I like MailChimp because it is dead simple to use, has great reporting and integrates with my RSS feed. The RSS integration is a huge plus for me because I don’t have to manually create a newsletter unless I choose to. I just select an e-mail template (or you can upload your own) and create a schedule to send out a newsletter whenever I publish a new blog post.

With their “Forever Free Plan” you can manage up to 500 subscribers and send up to 3,000 emails a month for free.

MailChimp Features:

• build and manage your e-mail lists and make as many sub lists as you want
• create your own e-mail newsletters using wyswyg (what you see, what you get) editor
• use newsletter templates that they provide for you
• schedule times to send newsletters
• conduct surveys
• manage opt-in lists
• embed gadgets that create e-mail sign up options on your blog
• review reports on how many e-mails were read, clicked on, what blog pages they viewed and much, much more

In addition to the standard e-mail options, MailChimp really gets it when it comes to social media and platform integration. They have  plugins for sites like WordPress, Joomla, Drupal and Ning making it easy to add a subscribe option on your site. It integrates with social media sites like Twitter and Facebook. In addition, you can connect it to all kinds of online tools like Google Contacts, Google Docs and Salesforce.

I’ve tried a lot of different e-mail marketing tools in the past and MailChimp is a winner. You can try them out by using their Forever Free Plan, so, if you haven’t already, head on over to their site to create your account.

1. Use permission based e-mail marketing – Ask your users or readers for permission before sending them e-mail. If you plan to purchase e-mail lists, only purchase ones that have a verifiable opt-in status. Response rates will be up to 10 times greater when your e-mail lists are opt-in.
2. Provide a one click opt-out link- Respect your readers wishes and make it easy for them to opt-out if they no longer wish to receive your information. Most e-mail solutions have this functionality built in. If you’re looking for an e-mail marketing tool, read my post on e-mail marketing solutions.
3. Write clear subject lines – Your subject needs to compel the recipient to read further. If your subject is weak, the time you invest in writing a promotional offer in the e-mail will be negated when they click delete.
4. Make your message simple – A marketing e-mail should be designed with a purpose in mind. Keep your message simple and make it easy for your reader to complete the desired action. If you’re trying to get your reader to create an account on your site, link to your sign up page throughout the message and give them reason to complete the signup.
5. Keep the flashiness to a  minimum – Graphics get blocked in many e-mail clients. Make your creative simple and also ensure that the e-mail is legible when the images are blocked.
6. Provide a call to action – Tell your reader what to do next. If you want your reader to visit a page on your site, tell them to. If the goal is to get  them to call, tell them to and give them the number.
7. Be persistent - Research shows that e-mail marketing takes more than one message. Send out newsletters or marketing e-mails on a regular basis. Conversions increase when you send out a consistent message regularly.
8. Track results – Open rates,  number of unsubscribes, links clicked, received messages, conversions and content read. Most e-mail marketing solutions provide detailed reports that offer valuable insight into what your e-mail subscribers do when they receive your message. This allows you to continually improve your message in order to get better conversions.
9. Time your e-mails – When you send your e-mails is almost as important as what you send. For B2B, e-mail messages sent from Tuesday to Thursday have proven to have a higher conversion rate. It’s also important to not send your message in the evening as morning marketing messages tend to get deleted frequently. Try sending emails to your subscribers at different times and use reporting to find out what times are best for your business.

Using these tips with a little trial and error will help you fine tune your campaign in order to get the most from e-mail marketing. Good Luck!

Adding relevant contact details and a link to your website will tell your contacts how they can interact with you online. It will also help you to strengthen your existing network and develop more business relationships.

When creating an e-mail signature, add links to your Twitter, Linkedin and Facebook profile pages, along with any other social media sites you use. This allows your contacts to a reach you on a platform they are familiar with, increasing your chance of reconnecting with them.

Here is an example of my signature for StGermaine.ca

Ryan St. Germaine
www.stgermaine.ca
Business, online marketing & social media

Connect with me on:
Twitter | Facebook | Linkedin

Setting up your e-mail signature

If you’re using Outlook, look under tools » options » mail format.

In Gmail, you can find the e-mail signature options under settings » general. The settings link is located in the top right of your account.

Note: Gmail doesn’t allow linking in their signature option, so you’ll have to use the full web address of any site you list.

For other programs, look for an options or setting link, and, if all else fails, search Google using your e-mail program name + the word signature.

Reconnecting

Now that you have your new signature ready for use, try reconnecting with old friends and business acquaintances. Send them an e-mail asking what they’ve been up to and how they’ve been. If possible, try to meet up in person for a coffee.

Networking is a powerful way to promote yourself if done right. For more on positive networking, visit summer connecting tips from Work the Pond!

I’ve been privileged to have Gayle Hallgren-Rezac (co-author of Work the Pond!) write articles for my BCjobs.ca website. Her advice on networking is absolutely fantastic.

Using their tips will help make your summer even more enjoyable and most likely more prosperous as well.

Happy Networking!