Are you missing out by not using Email Marketing?
How would you like to be able to reach your customers when, and where you choose? Social media leaves you lost in the algorithm, or paying a premium to reach your audience. But email marketing gives you the opportunity to get in touch with them directly.
And now, more than ever, in the time of the ‘virus-who-shall-not-be-named’, do everything you can to get in front of your customers. They can’t support you, if they don’t know you’re still operating.
Does email marketing even still work?
That’s a big ol’ resounding yes. It does. If your customers want to hear from you, then they’ll open their emails. The thing is, you have to have something interesting to say. One of my favourite cafe’s is doing weekly menus, often I don’t see this weeks meals on socials. But, I get the weekly email to tell me what they are, and I always open it.
Who does it work for?
It can work for any type of business. Well, any business that has customers or clients. If you’re wondering how it could work for your business, hit reply and let me know.
Doesn’t it take a long time to write an email?
Not at all. You’re already doing the hard work preparing your words and images for socials anyway, why not add sending an email into your workflow as well. I’ll let you in on a little secret, writing the words is the most time consuming part.
Your emails can be long or short. It simply depends on the message you’re trying to get across. My cafe from above, needs only post the start time for the new menu, opening times, and the new menu for the week. Ta da! Done. 5 minutes tops.
What can I send via email?
Well, it depends what you do.
- Cafe’s and restaurants can send out weekly menu’s or specials
- I like to send out round ups of links that are helpful to my clients - news and tips that can help them where they are right now
- Specials you’re promoting for a particular occasion (ahem … Mothers Day is coming up)
- Articles that show you’re an expert at something
- Share a customer success story
- Surveys and ask for feedback
- Your perspective on the your industry
- Feature your staff members and how they can help your customers
- New products or product updates
- Tips on things that can help your audience right now or in the future
- Behind the scenes of your workplace
- Your story about how you’ve learned how to do something, or a lesson you’ve learned along the way
- A roundup of businesses you support that your customers might like too
- Answer a frequently asked question
I could go on and on about all the topics you could write about, but I’ll leave it there for now. You can always book a call and we can brainstorm for your particular business.
Is it expensive?
You can get started for free on some services. There are a number of email newsletter services that offer free basic accounts. These are some that we like …
Like all free things, they have their limits. So have a look at them and see which you like best. They’re great for getting started, and the plans can expand with extra features as you grow into it. And if these ones don’t work for you, there’s tonnes of others out there. Also, check out their fine print—I’m not a lawyer or pretending to play one on the internet.
Who can I add to my list?
So this is a biggie that many newbies overlook. You get so excited about your email list that you just want to share with everyone, but can’t just add anyone to your list. For Aussie based businesses, we have some rules that we need to stick to, the Australian Communications and Media Authority has all the details on who you can send to, and what you must do. It’s an easy 2 minute read, you can find it here.
- You can add a sign up form to your website, promote your sign up on socials
- Asking customers in store if you can add them to your list
- They’re a current customer and your message is related to the product or service they’ve already bought from you
Take a look at the ACMA list and you might come up with more ideas about who you can add to your list.
Final thoughts on email marketing
So should you use email newsletter marketing? Well, that’s a decision that’s entirely up to you but it can be an amazing way to stay in touch with your customers.
One final thought, with any marketing, be thoughtful of who you’re adding to your list. Do they really want to hear from you? Are you giving them something useful? Don’t spam the proverbial out of those that don’t want to hear from you.
If you need help working out if email newsletters are a good option for you, get in touch on 03 5439 5801 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..