No One Is Reading My Newsletter!

[Jewel]

I'm not sure what's happened. Last spring I was sending 97 out and had more than half of them read. Now I'm down to 66 on my subscribe list and only getting about 15% of them read. I have tried several different companies (i-contact, etc) thinking maybe it was the delivery. Do you think they are getting into spam folders? Or is anyone else having a similar problem? I use Tasty Tidbits and tweak it a little here and there for my personal preferences, but I'm so frustrated. Anyone have any helpful hints? Thanks for letting me rant.

 

[babywings76]

I feel the same way. It's very discouraging to see low numbers of people reading them. All I can offer you is the same thing I tell myself...get out there, make calls, get bookings. That will lead to FRESH contacts, increase my numbers and hopefully make a difference. The lack of response definitely reminds me why it's important not to waste too much time fretting over flyers/newsletters. Get and maintain a service like Joy's Tasty Tidbits or Mike's Myemaildesigns.com, or whatever and save yourself the stress and time. Replace it with time making calls.Everywhere I go and shop at these days, the clerks ask for my email address. I'm giving out and getting lots of businesses newsletters, coupons, promotions, etc. It's very overwhelming.I can see how people are just seeing my name come in their inbox and probably either delete it or miss it. Some open it if they are curious about things, and those are people that I should call in the next few weeks. (Not let them know that I am tracking who sees my newsletter..just make it a customer care call.)But it is important to keep sending them out...it keeps your name in front of your customers. They'll know you're still in the business and ready should they need you.

 

[Symara]

can you put a return memo in outlook to see if they read them?

 

[DebinIA]

I have over 3000 people on my enewsletter and have a read rate of about 25% each month. People get busy, they don't take time to read and really, the newsletter is a numbers game.
Do you ask guests at your shows if they would like to be on your list? I do 8-10 shows/month and usually add anywhere from 50-100 new email addresses to my list/month.

 

[PampChefJoy]

The new year is a great time to be making phone calls to touch base - say "happy new year and how were your holidays? I'm going through my mailing list and just wanted to make sure you are getting my newsletter and still want to stay on my mailing list. Are there any special types of things you'd like to see in my newsletter? More recipes or tips? Do you check out the Outlet specials? Would you like to know when your favorite "must-buy" item goes on sale?"
Just dial dial dial - sales is always a numbers game and if you increase your contacts, you will increase your chances of success.

 

[wadesgirl]

I have over 3000 people on my enewsletter and have a read rate of about 25% each month. People get busy, they don't take time to read and really, the newsletter is a numbers game.
Do you ask guests at your shows if they would like to be on your list? I do 8-10 shows/month and usually add anywhere from 50-100 new email addresses to my list/month.

I agree with this! Ask everyone for their email address. That way you are reaching more people!

 

[pkd09]

How do you know your % rate of people reading your newsletter? I also have TT and didn't know that was something I could track.

 

[Chef Kearns]

Pat it depends on what you're using to send out the newsletter. I use Benchmark Emails.com and it sounds like Jewel used iContact. Both of these services track your open rate. Mine also track if people click links and what they looked at. I love having that service!! Before I always used to wonder.

 

[Jewel]

Thanks everyone, I think I just needed to hear that it wasn't just me! I am actually using VerticalResponse. Its way cheaper than any of the others and I really like it a lot. Very similar to I-contact.

 

[esavvymom]

Don't forget...sometimes those percentages are 100% accurate. I don't have hard examples, but there have been a few times when it looked like my percents were low, but it was just something with the reporting- like the recipient's email wasn't sending back the tracking info to i-contact, so it didn't see they opened it. As long as it isn't costing you (whether you send 40 or 100), keep sending them until they unsubscribe. Eventually, they may be looking for you and they'll know how to find you.It could also be good to evaluate what you are sending. Do they get much value from the newsletter? (like recipes...I always add a second or third recipe, so it's not all about sales and "have a show!")

 

[JAE]

Keep sending the e-mails, and don't get discouraged. I think it's best to let people know you are still in the Pampered Chef business even if they aren't reading the newsletters. Keep your name in front of them.JAE

 

[Chef Kearns]

This thread has inspired me to clean my list. I currently have 999 people on my newsletter list, but usually only about 200 or so ever open the email. This will probably take me several months, but I plan on calling everyone else. I will call the bounce backs and the unopens. I want to make sure I'm hitting the people I want to hit and the people who do want to receive it are getting it.

 

[Lindasalulu]

I think everyone gets busy and forgets about it. I mention my news letter when I talk to my contacts as much as possible.