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Email newsletters are an essential tool for any business or organization looking to establish a strong online presence and build lasting relationships with its audience. They are your most important marketing channel because you control whether or not you reach your customers (and they can choose to ignore you or not). Previously, we’ve talked about why you should be sending emails to your customers (Read here) and how to send an email (Read Here). Today, we’re going to help you pick an email service provider.
Sending regular emails to your customers requires quality software and services to back it up to make sure your emails don’t end up in SPAM folders or blacklisted. Choosing the right email provider will ensure the most important metric for email marketing – deliverability. If your customers are not receiving your emails, you’re not reaching them. All of the services we recommend in this post will have good deliverability. We do not have any partnerships or incentive agreements with any of the providers below.
One thing you should never, ever try is to send mass emails from your inbox or roll your own newsletters to thousands of people. That’ll be your first stop in SPAM Town, and it’ll be very hard to recover.
With so many email newsletter providers available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the one that best suits your needs and budget. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most popular email-sending services available and help you make an informed decision on which provider to choose for your email marketing needs.
1. Mailchimp
Mailchimp is probably the most popular and well-known email service provider. They offer a comprehensive suite of features, including customizable email templates, subscriber management tools, and automation capabilities. It is user-friendly and easy to navigate, making it a popular choice for businesses of all sizes. One of the best things about Mailchimp is that it offers a free plan that allows users to send emails to up to 2,000 subscribers, making it a great option for those just starting out or on a tight budget. With its array of features and affordable pricing, Mailchimp is definitely worth considering for your email marketing needs. However, once you get more than 2,000 subscribers, you will have to start paying,
2. Constant Contact
Constant Contact is another well-known email service provider that offers a variety of features to help businesses manage their email marketing campaigns. Some of the key features include email templates, list management tools, and social media integration. One of the great things about Constant Contact is that it offers a free trial, which allows businesses to test out the platform before committing to a subscription. Additionally, Constant Contact offers a 60-day money-back guarantee, which gives businesses peace of mind knowing that they can cancel their subscription if they’re not satisfied with the service. Overall, Constant Contact is a great option for businesses looking to streamline their email marketing efforts.
3. Aweber
Aweber is known for being reliable and user-friendly. It offers a variety of features, including email templates, subscriber management, and automation. These features make it easy for small businesses to create and send professional-looking emails to their subscribers. One of the best things about Aweber is that it offers a 30-day free trial, which gives businesses the opportunity to try out the service before committing to a subscription. This is a great way to get a feel for the platform and see if it meets your needs.
4. Sendinblue
Sendinblue is an all-in-one marketing platform that can help businesses of all sizes with their marketing needs. It offers a wide range of features, including email marketing, SMS marketing, and chat tools, all of which can be used to create effective and engaging marketing campaigns. One of the best things about Sendinblue is that it offers a free plan that allows users to send up to 300 emails per day, which is perfect for small businesses or those just starting out. For larger businesses, there are also paid plans available that offer more advanced features and higher email-sending limits. Regardless of the plan you choose, Sendinblue is a great option for businesses that need a multi-channel marketing approach and want to engage with their customers across multiple platforms.
5. Mailerlite
Mailerlite is another email service provider that offers a user-friendly interface, email templates, and automation features. It is a great option for small businesses and bloggers due to its affordability and ease of use. It offers a free plan for up to 1,000 subscribers and allows you to send up to 12,000 emails per month. Mailerlite also offers a range of features, such as segmentation, landing pages, and pop-up forms, that can help you grow your email list and engage with your subscribers.
South Shore PR recommends either Mailchimp or Mailerlite. We work most commonly with both of these preferred platforms for our clients. However, we have experience with many different platforms, including niche nonprofit platforms such as Network For Good. We are well-versed in email platforms here at South Shore PR. Whichever email platform you choose, make sure it works for your organization, is easy to use, and, most importantly, you understand how to get great results.
Email Marketing 101: Choosing an Email Provider Read More »
When you ask most people what PR is the most common answer will be, PR is all about securing media coverage. While this aspect of PR is undoubtedly essential, it is crucial to recognize that PR is much more than great news placement. news. In today’s challenging business landscape, PR encompasses a range of strategic tactics that go beyond news placement. Today, we will explore why PR is more than great placement and look at how skilled PR can significantly impact a company’s success.
