SUN Members: Samples Proof is Available!  It’s all about the Retired List.  I know, I know, it’s difficult to see them go. Trust me, the last 5 hours I’ve been up close and personal with each and everyone that is listed.  <SIGH>   But, I’m anxious to see what the new catalog has too offer and with more options for customers who like clear stamps.

I included this tutorial with the April SUN Newsletter for Stampin’ Up! Demonstrators.  They were able to add this tutorial to their blog AND send it via email.  Wanna see what else you get?   Visit http://join.craftyperson.com.

The new Hearts and Labels Framelits Dies for the Big Shot have been a huge hit! There are so many great ways to use them, besides the obvious layered frames. You can use them to cut edges of cards into shapes, make window cards, make cards with fancy folds, and so much more! One of my favorite fancy folds cards is a Z-Fold card. It’s extra fun because of a cut with the Label Framelits that makes the main image flip to the inside when you open the card!

Here’s how you can make this fun Z-Fold Flip card:

Step 1: Cut a piece of 8-1/2” card stock in half to get a 5-1/2” x 8-1/2” card body. Score at 4-1/4” along the 8-1/2” side to create the folded card. Next, fold the front of the card in half. You can do this by folding the edge of the card back towards the fold of the card or by scoring first at 2-1/8” and then folding the edge of the card back towards the fold of the card.

Step 2: Turn the Multipurpose Platform to Tab 2 and place it onto the Big Shot with a Cutting Pad on it. Unfold the card body you previously scored. Place a Label Framelits (the 3rd largest works well) centered over the fold on the card front. Place the top Cutting Pad only over half of the Label Framelit so the Cutting Pad edge is lined up with the fold line on the center of the card front. Carefully hold the sandwich in place and run through the Big Shot. Only the part of the Framelit with the Cutting Pad over it will be cut.

Step 3: Fold the card and decorate the Framelits section with other Framelits layers and stamped images. When the card is opened, the image flips to the inside of the card. Use Texture Impressions Embossing Folders to add embossing to cut Framelits for even more detail and interest!

Have fun experimenting with this great Z-Fold Flip card using the Framelits Hearts Collection, too!

SUN Members: Monthly Proof is Available!  It’s all about the Summer Smooches.

IN THIS ISSUE Summer Smooches Thanks Card, Spreading Ink Technique Video, Q&A-Fancy Framelits Folds, Sneak Peek Summer Smooches.  ENJOY!

Email Marketing is still the best place to invest your marketing efforts with a $40.56 return on investment (ROI) for every $1 spent.  Others: Mobile $10.50 & Social Media $12.71.   (The Magill Report)

Just posted this Sale-A-Bration Newsletter for my Stamping Updates Newsletter (SUN) Members.   Interested in sending this?  Find out More

Your headline is the most important part of your email. If you don’t have a good headline, your email won’t be opened and the rest of the email won’t even matter.

“Newsletter #18, Volume 8, Issue 1” “News from Suzie Stamper” …doesn’t cut it. YAWN! My secret tool, Start a Swipe File

Every list owner should have a swipe file of email headlines. All you need to do is create an account with a free email service like Gmail and then sign up for newsletters/lists in your industry that you can find. Check this account periodically for headlines that grab your attention and “star” them for later use. When it’s time for you to write a headline, all you need to do is go back to your starred emails for ideas. Here’s a few of my favorites:

• Exclusive Offer for You
• Free Download
• Without a Doubt, My Favorite Technique
• This Will Help You Get Organized
• What you think is safe is risky – What you think is risky is safe.
• It’s No Wonder We Are Number One
• Don’t Waste Any More Supplies
• Do You Make This Mistake?
• Try This Simple Technique/Trick
• How to Conquer Your Greatest Creativity Killer

A technique that I like to use is to answer a question on the minds of your readers or answer a question people have been wondering about. Example: “Is Good Customer Service REALLY Important?”

These are just a few examples of proven headline that I have this week in my Swipe File. Writing great headlines is just a matter of figuring out what your users want and learning a few subtle switches that can help catch their attention.

What are some headlines you have seen or written that has really made an impact?

My SUN Newsletter customers have been asking me to post some of the same graphics we use in our newsletters.

Click on the graphics to retrieve HTML code.

