Bulk emailer programs

[alicat]

Grrrr yes I know spam, spam, spam

However the boss wants a bulk email program to send out his marketing emails... he does not want web based with ongong costs etc.

We are in a mixed platform office, so one that works both ways would be ideal.

Can anyone recommend?

Apologies if post is in wrong area....

 

[decksnap]

Grrrr yes I know spam, spam, spam

However the boss wants a bulk email program to send out his marketing emails... he does not want web based with ongong costs etc.

We are in a mixed platform office, so one that works both ways would be ideal.

Can anyone recommend?

Apologies if post is in wrong area....

There's a reason the online ones have a cost... they have features!

I recommend MailChimp and Constant Contact.

 

[Dal123]

Intriguing.

Hmm this sounds interesting, so what exactly are the different sort of features that are not on say apple mail?

 

[decksnap]

The online services do a lot of things...

most importantly managing your database, opt-ins and outs, and providing tracking and statistics for all your campaigns, users, links, etc.

 

[bntz313]

I used constant contact while I was working at my old job. I was very easy to use and you can even import your own html files.

And the features let you check visits also.

 

[dasman88]

I don't know of any Universal platform AutoResponder systems, (that's what these apps are called...) but considering the low cost of a good system like
aWeber (the one I use and it does EVERYTHING) it makes no sense to manage your lists on site.

The main reason NOT to manage your own list though, is the likely possibility that errors in the administration of your mail program can easily get your company's IP address BLACKLISTED.

The main reason a business owner would want to use an "in house" system, is to make the porting of an existing customer list easier.

FWIW, any company that will let you load a list into their system, without forcing confirmation by the e-mail address owners, WILL DESTROY YOUR BUSINESS, and ALREADY have a reputation for SPAM.

Lastly, e-mail marketing is NOT spam. But spam IS SPAM. That's why the system you use is so important. You should never NEVER send marketing messages to folks who have not opted in to receive those messages.

It's is either marginally legal, and often blatently illegal... Federal CANSPAM laws MUST be followed, even with a legitimate list. Mailing to folks who have ASKED for your messages, if the messages are not CanSpam compliant, can still end up causing you big trouble.

Bottom line... get someone who can explain this to your boss to explain it. This is NOT a small issue.

As you know, proper management of communications with existing customers can EXPLODE your revenues. There is only one way to do this with e-mail. The legal/right way.

SPAM SUCKS

 

[Dal123]

Spam

Lastly, e-mail marketing is NOT spam. But spam IS SPAM

I agree it is annoying, but what about telemarketing, they phone me (I'm not listed in the public phone book) constantly trying to sell double glazing, or cheaper utility bills. I've even had them phone back a couple of times, moaning that they did not have an appreciative response , that's because the second time interrupted having my tea after working a 12 hour day. It's harrasment really. Why are these people not prosecuted.

Also how can a small building company get going without 'letting everyone know that they are out there'. I was thinking of emailing architect firms firstly. But is this a NO?