CX Fanatics Podcast

Avoiding The Spam Filter - Email Marketing Best Practices

This week on the 2nd Act Entrepreneur show we dive into 5 ways to avoid the spam filter with your email marketing.
Some are based on tech and some are simple tweaks you can make to your email marketing practice that will ensure you get more eyeballs on your emails.
Be sure to stay tuned until the end because you won't want to miss the bonus tip toward the end of the episode.
Consistently showing up in the inbox is a great way to build rapport with your new email subscribers.  But did you know that it is also a GREAT way to ensure you stay out of the SPAM filter too?
More on that in the episode.
One of your first opportunities to practice consistency is with your welcome email series. 
This simple series ensures that you show up in the inbox of a new subscriber 5-7 times.
Yet that pesky sequence can sometimes feel overwhelming to create.
You're not alone if you feel that way.
I've met so many entrepreneurs who struggle with creating a powerful welcome sequence.
If you have blank screen syndrome, struggle with what to include, and rush through sales phrasing just to put something out into the inbox.
Fear not, help is on the way!
Download your free copy of the Welcome Sequence Guide and get the step-by-step system to write a compelling email sequence that not only gets emails opened but also builds rapport and trust which will lead you to the sale and out of the SPAM folder.
Download your free copy here.
All of the tips at the beginning of this week's episode are tech-focused. 
But fear not if you don't like the tech pieces of email marketing.
Each of these tips can be implemented or changed by you OR you will know what to ask for when you meet up with your website/email tech person.
1. Ensure that you are training your subscribers to find and look for your emails. 
This starts with your thank you page.  You will find some great tips on what to include during the episode. This step starts before you hit the inbox, so be sure to tune in.
2. Ensure that your email domain has met all the spam prevention criteria. 
Including setting up your website URL with SSL and also having your DMARC and other spam requirements set up as DS records with your website host.  If all of those acronyms through you off, don't worry.  You can use this tool to spit out a report for your website, email, and more so that you can show your tech guru what needs to be done.  Don't have a tech person, schedule a free call, and let's see if we are a good match.
3. Get permission and track that you have.
Adding people to your email list or buying email lists is not only horrible for your email marketing reputation it can get you in some hot water legally.  Be sure to follow all the email marketing guidelines like GDPR and CAN-SPAM for your country and state.  A great rule of thumb is don't add anyone to your list unless they have explicitly said it's okay to do so.
The other tool I mention in the episode helps you analyze the health of your list.  You can sign up for a free account with Emailable to do that here.
4. Avoid writing spammy headlines and headlines that include SPAM triggers.
Headlines can be tricky.  Other marketers have ruined some of the best phrases and symbols and now if you use those words or symbols, bummer you will get sent straight to SPAM, junk, or even the trash bin.  Need some help deciphering which words to avoid?  No problem, download this free guide and get 350 words to avoid in your headlines and copy.
5. Use an email service provider that is well-known and has a good reputation.
Not all email service providers are built the same.  My two favorites are Convertkit and ActiveCampaign.  They have excellent functionality and deliverability.  I recently looked at another provider and when I started to review their email deliverability it wasn't good.  It caused me to not switch to them for my email and other needs.  The short way to find out if an email service provider has a good reputation is to Google their reputation and reviews.
Don't forget to tune into the entire show to hear the bonus tip.
Comment with your favorite tip or even one I missed below.
Until next week,
Stay well and take care!~Alisa
 
 
 

