Nov 4, 2009
Getting ahead of your competitors with holiday emails
If you have yet to plan your holiday email schedule, you better start ironing it out. Many companies are already counting down the days to Christmas and hoping to get an edge over their competitors in a challenging economy. TigerDirect, an electronics giant based in Miami started counting the weeks until Christmas recently while ShopNBC stated their countdown with 100 days before Christmas.
Seeing that it the economy is still recovering, more and more companies are using emails with different messaging tactics to drive sales besides trying to reach their customers earlier. KMart is clearly pushing the layaway message, while other companies are going with promoting refurbished products, payment plans, etc.
Here are some companies that planned ahead and started their emails early.
PetsMart, 10/29/09 — Find coupons inside specially-marked Holiday Bonus Bags of dog & cat food!
Ralph Lauren, 11/2 — First Look At Holiday Gifts
Nordstrom, 11/2 — Holiday Free Shipping (Details Inside)
Blue Nile, 11/2 — Shop Early and Save 10% on Holiday Gifts + Free FedEx Shipping
If you have yet to plan out your Holiday Season Email schedule, grab a pen and take note of these best suggested to avoid by iContact.
Avoid:
1) Sending too Many Emails: Spam is defined as any unwanted message. If you plan to send multiple holiday emails, be certain your recipients will value each of your messages.
2) Relying on Discounts Alone: Discounts alone are not enough. Be sure to communicate key values, elements, and features. What is unique about your product or service? Why do your happiest customers like you?
3) Sending Without Tracking: Many businesses don’t realize that when they send emails “in-house” (without an email marketing service) it’s impossible to know if the emails reach the recipient. The sender can land on just one “spam list,” which will reduce the message delivery rate by up to 50%!
