Etiquette doesn’t just apply to your table manners; it applies to email marketing too. These unwritten rules of the email world are worth reviewing. You don’t want to offend your customers by making an email faux pas, right? We didn’t think so.
Here are seven email etiquette rules that your small business should follow.
1. Always get permission
Just because someone handed you a business card doesn’t mean he or she wants to get emails from your business. You need permission from each and every customer you email.
2. Make it easy to unsubscribe
Your customers should be able to easily unsubscribe to your emails. The CAN-SPAM laws require this option on every email you send. Don’t worry though, if you’re sending content that has value, your unsubscribe rate will remain low.
3. Make sure the content is error-free
Nothing stains your reputation faster than an email full of misspellings and grammatical errors. Your customers have high standards, so don’t let them down. Use spell check and proofread your email more than once. Remember, spell check won’t catch every error, so read carefully to make sure you haven’t mixed up words like “compliment” and “complement.”
4. Check and double check your links
You don’t want to send an email with broken links. Not only does that defeat the purpose of your email and potentially cost you sales, it also drops your credibility as a company. “The entire point of an email campaign is to generate business,” “People want to be able to act instantly to your message. It is your job to provide them with a quick and easy way to do that.”
5. Send short and concise emails
Short, snappy emails help time crunched readers. Even if you’re sending out your company newsletter, you can offer “teaser” information with a link to the full newsletter.
6. Your subject line should relate to the content
Don’t be deceptive with your subject lines. If your email is about an upcoming sale, say so in your subject line. You can get creative with your subject line, but don’t try to trick your customers into opening the email. Customers don’t respond well to it, and it’s against the CAN-SPAM law.
7. Keep it classy
You want to convey a professional image. To do that, don`t write in ALL CAPS, it looks like you’re shouting at your customers. Don’t go overboard with things like symbols and exclamation marks, either. It’s just not necessary.At its core, etiquette is all about being polite. The same rule applies when you’re emailing. Be courteous and respectful of your customers and their time. Make sure your company is putting its most polite foot forward, and you’ll see success. Want more email marketing etiquette tips? Sign up for the free evaluation from our email experts at WebInteractive. We want to assist you in building your business and profits.
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This post contributed by guest author, Lisa Furgison
