Email Marketing works - Virtual Assistant Forums

#1 (**permalink**) 08-27-2008

I just sent an email newsletter to attorneys all over my state. Here is the response I got from one:

"Ms. Draper,

Usually, I do not respond to solicitation e-mails. However, yours got my attention. I am interested in learning more about your paralegal services. Do you have any experience with criminal cases? If not, how has your experience equipped you to handle criminal matters? Also, what are your fees and contract requirements? Please give me a call or e-mail me. I would like to set up a time that we could speak, either in person or over the phone. Thanks."

I put a lot of information about myself, my business and the benefits of a virtual paralegal for a law office. Wow, I am impressed to so far having even one possibility. Look out other states attorneys...here I come with the newsletter, lol

#2 (**permalink**) 08-27-2008

That's wonderful. I've been hesitant to make first contact by email unless I have some sort of association with that person due to the need to be spam compliant. But congrats!

#3 (**permalink**) 08-27-2008

Hmmm, didn't think about the spam compliance. Is there a way to .pdf my newsletter I am sending out for the forum review on that?

#4 (**permalink**) 08-27-2008

Congrats on your success. I don't want to see you get fined, etc. from marketing this way. Below is a quote from the FTC's website regarding spam.

"The law, which became effective January 1, 2004, covers email whose primary purpose is advertising or promoting a commercial product or service, including content on a Web site."

The URL for this in full is http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/...s/canspam.shtm

I don't mean to burst your bubble because I think it is awesome you got a response I would just hate to see you get into trouble marketing this way.

Best Wishes,

#5 (**permalink**) 08-28-2008

I know so many businesses despise receiving unsolicited emails but it does work in some cases as you proved. I received a good one the other day that had this listed at the bottom:

Quote:

In accordance with the Federal CAN SPAM Act of 2003, XXX is required to disclose that this email may contain an advertisement or solicitation. If you no longer wish to receive these emails, please reply to this message with "Unsubscribe" in the subject line.

Their full name and address was also listed so to me it appeared as if they were in compliance regardless whether I wanted to receive the email or not.

Any thoughts on this?

#6 (**permalink**) 08-28-2008

wow well done!!!!!! I also sent out a few emails but didn't have the response you had!

#7 (**permalink**) 08-28-2008

I would be very interested in knowing the answer to that question as well becasue if you can add that to you email that would be wonderful.

#8 (**permalink**) 08-28-2008

I get emails all the time soliciting things for my other business (I used to have an online retail store, I now just sell things I make, but still get offers from wholesalers). I had no clue it was illegal and was planning on trying to use e-mail to market this new venture. Yikes!

#9 (**permalink**) 08-29-2008

Ok guys. I reviewed the CAN-SCAM requirements and changed my newsletter to comport with what I believe are the requirements in order for me to send the newsletter to attorneys. I have made a .pdf of my Newsletter and marked it up against what the requirements are. Please view it at

http://www.thevirtualparalegal.com/p...TVPCANSCAM.pdf

Let me know your thoughts as well as you may use this to make sure your's is compliant. This is just my opinion, but I feel better having read the CAN-SCAM requirements against my newsletter and I believe my Newsletter is ok. Dawn

#10 (**permalink**) 08-29-2008

That is fantastic Dawn. Thank you for doing the legwork there so we all know we're complying iwth the law.

#11 (**permalink**) 08-29-2008

That looks wonderful

It appears to comply with the rules/regulations. You'll have to keep us all posted on the results you receive.

#12 (**permalink**) 08-29-2008

This was very helpful, thanks Dawn.

#13 (**permalink**) 08-29-2008

Dawn...this is good information...I knew there were anti-spam laws but wasn't sure how you could cover yourself if you send out e-marketing solicitation...thanks for providing this.

#14 (**permalink**) 08-29-2008

Dawn, thanks for the great info! Now I know how to go about using email marketing!

#15 (**permalink**) 08-29-2008

Dawn,

I love the email and think it's wonderful that you sent it out and actually got a very receptive response. Now with the changes that you made you should be able to keep on going along to the other States.

Good Luck!
Margaret