10/29/2005

Getting A Higher Open Rate

The name of the eNewsletter game is "Opens". Nothing happens until someone opens your letter so this subject deserves a lot of attention. So, what brings a higher percentage of opens?

It all starts with the mailing list. If the list is not composed of people/companies that might have an interest in what you have to offer, you are dead from the start.

A second factor is the "Subject" line of the eNewsletter. These few words are what is going to stimulate them to open the message. You can write the rules as well as we can - about what the subject line should say. It is common sense that there should be an implied benefit in the subject line statement. Another effective hook is the promise of useful news. A third appeal is a personal one - a subject line that suggests the eNewsletter has something to say that affects the reader personally.

Of course there are many other considerations but we aren't going to give away all of our secrets!

A third factor affecting the opening rate is the day and time of day that the letter is published. You need to have the eNewsletter appear at a time when the prospective reader is most likely to be looking at his email. Like first thing in the morning.

As for day, Mondays and Fridays are usually full of distractions and email reading can be deferred on these days. For most clients, we like Tuesday morning.

Actually, there is so much to be said on this subject of opens, we could do a chapter on it. So, talk to us if you are not happy with your open rates. We are confident that we can improve them.

Prescott "Pete" Lustig
Senior Marketing Strategist
www.loopconsulting.com

10/18/2005

RSS For Ads

The article below by Bill Flitter got me thinking about RSS technology and its existing and future potential for information distribution. The article is mainly about RSS Advertising, but it provides a good look at the details of user segmentation and information distribution using RSS tech.

How to Buy RSS Advertising - Part II: The Media Plan by Bill Flitter

Give it a look. It got me thinking of the future- maybe it does the same to you
.

Marcos J. Menendez
President
www.loopconsulting.com


10/15/2005

Growth Actions For Loop Consulting Group

We are growing rapidly and need additional room, so we have leased space at:

9485 S.W. 72nd Street
Miami, FL 33137
305-271-9915

Accompanying this expansion we are seeking to hire someone to back up Marcos. This person should be knowledgeable about E-commerce communications, well organized and able to handle work-flow charts, bird dog jobs in work, do billing and paying, attend meetings with our account managers and write conference reports. There will also be some writing assignment for blogs and e-newsletters. Initially this will be a half-time job.

If you are interested, or know of someone who may be, send us a resume via email to mmenendez@loopconsulting.com

10/10/2005

Special Effects In eNewsletters

Did you know that your eNewsletters don't have to be restricted to just text and static pictures? Because these are html documents you can have all of the effects that are possible for web sites.

Want some music to automatically play? You can have it.

Want to have a video play by selection from a link? It can be done.

Want to have a visitor registry? No big deal.

Just stretch your imagination when it comes to your eNewsletters and you can make them come alive -- can make them stand out from the usual offerings.

Prescott "Pete" Lustig
Senior Marketing Strategist
www.loopconsulting.com

10/04/2005

How Many Emails Are Too Many?

A very smart lady, who is a pro when it comes to public relations, asked me the following question:

"Someone asked me if there was a statistic that cites how many emails are too many? On a weekly basis let's say, with product announcements. Any ideas?"

With utmost respect for the recipient’s privacy and time, the nature of product/service determines the frequency of delivery or how many times to deliver a message.

For example: If it's ultra critical beta testing development software that require new patches every other day, then the recipients (developers/designers) will be glad to receive product updates by email every week. Another example would be, stock fluctuations information for stocks you are heavily invested in or are hedging, this might be news or updates you would want daily.

Bottom line: Ask yourself the golden question “Is what I’m sending add value to my client or prospect?” Does it enhance the product or service?

This article may help as well.
When Does More Email Become Too Much? By Nick Usborne

I hope I was able to help.


Marcos J. Menendez
President
www.loopconsulting.com