Email tracking software, good idea or not?

Email tracking, Did you know the emails you send and receive can be tracked? The process is called “email tracking” and it is an invaluable tool you can use to ensure your clients and contacts have received, opened and read your email communications. To do this, a simple code is inserted into the email message when you send it. This triggers an email response back to you to alert you when the message has been opened, how many times, and in some cases if it was forwarded to someone else.

Email tracking is an especially great resource if you’re in sales. Once you are alerted that your desired recipients have received your initial message, you can further customize follow up communicators and provide additional information. Even learning that your desired recipient has received your message and has not responded back to you can be a great resource for next steps. Think of it like an electronic “message received” response.

Tracking is important no matter if you’re creating television spots, print, digital or outdoor advertisements, developing a method of tracking success is of the upmost importance. Some tools already exist that won’t cost you any extra money.

Think about using multiple URLs and targeting each URL for a specific advertising outlet. For example, you could use a unique URL for outdoor ads that direct customers to your website. Use a different URL on your print ads, another in email blasts 
and so on. This simple method will allow you to track the traffic your website is pulling from each different advertising medium, so that you can pinpoint which method is driving the most traffic. The goal is simple: if something works do more of it, and if it doesn’t work, retool it or consider eliminating the underperforming ads from your marketing mix.