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                 ** DEMC ** Volume IX No. 25 **
        The Truth About Legitimate Email Marketing!
          Serving the Internet Since November 1995

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What's In This Issue - Features

1) Editor's Note: "Spam, Spyware and Phishers Oh My"
2) Marketing Insights: "Getting Your Emails Read"
3) Feature Article: "Sell More By Being The Person With The Answers"
4) SOHO Help Desk: "How To Create an Email List From Scratch"
5) DEMC's - Advertising Information

======================

1.

Editor's Note:

"Email Revival"

"Spam, Spyware and Phishers Oh My!"

A recent Consumer Reports' survey found that the hazards of spam, viruses, spyware and phishers are scaring consumers away from conducting business online.

27% in their survey of 2,000 Internet users said spam has made them change their use of the Internet. Some n0w use email less and others shop online less because of it.

In addition to the growing volume of spam, viruses and phishers (identity stealers) also cause problems for users. 64% said in the last 2 years they've detected a virus on their computer. And about 1% said they've been the victim of a phishing scam.

As I've commented in previous notes it is vital to install anti-virus protection on your system. The two programs recommended by Consumer Reports are Tend Micro PC-cillin 2004 and Norton AntiVirus 2004 9.0. Further, to avoid the phishers who use email to solicit confidential information by impersonating a bank or other organization, never respond directly to an email requesting personal information.

And if spam, viruses and phishers are not bad enough, Consumer Reports found a new emerging problem for Internet users. Spyware reports are on the rise. 36% said they have had their home page changed - a common symptom of spyware.

While 36% said they've encountered a home page change, I would estimate probably all 2,000 users surveyed have had some type of spyware on their computers. Because if you're not using a spyware scanner, your system will become infected with spyware. Anti-Virus software does not stop it.

So what exactly is spyware?

According to Kim Kleman, spokesperson for Consumer Reports, "Spyware is parasite software that sneaks onto your computer when you click onto a pop-up ad or download free software. It can track where you go online and even highjack your browser."

Most spyware is used by marketers to track your movement online and show you various ads, however, certain spyware is malicious. Some spyware highjacks your browser changing your home page, as well as sending you to pages you never requested. Other spyware known as key logger spyware records your keystrokes. It waits for you to purchase online and enter your credit card details so it can forward the information on to the spyware owner.

In every case, your best course of action is to avoid spyware all together. I would recommend, as does Consumer Reports, that you immediately download a spyware scanner.

Two well respected anti-spyware programs which can be freely downloaded are Ad-aware from Lavasoft and Spybot-S&D . Both of these programs work like anti-virus software, they'll scan and remove a wide variety of intrusive or dangerous spyware programs. As each finds different types of spyware, I encourage you to use both.

If you do a lot of downloading you might want to purchase software which does real time scanning for spyware and prevents it from ever getting onto your system. The top two softwares of Consumer Reports' tests were the paid version of Lavasoft's Ad-aware and PestPatrol.

The unfortunate problem for online marketers is that spyware is presently in its infancy. Just as spam was starting to be a problem to marketers a few years ago and has n0w turned into a nightmare for email delivery, spyware is likely to cause similar woes. Spyware is growing and just as fast as spyware scanners find solutions to the current batch of spyware, new more evasive spyware emerges.

Internet users are going to be battling spyware for years to come. With Consumer Reports already finding that spyware deters people from conducting business online, the trend is only going to worsen.

As an online business, you can begin to take steps n0w to help re-assure customers your web site is a safe place for business. Here are my 6 recommendations.

1) Build Trust

Trust is an essential part of selling online. With the threat of spyware lurking in user's minds you need to be doubly sure your site builds trust. Make sure your site provides contact information, a privacy policy, background as well as testimonials. Each of these elements tells customers you are a legitimate business.

2) Redesign for High Browser Security Settings

More and more users are going to reset their browsers from the default Microsoft Internet Explorer setting to the High setting. The High setting will prevent them from accidentally downloading harmful applications or cookies. If your site uses elements like ActiveX, these visitors will be unable to view your site properly.

3) Don't have Pop-Ups

Pop-ups are a common source of spyware installati0n. To prevent pop-ups from infecting their computers, many users are going to install pop-up blockers. Those who do not and get hit with a pop-up may immediately be wary of your site as a spyware source. As a result they're likely to move on quickly and not return.

