by Rachel D. Russell, @RDRussellWrites
You’ve put in the time to write an email to your list—which may still only be your two best friends from high school and your mom—but, it’s a list. It’s your list. And it’s a start.
Or, maybe you’ve carefully nurtured your list for some time and have a good, solid base.
Either way, when you hit “send” on an email campaign, you want to know those crafted posts—whether they’re touching base or announcing a book launch—are landing in the inboxes of your subscribers.
Not in their spam or junk folder.
I can’t tell you how many well-known author email newsletters I get that are landing straight in my spam folder.
It’s a lot. And, to be frank, taking the time to add them to a contact list so they are “white listed” is sometimes a hassle for your readers.
You probably know all the regular tips about the actual email. The “how tos” of writing it. Don’t use extraneous punctuation, avoid spammy buzzwords like “free.” Don’t use all caps because, not only will it annoy your readers when you “yell” at them, but it will give your email the fast track to the spam folder. Give them an easy way to unsubscribe (you’re required to!) and if you don’t send out regular emails, it doesn’t hurt to remind them who you are and that they signed up to hear from you.
Today I’m going to share three tips for making sure your hard work lands in the inbox for your fans instead of their junk folder with all the loan offers, foreign relatives needing funds, or the spoofed emails telling your subscription you don’t even remember having is about to expire.
1. Use your own domain name email. As easy as it might be to use a Gmail, Hotmail, or other freebie email, nothing says pro like an email from your own domain name. Spam filters find these less appealing to route their way, too. Show you’re a pro with your own email address.
2. Authenticate your domain. Whether you use Mailerlite, Mailchimp, ConvertKit, or any other list management tool, they each have the ability to authenticate your domain. Complete a search function for your email management tool and “authenticate domain.” Follow the steps to authenticate your domain.
3. Include one of your own email addresses in your list. If you’re getting it in your own inbox, chances are good others are too. Still not sure? Ask a friend to subscribe and let you know.
When you follow these tips, you’ll be assured that your readers get to do exactly what they signed up for—hear what you have to say. You’ll keep your subscribers warm and make your efforts to craft meaningful communications worthwhile.
Welcome back to Deep Haven! More details soon to come on this contemporary romance that takes place in Susan May Warren’s fictional town of Deep Haven on the north shore of Minnesota.
Rachel D. Russell writes contemporary inspirational romance focused on forgiveness, redemption, and grace. She’s a member of Oregon Christian Writer and My Book Therapy’s Novel Academy. She’s currently writing two novels in the Deep Haven series with Sunrise Publishing. When Rachel’s not cantering her horse down the Oregon beaches, she’s probably interrogating her husband on his own military and law enforcement experience to craft believable heroes in uniform. The rest of her time is spent enjoying her active family, including two teens and three keyboard-hogging cats. You can catch up with her at RachelDRussell.com, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.