The right public relations practitioner plays a crucial role in managing and shaping a company’s reputation. The wrong PR person or company can have the best intentions but turn a company’s stumble into a full blown crisis. PR involves not only responding to media inquiries and handling crisis situations but also proactively building a positive image through various communication channels. Skilled PR professionals who are knowledgeable will make it their mission to develop comprehensive reputation management strategies that involve engaging with stakeholders, monitoring online conversations, and leveraging social media platforms to communicate the company’s values, mission, and achievements. By focusing on reputation management, a skilled PR agency can influence public perception, build trust, and enhance brand credibility, that results in more business for your company.
Thought leadership essentially solidifies your business as a subject matter expert in the field you do business in. Holding a thought leader position is crucial in a crowded field, and it is how you stand out from by our competition. Establishing thought leadership and positioning company executives as industry experts is a powerful PR tactic. PR professionals can leverage their networks and media relationships to secure speaking engagements, contribute bylined articles to relevant publications, and facilitate interviews. These opportunities allow company representatives to share their knowledge, insights, and unique perspectives on industry trends and challenges. By positioning executives as thought leaders, PR helps enhance the company’s reputation, establishes credibility, and increases brand visibility. In a crowded field it is paramount that your business stands as the best in the field.
In today’s digital age, PR extends beyond traditional media outlets. Influencers, bloggers, and online communities have become crucial platforms for reaching target audiences. PR professionals identify key influencers and stakeholders who align with the company’s values and target demographics. Through strategic collaborations, partnerships, and influencer marketing campaigns, PR helps companies tap into new audiences and build authentic connections. Engaging with influencers and stakeholders allows companies to access niche communities and amplify their brand message to a wider audience.
Every business has a story to tell and your’s is your company’s “USP” or unique selling point. Your company’s story matters. Compelling storytelling is at the heart of effective PR. PR professionals create engaging narratives that resonate with target audiences aka your ideal customers, helping to differentiate your company from its competitors. This involves crafting impactful press releases, thought-provoking blog posts, social media content, and other forms of communication. By developing high-quality content, a skilled PR professional generates interest, educates the audience, and reinforces the company’s brand identity. Well-crafted storytelling builds emotional connections, captures attention, and ultimately drives engagement and loyalty.
Public relations also extends to internal communication and fostering employee advocacy. PR professionals work closely with internal stakeholders to ensure consistent messaging and alignment with the company’s vision and values. By keeping employees informed and engaged, PR helps cultivate a positive internal culture that can be projected externally. Encouraging select employees to become brand ambassadors and empowering them to share company news and achievements can enhance brand authenticity and credibility.
While news placement remains an integral part of PR, it is vital to recognize that public relations encompasses a broad range of strategic activities beyond media coverage that are essential to the success of your business. From reputation management and thought leadership to influencer engagement and content creation, skilled PR professionals leverage various channels to shape public perception, build credibility, and drive brand success. By understanding and harnessing the power of PR in its entirety, companies can unlock opportunities, connect with audiences, and cultivate a positive and influential brand image in today’s competitive landscape.
If you’d like to learn more about how South Shore PR can provide needed tactics to set your business apart as a leader, build your brand, and increase customer support, then please feel free to reach out for a free consultation today. You can learn more by filling out the form today, and we’ll be in touch.
Also be sure to sign up for the South Shore PR monthly newsletter!
Beyond News Placement: Unleashing the Power of PR Read More »
A well-crafted newsletter allows you to share valuable content, provide updates, and promote your products or services directly to your subscribers. For most starting a newsletter, there is little to no cost to begin sending a newsletter to your customers in a regular cadence. In this blog post, we will guide you through the steps of starting a business newsletter that captivates your audience and helps you achieve your marketing goals.
Starting a business newsletter is the most effective way to connect directly with your audience, foster customer relationships, and drive business growth. By following these steps – defining goals, choosing an email marketing platform, building a subscriber list, crafting compelling content, designing an attractive template, optimizing for mobile, planning a consistent schedule, and analyzing performance – you can create a successful newsletter that engages and delights your subscribers. Remember, a well-executed newsletter is a valuable asset for your business, allowing you to stay top-of-mind with your audience and nurture them into loyal customers.
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Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
How to Start a Business Newsletter: A Comprehensive Guide Read More »
