A great idea but far underused by top retailers is showing customers previews of emails when asking them to join your mailing list. This is so easy to do, and helps customers understand what to expect from you.
For example, Urban Outfitters shows a link to examples right in the footer menu’s call-to-action.
I like Shoeline’s inclusion of reasons to sign up, and a privacy assurance:
Sign up for the Shoeline.com Email Club today and start enjoying the benefits of being a member! You’ll receive email messages from us on:
- Special sales and promotions sent exclusively to our e-mail club members
- New styles and products – Find out how to get them before anyone else
- New brand introductions to the site
- Seasonal fashion previews, gift guides, and more!
See an example of a Shoeline.com email
Click here!
And remember, we always respect your privacy. We will never under any circumstance share, sell, or do anything else unpleasant with your email address. Please see our complete Privacy Policy for further details.
Unfortunately, neither of the previews display a full-size email example.
It’s really easy to show a preview, just link to an online version, like this. You should also consider linking to a mobile version for subscribers who anticipate they will read your emails on smart phones.
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A very good idea. I wonder, however, why they cluttered up the examples page with a “Sign-In” area. If I click a link to see “examples”, I’m not expecting a login page.
Email previews seem like a really good idea to me. As a consumer, it leaves me with the impression that the company is trying to be upfront and honest with me about exactly what I will be receiving if I sign up to receive emails. I’d be more likely not only to sign up for emails but to buy from the company. Additionally, Shoeline’s list of reasons to sign up is also helpful and practical. Websites that spell things out for the customer with an emphasis on clarity are more likely to gain consumers’ trust and business, simply because they go the extra mile beyond their competitors.
Your suggestions applied … would love to know your thoughts!
This concept would probably increase email capture rates for companies, and as we know, the more customers you reach the more beneficial these emails are for the company. I agree that this is a great idea, and will create some sort of trust between customer and company. It shows that they are committed and up-front about what to expect from the emails, and that they aren’t just spam crowding your inbox. Great observation, and good post.