Hi Karen, we would suggest looking into Hubspot email marketing platform. We have used MailChimp and active campaign before, but we feel as though Hubspot is superior as it has tonnes of options and integrations. Hubspot works brilliantly with our white label event ticketing software Python Events (www.pythonevents.io).
- I recommend using http://mailchimp.com/
- Mailchimp offers 12,000 emails Free to the first 2000 subscriber. which means 6 emails for every customer per month.
- We can upload our mailing list.
- Pricing http://mailchimp.com/pricing/
- Mailchimp Integration http://connect.mailchimp.com/integrations/directory?page=2
I have used Constant Contact, MailChimp and InfusionSoft ... and I really do prefer MailChimp for many reasons. If you could provide us more details as to what you are looking for in an email marketing platform, I'm sure we could give you more detailed guidance!
I have used MailChimp, Constant Contact and iContact. I still use MailChimp because I feel it gives me the most control over my data.
Please don't mind I suggest you to do internet marketing as well for your website.
webgreeter.com
There a couple but the best one I personally have come across is campaign monitor. http://www.campaignmonitor.com/
Karen, I've found the combination of mailchimp, eventbrite, insightly, aweber, and Meetup useful for local CRM event campaigns.
Before you decide that, you need to know where your target market and ideal client goes to get their buying information. If email marketing persuades them and you have their permission to send email, then that is one tactic to use.
If you are looking at just an email platform, there are many and price is generally the primary consideration. List out your requirements - i.e. what you want this email platform to do. Then pick a couple that match your requirements and give them a trial run before buying.
On the high end, there is Ontraport (formerly Office AutoPilot which I use), InfusionSoft and SendResponse. The others (i.e. Awber, GetResponse, MailChimp fall beneath these. But pick one that fits your needs.
This link might help explain it: http://help.campaignmonitor.com/topic.aspx?t=171
You can see a review of several here: http://autorespondergeek.com/
Karen,
While you may look at the big buffet on the Best Email Marketing Services List for Business on the Planet:
http://www.michaelhartzell.com/Blog/bid/35148/The-Best-Email-Marketing-Services-List-for-Business-on-the-Planet
It becomes daunting.
I love doing events and I understand why you ask the question related to email.
To play a bigger game, Hubspot has everything in one system, including email marketing.
I can show you around and focus specifically on email options.
http://www.michaelhartzell.com/hubspot-demo/
It offers tools that are simpler to use and the everything is integrated.
But if you want to go with the basics...
I would start with Eventbrite.
Eventbrite has extreme customer service.
Eventbrite offers so many tools for event management and offers the option to create emails. The email management for the events has many layers and has a filtering system.
If you are not yet using Eventbrite, check it out.
It is free to use for free events.
Here is a more complete list of event management options:http://www.michaelhartzell.com/Blog/bid/71652/15-Free-Event-Management-Software-Resources
If you go with Eventbrite and use it for events, it can go a long ways.
Beyond Hubspot and Eventbrite, you already have good recommendations.
NOTE:
There are many email management systems which only allow online double opt-in to use them. With strict spam laws, they do not allow you to upload a list of contact information you have compiled via events, networking or business cards. You will need an system that provides your online/offline activities to continue without a hitch.
MailChimp is powerful and simple to use.
Not a fan of TalkFusion.
InfusionSoft has been said to be complicated.
Constant Contact, so powerful... but not as simple as MailChimp.
Don't use gmail or other generic systems. Lacks professional branding.
Go with Eventbrite. See how far you can go. Then note what limitations it has and let me know. I will point you to something to add to keep you moving.
I love Hubspot but it is too expensive for my needs at this point. My goal is to send out group emails with videos etc as a newsletter and education tool; I would like something that has all the bells and whistles, that works the best user-friendly and is in my price range $30 per month. I have been actively using Hootsuite for many years.
Outlook, but sometimes I use google mail.There is a new we based email I have experimented with called NEURS. This system is by invitation only.
It depends on what your marketing objectives are. if you just want to do a simple text or html emails, Benchmarkemail, Constant Contact, Aweber will all work.
if you are looking for full email marketing automation. Infusionsoft, Marketo, HobsSpot.
I use Benchmakemail, they have a free 30 day trial: http://www.benchmarkemail.com/?p=12173
While I admit that I am not totally familiar with the event business model, I would think that an email nurturing campaign would be a necessity. It is what I call Nurture to Fruition.
By Nurture, I mean a system that allows you to keep in touch while at the same time monitor their actions, rank each action, accumulate the ranking telling you which prospect is Ready, Willing, and Able to do business with you right now. That way you can avoid spinning your wheels working with people who are not ready yet; and you can concentrate your valuable time on those who are ready.
By Fruition, I mean you don't stop after only a few touches. Initially you can have possibly 5 to 10 touches withing the first 2 weeks when they have shown the initial interest by opting in and then reduce the frequency of the touches to keep on top of their mind.
For this you need a system that integrates email with your website. You need a system that can track each link that they click (email and website), how long they watch your videos, what documents (white papers, PDFs, Infographics) they download, and allows them to submit forms or surveys. All this will tell you when they are ready; or at least tell you which ones are prime.
You can do this through high end CRM autoresponders like Marketo, or Office Autopilot which cost in excess of $400.00/mo, Or you can use Lead Outcome. Join with my link and I can help you along the way: http://lydwolf.leadoutcome.com/ ... Lead Outcome is a comparable system at a fraction of the cost. Their version 2 is coming out soon and pricing will remain the same for now. Version 2 is more intuitive, with better features, and a better form builder. They also have an API where you will find many new third party software tools working with Lead Outcome.
By the way, have you ever considered developing a mobile list of cell numbers and promoting similar events through SMS marketing? SMS is a powerful medium that gets in excess of 90% open rates within 5 minutes. If you put that together with a viral offer system at the box office where your customers tell their friends, every event could have better turnout.
Hope this helps.
Good luck with your endeavors.
Regards,
Lydia
Video email marketing! No doubt..A video email allows your customers, clients, prospects etc to see (with their own eyes) the quality of your service. From event invitations to sales follow up or even ":Customer Thank You", video emails allow you to put that "personal touch" in the way you communicate your events. I have a "Bridal Magazine" using such platform. Let me know if you'd like more info
TalkFusionDallas
"Helping businesses communicate better"
Hi Karen- I've found Mail Chimp has worked great for many of my event prof clients..however EVENT BRITE is such a great brand and product and has email to attendees etc built in, and they are a wonderful place that's a one stop shop for everything you need to promote, market, sell, tickets etc for your event...
Correct me if I am understand wrong, but I think that what your saying which mailing platform is best to have for business, such as Hoot-suit v. Revel-mouse? The best thing and traditional way is to use the company's email, and email one person at a time. This is still great because it allows you to cater to that individual personally, and have your "personal touch" towards it. Where an automatic program makes it sound general and dull. Then again it depends on your personal/ business needs, and how much are you willing to pay. Furthermore my friend/ adviser told me ones about hoot-suit being great... :/
Was hoping to be more focused - why do you use all of them - I would like a platform that could cover as much "territory" (social, video, good design email templates, etc) as possible with the most affordable cost - around $30 month