Social blasts

Social blasts can reach a lot of people. Here are some ideas for your next campaign.

E-newsletter

The e-newsletter can be a great mode of marketing. It is essentially taking the old school newsletter and adding the new world “e” to it. Think about the e-newsletters you receive. Some, you probably open regularly. Others, you never open. Why? You open the ones that are interesting, informative, and even entertaining. When you see an e-newsletter in your inbox that you always open, it is because you perceive it as valuable content, and not repetitive information about “them.” You look at it as being helpful for you. If you can do the same when creating your own e-newsletters—making them about your customers and what they can get out of it—you will be on your way.

Email blast

An email blast can also be a great way to get the word out about menu changes, weekly specials, or upcoming events. They tend to be much shorter than an e-newsletter and usually include a call to action. Here are some reasons to send out an email blast:

• Weekly specials

• One-day only special promotion

• Individual “Happy Birthday” emails with a special offer

• Special coupons and offers

• 24 hour or 48 hour deals

• Menu change notification

• $5 gift card for your opinion

1. Identify who will manage your email marketing program along with who will write, design, review, and send your business emails.

2. Select and start an account with an email distribution service. Following are six popular options.

3. Start building your email contact database. Add a sign up form to your website and asking guests at checkout if they want to be added to your email list to receive special offers. To avoid spam penalties, individuals must agree or opt-in to receive emails from your company.

4. Write an email marketing plan and include an “editorial” calendar for your email marketing plan. Use your calendar to schedule when emails will be sent.

5. Design one or two emails for your business, depending on the type of emails you will be sending out. You may want to have a monthly e-newsletter and a weekly specials email blast. Most email distribution services offer a full-range of customizable templates. This is a great way to start.

6. Tip. Write and preschedule all your monthly emails at one time. This will save a lot of time.

7. Each month take time to review email stats and add new contacts to your list.