What is "opt-in" direct email?
"Opt-in" direct email is the practice of sending commercial e-mail to recipients that HAVE agreed to receive messages on a particular subject. Opt-in lists fully disclose the list owner's commercial purposes and allow list members to access, modify, or delete their personal information at any time.
How does opt-in differ from unsolicited bulk email (spam)?
Bulk emailing (which is commonly referred to as "spam" or "spamming") is the practice of transmitting mass quantities of e-mail to large lists of "unqualified" email addresses. These lists are harvested without the recipients' knowledge or consent from newsgroups, chat rooms, Web sites, and member directories. Therefore, these lists are generally less expensive than opt-in lists.
Why should I use opt-in email vs. bulk email lists?
Opt-in lists offer marketers a "politically correct" way to reach their target audience on the net. While using bulk e-mail lists is cheaper, the practice in itself is extremely controversial. You must be very careful when considering using bulk e-mail to market your wares on the Internet. While the practice itself is NOT illegal, it can lead to some unexpected and unwanted results. For example, some of your recipients may decide to "flame" you by clogging up your e-mail system with angry responses to your marketing message. Other recipients will complain to your Internet Service Provider, who may decide to discontinue your account.
Where do our lists come from?
We have more than 3,000 opt-in lists with more than 76 million unique names to choose from. All of our email addresses are ALL opt-in from a variety of quality web sites, banner ads, e-surveys & e-zine lists.
Can I rent the lists and send my messages myself?
No. Our guarantee to the opt-in clients is to maintain a level of integrity and control over what is broadcast to them via e-mail. We would not have any control over releasing a list of e-mail addresses for individuals to do with as they wish. That is why we send your message to the list participants for you. Of course, you put your contact information in your message so recipients can buy your products and services.
How much will the service cost?
Your mailing cost will vary depending on the lists selected and the number of recipients you choose to mail to. Our lists cost as little as $0.005 cents per name rented. These prices are determined by the organizations that compile and maintain these lists for us. There is no charge for sending your email message. However, there is a minimum order requirement of $1000.
What is included in the service?
Our service includes:
- Setting-up an account for you so that we can track which lists you have rented and when you have mailed to them.
- Preparing your message for sending via the Internet.
- Tracking and Marketing Reports
- Phone Support
- Archiving
- Selection of a list based on criteria provided by you.
- Sending your marketing message via the Internet to the opt-in participants on your selected lists.
Do you give credit for undeliverable email addresses?
You may receive a few "undeliverable" responses after your mailing. The percentage will be extremely small, as we are continually cleaning our lists. We are not set up to credit a few pennies or even a buck or two, and will not be issuing credits for those few addresses. In the world of snail-mail lists, a 5 percent undeliverable rate is acceptable. Our lists do not approach even a 5 percent undeliverable rate!
When will my e-mail message be sent?
Your email message will generally be sent to the email list within two business days. Most messages are sent Monday through Friday evenings by 7:00 PM (Eastern Time).
How will I know that my messages have been sent out?
A copy of your e-mail marketing message will be sent to your e-mail address when your campaign is distributed and you'll receive a delivery confirmation report.
What results can I expect?
While, response rates to your mailing will vary by the offer and your email message/copy, sending targeted opt-in email typically results in a 3%-7% response rate.
How large can my message be?
There is no limit in length. However, it is important to remember that people do not want to read long blocks of text so it is better to keep your message short. Please visit our EMAIL CAMPAIGN TIPS for some pointers.
Are there any other restrictions on the message I can send?
Yes. We are anti-spam. Therefore:
- No chain letters.
- Your message must not encourage people to send unsolicited e-mail to others.
- The message must be appropriate for the list to which you are sending. While a list of lawyers might seem like a good place to send your golf club offer, we can send golf club offers only to those who have specifically requested it. The lawyers' list is not appropriate in this case.
Can I send HTML or Flash email?
Yes, we can send HTML, Flash and plain text messages only for readability across all platforms.
TheMediaCrew.com sounds great - how can I test?
Given the size and diversity of our databases we have found that a test of approximately 5% of the file (400,000 to 800,000 emails) yields statistically reliable results. Contact us and we'll set up a test for you.
How do we know it will work?
There are no guarantees but over half or our advertisers (72%) who test come back. Still, that means 28% don't. Most tests that fail are not a total loss - companies just fell short of their ROI goal. Contact us and we can discuss the merits of your situation. If the odds of success seem less than positive we will tell you. At TheMediaCrew.com, we believe in advertising that works... for everyone involved.
How does TheMediaCrew.com work for branding?
TheMediaCrew.com enhances branding efforts in two ways. First, the opt-in message functions as a fantastic traffic builder and delivers "opt-in responsive" individuals to your site. Second, the message also offers impact opportunities that enable marketers to heighten their awareness level among "opt-in responsive" individuals. A bi-monthly presence with opt-in e-mail is a powerful tool for building consumer awareness of a business.
How do I include a hotlink to my web site?
You can include as many hotlinks as you'd like. To include your Web site address, type in your URL proceeded with http://. For example: http://www.TheMediaCrew.com. To make your e-mail address "clickable," add mailto: in front of the e-mail address. For example: mailto:sales@TheMediaCrew.com
Why advertise with an industry leader like TheMediaCrew.com?
There is only one question to ask yourself when deciding whether you should advertise with any medium, and that is, does this particular form of advertising work? Advertising with opt-in e-mail works. It works better than any form of advertising you can do on the Internet and it is cost effective to boot.
Who can I contact should I have questions?
You can contact a marketing specialist by emailing sales@TheMediaCrew.com |
