Email newsletter marketing: to send or not to send? That is the question.

Recently I’ve noticed a lot of questions on LinkedIn and a few other forums about email marketing.  The number one question seems to be whether or not it’s a good idea.  So, I decided to tackle this somewhat controversial issue myself.

First off, since I am a Virtual Marketing Assistant, I believe email marketing can be very beneficial to small businesses – IF it is done the right way.  Heck, I rely on email for 99.9% of my communication with clients and potential clients.  Email marketing is a very affordable way to get your marketing message out to potential customers and clients.  With services as low as $30 a month, you can send out numerous emails to thousands of people instantly.  There are no other advertising options that I’m aware of that can even come close to it.  Just as with direct mail, if your email is worded correctly and includes an action item of some type, you can measure your ROI quite effectively.

What the heck is a Virtual Marketing Assistant, anyway?

O.K, I admit, I only heard the term “Virtual Assistant” or “VA” a few months ago.  Unbeknownst to me, I’ve actually been a VA for years now without even knowing it.  I realize that doesn’t bode well for me with potential clients, but hear me out.  Sure, I’ve heard of “freelancers” and “independent contractors”, but a VA?  Never heard of it!  And neither have a lot of other people either.  The term is fairly new. 99% of the time when I tell someone I’m a Virtual Marketing Assistant I get the same question – “What the heck is a Virtual Marketing Assistant”?  Well, allow me to explain.  The official definition of a VA is as follows:

My Virtual Cubicle

Working at home has its advantages.  It’s been at least three months since I had to buy a new pair of pantyhose.  My hair is healthier than it’s ever been since I’m no longer trying to tame it into submission every day with a blowdryer, straightening iron, then a curling iron (crazy, I know, but I actually need both a straightening iron and a curling iron to make my lifeless thin hair look like it has some body to it).  My feet are recovering from the abuse of the past holiday season while I worked as an Event Planner/Marketing Director for a restaurant.  My penchant for lovely, sassy shoes while working on my feet, running stairs and carrying trays for 10 or 12 hours a night has caused my feet to become misshapen, sore and really ugly (but I looked cute while doing it, and as any woman will tell you, that’s all that matters).  Plus, the commute from bed to my desk in the morning can’t be beat.  I watch the morning news with amusement now – traffic jam?  Oh well!  Construction – who cares?  I’ve gotten to my office in 30 seconds flat and the only holdup I encountered was my dog wanting a little scratch behind his ears before finding a nice spot to nap.  And truth be told, I love being my own boss, setting my own hours and making the decisions.  The creative freedom is a pretty big plus, too.