Email Marketing: Stand Out In Every Inbox

Discover how to stand out in every inbox with your email marketing this week on the 2nd Act Entrepreneur Show. 
Recently on LinkedIn, I received a question about how to stand out and be recognized in the inbox so that more of your emails get read.
This week's episode dives into multiple ways to not only stand out but secure your place in your subscriber's inbox and beyond.
One of your first opportunities to start building a relationship with someone new in your sales funnel is with your welcome email series.
Yet, so many entrepreneurs struggle with creating a powerful welcome sequence.
If you have blank screen syndrome, struggle with what to include, and rush through sales phrasing just to put something out into the inbox.
You are not alone.
And, help is on the way!
Download your free copy of the Welcome Sequence Guide and get the step-by-step system to write a compelling email sequence that not only gets emails opened but it also builds rapport and trust which will lead you to $$the sale$$.
Download your free copy here:  https://alisaconner.com/emailguide
One of the first things to do to ensure you gain traction in the inbox is to be sure that you have been invited to be there.
Sounds like a "duh" suggestion, but you can't imagine how many people buy email lists (please don't do this) or add people to their email lists without permission.
This is why the first part of the episode dives deep (maybe a little too deep) into both the IOS changes and GDPR.  (yes that's still a thing!)
You won't want to miss all the details in this week's show.
The other way to dive into the hearts of your email subscribers and keep them coming back for more is to ensure that you are delivering what they want.
When you show up to serve and not sell, you will stand out from the 1000s of other emails in the inbox simply because you show up differently.
You will pique curiosity and curiosity builds interest.
Your readers will more than likely be interested just enough to open the email and read on.
This relates directly to where a buyer is on their journey. 
Good marketing matches where the buyer is, not where you expect them to be.
If you need more help with identifying the buyer's journey and aligning it with your marketing tune into Episode 156 here.
Catch all of the inbox email marketing tips in this week's episode by tuning in here.
What's your biggest takeaway, let me know in the comments.
Have a question about your marketing? Send me a direct message on LinkedIn.
Until next week,
Be well and stay safe!
~Alisa
 

Email Sequences You Won’t Want To Get Wrong Part 3 of 3

This week on the 2nd Act Entrepreneur Show we conclude our email sequence series by talking about the last four email sequences to create in your business.
These four sequences most people set up but more often than not they don't see the results they want because they are going about the intention of these emails ineffectively.
Tune into this week's show to discover these four crucial email sequences to increase sales as well as how to effectively implement into your small business.
Part 1 of this series dove into the first four sequences to set up to welcome new leads to your ecosphere. If you missed that episode you can catch it here.
In the second part of this series we covered four of the most overlooked emails to create in your business.  You can tune into that entire episode here.
During the final part of this series dive deep into how to effectively bring people closer to buying.
Hint: it's not just with your sales email sequence.
Email marketing is a great way to market to your ideal client while they are captive.
But so many entrepreneurs blow their biggest opportunity before they even know it. 
You work hard to get those leads, so it’s important to make the most of the time when that new lead’s attention is MOST captive.
This is why your welcome email series is SO important. 
Getting it right could make a difference in whether or not someone buys or unsubscribes.
The welcome email sequence has the #1 spot of email series to create.
But, those emails aren’t always easy to write. 
Luckily you have a resource to turn to when writing yours.
The best part is, it’s free. 
Grab your copy of the Welcome Email Series guide here for the step-by-step plan to write a welcome series that gets read, keeps readers looking for you in the inbox, and best yet moves people toward buying.
Tune into the entire episode to learn why an effective welcome sequence sets up your sales sequence to succeed.
Plus get the skinny on the other three other email series to help you follow along with your audience on their personal buyers journey so that you are delivering value at the exact time they are ready to buy.
It’s all inside this week’s show here.
This final part of our three-part series will catapult your sales potential and even better build long-term relationships and referrals. 
Tune in to take your email marketing (and your sales potential) to the next level.
In the meantime, if you find value in this episode or any episode of the 2nd Act Entrepreneur Show, please share it with a friend and consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast channel.
Until next week, be well, stay safe and take care!
~Alisa

Four Overlooked Small Business Email Sequences Series: 2 of 3

Discover four more email sequences for your small business that many entrepreneurs overlook or never set up.
These four options for your email marketing can make a HUGE difference in the health of your email marketing as well as keeping your subscribers and customers engaged with your brand.
Grab a pen and paper because this week's 2nd Act Entrepreneur Show isn't one you want to miss.
Last week we dove into the first three email sequences to set up in your business, in case you missed it, you can listen to that episode here.
If you are just getting started with email marketing, start with that episode and then come back to this one.
One of the email sequences mentioned in that episode is the welcome series. 
If you've struggled writing a "Hi! Nice to meet you" welcome series that moves people toward buying head on over here to download my free Welcome Sequence Guide.
Get the step-by-step process to write an engaging email series that new subscribers will devour.
Eliminate blank screen syndrome and get this series written and running so that you can build rapport with your subscriber's stat.
This week learn the four email series that most entrepreneurs either
1. Don't know about, or
2. Haven't created
This is your guide to identifying which sequences to set up to:
Effectively onboard new customers
Breakup with people on your email list
Get people to push buy on their shopping cart
Cater content to your subscribers
All this and more await you inside this week's show.  Tune in here.
If you enjoy this episode, please do me a favor and share it with a friend or someone else who could benefit.
You're the best and thank you.
Until next week,
Be Well, Stay Safe and Take Care!
Alisa

157. Email Marketing Strategy 2022 For Small Businesses Part 1 of 3

This week on the 2nd Act Entrepreneur Show we start a new series around your email marketing strategy for 2022 including which email sequences to create for your small business.
During part one of the three-part series discover the first three email sequences to create in your business and why these work best for the beginning stages of the buyer's journey.
 
