Little Red's Big Ideas

Facebook Adds Email; Look out Gmail, Yahoo and Hotmail

Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg, announced yesterday that Facebook has added a new feature to its comprehensive communications portal which is causing quite a stir in the media world.  According to AdAge.com "Facebook is giving its half billion users an email address -- @facebook.com -- and another reason not to leave the service for Google, Yahoo, Microsoft or Apple. The article continues to explain that "this is a bold attempt to bring email into the Facebook network and unify the way people communicate online into one social inbox. Texting, emailing and chat can now be done as one, united by the big brother of your social graph."

Facebook is not bashful about its desire to take over all aspects of your online and wireless communications.  According to Andrew Bosworth, Facebook's director of engineering, "We are more connected today than at any time previous in history, but our communication is fragmented," said  "In this new system, we would feel a lot like we're more in constant conversation with those that we care about instead of fragmented messages."

More importantly -- in the perfect Facebook world, users will never have to leave to check their email on other sites giving Facebook a "stickyness" like never before.  Read the entire article here to learn about privacy concerns and other aspects of this enhancement.

Look for me soon at [email protected].  In the meantime, let me know how you feel about this new addition to the Facebook utility.  I think I'm going to like it. 

Email Subject Lines - What works?

I found myself opening some email ads today from some of my favorite retailers -- Costco, Kohls, Ulta and asked myself, "Self, what does these marketers do or say that compels me to click and read?"  In some cases it's the offer, I realized.  In other cases (like Costco) I'm a raving fan so I will read almost anything they send.  But in other cases -- they are just darn good subject lines.

After wasting a few more minutes looking at all the bargains I couldn't afford -- I decided to do a little research to find out what experts really know about what works and what doesn't when it comes to good email subject lines.  While there are certainly some best practices, it seems that the most consistent advice is this: Simple Sells! 

Using templates from Pinpointe Email Marketing Blog I've edited 10 subject lines that may offer some of the best chances of getting emails opened by your recipients.  I've inserted sample agencies/programs/teaser copy.  Edit to suit your needs.  As always, I encourage you to share your ideas by commenting at the end of the article.

Email Subjects with Best Open Rates

[Westerville Parks and Recreation] Monthly Newsletter

[Westerville Soccer News] - November 2009: “Fields to Close/Girls Beat Boys/Injury Update”

[Winter Fitness Webinar]: 15 Tips to Reduce Holiday Weight Gain

[Coaches] Webinar: Vice Lombardi's Secrets to Success - Join Us Feb 15

[Coaches] Clinic - Webinar Slides Available

This Week’s Activities/Phone Call/Meeting (Personalized note from coach, instructor, coordinator, director, etc.)

Jodi - 8 Customer Service Tips that Work

Exciting Update from [The Teen Scene] - Westerville's Parent Free Zone

Reminder: [Bike Trail] Survey- Your Input Required

Invitation - Breakfast on [Childhood Obesity is Killing our Kids]