So, if we can't send Spam, what can we us bulk email for?

Bulk email is great tool for keeping in touch with your clients and customers, sending newsletters, service messages, announcing special offers and more. It can also be used to keep in contact with prospects on an ongoing basis and is an effective sales tool for generating new business. Systems can be implemented that make it easy to send automated messages on a regular basis. Systems can also be implemented which make it easy for visitors to subscribe to your list. Subscriber management features also make it easy for you to add, delete, schedule and send messages as required.

PlanetLink can assist you in setting up an effective email list system for your business and can implement anything from a fully automated system to a manual system. For more information, call us at 415-884-2022 or email info@planetlink.com.

Important Tips:

• Create an opt-in email list on your website.

• Don't buy a database of email addresses and send them bulk email - this is Spam.

• Spam can be reported to http://www.spamcop.net.

• Collect email addresses on a "sign up sheet" at public events, trade shows and presentations. Let them know on form that they will be added to your email list and give them a check box to confirm their participation.

• If you send bulk email to your list, make it easy for them to unsubscribe.

• In bulk message that you send, remind them of how and/or why they are on your list.

• Be sensitive to your list - people are busy and they get lots of email.

4. Consider design and layout of your website. Is it easy to use? Does it take too long to download? Is it easy for Internet visitors to find information? Does it meet needs and expectations of your visitors? Several smaller pages eliminating need for scrolling are often more effective than one long page. If an Internet visitor doesn’t have a positive experience of your website, she/he probably won’t return, or won’t tell someone else about it. An effective website often creates a reason for visitor to return. This reason can take form of unique information that changes on a regular basis, interesting and useful resources, or a way for visitors to communicate with you or with each other. Use your website to build a relationship with your Internet audience.

5. Promote, promote, promote.

No one will find your site if you don’t let them know about it. Your site must be posted to search engines such as Lycos, Yahoo, and Excite. There are approximately 20 to 30 main search engines and several hundred that are smaller or specialized. You can find an extensive list of website submission sites, services, and resources at http://dir.yahoo.com/Computers_and_Internet/Internet/World_Wide_Web/Site_Announcement_and_Promotion/.

Include your website address on all your marketing materials; business cards, and advertising; you can even paint your address on side of a company vehicle. The idea is to have as many people see your site address, and thus your website. You may also consider hiring a publicist to help you get word out.

6. If at all possible, begin your website now. The companies which have been on Internet longest are those which achieve results sooner. If you are in an industry which isn’t widely represented on Internet yet, so much better - you’ll be able to start off with a larger market share. It's estimated that there are about 200 million people using internet with 75% of them in North America. Start your Internet presence today!