If you are offering any important information or deals with a pop-up, reconsider. Think of another format to present the material. You'll be less likely to have visitors miss the information or be scared away from your site.

4) Ensure your site works in Mozilla, Opera and Firefox

Mozilla, Opera and Firefox are competing browsers with Microsoft's Internet Explorer. As much spyware is written to take advantage of Microsoft's IE, more and more people to protect themselves are likely to switch to other browsers. Be sure your site displays and functions properly in these browsers.

5) Avoid Over Use of Cookies

Spyware scanners classify shared cookies as spyware. A shared cookie is one used by multiple sites to pass along information.

The result of a shared cookie is that when users have active spyware scanners these cookies are blocked and removed. Many users dislike shared cookies and may boycott your site if they find you using them.

Even informational cookies may become problematic as people place their browser settings to high and block them. When a browser is set to block cookies, each cookie deploys a caution note when your site goes to plant it. These notices may either a) deter the user from continuing to visit your site and/or b) distract the user from your sales message.

Therefore, review your site and make sure you avoid the use of shared cookies and use informational cookies only when necessary.

6) Note Your Downloads as Spyware Free

If you offer free ebooks, pdf files, software or other downloadable items on your site why not make a note that they're Spyware Free.

Just as you ensure visitors when you request their email addresses that you will not sell their names, consider a similar type of note with your downloads. A quick reference under your download certifying it's spyware free will go a long way towards building trust with your prospects and customers.

Spyware is raising new challenges for online businesses. Both in protecting your own computer systems as well as re-assuring customer of their safety when doing business with you. Use the recommendations outlined to make sure your business is prepared for the changes spyware creates.

Abbie Drew
DEMC Editor
mail@demc2.com


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2.

Email Marketing Insights:

* Exclusive *

Email Marketing Systems to Help Boost Exposure and Profits...

"Getting Your Emails Read"
By: Denise Ryder

Of course we all understand that email marketing systems are fantastic for us because in many cases we can put our systems on autopilot and they run themselves.

You might think that today's system isn't really a system. I guess "technically" you would be right, but, an email marketing system is only good IF the email gets read, right?? I mean if it just sits there and doesn't get opened, or worse yet deleted...then no amount of marketing or lead purchasing is going to help that.

One of the most valuable marketing tools we have as eBusiness owners is email marketing. It is the "FOUNDATION" of our eBusiness. Think about that for a second...most people think that traffic is the foundation of your eBusiness....wrong!

While yes traffic does have a role to play in the marketing of our business, but it is the email marketing aspect which carries the ball for us and builds the trust and rapport for us.

Or, I should say it should work at building trust and rapport, however if our email messages don't even make it to the person who has requested it...well then "Houston we have a problem!"

We face essentially three challenges when it comes to email marketing, let's take a quickie look at them...

Challenge 1 - Spam Filters

Filters do a reasonably good job at deleting those unwanted emails, but there is still the chance that the legitimate email (like yours and mine that people have actually requested) end up not making it through the spam filters :o(

There is no real set way of determining what is legit and what isn't. I mean lets face it the "list" of words that are on the hit list grows every day...so even trying that approach is a daunting task.

Challenge 2 - Mass Deleting

Within the control panel of my email box I have a little check box that I click which marks all the email in my inbox for delete. What I do then is quickly scroll down the list and I will uncheck an email that I have been expecting or one that I know I need to keep. After that the rest are deleted. I am not alone in this little process of "mass deleting" we all tend to do that in one way or fashion. The thing is though that there are times when I have been scrolling quickly and end up deleting a message that I shouldn't have.

It's human error, it happens and unfortunately we run the risk of having our customers do the very same thing.

Challenge 3 - Competition

As much as we would love it, our email arriving in a customer or potential customers inbox isn't the only email they are getting. We are in competition with every piece of email that they receive...all of us are jockeying for our customers attention and asking to be read.

Competition is everywhere, you can't escape it.

Obviously there are business owners who see these challenges and decide that it is time to bail on email marketing altogether. I have actually had clients myself who have said the very same thing to me. For real!

If you are one of them, my answer to you is the same as I say to my other clients...DON'T DO IT!

I mean come on, where do you think we would be today if some of our greatest inventors decided to bail because something got a little tough??

