Is IContact the Solution for Better Email Management and Tracking?

[kdangel518]

I use Mike's newsletter, and have just been forwarding it through my gmail.

I am thinking about switching to IContact, I would really like to be able to manage my emails better (as far as bouncebacks, etc.) and see who's really reading them, etc.

Would my customers still see that the newsletter is coming from my email addy?

So, tell me how this works. And how much it costs (I know it varies on how many email addy's you have, but ABOUT how much, I'm going on 250 email addy's...) and do you like it? Is it worth it? Tell me tell me all there is to know

TIA! :chef:

 

[crystalscookingnow]

The customers would see that the e-mail is coming from you. It comes from whatever e-mail you specify when you're setting up your account.

When I signed up for mine, I did the 500 contacts b/c I was over by just a few. I think it was $150. They have a price list on their website.

I love the service & totally think it's worth it. Once I see a pattern when someone opening the host specials for a few months in a row, I call to check in with them. I don't call and say "Hey, I saw that you've been checking out the HS, do you want to havea party?". I just casually check with them & see how things are going.

I don't use Mike's so I don't know how his service works/ties in with iContact.

 

[NooraK]

The $150 that Crystal referenced is the annual price. You can pay monthly, and it starts at $10/month. I think the max for the $10 price is 250 addresses.

I like the reporting, and I like knowing that my email is more likely to go through. I was even able to put a sign up link on my website.

I've used the list of opens as a start on who to call. I don't necessarily mention the newsletter, but it tells me that my name has been in front of them recently, so they're more likely to remember who I am, even if it's been a while since they've been to a show.

 

[kdangel518]

The $150 that Crystal referenced is the annual price. You can pay monthly, and it starts at $10/month. I think the max for the $10 price is 250 addresses.

I like the reporting, and I like knowing that my email is more likely to go through. I was even able to put a sign up link on my website.

I've used the list of opens as a start on who to call. I don't necessarily mention the newsletter, but it tells me that my name has been in front of them recently, so they're more likely to remember who I am, even if it's been a while since they've been to a show.

Noora, could you tell me how you did this? I'm very intrigued now!

Ok, I KNOW there are lots of IContact users out there, please share your thoughts!!!

 

[pampchefsarah]

Not only does the e-mail appear to come from your e-mail addy, but if they reply it will go to that inbox. I also like that you can send a preview e-mail to your addy, so you can see exactly what it will look like to your customers, and make any changes, before sending the final version. You can also choose when the e-mail goes out (either immediately, or on a specific date at a specific time).

 

[NooraK]

Here's the original link where we discussed it:http://www.chefsuccess.com/f30/i-added-icontact-subscribe-my-newsletter-link-my-pws-news-54686/You can see the link on my site: /NooraK

 

[pc_jessica]

Kara, do you have the link for Mikes Newsletter?? i am trying to decide on what newsletter to subsribe to.

 

[kdangel518]

Kara, do you have the link for Mikes Newsletter?? i am trying to decide on what newsletter to subsribe to.

Yes, here it is- would you tell him I referred you? Kara Duenas [email protected]

I really like his newsletter, it's no work for me at all and my customers love it

You can see some samples on his website- he will personalize it with your contact info and picture if you'd like to upload it!

MyEmailDesigns.com

 

[pc_jessica]

Yes, here it is- would you tell him I referred you? Kara Duenas [email protected]

I really like his newsletter, it's no work for me at all and my customers love it

You can see some samples on his website- he will personalize it with your contact info and picture if you'd like to upload it!

MyEmailDesigns.com

what do you like about Mikes??? i like already that it is cheaper than others! do you find that it is as good as others from what you have heard?? i know i need to start a newsletter and i just can't make up my mind and i really don't know what i should be looking for in a newsletter?

 

[pc_jessica]

oh and i almost forgot can you add your own special stuff to mikes newsletters??? like if i want to add my own special for the month or something like that??

 

[kdangel518]

Jessica- I just like that it's all inclusive. He has the month's host special, guest special, a featured recipe, a featured tool, talks about the outlet, talks about the recruiting promo, talks about bridal registries and showers... it looks professional and is just really easy to use and it's very inexpensive.I haven't personally tried to add anything to the newsletter- he sends out a mass email when it's ready, so he doesn't customize it for you, but you might be able to add/alter some of the text to a degree.Personally, if I have extra special promotions or announcements I just send a separate brief email to my customer base and post it on my website- it gets a little more attention that way