December 17th is the last chance to catch our email marketing seminars this month. Two different seminars available:

Power of Email Marketing

In just a few short hours, this information packed seminar will show you how email marketing - the hands-on, low-cost marketing tool - can really help you drive your business success. Discover how communicating with your customers regularly can help you stay connected, and generate increased referrals, repeat sales, and unwavering customer loyalty.

You’ll learn how to start and build a strong permission-based customer list… get your audience to open, read and act on your email… and use your past results to sharpen your email marketing program as you go along.

This practical program gives you a concise, but comprehensive overview of how easy it is to create and send professional-looking email newsletters and promotions.

intended audience: Comprehensive Core Knowledge
Suitable for All Experience Levels.

NEXT SEMINAR

date: Wednesday, December 17th
time: 9am to 12pm
cost: $39! ($29 for non-profit. Repeat attendance is Free.)

Register for The Power of Email Marketing today!

Constant Contact 101

This workshop saves you time by allowing you to quickly and easily master the entire Constant Contact system. We’ll present some of the fundamentals of effective email marketing and demonstrate how to build effective communications using the Constant Contact system.

You’ll learn how to set up account options, add signup boxes to your website and emails, load a list, build a campaign, brand your email to match websites and logos. You’ll also learn how to develop content, determine what is valuable to your customers, get your email opened, and track results.

intended audience: Best for Trial and New Users. Perfect seminar for those who use Constant Contact and would benefit from an in-person demonstration.

NEXT SEMINAR

date: Wednesday, December 17th
time: 1pm to 3pm
cost: $39! ($29 for non-profit. Repeat attendance is Free.)

Register for Constant Contact 101 today!

See you there!
Steve

60% of consumers say the “from” line determines whether they open an email or delete it.

So, here are a few tip on making past this critical test from your recipients:

Use a name that your audience will recognize.

Include your organization name or brand.

Refer to your business in the same way your audience does.

Be cautious about using employee names/email addresses as these may change over time.

Use a email address your audience will recognize. Not all email clients will display a “from” name, rather they will display the “from” email address. Make sure this address is also understandable.

Be consistent

When it comes to marketing on the internet and increasing your site’s visibility, blogs and social sites provide you with great opportunity to network and create inlinks back to your site. Take advantage of these tools by getting your company’s presence online. The result? Reaching more potential customers, business partners and employees, not to mention increased visibility for your website with the search engines!

Social-Media/Social-Bookmarking Sites
Be the expert with potential clients and your customers by commenting on newsworthy articles and writing and uploading your own. Always create a member profile that directs traffic back to your company’s Web site and include pertinent links back to your site pages in each article.

1. Reddit: Upload stories and articles on reddit to drive traffic to your site or blog. Submit items often so that you’ll gain a more loyal following and increase your presence on the site.
2. Digg: Digg has a huge following online because of its optimum usability. Visitors can submit and browse articles in categories like technology, business, entertainment, sports and more.
3. Del.icio.us: Social bookmark your way to better business with sites like del.icio.us, which invite users to organize and publicize interesting items through tagging and networking.
4. StumbleUpon: You’ll open your online presence up to a whole new audience just by adding the StumbleUpon toolbar to your browser and “channel surf[ing] the Web. You’ll “connect with friends and share your discoveries,” as well as “meet people that have similar interests.”
5. Technorati: If you want to increase your blog’s readership, consider registering it with Technorati, a network of blogs and writers that lists top stories in categories like Business, Entertainment and Technology.
6. Ning: After hanging around the same social networks for a while, you may feel inspired to create your own, where you can bring together clients, vendors, customers and co-workers in a confidential, secure corner of the Web. Ning lets users design free social networks that they can share with anyone.
7. Squidoo: According to Squidoo, “everyone’s an expert on something. Share your knowledge!” Share your industry’s secrets by answering questions and designing a profile page to help other members.
8. Furl: Make Furl “your personal Web file” by bookmarking great sites and sharing them with other users by recommending links, commenting on articles and utilizing other fantastic features.
9. Tubearoo: This video network works like other social-bookmarking sites, except that it focuses on uploaded videos. Businesses can create and upload tutorials, commentaries and interviews with industry insiders to promote their own services.
10. WikiHow: Create a how-to guide or tutorial on wikiHow to share your company’s services with the public for free.
11. YouTube: From the fashion industry to Capitol Hill, everyone has a video floating around on YouTube. Shoot a behind-the-scenes video from your company’s latest commercial or event to give customers and clients an idea of what you do each day.
12. Ma.gnolia: Share your favorite sites with friends, colleagues and clients by organizing your bookmarks with Ma.gnolia. Clients will appreciate both your Internet-savviness and your ability to stay current and organized.