Static

Blinkie

Here’s instructions for adding graphics to blog sidebars.

My compliments, giving credit is not required however comments and link backs are always appreciated.

I’m excited to announce some of the Featured Artists for this year’s Holiday Helper.  Woo Hoo!   Give them a hand!  Can’t wait to share their projects with you.

• Meg Loven, Mahomet, IL
  Website: http://www.lovenstamps.com
  Blog: http://www.lovenstamps.com/blog
  
  

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• Mary Ellen (M.E.) Stites, St. Joseph, IL
  Website: http://createwithme.stampinup.net
  Blog: http://createwithme.com
  
  

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• Robin Merriman, Bristow, VA
  Website: http://robinstamps4u.stampinup.net
  Blog: http://www.trinitydesignstudio.blogspot.com
  
  

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• Tammy Fite, Albuquerque, NM
  Website: http://tammyfite.stampinup.net
  Blog: http://www.stampwithtammy.com
  
  

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• Fran Sabad, Lexington, KY
  Website: http://www.franticstampers.com
  Blog: http://stampersblog.franticstampers.com
  
  

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• Julie Edmonds, Pacific, MO
  Website: http://inkyfingrz.stampinup.net
  Blog: http://inkrediblestamping.com
  
  

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• Heather Sewczak, Dacono, CO
  Website: http://www.ArtInAnEnvelope.com
  Blog: http://www.HeathersCuteCards.com/blog

This month’s Stamping Updates Promo Newsletter sample.  I like the shape of this newsletter.

Working on my Catalog Helper product today.  It’s coming together finally.  I’m going to be offering a new twist this year with a New Product Bingo option.  What do you think about that idea?  More Details at http://debbiemcneill.com/store/?p=835

Here is the May Monthly Newsletter Sample from my Stamping Updates Newsletter (SUN) product. More Details and Free Trial http://bit.ly/mCmae7

This is my Stamping Updates Newsletter (SUN) for April.  For more details about my newsletter service visit my Samples Web Page.  http://bit.ly/fByhv2

#SUN Members – March’s Promotional Mailing is ready!  http://join.craftyperson.com

These instructions will walk you through the process  of importing a FREE TRIAL newsletter into a 1Shopping Cart. You will need a working knowledge of 1ShoppingCart system to perform this test.

Please retrieve the HTML from my FREE TRIAL newsletter page at http://freetrial.craftyperson.com.

Login to your 1ShoppingCart.

1) Select Email & Marketing menu option, then Broadcast

2) Select Send Broadcast Button

3) Select your recipients from the Select Recipients From box.

4) Enter From Name, From Email, Subject and when to send the Broadcast

5) Under the Email Content section, the tab should be on the Text tab.  Copy the text into this message area.

6) Select the HTML tab and select the link Code | Preview Mode found under the message area.

7) Copy the HTML code into the message area (see picture below)

Select Send Email to preview your newsletter on the screen.

To send a preview test to email address you have on file, select the Send Test button at the bottom.  Sometimes this will reformat your HTML code and cause an error.  If you get an error message – remove all the HTML code and repaste.

9) Select Send Broadcast to send the newsletter

10) Done!

My newsletters will also work for many different Email Publishing Services.  To see the complete list you can visit my Newsletter Page.

This exercise will walk you through the process  of importing a FREE TRIAL newsletter into a Constant Contact email. You will need a working knowledge of Constant Contact to perform this test.  These steps will also work for many different Email Publishing Services.  To see the complete list you can visit my Newsletter Page.

Please retrieve the HTML from my FREE TRIAL newsletter page at http://freetrial.craftyperson.com.

Open Constant Contact

Constant Contact recently added a upgraded version to their offering.  Since I’m not sure which version you are using, I’ve left the instructions generic since they both function very similarly.  This quick tutorial is for demonstrators who are comfortable working in Constant Contact already.  For detailed instructions please see Constant Contact help files.

1) Create a new an Email

2) Name the Email (Holiday Helper Test) and click Next. The name is just so you can recognize the campaign later.

3) Select Category – Custom and click next
or
Email Template – Use my own code

4) Select HTML and click next

5) Fill in all information. Message Header, Personalization and Message Footer with your information.

