SmallBusinessNewz

Email marketing is still one of the most effective online marketing strategies, despite the growing popularity of social media. Like any other form of marketing, email marketing campaigns are only as good as the effort you put into them.

Email marketing solutions provider Campaigner has put together the following list of five email marketing tips:

1. Put yourself in the customer's shoes

2. Make a 2009 email marketing plan

3. Start building your email list

4. Create an email template that reflects your brand image

5. Begin the conversation with your inaugural campaign

"Small business owners and entrepreneurs like to jump right in and get started, which is crucial to success, but it's also important to prepare and plan and set objectives, especially when it comes to email marketing," says Campaigner. "When you're getting started with email marketing make sure you step back and think through what you're trying to accomplish. The best way to do this is to try and see things through your customer's eyes."

Business owner should ask themselves what type of info would attract attention and get people to open, read, and act on campaigns. Think about coupons and special promos. Also think about valuable info and tips they can use. Campaigner says the best newsletters often include a mix of sales and expert advice.

Building a calendar for the year is a good idea. You can use it to schedule promotions, topics, and campaigns and try to reach customers at the best possible times with the right info. Campaigner says that investing planning time up front will dramatically improve the performance of your campaigns, and your customers will appreciate getting relevant emails right when they want them.

Obviously, your list needs to be opt-in. Double opt-in is even better. "Make sure this is clearly stated whether the sign up is on a web page or a paper form. In addition to name and email address, think about other information that could help you target your email campaigns."

If you're just getting started with your newsletter, you'll want to introduce yourself and set expectations. Make sure your audience understands what they'll be getting by staying subscribed.

You can find more tips about email marketing in our archive for the email-marketing tag (a good way to find articles on any subject at SBN by the way).