If you missed last week's episode on each stage of the buyer's journey and how to market to each specific one, you can catch that here: https://alisaconner.com/156.
Email marketing is a great way to market to your ideal client while they are captive, but so many entrepreneurs blow their biggest opportunity before they even know it.  This is why your welcome email series is SO important.  Getting it right could make a difference in whether or not someone buys or unsubscribes.
Bringing the welcome email sequence to the #1 spot on our list of email series to create.
But, those emails aren't always easy to write.  Luckily you have a resource to turn to when writing yours.
The best part is, it's free.  Grab your copy of the Welcome Email Series guide here: https://alisaconner.com/emailguide for the step-by-step plan to write a welcome series that gets read, entices people to keep looking for you in the inbox and best yet moves people toward buying.
Tune into the entire episode to learn more about why your email welcome sequence is critical in building trust with potential customers.
Plus get the skinny on the other two email series to create to keep your brand top of mind and create a personal connection with your audience.
It's all inside this week's show here: https://alisaconner.com/157.
This three-part series continues next week with additional email sequences that will take your email marketing (and your sales potential) to the next level.
You won't want to miss it.
In the meantime, if you find value in this episode or any episode of the 2nd Act Entrepreneur Show, please share it with a friend and consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast channel.
Until next week,
Stay safe, take care and be well,
Alisa

Understanding and Using The Buyers’ Journey To Build Trust

This week on the 2nd Act Entrepreneur Show we dive deep into the buyers' journey to discover how at each phase we can build trust with potential customers and turn them into paying clients sooner than later.
One of the best ways to build trust with our leads and customers is through email marketing. 
We have the opportunity to captivate and enthrall them so that they want to tune in and learn more.
Yet getting started can often be difficult. 
You don't know what to write. Your blank screen is taunting you.
NO MORE I say.  This is the exact reason I created this email guide so that you can quickly and effectively write the most important email sequence for your marketing. 
The welcome series.
This guide walks you through what to include in each email so that you can send blank screen syndrome to the curb and write a welcome sequence people not only love to read but talk about with others.
Grab your free copy here.
The first thing we do this week on the 2nd Act Entrepreneurs Show is take a deep dive into the Buyers' Journey.
Here are the five stages of the buyers' journey, but for all the examples and how to market to each stage, tune into the entire episode here.
Stage 1 - Awareness. 
Just like you might think, people are becoming aware they have a problem and are starting to see how they can solve that problem.  This is NOT the time to go gangbusters with ramming your offer down their throat.  Serve, serve, serve should be your motto for this phase.  Making it the PERFECT time to send them your lead magnet and captivate them with your welcome sequence.
Stage 2 - Consideration.
This is the stage where buyers begin comparing solutions for potential purchases.  I give an example in the episode that you can listen to here.
Things to include in this stage would be testimonials, case studies, reviews, and a big helping of your secret sauce.  For more details tune into the entire show.
Stage 3 - Intent.
During the intent stage, buyers intend to purchase.  At this point, they are comparing their top candidates to see which would be the best fit for them, and that will solve their problem the easiest and quickest way.
This is NOT the time to drop the ball, in fact, this is an opportunity to get more targeted with your marketing and your messaging so that they are confident that you are the BEST solution for them.
Stage 4 - Purchase.
The holy grail of the buyers' journey, they are taking out their credit card and buying from you. Yet, this is where many people drop the ball.  Listen to a personal example of what not to do in this week's episode when I share my recent refrigerator purchase story.
This is a perfect opportunity to build trust and assure your newest buyer that they have made the right decision.  Tune into the entire show to get some specific tactics and tips on how to effectively do this.
Stage 5 - Loyalty and Advocacy.
By far the most ignored and forgotten stage of the buyers' journey.  Yet it is one of the most powerful.  During the episode I share why focusing on this stage will help you work less and sell more.  Tune in to get all the details.
 
