We recently launched an update with several new features for our valued customers. Our focus was on giving them as many sales tools as possible that are simple to use but add value to their business.

One of our new updates allows our customers to download customer records into a CSV format, a simple data tool – and we have been asked why is this important? What does it do for our business?

Existing and previous customer data plays a huge role in retaining business and contact with the old customers, reminding them that you are still out there should they need personalised garments again there is only place they need to go….

A number of businesses place too much emphasis on lead generation, winning the new orders and finding new customers. We are not saying this is not important (as it is!) but also do not forget about retention rates and how to go about increasing them and winning the repeat order.

This is where the pieces of the puzzle fit together nicely, so you have your customer data for the past X amount of months, the key is to use it wisely! Email campaigns are a great way to make the most of the data you have available. Often overlooked by everyday business as quite a specialist facet of Online Marketing and disregard it straight away. But it is an amazing way of communicating and increasing your customer retention rate and despite the number of articles out there that over-complicate the issue with A/B testing, click through rates and so on it is relatively straight forward.

eTrader has been carrying out email campaigns for a long time and through experience found out what works, what does not and how to make the most of the data you have available.

We have put together our top ten tips for beginners looking to improve their online efforts and carry out their first email campaign:

1. Use FREE Software: There is a whole host of email marketing programmes available, of course there will be PRO versions but with a programme like Mailchimp the options, tools and features you get for free are ideal for small businesses.
2. Email Only Offers: Create specific offers for email customers, exclusive codes, discounts only available to subscribers. An effective marketing ploy to measure effectiveness. You can scrutinize click rates, opens etc but the real measure of success is sales.
3. Don’t Over-Complicate it: Email campaigns are an odd one, of course they are sales and marketing tool and you want to make a return from them. But conversely, don’t make them boring – customers will just disregard them and delete instantly which leads us to point four.
4. It’s All about the Subject Line: This is the first thing a customer sees so you better make it eye catching. Offer a punchy line which will leave them left with only one option opening your email. Make it smart; salesy and quirky but avoid sounding like spam of course.
5. Quality Content in Your Email: Now that your interesting subject has got a potential customer to open it, the last thing they want to see is a pretty boring piece of content. Have some fun; use visuals, sales speak, be topical and put together a little bit of content that you think would be interesting. Put yourself in their shoes – would you read a boring email.
6. Call to Actions: An obvious one, but often a big mistake. Don’t forget to put call to actions in place whether it is typed or a button to automatically take care of it. Customers often make buying decisions within 30 seconds of reading your email; if there are CTA buttons in place you give yourself more of a chance of winning the order.
7. Personalise Emails: Even though you customers are essentially part of a mass marketing technique, give them a personalised touch to make them feel special, unique and give your business more of a chance of grabbing their attention. Programmes like mailchimp allow you to break up lists for campaigns for certain products, preferences and so on.
8. Time Your Campaign: Optimum timing is everything! You want your email to land in an inbox at the right time, schedule your campaign for a certain time ensuring it goes out exactly when you want. Customers are more likely to read emails at the start of the day, midday or just after lunch!
9. Get Cute with Automation: An advanced technique of email campaigns that comes across as difficult but in reality is straight forward. Simply plan a series of emails (4-5 per fortnight as an idea) which can be used once a customer has clicked a certain part of your email to send this customer an email X amount of hours after clicking a certain area
10. Lastly and Most Importantly, Trial Run Your Email: Before you send anything send a test version to your inbox, see how it looks, how the content comes across, does it do what you want it do? Trial your email before sending it to customers, save yourself the embarrassment of noticing a mistake after sending a campaign (we’ve all been there).  

Our beginners list is comprehensive but covers all the basics of email campaigns and how to make them successful for your business. Use these tips with the right software and a bit of planning and your business will reap the rewards – sales will only go one way!

For more information or any advice on how to get more from your eTrader site don’t hesitate to get in touch on info@etraderwebsites.co.uk or call 029 2075 5733

This week saw us launch our newest update for all our customers. This update to your eTrader site focuses on both you & your customer’s user experience on an eTrader website.

Our List of Latest Updates Includes:

• Manage Colours in Shops: Create a list of colours for your shops and add a variety of colours for individual products.
• Updated Product Description Box: Brand new box allowing HTML descriptions and much more for each individual product.
• Brand New View Orders Tab: This new feature gives you an accurate break-down of orders carried out on site featuring customer info, product info and much more.
• Export Customer Data: Download your customer’s information in a CSV file with just a simple click. 

Schoolwear Show 2015!

This week, eTrader confirmed confirmation at this year’s Schoolwear Show. Taking part in Solihull between the 11^th -13^th October it will be our first time visiting the show but we cannot wait to get up there and meet lots of garment decorators who may be interested in what we can do for their business.

On top of meeting new customers, we would love to hear off you if you are visiting this year’s schoolwear show, and catch up over a coffee – so don’t hesitate to drop us an email!

For more on the show visit www.theschoolwearshow.co.uk

For more of the latest of what is going on at eTrader don’t forget to check your hints & tips email or get in touch on info@etraderwebsites.co.uk today!