Getting Started

Here are some important points about procedures and preparation that will help you get started...
 

Design and Content

Images/Graphics
Please send me any images you would like to use, such as your logo, products, or people. 

Newsletter Header

The main banner will be used to identify your newsletter and it will be placed at the top of every issue. I can create a newsletter header for you. I have access to hundreds of beautiful and professional spa photos and images that I will use to make you ezine shine above the rest. If you have an image you want modified, your name placed over it, etc. I can transform your ideas for you if you like. If you already have a banner you want to use, feel free to forward it to me, and I will need to preview it to see if it will work. It needs to be apx. 600 pixels wide.

Spa images

I have access to many spa images that I can use for specials and events, when you don't have your own product shots, etc. It will take a little while to get to know your style, but after a while I will be able to determine what you may like.

Specials and Content
Specials should be direct, to the point and compelling. Response will depend on the offer being provided. Offering exclusive deals to newsletter recipients that offer a deeper discount or offer will produce the best results. The trick is to invite your subscribers to forward the “exclusive” offer to their friends and family.

Articles

For optimal effectiveness and results, the newsletter/ezine must remain as brief and to the point as possible. If you want to feature an article, it should not be included in full in the newsletter. This is one of the best strategies for driving email recipients to your website, resulting in higher sales and ultimately creating SEO, all at the same time! How this works is that the article should be on your website, and then just the title and the first paragraph, or so, are included in the newsletter with a link to the article on your website. If you want to use this option, post the article to your website, and then send me the url where it can be found.

 

Your Email List

Managing your data properly is as important as how your ezine looks. It is critical to the success of your email marketing.  But don't worry, we will take of all that for you. 

List Data
Please provide your list in excel format with a column titled "first name" and a column titled "email address" containing the data you want uploaded.

Opt-in
Please ensure that all emails are opt-in. This means that at some point when you collected the email addresses, whether online or in person at a trade show or at your reception, you asked verbally or through a form if the person would like to receive your newsletter or ezine. At some point, the person had to give their permission for you to send them an online message.

Collecting Emails
Additional email subscribers can be collected from your website. We can provide you with a code so that people can simply enter their emails into a small field in your website and then they automatically become subscribed and they will receive your next mailing. You can also continue to collect emails through shows and at your reception, then send us a new excel file with the new contacts. Please do not resend previous contacts, make a new list each month.

Cleaning Data:
In the beginning, when your newsletter is sent out (for about the first 7 times) your list will go through a dramatic attrition. The system will generate stats about bounces, opt-outs, and click-thrus.  I will provide you feedback and recommendations according to that information. High bounce rates are expected initially. Some may report spam, especially if you collected these from a trade show. Your list must be "opt in" only, and I assume that it is, but some people report spam anyway, and this cannot be avoided. There are many lists that are triple checked and require multiple responses from the subscribers, and they still get some spam reports...people just forget, it's natural. However, if the rate of spam reports is over 5% the system can shut down the account. I have never seen this happen with my own clients, but it does happen with others.

 

Working Relationship

Working Relationship
There is an initial set-up and approval of a template. This can take up to a week or more, depending on your preferences and decision making cycle. Then, while the first few newsletters are disseminated, it takes a little while to work out the kinks, but it won't take long before you start seeing positive results. Results will depend on how big your list is, however, you can always count on a certain percentage of response. For most companies, 10 to 50 percent will open the newsletter, and typically between 5 and 20 percent or more (not necessarily of your list but of those who receive the newsletter) will respond in some way.

Let me know if you have any questions. I am very comfortable working virtually, but I can set up a phone appointment any time if you like. My hours are from 9:00 to 2:00 Pacific Time.

 

Pricing

Ideally, we would like the opportunity to quote on your project.  However, if you would like to see a general idea of the costs involved, please click here.

 

Warm regards,
 

Jennifer Henczel

Spa Zines
www.SpaZines.com

jh@spazines.com

604-615-9622