James Explains: Stay True to Your Subject Line

It’s very simple actually, stick to your subject line.  The purpose of your email should be identified in your subject.  Keep it short and sweet and do not overthink it.  Tell your audience what they are about to open and the rest is gravy.

Your subject should be clear, concise, and true. If your message is a transactional one, meant to confirm that your customer’s order has shipped, make sure your subject line says so. “You’re Order has Shipped!” Enough said.

The body of the message should also be composed in a way that your reader is going to see the promised information first and foremost. Promotional content should be included but should not be taking up prime real estate.

Related products or services are most effective below the fold. Don’t think your customer won’t notice a bait and switch move. They will. The idea is to capitalize on the opportunity to provide valuable marketing information to your customers, should they decide they are ready to see it.

So, stay true to your subject line and don’t veer from it.  Your open rates depend on it!

Special thanks to JangoSMTP Account Executive, Erica Melzer, for helping me with this post!

Cheers,

James The Jangolope
Department of Awesome
JangoSMTP

About James

James the Jangolope is our JangoSMTP mascot. Each month, look for our new “James Explains” emails and blog posts on transactional email advice, trends, and quick tips. James will offer insight on how to improve your SMTP plan and how to use your JangoSMTP account to the fullest  

What is a Jangolope? Find out HERE

We want to hear from you. Have a topic you would like James to cover? Email us at marketing@us.jangomail.com with the subject line: James Explains. Follow James on Facebook

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How Cold is Too Cold for Rover… and what’s it got to do with JangoSMTP?

By: Erica Melzer

Account Executive
Most of our customers aren't located in Dayton, Ohio. So, you may not been experiencing the record-breaking cold temperatures that we have this winter. Still, chances are, you do live in a region where it gets uncomfortably hot or cold at some point during the year. And, if not, lucky you.

The rest of us, especially those with pets, could certainly benefit from having a thermostat or sensor that would send us an email if the temperature in our house dropped below or rose above certain temperature thresholds. Nest thermostats that do exactly that and they use an SMTP server, just like ours, to send those messages.

Texas A&M University's Department of Veterinary Medicine says, “It is generally accepted that indoor pets are not acclimated to cold weather.” So, despite their wild origins and furry coats, most domesticated breeds (especially those with short hair) should never be kept in temperatures below 45°F.  Regarding warmer temperatures, the AKC said in a recent blog post that “...most dogs begin to show signs of overheating between 81-85°F.”

Photo courtesy of Bethan Hazell.

Find out if your thermostat is capable of alerting you to dramatic changes in temperature. If so, create a Free Trial Account. Then, all you need to do is adjust your thermostat's settings and tell it that JangoSMTP is your relay provider. Our free trial volume will be more than you'll ever need. This peace of mind will never cost you a dime.

If you have any questions about setting something like this up, call 888-465-2646 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. (US/EST) and talk to one of our knowledgeable Support Reps. That's right, our free trial accounts get phone support, too!

Hey Griswold, The Little Lights Aren't Twinkling

By: Melonie Mottice
Marketing Specialist

It's that time, Christmas time is here

Everybody knows there's not a better time of year

Hear that sleigh, Santa's on his way

Hip, Hip Hooray, for Christmas Vacation

It is that time of the year! Not only is watching National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation a must, but so is decorating your home for the holidays. While the sound of “250 strands of lights, 100 individual bulbs per strand, for a grand total of 25,000 imported Italian twinkle lights,” might be overwhelming, a lot of us like to show our holiday spirit with outdoor Christmas lights, and JangoSMTP can make it easier!

Throughout the 1989 movie, the main character, Clark W. Griswold, is on a mission to host 'the most fun-filled old-fashioned family Christmas.' Clark escapes his in-laws by putting up Christmas lights on nearly every inch of his house, but can’t get them to work. When they finally turn on, his family is ecstatic to see the house...everyone but his father-in-law, Art. Art immediately notices that the little lights aren't twinkling – a minor detail in the whole elaborate display.

Fast forward to today. If Clark had the technology we have, he wouldn't have to rely on Art. Instead, he could connect all of his outdoor timers to an SMTP server like JangoSMTP. Any time the little lights weren't twinkling, he would be notified via email on his smartphone.

Nowadays, some houses and even neighborhoods decorate every inch of their lawn. There are sensors, timers, and heck, you can even program your lights to the sound of Christmas carols. Even if you aren't going all out like Clark, you can set up email notifications confirming the activity of your lights, indoor and outdoor, using JangoSMTP.

Before Aunt Bethany thinks your house is on fire, or Art informs you the little lights that aren't twinkling, connect your Christmas light timers to our SMTP server. Try a JangoSMTP 30-Day Trial and send up to 500 emails for Free.