Professional-Networking Sites
Sign up with these online networking communities as a company or as an individual to take advantage of recruiting opportunities, cross-promotional events and more.

13. LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a popular networking site where alumni, business associates, recent graduates and other professionals connect online.
14. Ecademy: Ecademy prides itself on “connecting business people” through its online network, blog and message-board chats, as well as its premier BlackStar membership program, which awards exclusive benefits.
15. Ryze: Ryze lets members organize contacts and friends; upcoming events; and even job, real-estate and roommate classifieds.
16. YorZ: This networking site doubles as a job site. Members can post openings for free to attract quality candidates.
17. Xing: An account with networking site Xing can “open doors to thousands of companies.” Use the professional contact manager to organize your new friends and colleagues, and take advantage of the Business Accelerator application to “find experts at the click of a button, market yourself in a professional context [and] open up new sales channels.”
18. Facebook: Facebook is no longer just for college kids who want to post their party pics. Businesses vie for advertising opportunities, event promotion and more on this social-networking site.
19. Care2: Care2 isn’t just a networking community for professionals: It’s touted as “the global network for organizations and people who Care2 make a difference.” If your business is making efforts to go green, let others know by becoming a presence on this site.
20. Gather: This networking community is made up of members who think. Browse categories concerning books, health, money, news and more to ignite discussions on politics, business and entertainment. This will help your company tap into its target audience and find out what they want.
21. MEETin.org: Once you’ve acquired a group of contacts in your city by networking on MEETin.org, organize an event so that you can meet face-to-face.
22. Tribe: Cities like Philadelphia, Boston, San Francisco, New York and Chicago have unique online communities on tribe. Users can search for favorite restaurants, events, clubs and more.
23. Ziggs: Ziggs is “organizing and connecting people in a professional way.” Join groups and make contacts through your Ziggs account to increase your company’s presence online and further your own personal career.
24. Plaxo: Join Plaxo to organize your contacts and stay updated with feeds from Digg, Amazon.com, del.icio.us and more.
25. NetParty: If you want to attract young professionals in cities like Boston, Dallas, Phoenix, Las Vegas and Orlando Fla., create an account with the networking site NetParty. You’ll be able to connect with qualified, up-and-coming professionals online, then meet them at a real-life happy-hour event where you can pass out business cards, pitch new job openings and more.
26. Networking For Professionals: Networking For Professionals is another online community that combines the Internet with special events in the real world. Post photos, videos, resumes and clips on your online profile while you meet new business contacts.

Niche Social-Media Sites
Consider linking up with one of these social-media sites to narrow down your business’s target audience. You’ll find other professionals, enthusiasts and consumers who are most likely already interested in what your company has to offer.

27. Pixel Groovy: Web workers will love Pixel Groovy, an open-source site that lets members submit and rate tutorials for Web 2.0, email and online-marketing issues.
28. Mixx: Mixx prides itself on being “your link to the Web content that really matters.” Submit and rate stories, photos and news to drive traffic to your own site. You’ll also meet others with similar interests.
29. Tweako: Gadget-minded computer geeks can network with each other on Tweako, a site that promotes information sharing for the technologically savvy.
30. Small Business Brief: When members post entrepreneur-related articles, a photo and a link to their profile appear, gaining you valuable exposure and legitimacy online.
31. Sphinn: Sphinn is an online forum and networking site for the Internet marketing crowd. Upload articles and guides from your blog to create interest in your own company or connect with other professionals for form new contacts.
32. BuzzFlash.net: This one-stop news resource is great for businesses that want to contribute articles on a variety of subjects, from the environment to politics to health.
33. HubSpot: HubSpot is another news site aimed at connecting business professionals.
34. SEO TAGG: Stay on top of news from the Web marketing and SEO (search-engine optimization) industries by becoming an active member of this online community.

