Mail Merge Tips from Market-ace.com

Mail merge is a great tool for ensuring robust delivery to medium to small email DBs. It means you can get your promotional messages out to your newsletter base while still keeping your emails individualised.

While mail merge in Outlook could never match what you get from the big email software providers, it can be great to use if you’ve only got a small budget.

In our quick guide below, you’ll learn how to use Outlook to get your promo messages out to your user base in a quick, easy, and highly personalised way.

• Set up two Excel lists: one called TEST, and another called FINAL. Your final one has your full list of email addresses in it. Your lists should feature all the fields you want to carry in the body of the email (probably first name, email address), and save these.

• Open up Word, and type message that you will distribute to your members. Save your message.

• Go to this menu: Mailings > Start Mail Merge > E-mail Message

• Then, go to: Mailings >Select Recipients > Use Existing List > [then find your list from the navigation pop-up]

• Select which sheet(s) you want to use, and leave the “First row of data contains column headings” option ticked.

• Preview your list by selecting “Edit Recipient List”, to make sure you’re not emailing the wrong list.

• To insert any dynamic value from your list (most probably First Name or URL) simply click on a word in your email, and then click on Insert Mail Merge Field. This will create a field like this: «First_name»

• Click on Mailings > Preview Results to see how the merged email will appear. Use the forward/backward arrows to see each one.

• Click on Mailings >Auto Check for Errors, then select OK to the option ‘Complete the merge, pausing to report each error as it occurs.’

• Click on Mailings > Finish and Merge > Send E-mail Message

• DON’T FORGET TO TYPE YOUR SUBJECT LINE, keep it in HTML format, then select ALL. (Type in a small range of numbers if you first – if it’s a test list, this isn’t necessary).

• Click on OK. Your mails will be sent.

• Once you’ve sent to your TEST list, repeat stages 4 – 12 for your FINAL list.

GENERAL TIPS FOR SENDING PROMOS TO YOUR EMAIL BASE

• Always send to the TEST list first.

• Put your own details at the top of the FINAL mail list, and use the range “1 to 1” from step 11 above to test your final mail merge without risking sending messages with errors to your entire user base

• Large lists take a while to deliver, and will render your Outlook and Word unusable, so time it right.

• Including the word ‘newsletter’ in your subject line may leave your readers uninspired. Make your subject very catchy. E.g, “Up to 100 quid free at Jackpotjoy!”

• Make your mail-merged email very personal, and address your recipients by their first names or by their usernames if appropriate.

• You’ll get bombarded with non-delivered messages – beware of this. When you get them, save them into a folder in your inbox, and extract the undelivered addresses into an excel sheet. Removing these email addresses from your future list will ensure you get good deliverability

• Don’t send to a large list once, but try to break your list into smaller chunks and send the same email a few times to smaller numbers of recipients. ISPs don’t like it if you send big pulses of email data all at once.

• At the top of your email, include a hyperlink so that you the reader can go straight to the offer if they are interested.

• Keep your text in the email short and snappy to really get your readers’ attention.

• Don’t make your email too image-heavy. Remember that it is ultimately the text and the hyperlinks that will sell the message for you.

• Don’t forget to put your affiliate tracking link into all hyperlinks from within the email!

• All sent items from the mail merge go to your Sent folder in Outlook.

Gian Perroni – Canadian Affiliate Management Company

In my last article I mentioned the differences between the most common payment options that you are offered as an affiliate – revenue share, CPA (cost per acquisition), or the newer, advantageous “hybrid” option.  The question is how much choice do you, the affiliate, have in this.

The easy answer is that many programs don’t offer you a choice at all, making your decision less about the payment method you desire, and more about whether or not you even choose to support a site that doesn’t offer you the method that you prefer.

Fortunately most affiliate managers will negotiate the different options with you, even if they don’t post them, providing that they believe you can deliver on your promises.  It is reasonable, in my opinion, to be willing to prove the value of your traffic for some predetermined period of time, but it is also reasonable for the site operator to be willing to meet your payment method request if you are able to do this.

For example, you may want to receive a $150 CPA for a new depositing player, but the affiliate manager may tell you that he wants you to work on a 30% revenue share for 90 days first so that he can see that you can deliver depositing players that do more than just make an initial deposit and then withdraw the funds.  This is a perfectly reasonable request if you have not already proven yourself in the industry as being able to provide value players.  In my experience several affiliates that I have offered this type of arrangement have ended up staying on revenue share because the player activity was strong enough that they decided that rev share was a better option for them after all.