Lets face it, the internet is still in its infancy and yes there are going to be huge adjustments made as we go, but you just don't toss in the towel...you find ways to adapt to the challenge.

So, with that said, lets look at a few things you can do to "adapt" to the challenge and get those emails opened.

First Adapt Idea - Brand Your Messages

Branding your messages is a simple tactic that you can put into place immediately (if not sooner). Come up with a one or two word tagline that will immediately register in the mind of your customer, so that when they see it they will keep it.

Forums and newsletters use a brand all the time. If you look through your inbox you will immediately recognize a "brand." For example; HowTo, Ryze, ProfitSpace, DEMC.

Go a step further when you set up your brand and let your customers know HOW your messages are marked. For example, when people subscribe to an eCourse I have written, after they sign up I send them a message that says "you will receive a lesson each day for x amount of days. Look for the [Test Drive an eCoach] in your inbox!

REMEMBER - brand the subject line and brand the FROM. Make sure you cover all the bases.

Second Adapt Idea - Choose your email subjects well

Goes without saying that if your subject line even hints of a sales pitch...well, did you hear that click? No, it's not your message being opened...it's the click to delete it.

You want to stand apart from the pack so choose a subject line that will compel your customer to open it. Also, go the route of personalizing the subject line. If you know the name of your customer, then use it.

Third Adapt Idea - Send a follow up email

Again, you'll see many newsletter publishers using this. What it is, is a follow up message that refers to a previous message that went out.

For example, I fire out an issue of ProfitSpace Newsletter through my autoresponder and then a day after I will send a follow up message that reminds people that they can view the issue online. What I have done now is again, sent out another message that "brands" so the name recognition has just gotten another hit...plus it reminds people to go to the site if the newsletter didn't make it through the filters. All is not lost, I have created yet another opportunity for my subscriber to still get their hands on the issue!

Now if you don't have a newsletter, not a problem, this tactic can be set up for anything. Umm let me give you an example...

I sent out an initial solo message that announced a new program launch. The second message (follow up) would refer to the first message and then I would add a little "incentive" to get people to go take a look.

Ok, I have given you three ideas that will certainly get you rolling ;o)

Now, the important thing to remember with all your mailings, regardless if they are an initial mailing or a follow up is to provide good solid information.

I can't think of a better way to stand apart from the rest of the pack...AND...to have customers actually "look" for you. I mean if you are known for providing good, solid information on a consistent basis then your branding efforts are really going to pay off. Your customers will come to think of you as "their expert" and as such will recognize you right away. When they see an email with your brand on it they will KEEP IT because you have a reputation of being a good solid resource for them.

If all you are doing is sending out one sales pitch after another then branding is working there as well, only against you...not for you. Pitching sends a branding message as well...as soon as a customer sees your brand they click to dump your mail because they know you are not known for helping but selling.

There are a lot more things that you can do which will help make sure your messages stand out and are read. If you want to get your hands on another 24 tactics then go to the Get Email Results web site at http://hop.clickbank.net/?profitspac/getresults

###
Denise Ryder is a Marketing Coach writing from her home
office in Northern Ontario (Canada). Hey...get your no cost
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3.

Feature Article:

* Exclusive *

"Sell More By Being The Person With The Answers"
By: Kevin Nunley

Everybody in business is haunted by the same question: How can I sell more? I'm sure right off the top of your head you can list several ways to rocket sales--lower prices, advertise more, increase your visibility.

But how about this classic way to sell more of your product or service? Be the person with the answers. When a customer has a question, they don't hesitate to ask you for your ideas and opinions. That is one of the best ways to get sales.

In many cases, even if your competitors are beating you on every other point, you can grab the sale if YOU are the person who can answer the customer's questions.

I've used this simple rule of selling for years. Go to my web site and see what I have in the upper corner right where you can't miss it. "Free Advice! Kevin always provides free advice. Email for fast response."

And boy does this strategy work. People ask questions covering just about everything from how to advertise to what kind of business they should start. I answer to the best of my ability, rarely taking more than a couple of paragraphs in an email.

Sometimes I have to do a little poking around to come up with an answer, but the effort almost always pays off. Most people who ask questions come back to buy something. They see me as responsive, helpful, and in-the-know.

This doesn't just work for small businesses like mine. You'll see Wal-Mart and Home Depot encourage their employees to offer answers and advice whenever possible, even if it means sending the customer to another store where they can find the particular item they want. People come back to the place that answers their questions.