6) Select Advanced Editor

7) Under HTML editor tab:

Clear all exist HTML-It’s important that there is nothing in the box.

Open the attached HTML file

Copy/Paste contents into the Advanced Editor – HTML tab

Preview your newsletter.

9) Click on the Save & Return button

10) Done!

If you’ve been thinking about or are currently sending out an electronic newsletter, you’ve probably heard terms like subscriber, autoresponder, double opt-in and more. These, along with others, may be words you’ve never heard used before. If you plan to send out newsletters, it’s wise to learn these terms and what they mean to help you succeed even more. Here’s a quick dictionary.
 
eCourse/Autoresponder
An e-course is quick and short information, usually delivered a chunk at a time, as in one lesson per day, via email. 
 
Subscriber
Subscribers are customers, members, contacts or any individuals who gave you permission to send email messages to their email address. This can be over the phone, in person or adding their name and email address to a form online called a sign-up box.
 
Opt-in
Opt-in email marketing means sending marketing messages only to people who explicitly requested them. It is the process of a customer filling out the name and email address on a form online to request information from you via email. http://email.about.com/library/glossary/bldef_opt-in.htm
 
Double Opt-in
Email addresses on a (single) opt-in list are not confirmed because anybody can submit anybody’s address to the list.  On a double opt-in list, all email address must be confirmed by sending a request for confirmation to the submitted address.
 
Newsletter/eZine/e-Zine/eNewsletter
This term is so broad it’s hard to put a good definition to it.  It can mean any information being sent via emails or a combined list of content similar to a newsletter published on paper.
 
Mailing List, Distribution List or Subscriber List
A mailing list is a collection of email addresses that allows you to email multiple people at one time. A distribution list can contain a few addresses, or many.
 
Autoresponder
At its simplest, an autoresponder is just a system that sends out follow up emails automatically.  These follow up emails are written beforehand, so the business owner doesn’t have to take time sending out emails every time someone buys something or asks for information. Instead, the business owner uses autoresponder software to set up a sequence of emails that go out at regular intervals. They can be used to create mini-courses, special reports or simply lead generation and customer support. 
 
The jargon varies somewhat between people you talk with, but for the most part, the terms used are similar. Did I miss a term you would like more information on?  Please leave me a comment below and I’ll answer it as soon as I can.
 

Email marketing is one of the tactics with the most potential for profit. You’re sending messages to people who have expressed an interest in your business. At Leadership, I have several demonstrator ask me questions about how to increase their response rate with emails. Here are seven strategies that I recommended.

1. Start on the right foot – Many Stampin’ Up! demonstrators or business owners do a great job of motivating the sign-up and then they immediately drop the ball. Email marketing is all about building a relationship and not just selling. As soon as a potential customer signs up for your email list, send them a welcome email. Add links to valuable content and resources as well. For instance, when you sign-up for my Class in a Flash newsletter, you will receive a complimentary trial class planner. I believe that is a great way to set the groundwork for a great relationship. Your prospect will look forward to opening emails from you and receiving value and benefit.

2. Call to action – Always include a call to action, even if you’re only sending valuable content without a promotional. Send recipients to your DBWS or blog for more information. Inspire them to check out a project, video or blog post. Share a free resource with them. Each message or section in your newsletter should have a purpose and a call to action to support it. That way, your subscribers will be familiar with seeing a next step for them to take.

3. Write a great headline and subject line – Learn to write a great headline and subject line. You want your subject line to motivate recipients to open your email. You want your section headlines or table of contents to motivate them to read your message. And take the time to test various headlines to see which ones generate the best results. I’ve had to really concentrate my efforts on this one and sometimes, it takes me almost as long to think of a sharp headline as it does the article itself.

4. Give Unexpected Gifts – In addition to sending a regular newsletters, also give them unexpected gifts every once in a while. Consider sending a free full tutorial, downloadable project or technique idea. You don’t want to attract subscribers who are only on your mailing list to get free stuff, however, you do want to reward your loyal subscribers. Every once in a while, slip in something extra-special to show your appreciation.

5. Proof positive – People make buying decisions based on their emotions. They reinforce these decisions based on logic. Use testimonials, benefit statements and even customer reviews of products or classes you offer. Help your prospect justify their decision to buy.

