Why should I send an e-newsletter to my customers?
Email Newsletters are electronic newsletters sent to customers/subscribers via email. Newsletters contain information about your business and include articles and information of interest.

What can you put in a Newsletter?
Many large institutions such as airlines and professional groups send newsletters on a regular basis to promote special offers, as brand reminders and to include information. We recommend that Newsletters should be a balance of information and offers.

Newsletters can include links to articles on the web and product information and reviews.

Being a small business it is sometimes difficult to find the resources and time to keep in touch with customers. Email newsletters save printing and mailing costs, and are overall cheaper to produce than a hard copy equivalent. You can write newsletters yourself or find articles online which you are able to use. Many newsletter articles available online are free, provided you give credit to the author.

Where do I get a mailing list?
Many businesses collect email addresses from customers, in the process of taking orders or sending quotes. Other business Newsletters should always be sent to people who have given permission to use their email address to communicate.

You can also have subscribe/unsubscribe options on your web site, so individuals can sign up to receive your newsletter online. “Opt-in” is a term used when recipients have requested information on products or services to be sent via email. Opt-in lists are used for businesses so they can send directed emails to customers so that email messages sent are not perceived as spam.

In opt-in lists, the recipient of an email should always be given the opportunity to be removed from a mailing list if they choose.

What does a Newsletter look like?
Newsletters may be sent in two ways: as HTML/web page emails with graphics and different fonts, or as text only emails. The system that A7Designs uses can determine whether the recipient is able to receive HTML emails or plain text. Recipients can also select the type of newsletter they would like to receive when they subscribe.

What about SPAM?
You can send information to your customers, as long as you provide a mechanism to unsubribe and state who and where you are.  For more information on Anti-SPAM legislation click here.