Tools & Tips

Electronic communications are a great way to keep in touch with a wide range of audiences – from customers and prospects to colleagues and employees.

If you are planning an e-comms campaign, here are 10 points to bear in mind…

1. Plan what you are going to offer

If you want to break free from the junk mail, make sure you put together a mailing that gives your audience something they want to read.

Identify what will be of interest to your audience.

2. Create an effective and memorable template

Make sure that the style of your template reflects the type of information you are sending out.

Templates should be attractive and clear – organising information and enticing the viewer to read more.

Remember to make sure it fits with your corporate guidelines.

3. Share your experience and expertise

Share your organisation's knowledge and expertise with your audience.

Giving them information they need and want, starts a dialogue that will make your communications something of value and demonstrate your capabilities.

4. Pull together a reliable list

Don’t just go for numbers – you’re looking to build up a mailing list of people you know are actually interested in what you have to offer.

If you do buy a list, make sure it is from a reputable source.

Make sure you give people a way to unsubscribe if they aren’t interested.

5. Plan your delivery system

Make sure you have access to a system that makes producing your communication as simple as possible.

Make sure it offers reliable delivery to your list, and protects your valuable and sensitive data.

Even if you decide to produce the communication yourself, make sure you have someone who can do it for you if you get too busy.

Make sure you can get phone support for your system.

6. Make regular contact

Don’t just send a single mailing and expect everyone to see it. People are busy and may skip over your message even if it is of interest to them.

Don’t just resend the same message – people may not take in what you want them to see first time, but they will definitely ignore something they have already seen.

Remember – you may not get an instant response, but a regular useful mailing builds a long term relationship with people who are genuinely interested in your offering.

7. Measure your results

Look at who opens your messages – and particularly who clicks on your links. It will help you gauge which articles generate most interest.

Make sure your system delivers this information in an easily understood format.

8. Establish a two-way dialogue

Offer ways for people to find out more with links to web-based information that will let you track their interest.

Try an online questionnaire – it’s a great way to get your audience to talk to you, and can give you ideas for future topics for e-comms.

9. Build on your results

Use other ways of communicating with your audience to build the relationship – from your website and advertising to events, training and exhibitions.

10. Make sure you offer a way-out

Remember, an 'unsubscribe' link is a legal requirement and a simple courtesy

Or just give us a call…

Whatever you want to achieve with your e-comms, Hullabaloo can help - from planning, writing and designing your e-comm, to reliable delivery and reporting of results.

Our Caboodle system makes e-comms simple and inexpensive, and is backed by our comprehensive, full-service graphic design studio for all your communications – from websites and corporate identity, to printed brochures and advertising.