General Social-Media Sites

The following social-media sites provide excellent opportunities for businesses to advertise; promote specials, events or services; and feature published, knowledgeable employees.

35. Wikipedia: Besides creating your own business reference page on Wikipedia, you can connect with other users on Wikipedia’s Community Portal and at the village pump, where you’ll find conscientious professionals enthusiastic about news, business, research and more.
36. Newsvine: Feature top employees by uploading their articles, studies or other news-related items to this site. A free account will also get you your own column and access to the Newsvine community.
37. 43 Things: This site bills itself as “the world’s most popular online goal setting community.” By publicizing your company’s goals and ambitions, you’ll gain a following of customers, investors and promoters who cheer you on as you achieve success.
38. Wetpaint: If you’re tired of blogs and generic Web sites, create your own wiki with Wetpaint to reach your audience and increase your company’s presence online. You can easily organize articles, contact information, photos and other information to promote your business.
39. Frappr: Embed a Frappr map and guestbook into your company’s Web page so that you can pinpoint exactly how users find your site, discover in real-time what they have to say about your company profile and services, and create an “interactive, fun and engaging” spot for visitors.
40. Yahoo! Answers: Start fielding Yahoo! users’ questions with this social-media Q&A service. Search for questions in your particular areas of expertise by clicking categories like Business & Finance, Health, News & Events and more. If you continue to dole out useful advice and link your answer to your company’s Web page, you’ll quickly gain a new following of curious customers.

Job Sites

If you want to secure high-quality talent during your company’s next hiring spree, you’ll need to maintain a strong presence on popular job sites like the ones listed below.

41. CareerBuilder.com: Reach millions of candidates by posting jobs on this must-visit site.
42. The Wall Street Journal’s CareerJournal: The Wall Street Journal’s CareerJournal attracts well-educated professionals who are at the top of their game. Post a job or search résumés here.
43. CollegeRecruiter.com: If your firm wants to hire promising entry-level employees, check CollegeRecuriter.com for candidates with college degrees.
44. Monster: Post often to separate your business from all the other big companies that use this site to advertise job openings.
45. Sologig: Top freelancers and contractors post résumés and look for work on this popular site.
46. AllFreelance.com: This site “offers self-employed small business owners links to freelance & work at home job boards, self-promotion tips” and more.
47. Freelance Switch Job Listings: Freelance Switch is the freelancer’s online mecca and boasts articles, resource toolboxes, valuable tips and a job board.
48. GoFreelance: Employers looking to boost their vendor base should check GoFreelance for professionals in the writing, design, editing and Web industries.
49. Yahoo! Hot Jobs: This site is often one of the first places that job seekers visit. Post open opportunities and check out informative articles and guides to gain insight on the hiring and interviewing process.
50. Guru.com: Build your company’s repertoire with top freelancing professionals by advertising projects on this site, otherwise known as “the world’s largest online service marketplace.”

Hi Everyone! We wanted to share some great feedback we received from Kathryn of Canelo Hills Vineyard and Winery, who attended our recent Power of Email Marketing seminar.

“Since the Power of Email Marketing seminar on October 22nd I’ve been meaning to email you and thank you for running the seminar.  It was certainly the most useful and informative (and fun!) training session I’ve had in the year since I started doing marketing work.  I took home pages of notes and ideas for my family’s winery, and my parents have asked me to sit down with them and tell them everything I learned.”

Canelo Hills Winery is using Constant Contact to keep in touch with their customers about upcoming events and yummy wines. Check them out and get on their list! Thank you Kathryn! MO and the PepperStation gang!

p.s.
By the way, these links back to the Canelo web site are great for the search engines! When you blog, make sure to include inlinks!

Last night we were thrilled to attend Constant Contact’s kickoff event of their fantastic Cares4Kids program. This program enables Constant Contact customers to help children in their community.

How Cares4Kids works

If you’re a Constant Contact customer in good standing, you can nominate a nonprofit organization that provides social or educational support to children for membership in Cares4Kids. If Constant Contact determines that your nominee is eligible, they will recieve one free email marketing account for as long as you remain a Constant Contact customer. Cares4Kids focuses on:

Education

Organizations that help children develop fundamental academic and social skills.

