E-mail Marketing Myths Which Should Have Died Years Ago

[4ndr3w]

From my friend and former co-worker Al Iverson:

Using "ADV:" in your subject line. That bill never even passed. It's true. If you think you have to put ADV: in your subject line, what you're doing is wrong on many different levels, and suggests that you're not all that familiar with CAN-SPAM or permission best practices.

Whatever you do, don't use Microsoft Word-generated HTML in your email. Just don't -- trust me on this one. Unless you love really complex content filtering issues that are hard to resolve. Word generates bloated and weird HTML code; it doesn't render well in a lot of instances, and you'll regret it. Simple is better when generating HTML code for use in emails.

A list seller: "We offer only the finest data..." Now if only email deliverability was as easy as postal deliverability... If somebody says they have a list for sale, run away screaming. Getting your mail delivered successfully depends on whether or not recipients recognize your mail and want to hear from you. A bought list means you fail both of those tests.

Much more at Al's delivery blog Spamresource.com - a must-read for anyone thinking of starting an e-mail advertising program.

[mattcarpet]

Some good information you provided here, I've looked at html by word and it is a tad weird/bloated though I've never tested it's cross browser compatibility, so as a designer I second that part for sure, well I second the not buying email list too but more because of ethical concerns.

[rvnet]

Good point!

List owners should know the following:

* Be careful when choosing WYSIWYG html editors while creating html email.

* Don't use javascripts or other complex codes in html emails.

* Always there is a possibility that your subscriber may not enabled the 'html display' option in their email client. So offer 'Text' option email too.

.

[susridpa]

You have an awesome collection of stuff and den, where exactly does your display case sit?

[BeTheBest]

From what we have seen, the plain text mail has a far better chance of getting through the filters.

Create your article; post in on your site or blog; send your e-mail with a simple link to that page.

I think it's far better to get through to your reader than worry about the stats that you can get using HTML e-mail. The stats are in the results (if you're selling)

[OC CPA]

Thanks for the info. What do you suggest about contacting small businesses for the first time to market your services. You think they may be in need so you contact them via email for the first time. does this work at all for attracting clients.

[BeTheBest]

You think they may be in need so you contact them via email for the first time. does this work at all for attracting clients.

I wouldn't. First of all, it could (would) be considered as spam. But most would not open them. I wouldn't.

Although e-mail is a great way to communicate, it is NOT suggested as the first method of contact. As far as I am concerned, I wouldn't even open the mail.

Do you have a website for your business? If you do, you can set up Opt-in e-mail system and then stay in touch and build relationships with your prospects easily and at a very, very low cost.

Remember, there isn't any single one way to market that is best for every single business. Now, maintaining contact and developing your relationships is a different question. To start, you may want to look at flyers, postcards or even radio or other methods. Drive them to your website where you can collect e-mail.

Hope this helps! Good luck!