DISQUS

Christina,

The first thing to remember is that your open rate is not the 47.9% you see listed at Constant Contact. That rate does not include opens by those using aol and several other email programs, as well as those using text only. I used to be concerned by a low open rate until I went into Constant Contact and did more research as to what programs are reflected in the open rate.

I also wonder if Friday is perhaps not the best day? Being so close to the weekend, will it be overlooked? And why is the unsubscribe link the first thing they see? Why not put that at the end of the email?

I eventually did away with the opt-in twice because a lot of people just lose that second email or never get around to it.

Email newsletters are tough. Despite what everyone tells you, it is hard to get a good readership and then even harder to get a responsive readership. Case in point: I offered a contest last month where I gave a book review and then offered the book in a draw. All you had to do was send in your email address to be entered. NOT ONE ENTRY! A friend runs a movie website with up to 700 hits a day and he did the same thing. 9 entries.

Fiona

Hi Christina,
Fiona here from IVWCC. I loved this topic and want to share a tip I learned when I used to fundraise for a local clinic. A professional fundraiser gave me a great tip which works well here as well. Say your price and then say nothing. Too many of us feel that we instantly have to justify it which means the other personhears, "I charge $X but please please it's really not too bad although I know it sounds a lot." Say your fee and turn it back to the other person.