| Welcome to SOCIAL GOODIES, our monthly newsletter full of fun, interesting marketing news you can use to increase revenues in your own business. If you received this newsletter from a friend or colleague and would like your own subscription, it's easy -- just visit our website at: SocialGoodMarketing.com, and click on the "SOCIAL GOODIES" button on the right side of the page. Please let us know if you have a question or if there's a topic you'd like to see covered in our next issue. We love to hear from you! |
| Recommended Reading: GOOD Magazine |
| Check out this new magazine "for people who give a damn." Your 20-dollar annual subscription is donated (yes 100%!) to your choice of several national and international nonprofits. Their goal is to raise 1 million for great causes through this methodology. According to the publishers: While so much of today's media is taking up our space, dumbing us down, and impeding our productivity, GOOD exists to add value. Through a print magazine, feature and documentary films, original multimedia content and local events, GOOD is providing a platform for the ideas, people, and businesses that are driving change in the world. I'm a subscriber and I'm enjoying the magazine immensely! |
| Thank you for being a loyal SOCIAL GOOD friend! Warm regards, Tea L. D. Silvestre SOCIAL GOOD Marketing & Design p.s. - If you enjoyed this newsletter, we encourage you to forward it to your friends and colleagues. |
| Social Good Marketing & Design PO Box 3354 Ventura, California 93006-3354 805.658.8196 |
| Did you know that just a few easy mistakes in your e-mail promotion can mean the difference between connecting with your target market or ending up in the SPAM filter? Here are just a couple of flubs that will almost ensure an end to your relationship with your prospective clients. 1. Watch the content - Using words like "f.r.e.e." in the subject line (see, I won't even spell that word correctly in this newsletter) or using excessive dollar signs or other punctuation in the text will increase the odds dramatically of your e-mail ending up in the virtual trash can. Many SPAM filters will immediately delete emails containing dollar signs or other common junk mail words. Writing these in a subject line of an opt-in mailing list will probably get you deleted fast, even if you're genuinely giving something legitimate away. 2. Another way to look like a spammer is sending out your newsletter too often (once a day is definitely too often unless specifically asked for). Once is a week still might be pushing it. The best frequency is really 1 or 2 times per month. 3. If you sell your opt-in list, or buy or use someone else's opt-in list you'll be asking for trouble. It's called "harvesting" and it's illegal. Using one of those programs that generates enormous unsolicited email lists is a bad idea too, although at this point if you're doing that you are probably already on your way to being black-listed. 4. Don't use all CAPITALS or red text. Besides being hard to read, these things are known spam tactics that may trip an email filter. 5. Include your physical address on the e-mail. Your physical address is required by law. Always include your reply email address and your Web site URL, if you have one. Depending on your business, you may decide to include your phone number as well. 6. Excessive use of "click here" especially in all capital letters is another no-no. Make your call-to-action links more specific to avoid filters. If you would like help putting together an effective e-mail promotion or newsletter, please give us a call. It's definitely something that can fit into any budget and we'd love to help you. |
| How to Keep Your e-Mail Newsletter out of SPAM Filters |
| Make Your News Stand Out (and get that story published!) |
| Last month, we talked about 3 easy ways to help get your press release noticed by the media. This month, we'll look at 3 more: 1. Avoid excessive use of adjectives and fancy language. Journalists have a specific kind of radar that is honed by years of experience -- and this radar alerts them to things that are pure marketing spin. Really, what journalists are looking for in a press release is NEWS. That means, you must stay objective and write the press release in a purely factual manner. 2. Make your news relevant with an "angle." If you can, try to position your news in relation to a wider, current event. For instance, how does your art reception fit into what's happening elsewhere in the world? Are there any economic or social issues that are currently being explored that would make your news more newsworthy? If so, point them out to the journalist in a cover letter, or write your press release accordingly. 3. Be concise. If you can, strive to keep your release to just one page. Of course, there will be times when you won't be able to do this; but as much as possible, avoid adding extra fluff words that distract from the true meaning of your press release. Remember, if you need help writing or sending your next release, give us a call. SOCIAL GOOD is a full-service marketing, public relations and graphic design agency with nearly 20 years of professional expertise that you can use to your advantage. |