Think your South African business is too small to consider email marketing? Worried that it will cost too much or take up a lot of your time? Despite the rise of social media, people actually prefer to engage with businesses and brands through email. If you’re ready to try it, keep these three stages in mind as you plan your strategy.
First, you’ll need to set up a programme for creating and sending emails. Then, you’ll get into the nitty-gritty of crafting compelling emails. Finally, because email programmes allow you to track the results, you’ll need to do some data-crunching.
Choosing the right email software is critical to your success. The sheer number of different options can overwhelm new users. As you research your options, ask the following questions:
- How easy is it to use? If you’re not technical, you’ll want a programme that has templates you can use. Most are very simple to use and you can simply add in text or images to create your newsletters quickly and easily.
- How much support is available? Everybody needs assistance at some point. Make sure it’s easy to get help when you want it. Do you have to log a request or can you pick up the phone and talk to someone?
- How much does it cost? While every programme offers different models, you’ll most likely be charged based on the number of subscribers you have. Increasing your email list will help reduce the cost.
The benefits of email marketing are not limited to companies that sell products. If you offer a service, you can still use newsletters to keep in touch with your customers. Educate them on new developments in your industry, showcase your services with real-life examples and share your knowledge with them. This kind of content goes a long way to establishing your business as an authority and earning trust from new prospects.
Sending out regular, professional looking newsletters to your customers doesn’t have to be a hassle. Before you start, think about what you want to achieve. Are you looking drive more traffic to your website, increase sales or just keep your business top-of-mind for customers?
Do some research online to familiarise yourself with the many options available. Speak to other small business owners about their experience with email marketing. Choose a copywriter that offers you the features you need that will help you achieve your objectives.
This is just the first stage of email marketing. Once you’re up and running you can educate yourself on creating newsletters that get noticed by your subscribers. After a few emails have been sent out, analyse the results and see what works best. Small businesses can also use email marketing to help them grow and succeed—so don’t be afraid to try it!
About the Author – Since she was a little girl, Olivia Colville has always had her nose in a book. Her curiosity knows no bounds and she spends her time collecting stories. Olivia’s greatest wish is to become a sought-after copywriter. Fingers crossed!