The Best Automated Marketing Response I Have Ever Seen

We all get them.  We hear about or stumble upon an interesting technology or service, start the research process and at some point along the way, we stop.  Then comes the follow up email.  They come in a variety of forms. 

The Serious Follow Up Email

This one typically begins with "Dear Sir or Madame" and formally offers additional support to help us through the process.  Everything is spelled correctly and in similar color and font.  It has been thoroughly blessed by branding.

The "Two Font" Response

If the purpose is to stick out from all of the emails I get, this strategy works.  If the strategy is also to build trust in your company and enhance your personal and corporate brand, it doesn't.  Usually my name and the intro are in one font and the remaining text is in the source font.  You have to love cut and paste marketing.

The Analytics Response

The email is in HTML, has links throughout and tracks every move you make.  You have to "Click here to download pictures" just to see any part of the email.  Did you open the email? Did you click the link? The picture?  They'll know.

The Original and Creative Response

These are tough because there are a lot of emails out there, but every now and then I see real creativity and I respect the effort.  First, a little background.  I speak at various conferences and I am always looking for ways to engage the audience and get them involved in the presentation.  During research for my presentation at Learning 2016 I came across Poll Everywhere, a technology that creates an interactive poll and allows the audience to answer questions on their phone and see group responses real time, on the screen.  It's pretty slick stuff, but I had a meeting with my team and while I had time to create an account, I wasn't able to create my first poll.

Now they know I didn't create my first poll because they're watching; they're always watching. So, since I didn't create my first poll an email was on it's way.  I'm sure there are win metrics that show "people who create a poll are more likely to buy the service", so this was an important follow up email.  Well, in my opinion they hit a home run with this one.  Enjoy.

Hi, Doug.

Let me explain my job. See, I get an email if you sign up for Poll Everywhere but don't create a poll. Usually that means you got carried off by internet piranha somewhere in the signup process. (Or you're in a very important meeting– in which case, carry on, friend. We'll be here when you're ready.)

If you need a hero, here I am with an impeccable collection of capes.

Are you into group therapy? Our weekly webinar allows you to blend in with others while a nice person guides you through the mysteries of our website.

You can also try making a question on your own. (Takes 30 seconds. Really.) Try responding with your phone, just like a real, live audience member! You can Ooooo and Aaahhh when you see it update live, right before your very eyes. Imagine the fawning masses. They are cheering in the streets for you.

Your tireless defender,

Meg