While working out the details to a new series of podcasts last night, we found ourselves talking about the proliferation of companies trying to make money with near identical solutions; in this case, we were talking about Internet browsers and how do you make any money at it. Yes, we went down the route of ad revenues, etc., but it still left a void in our minds.
As I looked through my Webmail account early this morning, trying to ignore most of the banner ads, one ad catches my attention. It is an advertisement for a new email newsletter service. My mind meanders to the thought, “Another one (of these)? Why?”
Seeing this ad flash by made me think of all the ways companies are trying to get information, usage tips, and new product information across people’s desk(top)s. In our case, we have used an eNewsletter for many years, with Constant Contact as our current provider.
I have noticed a drop-off in ‘Opens’ and ‘Clicks’, most likely a result of firewalls, spam filters, and other screening devices. Even though we use a Spam Checker before we send the email – to which we normally score a ‘zero’ (as in, it should easily get through) – subscribers are telling us that the eNewsletter is being trapped.
I have experienced the same thing with inbound email. It seems no matter what format or medium, be that a PDF attachment, hyperlinked text, or a well-mannered HTML presentation, more emails end up as ‘Junk’ in my Inbox.
With yet another email newsletter company looking for customers, I am now wondering what means do companies use to send their information to customers and prospects. Without including the likes of YouTube videos, and regular advertising, I created a simple five choice selection poll.
The choices are:
- Plain text email with hyperlinks
- Attach a PDF file to an email
- Use an eNewsletter provider like Constant Contact
- Send something via regular (snail) mail
- We don't send anything via email or mail
I’ll hold the poll open for a couple of weeks, then post the results as a Comment to this Post. We’re going to send this to our eNewsletter subscribers, too – many of which get our eNewletter and subscribe to this blog. You can take the poll by clicking here.
Recent Comments