On Track With Jack: Mobile Best Practices

I hate to break it to all of my admirers out there, but I’m in a serious relationship with my smartphone. She’s the first thing I see in the morning, and the last thing I see when I go to sleep. Day in and day out, I check my email, catch up on the news, and connect with friends on social media. And, I know I’m not alone.

In a recent survey completed by Acxiom...

91.4% of respondents said they use their smartphone to check personal email. - Acxiom "Email Marketing and Mobile Devices: A Survey of Consumer Habits and Perceptions"(2013).

So, what does that mean for email marketing? It means that more and more people are reading email on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets.

Here’s my tip, well question, of the week: Are your emails mobile friendly?

Here are a few pointers to get you started on the mobile track:

1. Clear and concise content is key. While content always needs to be compelling, cut it down so readers can skim and scroll. Space is limited on mobile, so don’t weigh down your message with too much information. Short clear paragraphs and bullet points are ideal.
   
     
2. Scale down your design. The dimensions of the email should also be reduced since mobile screens are a lot smaller. We recommend keeping it between 320-550px wide. Note: Check out our new mobile Smart Templates under the mobile tab.
   
3. Use larger text. Fonts should be larger than those in traditional emails. Keep body text at a minimum of 14px and headlines at 22px.
   
4. Larger images and spacing. Touch screens are here to stay! Instead of clicking, people will touch. Balance your design with well-spaced images and icons to accommodate fat, I mean healthy, finger errors.
   
5. Alt text is a must. Include alt text on your graphics for a responsive design. Note: Image blocking will occur by default, a prompt will display urging users to display messages, similar to desktop. The only mobile OS that does not block images by default is iOs.
   
6. Short and sweet subject lines. Long subject lines get cut off, but shorter ones between 24-31 characters work best. Tell your readers what’s inside!
   
7. Call on your new Call To Action (CTA). What do you want your readers to do after they receive your message? Include a call to action, but do not use ‘Click Here’. Mobile users cannot click, however, they can tap and swipe.
   
8. CTA + Buttons = High CTR (Click-through rate). Make your CTA stand out with a big button. Link out to your website or landing page for more information.  Buttons should be at least 44 pixels and should be centered or left aligned.
   
9. Include links. Unsubscribe, Forward to a Friend, Subscribe, and Social Media links are still a must.  Be sure to also keep any View as Webpage link just in case your readers want to view your message in a browser.
   
10. Preview, preview, preview. Take a look at the different mobile previews in JangoMail to see how your subscribers will view your message on their mobile device or tablet. Select different Mobile Clients to test your message. 

To recap: With the increasing use of smartphones and tablets, make sure your emails are mobile-friendly. Check out our Mobile Templates to get started! 

With those steps in mind, you are on your way to mobile-friendly messages, and for me, my relationship with my smartphone has never been stronger.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact a JangoMail expert today at 1-855-709-4099.

Jack the Jangolope
Department of Awesome
JangoMail

About Jack

Jack the Jangolope is our JangoMail mascot.  Each week, look for Jack's emails for marketing advice, trends, and quick tips on how to grow your email marketing plan to the fullest!  Hop into email marketing each week with Jack's helpful tips!

What is a Jangolope? Find out HERE

We want to hear from you. Remember, at JangoMail it's your email, your way.  Have a topic you would like Jack to cover?  Email us at marketing@jangomemail.com with the subject line: On Track With Jack.  Follow Jack on Facebook

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On Track With Jack: Holiday Email Guide

Hi JangoMail Users!

'Tis the season to email!  From Thanksgiving to New Years, and everything in between, the holiday season can get pretty hectic - even for a speedy jangolope like me!

When holiday competition gets fierce, will you stand apart from all of the other emails just waiting to be opened?  Whether you are a busy retailer trying to keep up, a small business offering an unbeatable service, or maybe you just have a party to plan, try one of these top email marketing trends to connect with readers:

Everyone loves a surprise! Surprise your recipients with something different that will spark an emotional connection like a holiday story, carol, or greeting card in your campaign.

