|
If you are going to use email marketing as a channel, we recommend using an email service provider (ESP).
The leading ESP’s offer email marketing templates free if you subscribe to their services.
The top three (in terms of pricing, library of free email marketing templates and services offered) are:
- Vertical Response. Learn more about Vertical Response
- iContact. Learn about iContact
- Constant Contact. Learn more about ConstantContact
Why use a hosted email marketing service provider?
One of the best reasons to use ESP’s is the wonderful tracking tools. Many of the top emails service providers integrate their measurement tools with Google Analytics. When you can tie email marketing campaigns to your Google Analytics account, you get a true picture of your campaign’s results.
The graphics packages provided by these ESP’s are also very useful for firms with a small or over-extended design staff. With a wide range of designs offered by the ESP's, senders can usually find the look they need.
What should you look for in email marketing services provider?
Start by defining your key needs. Do you need to build a large list? Do you want in to integrate with Google Analytics (or another stats package)? Do you need help with design and require a robust set of free email marketing templates?
In most cases, you will want to use an email marketing services to grow your business or web site traffic. Your ideal service should help you maintain contact with your target audience, your subscribers and prospects.
Ultimately, you should select a service that helps you deliver messages effectively and measure results easily.
All of the best email service providers offer the following:
- A Full Set of Features
The best ESP’s offer a wide range of useful features to help you create your email messages, send your message and measure results of your campaigns.
- An Easy to Use List Interface
You will want an interface that is easy for you to use. Look for a provider that offers a free trial so you can see for yourself the their program works for you. Give it a full test create and send to make sure the process of setting up a list is straight forward. The best providers will also help you develop your contact list, with features like forward-to-a-friend.
- An Simple Process for Creating Email Campaigns
If you are going to fully embrace email marketing, you want system that makes it easy to launch a campaign. Look for a provider that offers a wide library of design templates. Some providers can also assist you in customizing their templates.
- Useful Reporting Tools
You will want a reporting function that gives you the information you need. Here again the important consideration is your needs. Look for a report feature that provides the information you need an easy-to-understand format. If tracking is important for you, make sure your ESP allows you to add links to your email campaign.
- Responsive Customer Support
We think it’s important to have the option of speaking with a real person (whether via phone or online chat). You should also select a provider with a very deep knowledgebase and a range of online training.
|