How do you become the powerful Answer Person? It's easy. You probably already know an awful lot about the business you are in. Find out more by spending a weekend afternoon in one of those comfortable chairs at your local library. Read what experts have written in books and magazines. Bounce their ideas off your own experience to come up with even better ideas.

Even in complicated or technical fields, answering customer and prospect questions isn't as hard as it looks. People always ask the same questions. You may stumble the first time you hear the question, but once you find the answer, you will have it ready for the next person who asks it..and they WILL ask the same questions.

What if you have absolutely no idea how to answer a question? Point the person to somebody else who may have the answer. The customer will still give you credit for being in the know.

And there is no shame in saying "You stumped me this time. I don't know." People will usually thank you for your response anyway.

You can build your image as the Answer Person by putting a questions and answer area on your web site. Include a few questions and answers in your newsletter. I once created several dozen separate web pages, each one with a different question and its answer. Then I registered the pages with search engines. For years, when somebody searched with one of the questions, they found one of my "DrNunley Answers" pages linking to my site.

###
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4.

~/~ SOHO Help Desk ~\~
http://www.demc.com

"How To Create a List From Scratch"

Today's SOHO Help Desk covers 3 good techniques on how to immediately get subscribers for your online newsletter.

If you have a valuable tip, promotional idea, question or answers you would like included in an upcoming issue of DEMC, all you have to do is submit it by email to - mailto:helpdesk@demc2.com

=== How To Create a List From Scratch ===

From: Ewen Chia

"How To Create Your Own Email List From Scratch!"

Yes it's absolutely true.

You can't make sustainable money online without your own permission email lists to market to.

I won't go into the details here as it has probably been overdone already. You'll discover something much more important today -- how to build your email list very quickly.

If you're interested in this topic, I'll reveal three extremely simple ways to create your own 'immediate' permission email lists from scratch...

(1) Just Buy Them

Think of this as an investment with an 'open ROI' where you can profit from over and over again. This is literally the fastest way ever to create a permission list out of thin air.

You can promote whatever you want to this list as long as it's targeted and honest.

Open an account with co-registration services like:

Lead Factory
http://InternetCashStreams.com/lf.htm
List Media
http://InternetCashStreams.com/lm.htm

Plug in an e-course etc. into your autoresponder and proceed to flood it with subscribers using the two services above.

You've just created the closest thing ever to automatic permission marketing with this technique.

(2) Use The Pay Per click Search Engines

The Pay Per click Search Engines offer a unique way to generate permission email lists which you can't afford to ignore.

You've just got to send the traffic over to your sign up page instead of an affiliate page etc. This builds your list rather quickly and the best part is the extreme targeted subscribers you'll receive from there (depending on how targeted your keyword selection is of course).

A good resource to check out to learn all about how you can use Pay Per clicks profitably is "Pay Per click Profits" at http://tinyurl.com/3yexo

I also talk about this method with more details at "Mini Ebook Secrets" http://www.MiniEbook.com

(3) Traffic Programs

If you're using free traffic programs and NOT building a list with them, you're making a big mistake.

You can generate tons of leads purely from these traffic programs and generators found everywhere.

The secret's in creating an irresistible sign up page promising more information to entice subscriptions. Once you start building this list, you've got to deliver on the initial promise, while cultivating and building a good relationship with them. The reward will be perpetual lifetime profits.

Excellent examples of proven traffic programs include:

Million Dollar Traffic
http://InternetCashStreams.com/mdt.htm
Traffic Swarm
http://InternetCashStreams.com/ts.htm

You can generate a big list fast if you combine the above three methods together.

The next step would be to just duplicate what you've done and spit out tons of targeted sub-lists to promote your different programs.

And yes....it is truly that simple.

###
Ewen Chia is the editor of "Web Marketing Exposed", revealing shockingly simple secrets to marketing successfully on the web. To subscribe free and receive his brand new ebook "Autopilot traffic Streams", go to http://www.WebMarketingExposed.com

===

If you have a valuable tip, promotional idea, question or answer you would like included in an upcoming issue of DEMC, all you have to do is submit it by email to - mailto:helpdesk@demc2.com

Be sure to include your SIG and contact URL with your post as we'll be sharing any viable ideas/information in an upcoming issue of DEMC E-Magazine.

======================

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