Archive for the ‘Email Subject Lines’ Category

How to Ruin a Relationship via Email Marketing

Friday, April 24th, 2009

One of the bread & butter stats of Email Marketing, the “Open”, is really only the beginning of the story. The company Quantivo, who sent me the email that inspired this post,  could never know the damage this “Open” did to my perception of their brand. All they know is that there is a good chance I saw this email and possibly read/scanned it.

But why did I open it?  Because they played a trick on me.

They used a personal email address and an “Re:” to make me think I was the one who initially sent the email.  I get hundreds of emails a day, so replies are a huge urgency prioritazation for me.  You can see the email below in all it’s glory (click to enlarge).

 

I only do “Name & Shame” posts when I think there is a valuable lesson to be learned. This is definitely one of those moments.

While this was a clever trick to get me to open the email, the ramifications of this action are much worse. (more…)

Subject Line Contest – Win Mario Kart for Nintendo Wii

Friday, March 27th, 2009

base_mediaNext month, I will be launching a Podcast series where we will cover both Email Marketing and Interactive topics that will focus on how to improve performance of your online programs.  I already have some great guests lined up who are prepared to go in depth on their success as well as provide tips and advice.

The series will be called “The Tip Jar with Alex Williams”.

So how do you win the Wii game?  i though you would never ask.  We will be announcing this podcast to our Email subscribers via email.  That’s where you come in.  Here’s your chance to flex your creative muscles and provide a subject line that will change peoples lives.  Three elements to get your started: Curiosity, Excitement, Actionable.

Post your idea in a comment below.  The winning idea will be used and we will post the open and click thru rates after the email launches.  You will also win the best waste of time ever – Mario Kart for the Wii.

Good Luck!

PS – You can sign up for the eROI Newsletter Here

Notes and Quotes from the Email Evolution Conference 2009

Thursday, February 12th, 2009

The eROI crew descended on the desert earlier this week for the Email Evolution Conference. While attendance at trade shows has been spotty die to the economy, the EEC pulled together a lively event.

KillROI takes on the PoliceeROI participated in a few panels and attended almost all of the sessions collectively. The saying at the New Orleans Jazz Fest is that “it’s not what you saw, it’s what you missed to see it”, which is exactly how I felt this year.  Rather than go into deep analysis of each session, I compiled a few of my favorite soundbites, quotes and tidbits from 4 of my favorite sessions from the event:

Topic: Email Design

3 things that need to be in your pre-header: Branding, Primary Message, Main Call-to-Action. Keep it tight.

Whitelist requests need to happen early (welcome, confirmation, transactional) in your program, so you can use the pre-header more effectively.

A logo (with link) in your header is not only a consistent branding impression, it will drive the most traffic to your site over the life span of you program.

Navigation menus (above or below header) drive sales, especially “sale” or “clearance” links.

Pay more attention to your Footer – add more options, branding, social, viral SWYN/FTAF link, and repeat the main call-to-action. (more…)

7 Favorite Subject Lines of the Week

Friday, December 12th, 2008
  • Screaming Deal (Nau: Off the Grid)
  • What’s comfier than Santa’s lap? (Pier 1 Imports)
  • Men’s SALE NOW 60% off! KAPOW! (Barney’s New York)
  • Yelp: Piping Hot & Liquored Up (Yelp – Portland)
  • Now even MORE $5 Tees! Come and see! (Threadless)
  • Don’t Miss Out! 24 Hour Sale + Last Minute Deals in NYC and Vegas‏ (Hotels.com)
  • Jingle Jams: A Holiday Music Mix‏ (NPR Music)