Sending Newsletters To Current Customers - Effect On Sales?

[olimits7]

Hi,

I really haven't been sending out any newsletters to my customers but I will like to start off with maybe a monthly newsletter offering discount coupons, listing special priced products, or a featured product I have listed.

Do you feel like sending out these types of newsletters help increase your sales? Or do your newsletters go un-noticed by customers?

Thank you,

olimits7

[rachel123]

It's going to depend on your niche but we have spectacular success with email newsletters. We will often easily double our normal volume on newsletter day.

Don't mail too often and use a reputable email marketing service.

[ssgumby]

We will typically double or triple our normal volume when we send a newsletter. We send 3-5 per month.

[olimits7]

Hi,

That's very interesting to hear!

I guess I should try sending out a monthly newsletter, and see how my customers respond to it.

1. What type of newsletter do you normally send out? discount coupon? specials? new products? etc?

2. Also, can you post or "sticky mail" me some recommendations for reputable email marketing services?

Thank you, again!

olimits7

[tangor]

I do everything "in house" and use majordomo as the engine. I keep it simple, ie, no html, no images, and not too often. Works pretty fair for followup and notification.

[Wlauzon]

When we had time to send out newsletters - usually 3-5 times a year - we would usually see a 15 to 30% uptick in sales for 3-4 days.

[MisterT]

Definitely send out newsletters on a regular basis, but not too frequently. Keep a close eye on your unsubscribe numbers to give you an idea if you are sending out junk or sending too much. (people tend to unsubscribe for a reason) You got to put value in the newsletters. Even if they don't help generate tons of extra sales, it will help keep your brand and your website on their mind. Newsletters definitely help us drive sales and build brands.

[MisterT]

olimits7, if you are sending small volume, try VerticalResponse. they price their stuff per-email-sent, so for small volume email, they are great. also, they only require single opt-in. many email services require double opt-in, which i do not like (for our business at least)

[ssgumby]

olimits7

Our newsletter is simple and to the point. It always has one big promo code (x% off or reduced shipping), it then highlights a few products we are running specials on, it then asks them to follow us on facebook, twitter and we have a unique message at the bottom very specific to our niche.

We use constant contact and have loved them.

[mvander]

Yes, our newsletter about identical to what ssgumby just mentioned...

Just to add, that creating a Facebook page was probably one of the best things we did for the site. People have said it makes them feel better knowing we are on Facebook. It's almost like a giant testimonial.