There has been some discussion recently about the value of straight CPA programs when looking at the declining value of the U.S. dollar.  While the value of the CPA payments that are received in dollars has declined in relation to other currencies, it is important to realize that most of the sites that pay in U.S. dollars are also transacting business with their players in dollars, and that the CPA amount that they pay you is at the same proportion as it always has been.  It is not the fault of the operator that the dollar has declined, and you can guarantee that they are feeling the affect of this even more so than their affiliates.  For sure they are not making more profit by paying affiliates the same CPA rate, but on a lower value dollar – the likelihood is that they are overall less profitable themselves.

So can you ask for a higher CPA rate because of this?  Sure – why not – nothing ventured and all that, but I would understand if they say no in the absence of any other reason for an increase. I know the effect of this first hand – as a Canadian I certainly enjoyed the time not so long ago when $1,000 received was worth $1,500 Canadian to my business – now I am lucky to get the same $1,000 in Canadian.  I feel like I am working for less every year, and from an exchange point of view I certainly am.

In summary, don’t be hesitant to ask for the payment method that makes the most sense for your business, even if you don’t see it offered.  But do be flexible with your requests.  Many operators and affiliate managers are nervous about straight CPA deals if they are not familiar with the quality of your traffic, and you should be willing to put your traffic where your mouth is.  Try suggesting a hybrid payment – perhaps a smaller CPA rate to cover your necessary operating and marketing costs, and an ongoing rev share that will increase the profitability of your business over time.  That just makes good sense!

Gian Perroni is the President of the Canadian Affiliate Management Company, (CanAffco.com), and has been in the online gaming industry since 1997.  A frequent speaker at gaming conferences, Gian has himself been an affiliate, an affiliate program director, and an operator.  He and his team work with gaming and retail merchants, helping them manage their affiliate programs.  Gian can be reached by email at gian@canaffco.com.

Email marketing was once a simple choice for many businesses, but spam message filters and delete-happy consumers have led to major changes. Nevertheless, email marketing techniques can still be a highly effective part of your promotional strategy, as long as you follow these tips. An effective email campaign can be a great way to send the message out to a large audience, but a poorly planned campaign can actually backfire and damage your online reputation. A little careful research can help you succeed with your email marketing efforts.

Decide What Type of Email Marketing Message You Want to Send

While email marketing sounds as simple as sending out an electronic message to a large number of people, it’s a bit more complicated than that if you want your targets to opt-in. First, you need to determine your exact email marketing message. Are you trying to sell a product, promote your brand or generate additional website traffic? Your unique goals will play a large role in how you operate your email marketing campaign.  Thoughtful targeting tips the scale in your favour.

Send Something of Value in Your Message

Email marketing is about much more than simply pitching a stock sales message to massive numbers of potential customers. In order to generate an opt-in from recipients, you will need to provide something of value. This might involve sending them a message about products related to their individual interests, providing valuable content that answers important questions or relating the latest news of interest. By giving your readers something to think about, they will be less likely to delete your message and more likely to respond to your email, or opt-in, for what you’re offering.

Message Details Are Important

While the content of your email message is important, other details are also essential. One of the best tips is that a quality subject line is perhaps the most important part of your e-mail. In addition to grabbing the attention of the reader, a good subject line can help ensure that your message doesn’t end up getting sorted into the junk mail folder. While website content headlines must be optimized for search, email subject lines must be optimized for people. Try writing catchy headlines that are interesting and attention-getting. Browse through a newspaper for a glimpse at the type of headlines that seize reader interest.

Most Important Tips

One of the most important tips to remember is that all message recipients should have given you an opt-in (requested contact from you). Never send email to people who have not given you explicit permission to do so. Always provide a privacy statement in your message assuring your readers that you will not share their email address with third parties. By following these important tips, you can help ensure than your email marketing efforts will generate the best possible results.

By Christopher Shawn
Gambling Affiliate Programs Expert

In recent years, the online gaming industry has experienced explosive growth. While recent changes in both U.S. laws and International gaming laws have created increased restrictions on the internet gambling industry, more and more people flock to these popular online games every day. Today, interactive gaming is one of the most challenging and difficult markets, but it can also be one of the most lucrative.

