The explosion of social media and mobile devices has proved to be a game-changer for email marketing. While email marketing is alive and thriving, strategies must change to capitalize on consumer behavior in order for companies to leverage their email marketing campaigns most effectively. As we look back over 2010, we can note the shifts in online behavior and use those to project the coming trends for email marketing in 2011.
1. Consumers want real-time value.
The ability to post instant updates, tweets, and comments have trained consumers to expect those things from marketing campaigns as well. You can begin incorporating real-time value into your email marketing by tracking customer behavior on social networks and using that data to create automated campaigns that deliver relevant messages based on triggers and auto-responders created with eConnect Email.
2. Mobile versions increase in popularity.
Some experts predict that 2011 will see mobile device sales outperforming PC sales for the first time in history. Because people check email on mobile devices more frequently than ever before, you’ll need to make sure your email templates/ campaigns are designed to accommodate these users. Curious how your email campaign will display within a specific email system or mobile devices? We’ve got you covered, check out Inbox & Mobile Previews, a premium feature available within eConnect Email.
3. Social media takes center stage.
2010 was the year social media came into its own, and 2011 will be the year that it takes center stage in a wide variety of marketing efforts, including email marketing. You can incorporate you social media efforts into your email marketing campaign by including links to Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites within your email campaigns. You can also include eConnect Email’s built in social sharing tools which will allow your subscribers to share your email campaigns via Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google Buzz (talk about expanding your reach). Now also available is a feature that allows you to integrate a Facebook “Like” option into your email campaign, the whole process takes less than 10 seconds!
4. Social media gives back.
Not only can you use email to help promote your social media efforts, but you can also begin using social media to increase email opt-ins. By placing opt-in opportunities on your Facebook fanpage and in your Twitter posts, you can increase the number of overall subscribers.
5. Dynamic content becomes the norm.
As people share their opinions and product review information, they’ll become more likely to expect businesses to incorporate this data into their marketing campaigns. Using eConnect Email’s Dynamic Content tools will allow you to create a one-to-one email marketing experience which will keep your subscribers engaged!
As email marketing sets sail in 2011, businesses will need to embrace social media and look for tools that will enhance and engage your subscribers like never before. eConnect Email can help you stay on course by giving you the tools you need to meet and exceed user expectations every time.