Focus: Blog

"Don't Forget to Write" & other Online Marketing Tips

  

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With spring break around the corner, some will travel to great places. "Don't forget to write" "Don't forget to post" or "Text me" will be the directive. No matter what your preference, we all love to connect. We like to know what's happening. The same is true with the associations we belong to. When was the last time you "touched base" with your members? Do you still have the right address?

Apex was just awarded All Star status as an online marketer by Constant Contact. I know - sounds a bit like a commercial. Cynicism aside though, Constant Contact is one tool we use to help association clients keep in touch with their members.

For example, when we started with one client last year, I immediately noticed how rarely they communicate with their members - made me wonder if members felt out of touch? To reverse this trend, we drafted volunteers to write articles, and started sending brief email newsletters. The result? An average open rate of over 20%!

Email newsletters don't require too much time IF you have a marketing strategy in place. Here are some online marketing tips:

• Create a template to match the association brand
• Draft 1-3 articles with relevent content - don't forget the association's overall marketing strategy and members
• Include association updates (membership notices, event promotions)
• Set a consistent schedule - stick to it!
• PROOF before sending
• Link to relevent pages
• Send with a subject line that gets their attention

Many associations have trouble finding content. Do you have ideas for great content? Share your tips with us! We all need ideas!