KickStart Cart 411: Emergency Ezine Management For When You Need It Most

Saddle up, settle down, and get ready to send out your first ezine with KickStart. Here's the abbreviated version of how it's done. For the real details (you WILL need these), refer to KickStart's information-rich website. Be sure to click all the question marks that hover over their interface buttons, and take a gander at their tutorials. Ready for the short, step-by-step rendition? Here goes.

1. Make your list, check it twice.

Select AUTORESPONDERS and create a "thanks for signing up" message within that same autoresponder. The "thanks for signing up" message will be automatically delivered to every single person who types their email into the sign-up form on your website. Add existing subscribers, add your company details - and oh yeah, SAVE frequently during the process!

2. Tag your signature line.

If you want to tell your readers "you've got options - change your subscription right in this email" you can do that by clicking YOUR ACCOUNT and then CONTACT INFO (odd place for a standard closing message, so I thought I'd mention it).

3. Make your list double-opt-in.

Click CUSTOM FORMS and OPT-IN PREFERENCES, then check the box at the top of the screen. Double opt-in prevents email bounces. Activate this feature BEFORE you create your form's HTML code, NOT after.

4. Create sign-up form.

Click CUSTOM FORMS to create a sign-up form that links your customer to the AUTORESPONDER you just created. Fill in all fields, then copy the code and add the form to your site. Again, do this AFTER you double-opt-in, not before.

5. Upload an info product.

Click PRODUCTS to enter your new product, and fill in product number, pricing and all the important info. Upload the file from your computer to the system. Very easy.

6. Send an ezine.

Click BROADCASTS, then choose an AUTORESPONDER LIST to send to. Follow the instructions for ezine creation. You can also create an ezine list in the BROADCAST menu, but it's a little confusing because you already created one with your autoresponder list. Sending to the autoresponder list is one of the choices in this menu. So there's no real urgency to create an ezine list if you already have an existing list in the system.

Clearly, this is just an overview of all the steps needed to manage your ezines and autoresponders. There's a lot more to the process, so study and memorize the system carefully - and expect bloopers with your first few mailings. Don't worry, it gets easier.

The good news is, KickStartCart.com is working on some logical field integration that enhances the cross-functionality of their services. For that, I'd say it's worth the monthly fee.

GOOD LUCK sending your first ezine with KickStart!

Copyright 2006 Dina Giolitto. All rights reserved.

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