell. Offer the reader valuable information as often as possible.

2. Design

It is important to present the content of your email professionally, yet concisely, as possible. Integrate the look with your brand name and web site at the footer. Double check the grammar and spelling of the content.

Ensure the email can be opened by a variety of platforms, including plain text. HTML emails are more likely to get caught in spam filters and excessive links can raise the spam rating of the email. Test the images, margins and other potential formatting issues. Test all links supplied in the email.

3. Know the CAN-SPAM Act

The best email leads are acquired via a double opt-in which also ensures they comply with the CAN-SPAM act. A double opt-in requires prospects to verify their account and information before they are added to your list. Prospects and customers should always be able to opt out of your list at any time.

4. Retention

Keeping your repeat customers happy is important. If a customer complains, address the issue promptly. Keep your mailing list up to date and remove delinquent email addresses to avoid being labeled as spam. To retain audience attention, use customer participation tactics such as voting, updates, or expert information and rewards.

To learn more about email marketing services, contact Halo Effects, an Arizona internet marketing firm for a free assessment of your internet marketing plan.