June 15, 2012
Google's Project Glass, a wearable computer that provides an augmented reality experience, has created a buzz about how its futuristic capabilities will transform daily experiences. Among these, Google is changing the way consumers interact with retailers, bringing a new wave of mobile devices to the commercial space.
June 15, 2012
A few surprises showed up when my company analyzed the email marketing practices of Internet Retailer's Top 500 online retailers this year. On the up side, more retailers are cross-pollinating their email and social channels for greater growth and engagement. They're also emailing more often in the critical first 30 days after opt-in. But the study also found that fewer marketers offer new subscribers options either to customize their email program or to avoid unsubscribing later on.
June 1, 2012
Despite all the buzz around social media, mobile apps, tablets and "the cloud," email is arguably the king of the online marketing mountain. Since around 1993, email has demonstrated a unique ability to connect with both new and current customers in a way no other channel can. In fact, according to ExactTarget, more than 93 percent of online consumers have provided their email address to at least one company or brand.
June 1, 2012
Don't make the user confirm. If you do, you'll lose more than 40 percent to 60 percent of your sign-ups on average, sometimes more depending on your category and/or your target demographics.
May 23, 2012
As a follow-up to my previous blog post, I continued to monitor the Gmail inbox placement for ProFlowers over the past two months. What I saw was a remarkable turnaround from the struggles the floral retailer had in February and March, when it bottomed out at 26.1 percent around Valentine's Day. ProFlowers’ proactive approach to restoring sender reputation with Gmail customers seems to have worked as planned.
May 10, 2012
In eMarketing + Commerce’s new (and FREE) podcast series Email Talk, sponsored by Silverpop, email experts Andrew Kordek, co-founder and chief strategist, Trendline Interactive, and DJ Waldow, founder/CEO, Waldow Social, will entertain you while at the same time offering insights, actionable tips and best practices around email marketing that you can take back to your desk!
May 9, 2012
We picked 23 of Internet Retailer's top 25 companies (from the IR 500) and looked at 50 brands that these companies own to find the best overall inbox delivery and open rates over the last 90 days. Piperlime.com, with 99 percent inbox delivery, and Banana Republic and iTunes at 98 percent, were at the absolute top of the inbox delivery range. Kmart, HP, Gap, Netflix, Old Navy, Best Buy and Bath & Body Works all follow closely behind with delivery in the 97th percentile.
March 29, 2012
Brands such as ProFlowers, Red Envelope and 1-800-Flowers make their promotional email push two or three weeks before Valentine's Day comes around. These campaigns usually do very well, with higher than average open rates, that is, when customers actually receive the emails.
March 21, 2012
State of the Social Universe: What Marketers Should Keep in Mind, from 4 Experts Who Can Help You Reach for the Stars
They shared their insights on where things are now, what trends are emerging, what marketers need to emphasize, and how they can make the most of it all. Sections include:
1) Drive the Mobile Vehicle Smartly, and Honor Your Email Opt-In Relationships
- Sara Meaney President, Strategy & Growth, Hanson Dodge Creative
2) It's About Location, Location, Location: Know Where Your Customer Is
- Asif Khan Founder and president of the Location Based Marketing Association
3) On the Rise: Social Intelligence
- Doug Camplejohn CEO of Fliptop
4) Start - and End - with Your Content
- Ann Handley Chief content officer for MarketingProfs
March 21, 2012
The way we communicate is moving-literally. Smart phones are outselling PCs, and tablet sales are expected to outpace desktop sales by 2013. But although the screens may be smaller, the possibilities for engagement are larger than ever.
You'll find the following covered in this handy whitepaper:
- What Does Mocial Mean for Marketers?
- Determining Your Mocial Strategy and Goals
- Growing Your Email Database Through Social and Mobile
- Making Email More Social
- Extending the Reach of Social and Mobile
- Deploying Integrated Programs Across Email, Social and Mobile
