Check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Make sure it is easy to read.

You can use this utility to format your emails to right width. It's not perfect, but it will save you plenty of time because you can format your text at different widths. Overall, it does a very good job.

http://www.jbmckee.com/formatit/index.htm

3. Anti-Spam Before you send your message out, you want to check to make sure it can get past filters frequently used by ISPs.

There's a simple and easy way to check your message. SiteSell.com has created a new feature called Spam Check.

Basically, you can send a your email as a test message and find out how filters rank it. Then, you can make changes to your email before sending it to your list.

http://spamcheck.sitesell.com

Email marketing is a time consuming process. Done right, it can be a very lucrative tool in your marketing arsenal. These tools will help you make your email marketing efforts more

When using this technique, keep these cautions in mind:

1. ALWAYS give recipients an opportunity to be taken off your e-mail list.

While customers and clients may be willing to receive initial requested information from you, don't assume that they now "belong" to you. Make sure you include a message at bottom of eacj e-mail you send stating how they can request to be taken off list of future e-mails. Say something like, "Occasionally, we like to send our e-mail subscribers special discounts and send notifications of upcoming sales events. If you do NOT want to receive these notices from us, you can request to be removed from our e-mail list by ." And, when recipients request to be taken off your list, take them off. Don't send another e-mail explaining why they should stay on!

2. YOU perform initial action.

Make sure that work to get information is done by you, not your prospective clients/customers. For instance, you may have a Web site from which they can access information. Don't simply refer them to Web site. That would mean they'd have to type in your site address, find page where information is located and then request it. Likewise, if, like me, you use autoresponders to disseminate information, don't just give them e-mail address of autoresponder. If they have already initiated a phone call, they've done their part. This is still a customer service action and you need to be one doing work. All they should have to do is open their e-mail. Besides - asking for (and getting) that e-mail address is critical to building your follow-up list.

3. Make an offer ONLY when you have an offer.

Refrain from bombarding your new e-mail list members with offer after offer after offer. That's just downright spamming them and before long you'll see list dwindle.

Using this e-mail technique will:

· INCREASE your responsiveness to your clients and customers. You've just given them an IMMEDIATE response to their request. · DECREASE time it takes you or an employee to serve your clients and customers. You give personal and prompt service without taking up too much time on one customer. · BUILD a prospect and client list for future follow up and SALES! As your e-mail list grows you will be able to send new product/service announcements, online coupons, and open house invitations, or use it to take surveys, and conduct customer preference profiles, research, start an e-zine, etc.

Some businesses are completely changing way they get information into their customers' hands by using this e-mail method. I've worked with clients to expand this technique to include capability to send complete company brochures and catalogs. It's also a great way to build a list BEFORE developing your e-zine.

How you use e-mail to streamline your business is up to you. You can keep it simple or you can turn technique into a sophisticated (low cost) automated customer service system!

Take a few minutes to determine how e-mail can become an economical way for your business to increase customer service. They could be best few minutes you've spent today to improve communication -- and profits -- tomorrow!