Cute sells.  If you don't have a cute and cuddly mascot, use an adorable photo or graphic.  A plump smiling turkey or a cute fuzzy reindeer (I'm partial to reindeer), is a must.

Create something interactive.  Engage people with your business or message, and have fun with it! Create a video or ecard that readers can forward to friends.  JibJab offers a bunch of funny ecards you can personalize, and you can share through your email and social media.

Check out Check-in Deals.  Offer a check-in deal using Facebook or Foursquare. Use your email to kick off your upcoming deal.

And the winner is...  Everyone loves a good contest, and you can never go wrong with a Facebook or Twitter contest.  With contests, people market for you.  They share, retweet, comment, like, and vote for their favorite entry, all of which goes out to their friends and family.  You can send contest reminders and results through your email.  NOTE:  If you host a Facebook or Twitter contest make sure you follow all of their contest rules and regulations.

Don't just be the life of the party, host one.  Put a face behind the name of your brand or business, and make connections through your community that will build loyalty for years to come. Send email invitations and thank you notes.

Sharing is caring.  Organize a fundraiser, canned food drive, or adopt a family for the holidays. Encourage participation through email.

Scan, you're it!  Create a QR code for your email list / opt-in form and include it in any print and packaging materials.  Once scanned, a QR code will redirect users to your opt-in form where they can signup to receive your emails.

Go the extra mile.  Offer something extra special to your loyal readers.  Show your appreciation through a small gift of your choice.  You can also provide sneak peeks or digital perks like a podcast or ebook.


To recap: NOW is the perfect time to kick off your email marketing for the holidays. Try one of these top email marketing trends to connect with your readers!



Sincerely,

Jack the Jangolope
Department of Awesome
JangoMail

About Jack

Jack the Jangolope is our JangoMail mascot.  Each week, look for Jack's emails for marketing advice, trends, and quick tips on how to grow your email marketing plan to the fullest!  Hop into email marketing each week with Jack's helpful tips!

What is a Jangolope? Find out HERE

We want to hear from you. Remember, at JangoMail it's your email, your way.  Have a topic you would like Jack to cover?  Email us at marketing@jangomemail.com with the subject line: On Track With Jack.  Follow Jack on Facebook

Subscribe to On Track With Jack

On Track With Jack: Content Marketing

Hello JangoMail Users!

Jack coming at you from JangoMail’s Department of Awesome!  Have you heard about content marketing?

Content marketing is a new marketing strategy sweeping the nation. It’s more than just a trendy new phrase. In fact, if used properly, content marketing can evolve your email marketing campaigns. Readers will connect with you on a higher level than ever before. Without further ado, here’s this week’s tip:

Evolve Your Email With Content Marketing

Content marketing consists of creating and distributing quality information (content) that is invaluable to a specific audience. Instead of promoting a business, service, or product only using sales tactics, content marketing educates buyers.

The purpose of content marketing is simple: after providing consumers with quality information, you will be rewarded their business.

Instead of rushing to send out emails, stop and think about what you are sending. An informational email that is well written and concise, will make all the difference.

The key is to make your information relevant to your customer, and overtime, you’ll see great results. Readers will view you as an expert in your industry, and not just a company trying to sell them something.

Make sure you carefully manage your content and monitor your results. Be patient, content marketing is a process, not a one-time deal!

To recap: Content marketing is a great new strategy that is here to stay! It pays off to take the time to write quality content for your email and integrate content marketing into your marketing plan. 

Sincerely,

Jack the Jangolope
Department of Awesome
JangoMail

About Jack

Jack the Jangolope is our JangoMail mascot.  Each week, look for Jack's emails for marketing advice, trends, and quick tips on how to grow your email marketing plan to the fullest!  Hop into email marketing each week with Jack's helpful tips!

What is a Jangolope? Find out HERE

We want to hear from you. Remember, at JangoMail it's your email, your way.  Have a topic you would like Jack to cover?  Email us at marketing@jangomemail.com with the subject line: On Track With Jack.  Follow Jack on Facebook