How often should I email customers with promotions and announcements?

[Stephanie S]

I am curious to know how many times per month you e-mail specials/promo's/announcements to your past customers, hosts, etc? What do you think the maximum number of e-mails per month should be?

 

[rwesterpchef]

As I pass out the drawing slips, I tell the guests, "Notice, there is a place for your email address. If you will list your email on this slip, I promise you that I will email you at least 5-6 times a week and send you as much spam as I can." (Usually get 'the look'). Then I explain, "No, but seriously, I do send out my monthly newsletter in Word format. This newsletter will give you upcoming host specials, guest specials, any exciting news to share, and a free recipe. Every once in a blue moon, you may get a 2nd email from me, but only if I feel it's important to share with you quickly. The guests and host that are already on my distribution list can vouch that I do not bombard you with emails and I do not share your email address with anyone. So be sure to fill out the drawing slip completely and place it in this large stainless steel bowl when you come up to see the rest of the products."

Only once (in 11 months) have I sent out a 2nd email and it was due to some recruiting specials. To keep the email from being just recruiting info, I also added a host special (book on this date, get extra $10 free) special that "just came out", or so they thought.

 

[pamperedbecky]

I agree, I normally only send out one email a month with my monthly newsletter. Every once and awhile, I'll send out a second one, but it's rare. For example, when new products come out each spring and fall, I may send a separate email listing all the products with their own description. That gets REALLY long, so I break it up and if people don't want to read about the new products, they can delete it. Otherwise I risk them not reading the whole email newsletter if I include it in my regular one.

My goal is to try to keep newsletter very concise and brief. Unfortunately, sometimes I'm known for WAY too long emails.

 

[Stephanie S]

My newsletter just went out yesterday, on the 1st of the month. I didn't include the new products being released this month in order to keep it to a reasonable length. I'm now wondering if it would be too much to send out an e-mail blast with the New June 1st products. What do you think?

 

[PamperedChef05]

I send out two a month, on in the beginning to let them know the specials and Dates I have booked if they want to attend, then at the end of the month as a LAST OPPURTUNITY to get that months specials.

 

[BethCooks4U]

I send out one email newsletter at the end of the month as a last minute reminder of the specials for the ending month and with information about what's coming up. I think once I sent a second email in one month because of something released at an odd time but I kept that second one short.

I've asked for feed back when I see people that I have on my list and they say that it's just enough. I do keep my newsletter as simple as I can and just give the fact and some teasers. I often add a recipe or some tips but I usually refer them to my website link for more information and tips.