Email marketing is the perfect way of keeping in contact with your customers on a regular basis, and also increasing your customer base. There are several different ways to approach e-mail marketing, and picking the right option can be tricky. The advice in this article will help you to navigate your way through e-mail marketing, allowing you to understand the advantages for both you and the business you run.

Ensure that you only email people who have opted in to your list. Sending emails to people who didn’t request them is called spamming. People will not recognize your brand and will not trust you at all. This most likely will lead them to throw your email in the trash, which in turn just wasted your efforts.

Target your chosen audience. As you increase your readership, encourage your subscribers to have their friends opt-in to receive your emails, too. Include a link to subscribe at the top of your emails so that anyone who receives a copy that has been forwarded from a friend can sign up as well. Your email base can really grow this way.

Avoid using the words “Buy Now”. Don’t constantly send out emails that urge your subscribers to buy something. This is a very repeatitive way to go about things and you may be considered a spammer and lose a lot of customers. Customers are aware that you want them to buy your products, so take the time to establish a strong relationship with them. Show them special deals or great products you have, but do it in a professional, helpful way. Your customers will appreciate being treated well and will return the favor by buying from you again.

To get customers enthused about getting your emails, give prizes away through your newsletter. This type of email marketing provides readers with value for participation, and it provides them with encouragement to refer their friends. A good referral program can increase your number of customers.

Test different formats for your email. Your email should be like a funnel, with the most important items at the top and the least important items at the bottom. Trying out different layouts will help you find what works the best. When you find a format that is effective, stick with it. This can help your consumers know what they can expect from your messages and where to find information they need.

As was previously mentioned, email marketing is a very effective way to gain customers and to communicate with those you already have. The advice provided herein can assist you in your foray into marketing via email so that you can eventually master it.