Meet Debbie McNeill of CraftyPerson Production! She is well known for her "stamping updates" newsletter service she provides to Stampin' Up! Demonstrators (SUN Newsletters), as well as her Class-in-a-Flash projects (both of which are offered as affordable monthly subscriptions).

I subscribe to her Technology Solutions newsletter and recently received the following article and wanted to share it with you as I also feel newsletters are important in helping your business grow, as well as to assist in driving traffic to your blog or website.

Strategies to Increase Your Conversion Rates in Email Marketing Campaigns 

Email marketing is one of the tactics with the most potential for profit. You’re sending messages to people who have expressed an interest in your business. Several demonstrators have asked her how to increase their response rate with emails. Here are seven strategies that she recommends. 

1. Start on the right foot - Many Stampin' Up! demonstrators or business owners do a great job of motivating the sign-up and then they immediately drop the ball. Email marketing is all about building a relationship and not just selling. As soon as a potential customer signs up for your email list, send them a welcome email. Add links to valuable content and resources as well. For instance, when you sign-up for my Class in a Flash newsletter, you will receive a complimentary trial class planner. I believe that is a great way to set the groundwork for a great relationship. Your prospect will look forward to opening emails from you and receiving value and benefit. 

2. Call to action - Always include a call to action, even if you’re only sending valuable content without a promotional. Send recipients to your DBWS or blog for more information. Inspire them to check out a project, video or blog post. Share a free resource with them. Each message or section in your newsletter should have a purpose and a call to action to support it. That way, your subscribers will be familiar with seeing a next step for them to take.

3. Write a great headline and subject line - Learn to write a great headline and subject line. You want your subject line to motivate recipients to open your email. You want your section headlines or table of contents to motivate them to read your message. And take the time to test various headlines to see which ones generate the best results. I've had to really concentrate my efforts on this one and sometimes, it takes me almost as long to think of a sharp headline as it does the article itself.

4. Give Unexpected Gifts - In addition to sending a regular newsletters, also give them unexpected gifts every once in a while. Consider sending a free full tutorial, downloadable project or technique idea. You don't want to attract subscribers who are only on your mailing list to get free stuff, however, you do want to reward your loyal subscribers. Every once in a while, slip in something extra-special to show your appreciation.  

5. Proof positive - People make buying decisions based on their emotions. They reinforce these decisions based on logic. Use testimonials, benefit statements and even customer reviews of products or classes you offer. Help your prospect justify their decision to buy. 

6. Share your enthusiasm - I know, It should go without saying but I know I need the reminder from time to time. In order to make an impression and have an impact, share your enthusiasm for both the information you’re sharing and the offer. When you love what you’re doing, it shows. It also shows when you don’t believe in your message. Instead of "come to my class on XYZ", try "I'm thrilled to offer this class as it has been highly requested and you will be amazed by the XYZ technique I will be showing you." My tip is to smile when you are writing your content. Don't laugh, it works. 

7. Look good! - Make sure your email messages look professional. Create a consistent theme or format. Brand your messages. And include a signature and an About Me box with a picture. It adds credibility, awareness and personality to your message. Additionally, your subscribers begin to know what to expect from you. Establish a relationship with them and they will buy. 

Constant Contact Newsletter Design

Here is where I can help you! And no, you don't have to be a Stampin' Up! demonstrator. I design newsletters for marketing, real estate, web design, crafters, retail business and welcome customers from any industry!

I create custom newsletter templates so your newsletter have a professional look and coordinate with your current blog or website to keep your brand across all platforms. I primarily work with Constant Contact.

• Click here for more information. 
• Click here for recently samples (I've had a chance to post). 
• Email me to receive even more samples I haven't uploaded them all yet and am still in the process of restructuring my site!

Newsletter Maintenance

For those of you who are Stampin' Up! demonstrators, I am trying to come up with a type of "maintenance" service for newsletter subscribers, similar to my blog maintenance service. It's still not working how I want it to, but just wanted to let you know I'm working on it as it is a new service I want to offer this year, as part of my New Year's resolution. So I'm working on it!

Debbie McNeill published this email marketing article in her Marketing & Technology Newsletter on January 19th, 2011. She has a full range of products and services for Stampin' Up! Demonstrators at www.craftyperson.com. ©2008 Debbie McNeill/CraftyPerson Production