A Checklist
Here's a quick checklist of what your IT staff needs to know to make your organization's newsletter program successful and efficient. (For a print-ready PDF version, click here.)
Technique |
Description |
Offer many opportunities to subscribe |
Every page of your web site should include a "Subscribe" box, even if it's just a little banner ad. Provide an option to subscribe at the end of your checkout process, and on your registration page. |
Shop for new subscribers by archiving old newsletters |
Archived newsletters can help generate traffic to your web site. Submit those archived pages to search engines. |
Let current subscribers spread the news |
If subscribers find your newsletter to be interesting and useful, a quick click of a link should let them refer their friends. |
Avoid accusations of spamming |
Confirm all subscriptionsparticularly referred addressesvia email. If you're outsourcing the sending of your newsletters, make sure that your provider isn't featured on ISP spam filters. |
Let subscribers choose between text and HTML formats |
Give subscribers a choice when they sign up, and send the newsletter in the format they requested. |
Track response to your HTML newsletters |
The whole point of this endeavor is to drive more traffic on your site. Create a way to track HTML newsletters so you'll know how you're doing. |
Provide an easy escape |
For recipients who want out, make unsubscribing easy. Mention your privacy policy in every newsletter and respect the wishes of any subscriber who wants off your list. |
Take advantage of automation |
Set up your registration and subscription processes to collect information and dump it into your database. Let subscribers update their info on a special page (and make it easy to use). Cross-sell newsletters with multiple opt-ins. |
Weigh your options carefully when considering outsourcing |
Keep your email process in-house if you:
Choose a combination of outsourcing/self-service if you:
Outsource the sending of your newsletter if you:
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