success with email marketing

[Norrie]

So it seems that many people are sending out email newsletters. I'm wondering how successful these have been for you in attracting new clients? How big is your list and how many clients do you think you landed because of your newsletters over the past 6 months?

[postcarder]

I've found that my e-mail newsletter isn't the client-getter in and of itself. However, it is part of my system of reaching out to leads, then turning them into prospects. I also use it as a device for staying in touch with my existing clientele.

Now, a caveat: My e-mail newsletter list isn't built via a signup form on my website? Why not? Because anyone who can fog a mirror can fill out a signup form. I want a more qualified list than that. Hence, I build my list by asking people if they want to be on it. The ask can take place in person, by phone, or by e-mail.

Hope this helps!
 

[joshuagarity]

I had a newsletter for a few years that was essentially a list of all clients I have worked with, or people that had interest in working together.  It was a way of keeping them updated on recent work, awards, pr, etc.  I sent it out every 6 months.  Even did e-mail campaign work for Airwalk.com.

It really does work if you do it correctly.

The "trick" is to be selective in who you send it to.  If you send it to random people via a sign up form, it is essentially cold calling and your rate of return drops to nearly zero.  And much like pr, only send newsletters when you have something of true importance to share.  Otherwise people will stop opening your e-mails.

New studies have shown that you shouldn't call it a newsletter any more.  Because people view that as unimportant or possibly spam.  Make up a crafty name for it and focus on a certain service.

But as is the norm with anything in this industry, if you don't do it correctly the first time, you have lost your opportunity to pitch yourself.  So move slowly and do some reading. 

[ethomasmcginnis]

I would hope that email newsletters have success, especially if you follow the advice of the previous posters. I tend to subscribe to newsletters on any website I enjoy, otherwise I will forget to return to that site! And if I'm in the mood to surf, I'll go to my email first...so if your newsletter was there, I'd go to your site.

To add a question to the mix, what would you write in a graphic designers newsletter? I would have a hard time coming up with content that potential (or current) clients would appreciate rather than things other designers would want to read.

-E
ETMDesign

[postcarder]

In my newsletter, I talk about client projects that I'm working on or have just completed. I also summarize the latest posts from my blog.

I offer links to everything I'm talking about, whether it's a just completed project or a blog post. The only things that don't get links are works in progress. I'd rather not show them until they're done.

[emilly]

Well Email marketing very helpful and this very cheap and targeted marketing strategies for all web masters because all webmaster try to new and new..
Now you know google updates regularly.If you want more business to your web resource then you can try email marketing.
Thanks all