In order to succeed in marketing to this ultra-competitive environment, you must have a thorough understanding of how the internet gambling industry works and how to effectively promote your business. By implementing the best possible iGaming Marketing techniques, you can build a name for yourself with online players.

Understand The Laws as They Apply to Internet Gambling

Before you get started in iGaming Marketing, you must understand the laws and regulations that apply to online gaming on the internet. In 2006, the U.S. federal government passed laws making transactions from banks to online gambling sites illegal. However, there are only three states where online gambling is specifically prohibited: Nevada, California and Louisiana. For this reason, many online gambling operations operate outside of the United States in areas such as Australia, the Caribbean and Latin America. Despite these restrictions, iGaming is still very lucrative generating billions of dollars each year in revenue.

Target Marketing Customers

In order to make iGaming Marketing lucrative, you must understand how to best reach your target audience. Online gamers and players are always searching the internet to find new sites to pique their interest, so presenting something slightly different than your competition can be a great way to stand out from the rest of the online gambling crowd. Because many of the major online advertising providers do not accept ads for internet gambling, you’ll need to get a bit more creative when marketing your business. Take advantage of the resources that are readily available. Promote your site on gaming forums and blogs. Sponsor contests to help draw in more customers and build link exchange relationships with other websites.

With so much opportunity available in this thriving industry, iGaming Marketing is an appealing and lucrative choice for many online entrepreneurs. In order to achieve real results, it is essential to understand both the laws of the business as well as the needs and interests of the potential customers you’re marketing to. However, it is also important to always be prepared to change. As both federal and state governments continue to push for additional regulations on the online gaming industry, all businesses must be ready to change when necessary. By making plans for the future, you can help ensure lucrative iGaming Marketing.

By Christopher Shawn
Gambling Affiliate Programs Expert

Every iGaming business has a website.  The problem, however, is that many iGaming businesses fail to take advantage of the advertising provided by their online presence.  By using the basics of Internet Marketing wisely, you can increase your brand recognition, attract more traffic online and generate more sales.  Fortunately, online marketing is one of the most effective and affordable advertising strategies available today.  With a little creativity and hard luck, you can create a successful iGaming site that will reap rewards for years to come.

Internet Marketing Basics

Before you begin, it pays to understand the basics of how online marketing works. Building your iGaming website is only the first step.  In order to succeed, you need to create content that appeals to readers, achieve good placement in the major search engines and focus on a target audience.  Most importantly, you need to develop an internet presence that truly appeals to the needs and interests of your customers.  Pay attention to your online customers, strive to answer their questions and keep generating new site content to hold their attention.

Types of Internet Marketing

There is no “one-size-fits-all” strategy when it comes to Internet Marketing. With so many techniques available, your goal should be to find the right mix of advertising for your iGaming site.  The following are some of the basics for tried and tested online marketing strategies for the internet.

-Search Engine Optimization (SEO): According to experts, more than 85 percent of all iGaming website traffic comes directly from internet search engines.  In order to draw these online viewers to your site, you need to achieve a good ranking in search results for specific search terms.  How can you do this?  Search Engine Optimization is the key.  SEO refers to a collection of internet techniques designed to optimize your website content for search.  Focusing on the basics of using certain keywords, writing specific iGaming content for the Web and using search terms effectively are all great basics to improve your search rankings.

- Paid Online Advertising: Another highly effective way to draw in customers is to purchase advertising on other websites.  Popular programs such as Google AdWords and Yahoo! Search Marketing are affordable online advertising solutions for many iGaming companies.  After starting an ad campaign, your advertisements will then appear in paid search listings and on related websites.

-Buzz Marketing: Good old-fashioned world-of-mouth advertising is alive and well online. Getting people talking about your iGaming website is a sure-fire way to instantly build an audience and attract a great deal of internet advertising traffic.  What are the basics?  Start by daring to be different.  Publish informative articles about the iGaming industry that provide a unique take on a story.  Once people start noticing your authoritative expertise, other websites and blogs will begin linking to your stories and directing even more traffic to your site.

By Christopher Shawn
Gambling Affiliate Programs Expert

Whether you’re new to the world of online marketing for iGaming or an experienced internet pro, it always pays to learn the basics for marketing your site on the Web. Because the Internet iGaming market is always changing, you need to be willing to change with it. While old approaches may have worked well in the past, this is no guarantee that they will continue to reap the same rewards in the future.