Programs that assist at-risk children

Organizations that develop and promote entrepreneurial skills

Literacy programs

Organizations that support schools and school programs

Human Service

Community agencies that provide basic human needs such as food, clothing, and shelter to children

Please note that 501(c)(3) organizations and schools that don’t align with the Cares4Kids program are still entitled to receive significant non-profit and educational discounts.

It’s easy to help. It’s easy to get started. Visit:
cares4kids.com

OK, we think we have cracked the challenge of helping folks create customized, effective blogs. We just posted simple, cost effective design options for your blog.

Need help customizing your blog space? Check out our design options, I think you’ll find what your looking for.

Thanks!
Steve

Hi Everyone,
You have heard us talk a lot about email marketing lately. Here are some interesting statistics about email marketing and the impact it can make.

81% of U.S. execs subscribe to industry email newsletters for product information and business intelligence. - Wall Street Journal (2007)

60% of business decision makers said internet and email are the best ways for advertisers to reach them. - Jupiter Research (2007)

30% of small businesses say their image of a vendor improved from the email newsletter received.
45% of small businesses want to receive a weekly email newsletter (34% wanted it monthly).
40% of small businesses want to see “how-to” content in their email newsletter.
- Bredin Business Information (2007)

25% of internet users were most likely to check email upon waking.
33% said they checked throughout the day and 70% of employed respondents also said they checked their personal email at work. 33% said they did so more than three times a day.
- AOL/Beta Research Corporation (June 2008)

And here is our favorite AOL stat….
15% of Americans describe themselves as “addicted to email”. Gotta love that!

Email marketing is smart and easy to get going. Start email marketing today with a free Constant Contact trial.! Thanks! MO

Don’t miss this revealing program that will change the way you market your business.

NEW TOPICS

How email newsletters work with blogs and search engines
• make your newsletter and blog work together
• blog marketing 101
• Improve search engine rankings

View complete seminar description.

date: Thursday, September 25th * full *
We will be happy to add you to our waiting list.

NEXT SEMINAR

date: Wednesday, October 22nd * open *
time: 9am to 12pm
cost: FREE!

Register for The Power of Email Marketing today!

See you there!
Steve

Hi everyone. Just a quick note to let you know that we pushed up a few changes to the admin order detail screen. For some time, Spirit has been collecting the page number from which a product was ordered as well as the catalog name from which the order was placed. If you have a product in more than one place in your catalog(s), this can help you understand which product placement was more effective in creating sales.

Now, at the beginning of each product line in your order detail screen, you will see the page the product was ordered from. FYI, this only works with standard product placements, at this time page data is not captured for quick-order products.

We also added the IP address of the person placing the order for your reference. So, if you’re suspicious of an order and the IP address originated in Nigeria, then perhaps some follow up is in order before you fulfill the order.

Finally, several minor formatting changes we made to make the screen a bit more friendly. Here is a screen shot -

Hope the changes make things a bit nicer for everyone. Let us know what you think.
Thanks!
Steve

Attend the high-impact, live seminar…

Date and Time:
Thursday September 25th
9:00am - 12:00pm

Location:
5151 E. Broadway, Suite 1600
Tucson, AZ 85711

This practical program gives you a concise, but comprehensive overview of how easy it is to create and send professional-looking email newsletters and promotions. Learn the latest best practices and proven strategies to:

Connect
• Email Marketing Basics - Discover how permission-based, best-practices email marketing can help you forge strong relationships with your customers, and boost your overall marketing program.

• Building a Quality Email List - Why permission-based email marketing makes smart sense for your business, with tips for starting, building, and maintaining an effective list of email addresses.

Inform
• Creating Valuable Email Content - Deliver content that’s exciting, meaningful, and relevant… at the right time… in the right format.

• Getting Email Delivered and Read - Learn about the techniques and technology that can help get your email delivered, and the subject lines that will get it opened and read.

Grow
• Learning from your results - See who opened your email and what links they clicked on… and use your findings to shape your next campaign to achieve higher delivery, readership, and response.

• Conducting Online Surveys - Establish your goals… craft your survey… review and analyze your results… and discover how online surveys can provide invaluable customer feedback and boost the power of your email marketing!

To register, fill out our signup form. (sign up now as seating is limited)

Learning materials are included with the seminar for your use and reference.
We’ll provide snacks and beverages during the seminar.

Cost: Free!