Choosing an email marketing provider

There are many email marketing providers available so how do you differentiate between them and find the right provider for your company?

Things to consider:

1. Is the system easy to use? You should ask for a demonstration so you know exactly how the system works.

2. Is the software provided by a UK company? As using an overseas provider often limits the support available.

3. Does the email marketing provider have its own design service? That way you can be sure that the design is not only attractive but also works with the software.

4. How many emails are you required to send each month? Ensure that you are not committed to sending thousands of emails on a regular basis.

5. Can you register for a free trial? This allows you to see how easy or difficult the system is to use on your own. You can also get colleagues to log in and give you their opinions.

6. What is the pricing plan? Some email marketing providers charge based on how many emails you send per month whilst other providers charge a set monthly fee. Be sure to choose the type of pricing structure that fits your needs.

7. What reporting facilities are available? The email marketing provider should offer a variety of user friendly reports so that you can measure the effectiveness of your email campaigns.

8. What features and functionality will you have access to? Advanced functionality such as list segmentation, dynamic content & subject line split testing can enhance the performance of your email marketing.

9. Does the provider have a high deliverability rate? Email deliverability is a complicated issue and one of the most important variables about different email marketing providers. To avoid having your email campaigns trapped by spam filters, be sure to choose a provider who can prove a high deliverability rate.

10. Do you have the option to have a custom from address? This protects your company from the threat of being black listed and also enhances your brand and your delivery rates.