Your e-Newsletter is Talking. What’s It Saying?

Because I write newsletters for clients, I’m something of a e-newsletter junkie.

Yesterday, I signed up with two different companies to receive theirs. Both were quick to respond to my request, yet I felt irritated by one company and happy with the other. It reminded me how important it is to always be aware of how we come across to our potential customers.

Come along, my friend, into my email in-box. I’ll share my reactions to both; I’d love to know your responses, too.

I felt light and happy when I got emails from Stratejoy, a company for women who want to live more gutsy lives

First email
Subject line: Please confirm your Strategy Sign-Up
Content: Please confirm your subscription to the monthly Stratejoy e-newsletter by clicking here. We are so excited to have you join us. Rock on.

Second email
Subject line:   Welcome Lynn!
Content: Thanks for signing up for the eNewsletter. We’ll make sure you stay in-the-know about upcoming events, retreats & any other goodies that may be useful in your quest for an authentically happy life. Another rockin’ place to connect with us is on Facebook. If you’re feelin’ the love, become a fan.

What makes me happy?

• I’m addressed by name, so I feel welcome. The wording even says, “We are so excited to have you join us.” How nice is that?
• I know what to expect from this e-newsletter (info on events, retreats, etc.) and am already interested in hearing more.
• Through the tone of voice, I already know this is a fun, happy, upbeat company – a place where I’d want to do business and refer friends.

I got super-crabby when emailed by this graphic design firm in Seattle (unnamed, because that’s how I roll):

First email
Subject line:  (Unnamed Graphic Design Firm) En attente de : lynn@marketingshebang(dot)com 
Content:  Confirm your subscription by activitating the following link. This mail is brought to you by MailPress

Second email
Subject line:  Confirmation de lynn@marketingshebang(d0t)com 
Congratulations ! You are now a subscriber of Unnamed Graphic Design Firm

What gets my goat?

• I feel instantly alientated, because I don’t speak Spanish – and have no clue why they’re not writing in English.
• I’m off-put by the use of my email address rather than my first name. Besides, they know my name is Lynn; they asked for it.
• The lack of proofreading (there’s an extra space in “Congratulations_!” and “activating” is misspelled) makes me wonder if the company lacks attention in other areas.

You know the moral of story.
Whether writing your own e-newsletter or hiring out the job, be sure the words welcome your readers. Pissing them off is never a good thing.

I’d love to hear your reaction to the emails I got. Also, do you know any amazing e-newsletters – either your own or someone else’s? Please share!