Many newbie Internet marketers think they have it all figured out when it comes to email marketing - the right products, killer copy, the right amount of urgency in email messages balanced with informative and useful information. And while they may be right about one or two things - sales (or lack of) may be saying something else.
Asking for advice, help or just opinions from friends, family, co-workers, bloggers, Internet marketers and subscribers is a great way to generate new ideas or tweak current ones. Don't be afraid to ask for help every now and then - most people are very willing to help.
Test, Test, Test
Before sending any piece of correspondence to those on your subscriber list, ask at three people to review the material to see if they clearly understand your message. If not, then you need to rethink and rewrite the copy before sending it to hundreds of total strangers.
When asking for opinions, set specific parameters so you can digest the information you receive and quickly make changes. Parameters may include:
- Proofreading - check for spelling mistakes, grammar or punctuation errors
- Syntax - verify that materials make logical sense and flow to those reading them
- Design - too crowded, too much white space, readable (make sure font is large enough, graphics don't interfere with font)
- Message - ask readers what they think the underlying message is to see if it is what you intended
Don't expect expert opinions every time; just expect people to tell you what they see so you can make the proper changes. Unfortunately, when you spend too much time up close and personal with a project, you start to miss or neglect those tiny details.
Mix It Up
Try to get varied opinions from people including close friends, fellow Internet marketers, writers and other professionals.
If don't know any Internet marketers, read their blogs to get tips on how to make your copy better, for example. The success of high volume email depends on the amount of sales, not just getting people to read your email. Incorporate tips from others who are successful to increase your chances of making more sales.
Use social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook or Google+ to mix and mingle with other Internet superstars - ask questions and then take the advice you've learned and use it.
Ask Your Subscribers
If you're stuck on what to write about or you've exhausted a particular topic, send a short survey to subscribers asking them what they're interested in learning more about. This is a great way to connect with other people and get the help you need to remain successful.
Subscribers will also tell you what they don't want to know about - which can be just as informative. Provide quality content at all times and you will see an increase in sales each time you send mass email.