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Post by Alan Petersen on Feb 17, 2014 21:56:02 GMT -5
Suzy's thread abut connecting with readers made think of the importance of having multiple lists. Do you create multiple mailing lists? I use Aweber which allows me to create unlimited lists, I believe MailChimp allows this too. I have many lists, I create a separate one for my book matter, website (by location), Facebook page, etc.  That way I know where they're coming from. Those who join the mailing list from my book matter are my faves since I know they joined via the link inside my ebook. I also have a list for more than just "new release announcements" and one just for that, I like giving people the options. Just want an email when I have a new book out, no problem, join this list... you want to know when I have my book on sale, or I'm running a giveaway, etc, join this list instead, etc. It only take a minute to create a new list, so I find its worth it. Then you can select to send an email to everyone or just this list, etc. |
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Post by Becca Mills on Feb 17, 2014 23:22:21 GMT -5
It never occurred to me to do that!
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Post by Suzy on Feb 18, 2014 2:58:35 GMT -5
Right, but how do you do that? And where do you put it?
Must look up Aweber. But my mailing list so far is only about new releases.
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Post by Suzy on Feb 18, 2014 4:28:50 GMT -5
Looked them up and loved it!
I think I might change from Mailchimp to them. Especially after that message I got on KB warning my not to say anything negative about MC or they'd see it and delete my account. It appears they creep around big forums like KB and check on people...
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Post by Alan Petersen on Feb 18, 2014 13:47:11 GMT -5
Looked them up and loved it! I think I might change from Mailchimp to them. Especially after that message I got on KB warning my not to say anything negative about MC or they'd see it and delete my account. It appears they creep around big forums like KB and check on people... Wow, really? That's creepy. Well most folks are using Mailchimp for free and I guess Mailchimp is thinking if you're not paying, don't complain. A bit heavy-handy! |
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Post by Suzy on Feb 18, 2014 14:19:10 GMT -5
I'm thinking: Big Brother...
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Post by Daniel on Feb 18, 2014 15:30:27 GMT -5
The problem with multiple lists is that each list is a separate subscription, so readers can accidentally sign up multiple times. That means they can accidentally get two messages every time you send something out to your lists, and they think it's your fault. They can also unsubscribe from one list but remain on the other, which means they'll still get your messages. It looks like you are spamming them after they've asked to be unsubscribed, and again, they think it's your fault.
Most email systems give you other ways to identify the source of the subscriber. MailChimp has "groups" and custom fields. I think AWeber does something like that too, although it's been a while since I used them. We moved from AWeber to MailChimp because MailChimp was cheaper, had a superior API (which only a programmer would care about), and we liked the interface better. That said, I've seen people go the other direction (MC to AW) claiming exactly the same reasons. The thing I wish MailChimp would add is the ability to send to multiple lists at once the way AWeber does.
When people talk about segmenting lists and tracking sources, my first question is this: what are you going to do with that data? If you have a plan for how you will use the data you collect to make business decisions, then go for it. If you are just curious, you are probably better off keeping it simple.
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Post by Alan Petersen on Feb 18, 2014 16:29:45 GMT -5
The problem with multiple lists is that each list is a separate subscription, so readers can accidentally sign up multiple times. That means they can accidentally get two messages every time you send something out to your lists, and they think it's your fault. They can also unsubscribe from one list but remain on the other, which means they'll still get your messages. It looks like you are spamming them after they've asked to be unsubscribed, and again, they think it's your fault. Most email systems give you other ways to identify the source of the subscriber. MailChimp has "groups" and custom fields. I think AWeber does something like that too, although it's been a while since I used them. We moved from AWeber to MailChimp because MailChimp was cheaper, had a superior API (which only a programmer would care about), and we liked the interface better. That said, I've seen people go the other direction (MC to AW) claiming exactly the same reasons. The thing I wish MailChimp would add is the ability to send to multiple lists at once the way AWeber does. When people talk about segmenting lists and tracking sources, my first question is this: what are you going to do with that data? If you have a plan for how you will use the data you collect to make business decisions, then go for it. If you are just curious, you are probably better off keeping it simple. With Aweber if someone appears in multiple lists they will only be sent one copy of the email, so I don't have to worry about someone joining two of my lists and getting two emails at once, they'll only get the one. I do track to see which list is doing well. If I run a giveaway and the subscriber open rate is 5% compared to 70% on another list, than I might stop doing giveaways. If one sign up form preforms better than another, than I'll ditch the crappy one. So it's just ways to make sure you're getting the most of your newsletter sign up process and the emails you send out. |
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Post by Suzy on Feb 18, 2014 16:33:36 GMT -5
I like the look of Aweber. It seems to be very user friendly.
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Post by Becca Mills on Feb 18, 2014 16:39:45 GMT -5
I'll check out Aweber. Anyone use other platforms besides Aweber and MC?
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Post by Daniel on Feb 18, 2014 18:20:59 GMT -5
With Aweber if someone appears in multiple lists they will only be sent one copy of the email, so I don't have to worry about someone joining two of my lists and getting two emails at once, they'll only get the one. I do track to see which list is doing well. If I run a giveaway and the subscriber open rate is 5% compared to 70% on another list, than I might stop doing giveaways. If one sign up form preforms better than another, than I'll ditch the crappy one. So it's just ways to make sure you're getting the most of your newsletter sign up process and the emails you send out. I stand corrected. I forgot that AWeber does a "merge" of lists when you send to multiple. Cool feature, that. Your approach to list management sounds well thought-out and right on for optimizing your marketing. Kudos. |
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