Email Marketing Dos and Don’ts

So you want to manage your email marketing campaign with precision and aplomb. The it’s time to get serious! Take a look at the following list of dos and don’ts.

Dos

• Get real with your subject line. (something better than My June Newsletter…)
• Strike the right balance between images and text. (don’t go heavy on either side)
• Brand more than just the “from” name. (you have your address and your title to work with)
• Focus above the fold. (more than half of all recipients use a horizontal preview window)
• Design for multiple display possibilities. (html, plain text and the “no images displayed” view)

Don’ts

• Do not send an email to people who didn’t ask for it. (stay legit)
• Do not utilize an invalid reply-to address. (keep it real)
• Do not send too often. (think 2-3 times a month, max)
• Do not forget to personalize your message. (send it to all the first names in your db)
• Do not forget to test. (that’s why your email marketing account has the capability)

One more thought: A study by MarketingSerpa found that your audience will read more of an email’s actual content, as long as there are graphics near the top of the email. Think about it – people want to be drawn in. So think visually before you type.