Topica's Blog

So you’ve finally signed up for that shiny new email marketing account (hopefully with Topica!) and it’s ready for a test spin. Now what? First, formulate in your mind what you wish to accomplish with your email marketing. What exactly is the test period for? It should be an opportunity to use the account to its full capacity and determine how it will make your life easier.

But you don’t want to use your live data for that first campaign. By doing a dummy campaign with your own email address, you can catch your mistakes before sending it to your customers.

Testing a campaign
Just as if you were setting up a real campaign, set up your dummy campaign from start to finish (import a test list, create an HTML email and schedule). When you are putting together your test email, make sure that you include links and select the tracking features so your links will be tracked. Once you’ve launched the test and the email is in your inbox, click on all links that you have in the email. Now, check out the reports to see the clicks reflected. Get comfortable navigating through the application and learning the email marketing lingo used.

Testing a form
In the test phase, we also recommend that you build a subscriber form and post it on your website. Make sure to fill in that newly created form. Does the information get posted in your email marketing database? Is it information you can use to segment? What other information might you want from your customers? Tweak the form based on those new requirements.

The real campaign
Now that your dummy campaign has delivered without a hitch, start with a real list and create an upcoming campaign. After you have sent it out, look at the reports. What does the click report tell you? Do you have links that no one has clicked on? Also review your bounce manager and clean your list of any disabled emails. Does this report allow you to analyze your campaign? How do you change your content and focus for the next campaign?

Happy Emailing,

Topica Seal

PS- Friday Fabulous Finds is taking a vacation for the Easter holiday, so have a great weekend!

Filed under: Email Marketing Tips, Reporting, Using Forms