So what are some of the basics in marketing to try today? The following are just a few of the basics that businesses, marketers and Webmasters are using on the internet today to promote companies, products and websites. Remember, finding the right approach is vital to your success, so experiment with a range of different online techniques in order to discover which produce the greatest results.

Search Marketing Draws Customers And Increases Online Visibility

Internet search engine marketing remains one of the basics to promote your iGaming business online. Utilizing a wide range of techniques, you can dramatically increase your chances of drawing in Web traffic from search engines. Top placement links in a major search engine such as Google can generate astonishing results, attracting thousands or even millions of customers to your site through these links each month.

So what search marketing strategies should you try? Content development is perhaps one of the greatest tool basics at your disposal. By creating high quality, original content for your iGaming site, you can attract both readers and search engines. Search engine optimization (SEO) is an essential part of any effective online search marketing campaign. Targeting specific internet search terms in your content also allows you create links for a very focused audience base. These site visitors are much more likely to be genuinely interested in what you have to offer.

Word-Of-Mouth Builds Online Buzz

While internet search marketing often takes time to generate lasting results, word-of-mouth advertising can quickly establish your online presence and attract a steady stream of visitors. The most productive basics to inspire buzz around your iGaming business is to be creative, innovative and authoritative. Provide links for the basics for information and insight about your industry that cannot be found anywhere else online. Websites, blogs and readers will quickly take notice and start providing links to your site. These links can greatly increase your site ranking. Popularity and recommendation sites such as Digg and StumbleUpon allow users to share links to great content with other online users. By producing links to top-notch content, you’ll be far more likely to attract links from these useful promotional sources.

While internet marketing tips are abundant, it is important to try a range of techniques in order to discover what works best for your iGaming business. Paid advertising links, building links campaigns, content development and internet search engine optimization are all effective ways to promote your site and attract more viewers.

By Christopher Shawn
Gambling Affiliate Programs Expert

Here are some tips for finding your online niche market. Finding your place in a crowded online market can be difficult, especially with so many other businesses vying for a place in the industry spotlight. How can you stand out from the internet crowd and build a loyal audience of viewers and customers? In the online market, specialization is the key . Niche marketing allows small businesses to succeed, even within a fairly narrow market focus. Instead of competing with large corporate websites with enormous budgets, your business can instead focus on establishing a name within a specific area of your industry.

Marketing Tips # 1 – Finding A Niche

One of the first tips, of course, is to focus on finding a lucrative niche. Let’s say that you want to create an industry website devoted to outdoor equipment. A quick online search of this topic reveals that some of the biggest names in the industry already hold the top spots in search results. While it is possible to build a site designed to compete with these large businesses, your chances of ever making it onto the first page of search results are pretty slim.

So how can you succeed online within the outdoor equipment industry? Niche marketing is the answer. Instead of offering all of the products and services that many all-inclusive businesses provide, you might focus on only a small portion of your chosen topic. For example, instead of featuring information about all types of outdoor gear, you might focus on the outdoor apparel and shoes area of your industry.

Marketing Tips # 2 – Choose The Right Niche Keywords

Niche marketing requires a careful balance of targeted advertising and website content. Starting tips like using marketing research tools such as Wordtracker and the Google AdWords Keyword Suggestion Tool to find out what your audience is searching for are very useful. While you may be tempted to focus on the most popular keyword, remember that this search term is probably highly competitive.

In order to succeed in your niche, choose slightly less popular keywords that do not have as much competition for search results. For example, the term “outdoor apparel” is obviously popular with online searchers, but many websites already have a focus on this keyword. Instead, try niche keyword phrases such as “outdoor gear,” “men’s outdoor gear” and “winter outdoor apparel.” Because it is easier to break into the top of search results for these keywords, concentrating your marketing efforts on these niche terms can reap big traffic rewards.

Niche marketing is all about finding a need within your industry. Look for areas that are underserved by your major competition, and then make your website the number one resource for that topic. If you’re looking for great tips to increase your site traffic and build sales, consider adding niche marketing to your Web strategy today.

