Microtargeting has become a valued strategy. At VIBEdirect, we have seen industry withstand incredible changes based on bandwidth, creative, message perception and fickle marketing factors that affect both open and click through rates with today's campaigns.

Consumers received an average of 3 marketing related emails per month in 1999. This number is expected to jump to over 130 marketing related emails per month by 2005 due to success rate of email marketing and number of companies sending optin email. The problem is that this trend has caused email open rates to drop.

In past, our success had been built on wholesaling opt-in email campaigns to brokers and agencies. But as business conditions changed, we evolved by providing our clients with a microtargeted approach for cost effective results and a positive return on investment. As a result, we have maintained a sustained, strong period of growth.

Our opt-in lists offer marketers a "politically correct" way to reach their target audience on net. While using bulk e-mail lists is cheaper, practice in itself is extremely controversial. You must be very careful when considering using bulk e-mail to market your wares on Internet. This can lead to some unexpected and unwanted results. For example, some of your recipients may decide to "flame" you by clogging up your e-mail system with angry responses to your marketing message. Other recipients will complain to your Internet Service Provider, who may decide to discontinue your account.

We have more than 2,000 opt-in lists with more than 40 million unique names to choose from. All of our email addresses are ALL opt-in from a variety of quality web sites, banner ads, e-surveys & e-zine lists.

Give Something (Or a Few Things Away)

Studies show that most people will only subscribe to about a dozen email lists at a time, and given number of lists out there, you've got to seriously compete for your customer's email address. Giving away free bonuses is a great way to push you over edge.

A few things you can give away are:

Free ebooks. This is a strategy many marketers use - and it's a little worn out. Not just any free ebook will do anymore. Still use it, but make sure your ebook is something your customers crave. Ebooks like "10 Easy Ways to Make Your Skin Look Younger" and "7 Ways Moms Can Make Money On Ebay Today" will get you a ton of email sign-ups.

Free courses. This is a lot like free ebook strategy, except you break up your course into a sequence using an autoresponder. This works well if you want to be in constant contact with your prospect for a few days or weeks.

Exclusive coupons. If you're in retail or service business, offer up a few exclusive coupons for list members. Make them little bonuses (like a free handbag with a clothing purchase of over $100 - or free facial with any cut and color). 10% off isn't likely to make your customer jump - but a free goodie will.

A birthday offer. This works especially well for restaurants, women's retail, and travel. Invite visitor's to join your birthday club - and in return give them a free meal, little gift, or night at your B&B on their birthday.

Write a Killer Headline

Having no headline for your ezine ad is a mistake many new marketers make - but bad headlines can be almost as damaging. "Join Our Email List" or "Get Site Updates" just doesn't cut it anymore. Your headline needs to have a strong call to action or benefit. Here's a few excellent examples:

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Have a Compelling Name for Your Email List or Ezine

Selling discount designer handbags? Call your list "Chic Yet Cheap Club." Advertising your day spa? Call your ezine "Ultra-Relax VIP Circle"