Awareness of the journey your buyers take to get to you and ultimately purchase is powerful information.  But it is only as powerful as the action behind it.  
Get started today with phase one by creating a welcome series people LOVE to read. 
Grab your free copy of the step-by-step Welcome Series guide here.
Until next week, stay safe, be well and take care.
~Alisa

The 2nd Act Entrepreneur Journey With Antionette Blake

This week on the 2nd Act Entrepreneur Show Antionette Blake joins me to discuss what it takes to turn your prior experience and expertise into a business.
Antoinette literally fell into entrepreneurship as a thrifty blogger and used that experience to dive deeper into blogging, social media marketing, and best of all helping others chase their entrepreneurial dreams as well.
She shares her transition from the elementary school classroom to teaching small business owners how to succeed with social media as well as her journey from a traditional career to entrepreneurship.
Like many of us, she had some stumbling blocks but she prevailed and now successfully runs her own business.  Tune into this week's show to hear her story and gain inspiration for your own entrepreneurial journey.
 
🏗️ 🏗️ 🏗️ Did you know that email marketing is the #1 way to build long-term customer relationships because it keeps you in front of your audience every single week.  Plus, you can get immediate feedback from your subscribers just by asking them questions with the option to hit reply.
But staying consistent with email isn’t always easy. Which is the exact reason why I created my newest resource 365 Email Prompts.
These prompts guide you to consistently show up and alleviate your blank screen syndrome.  Plus it makes planning your content a breeze because you have tons of topics to dive into each week.
And, there is even a way to track the prompts you’ve already used so that you are sure to keep your emails fresh and interesting.
Get your copy here. 📩 📩 📩  
 
Let's dive into this week's show.
Antionette Blake, more commonly known and widely recognized as a multi-awardwinning “Delaware Blogger” is a podcast host, vlogger, author, and social mediastrategist, educator/coach, and professional speaker.
Her grassroots beginning began with teaching blogging classes at local libraries in and around the state of Delaware in 2013. She then transitioned to coaching others on how to podcast in 2019.
Antionette is the content creator of the DelBlogger blog and hosts 2 podcasts: Out & About with Antionette andThe Delaware Blogger Podcast.
Prior to starting her entrepreneurial journey, Antionette was in elementary education.
She continues to adopt her education skills by teaching other business owners how to grow and scale their businesses using social media.
Learn More About Antoinette Blake:
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
If you've enjoyed this episode please consider sharing it with a friend who could use a boost as well.
Until next week,
Stay safe and be well,
Alisa

154 - The Truth About Entrepreneurship With Anke Herrmann

This week on the 2nd Act Entrepreneurship Show tune in to discover ways to get the true story of what it takes to be an entrepreneur.
My guest Anke Herrmann best known for Taming The Tech Monster for Coaches, Consultants, and Course Creators tells her story of becoming not only a 2nd Act Entrepreneur but all the ups and downs it took to get to the successful business owner she is today.
Entrepreneurship means like it or not, YOU are the marketing department for your business. 
🏗️ 🏗️ 🏗️ Email marketing is the #1 way to build long-term customer relationships because it keeps you in front of your audience every single week.  Plus, you can get immediate feedback from your subscribers just by asking them questions with the option to hit reply.
But staying consistent with email isn’t always easy. Which is the exact reason why I created my newest resource 365 Email Prompts.
These prompts guide you to consistently show up and alleviate your blank screen syndrome.  Plus it makes planning your content a breeze because you have tons of topics to dive into each week.
And, there is even a way to track the prompts you’ve already used so that you are sure to keep your emails fresh and interesting.
Get your copy here. 📩 📩 📩  
 
Let's dive into this week's show.
There are twists and turns along the entrepreneurial journey but discover in this interview an honest and humble account of what the entrepreneurial journey entails.
From linguistics to computer programmer to dressmaker Anke's journey has more twists and turns than your favorite novel.  But now all of those twists and turns have transformed into a profitable business Anke loves.
Anke would be the first to tell you that without the ups and downs, she could never have gotten to where she is now.
In fact, she didn't even know that she wanted to do what she is doing now.
But taking a chance on her dreams, and even moving to multiple different countries, has led her to love her business and her life.
She gives some REALLY great advice during this week's show for beginning and seasoned business owners. 
You won't want to miss it.
Tune in to the entire show to access the tools, tips, and truths that Anke shares so that you can save yourself some time and frustration along your journey or even better realize everyone goes through the same things you are and you're not alone.
Learn More About Anke Here:
LinkedIn
AnkeHerrmann.com
If you enjoy this episode share it with a friend or better yet take 2-minutes to leave a positive review.  Your reviews mean the world to me and go a long way in helping others find help on their 2nd Act Entrepreneurial journey.
Until next week, be safe, take care and stay well,
Alisa