6. Share your enthusiasm – yes, it should go without saying but I need the reminder from time to time. In order to make an impression and have an impact, share your enthusiasm for both the information you’re sharing and the offer. When you love what you’re doing, it shows. It also shows when you don’t believe in your message. Instead of “come to my class on XYZ“, try “I’m thrilled to offer this class as it has been highly requested and you will be amazed by the XYZ technique I will be showing you.” My tip is to smile when you are writing your content. Don’t laugh, it works.

7. Look good! – Make sure your email messages look professional. Create a consistent theme or format. Brand your messages. And include a signature and an About Me box with a picture. It adds credibility, awareness and personality to your message. Additionally, your subscribers begin to know what to expect from you. Establish a relationship with them and they will buy.

Email marketing is still a HOT tactic to connect with your subscribers and sell online. Use these tips, test and track and fine-tune your email marketing strategy starting this month. Applying just one of these strategies is worth the effort, you will see.

Kimberly Van Diepen supplied a Christmas Scrapbook Album project as part of my Holiday Helper 2010. Can be made with any Designer Series Paper. Don’t have my FREE personal-use copy of the Holiday Helper yet? Simply sign-up for my Marketing & Technology Newsletter by Thursday 12/30/10. http://www.craftyperson.com

This is what my SUN members are sending out this month for the Filled with Love campaign.  Would you be interested in sending this to your customers?

I find this article by the famous Seth Godin, very interesting.  I’m going to stew on it a bit.  What’s your thoughts on his comments?  Seth’s Blog: The inevitable decline due to clutter – http://bit.ly/hNlyQe

Save $10 during the “Thank You” Thanksgiving Sale on 12 step-by-step Holiday Helper Tutorials!  http://bit.ly/bln2aj

Jeannine Tarrio was kind enough to share her version of the Holiday Helper Mini Album Project.  I really like this version for Thanksgiving, it’s a perfect fit.  What a great idea Jeannine!  So clever.  Visit Jeannie’s Blog – http://bit.ly/afooh0

You can subscribe to receive your own personal-use Holiday Helper at http://holidayhelper.craftyperson.com. 

I wanted to share some of Amanda’s creations.  I met Amanda through the Holiday Helper and am very impressed with her work.  http://bit.ly/ahNvdc

Do you need a quick and easy gift idea to share with customers to keep on hand for those last-minute gifts?  Then look no further than Melissa Stout’s project all the products we love in one happy homemade jar.  Today’s the day! Holiday Helper is now available.  More Holiday Helper Details and a Free Trial at http://debbiemcneill.com/store/?p=341.

It’s ready!  The Holiday Helper is now available! Are you a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator? Want a complimentary copy for your personal use?  Just sign-up to request yours BEFORE Saturday.

Please share this news with your demonstrator friends so they can sign-up to receive a copy.  http://debbiemcneill.com/store/?p=341

Do you need a way to capture your holiday memories? This scrapbook project by Kimberly Van Diepen is great for the family to work on together and cherish forever.  Holiday Helper will be available in 2 days! More Holiday Helper Details and a Free Trial at http://debbiemcneill.com/store/?p=341.

Looking for high-end stores design at everyday low-prices?  These gift boxes are a favorite of mine that I’m happy to share with you this year.  They always get a ‘wow’ response from customers.  Holiday Helper will be available in 3days! More Holiday Helper Details and a Free Trial at http://debbiemcneill.com/store/?p=341.

With a handy tool like the Big Shot, this project by Meg Loven will show you and your customers how to create adorable kid-friendly clips quickly and easily out of Stampin’ Up!’s new Designer Fabrics. Holiday Helper will be available in 4 days! More Holiday Helper Details and a Free Trial at http://debbiemcneill.com/store/?p=341.

I am so excited to have a easy project solution ready with this Decor Elements Gift Mug by Mary Ellen Stites. This is a gift that can involve even small children. Holiday Helper will be available in 5 days! More Holiday Helper Details and a Free Trial at http://debbiemcneill.com/store/?p=341.

A tisket, a tasket, check out this Christmas Basket by Fran Sabad.  Made with Big Shot, so it will go together in a snap.  Holiday Helper will be available in 6 days! More Holiday Helper Details and a Free Trial at http://debbiemcneill.com/store/?p=341.