By Christopher Shawn
Gambling Affiliate Programs Expert

While online marketing has become one of the essential basics in advertising technique for virtually all businesses, the enormous potential of offline marketing should never be overlooked. Offline strategies can be used to generate business, increase awareness of your brand and direct more traffic to your website. Even if your business is based solely on the internet, there are a number of great offline marketing basics that can be used to effectively promote your business.

Offline Marketing Tips # 1
Offline Marketing Basics

In order for offline marketing to be successful, you must get down to the basics on how to connect with your target customers. This often means creating promotions that integrate your online strategies with innovative offline techniques. For example, you might distribute business cards to interested parties that include details about how to find your business on the Internet. By doing this, you can increase the number of potential customers who visit your site which tips the scales in your favour.

Other tips include placing ads in local newspapers or even writing articles for trade publications. Both of these tactic basics can increase public awareness of your business and generate interest in learning more about what you have to offer. Another great idea is to sponsor a contest in your community that directs people to your site to complete an application form. While people will be hearing about this opportunity in an offline format, they will then visit your site to learn more about what you have to offer.

Offline Marketing Tips # 2
Take Advantage of Free Offline Marketing Opportunities

While offline marketing is generally seen as more expensive that online marketing, this doesn’t always have to be the case. There are plenty of free or inexpensive marketing opportunities available, you simply need to know the basics on how and where to find them. One of the better tips is that local community groups are always looking for guest speakers, which can be a great opportunity for you to share your expertise while also marketing your business. Radio stations and news outlets are also in need to people for special guest segments, which is another one of these useful offline marketing tips to reach out to a wide audience.

Offline marketing can be a highly effective promotional tool when used effectively. While the results of an offline marketing campaign are not always as easy to measure as online advertising, you can still see dramatic results from your offline efforts. In many cases, you can achieve the greatest success by integrating your online and offline techniques. Start with the basics and build a high quality website, then distribute offline postcards, sales letters, business cards and printed advertisements that include the online address of your site.

By Christopher Shawn
Gambling Affiliate Programs Expert

Finding a strategy for Search Engine Marketing (SEM) can initially seem intimidating. With terms like keywords marketing strategy, content optimization and links building strategy, to name a few, many resources make it sound as if you must understand complex mathematical formulas in order to build an effective search marketing strategy for your web site. In reality, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Search Engine Marketing are more of an art than an exact science, and they require attention, effort and continual learning in order to be successful.

Search Engine Marketing Strategy 101: Keywords, Content and Links

If you’ve ever thought that search engine marketing strategy was too difficult and complex to learn, then think again. By simply implementing a few basic techniques with your keywords content and links, you can dramatically increase your search engine rankings and website traffic.

Search Engine Strategy # 1: Keywords

Choose Keywords Carefully: The first step in any good Search Engine Marketing strategy is to research keywords and search terms based on your content. Your goal is to choose keywords and keywords phrases that your core audience is using to search the Web. Take advantage of research tools such as Wordtracker and the Google Keywords Tool to find quality terms for your search engine marketing strategy.

Search Engine Strategy # 2: Start a Links Building Campaign

Research has shown that generating incoming links from other sites is one of the best ways to improve your search engine rankings. Gaining links from free online directories as well as links from other related websites and blogs can dramatically improve your position in search results, which will in turn generate more traffic for your site. You can gain links by establishing relationships with other sites, creating link worthy content and promoting your site on relevant online forums.

Search Engine Strategy # 3: Focus on Content Development

The content on your site is the single most important tool you have. Developing great content and then optimizing this content for search can lead to top placement in search results. Quality articles and other content also appeal to readers and help establish a loyal audience for your site. Excellent Web content is original, informative, well-written and authoritative. Impart wisdom that cannot be found anywhere else on the Internet and both search engines and viewers will flock to your site in response.

Search Engine Strategy # 4: Track Your Success`

After you’ve devoted some time and energy to your search engine marketing strategy, you need to carefully measure the results of your efforts. Looking at website statistics such as visitors per week, page views per session and click-through rates can help you determine which strategy is working and which are not. This information is vital for planning future search marketing campaigns.

Search Engine Strategy # 5:Never Be Afraid to Try Something New

While the tried-and-tested techniques are always important, trying out innovative ideas can lead to big rewards. Consider adding a blog to your site, start an email newsletter or invest in some paid advertising in order to diversify your search marketing strategy. By always being willing to learn, you can win the search marketing game.

By Christopher Shawn
Gambling Affiliate Programs Expert