One-Time:
 
Orientation Call: Solid Cactus will send client an introductory Business Survey better understand the client’s business and industry. Solid Cactus will then conduct a thirty (30) minute introductory call with client to review the Email Marketing management and workflows, discuss newsletter ideas, and answer any follow-up questions.
 
Email Template (Basic): Solid Cactus will customize an email template for use in client HTML email blasts. The template will be selected from a list of Basic template options and will be customized with the client site’s logo/branding/color palette. This service includes a single concept with no revisions. Client may not upgrade to Email Template (Standard) or Email Template (Premium) for an additional fee; these templates are not supported by this service.
 
 Recurring:
 
 Email Content Brief – Each month, Solid Cactus will provide an email Content Brief document that will solicit all pertinent information needed to create an email blast on behalf of the client. This document must be completed by the client and returned to Solid Cactus.
 
 Email Blast Copywriting – Based on information provided by the client in the monthly email blast questionnaire, Solid Cactus will write two to three paragraphs of text for the body of the email, in line with the topic and focus of the email. Solid Cactus will also create a compelling subject line for the email.

 Email Blast Programming: Solid Cactus will utilize Email Marketing html best practices to compile the email, including inserting the subject line, copywriting, and featured products into the email template with guidance from the monthly email blast questionnaire supplied to the client.
 
 Email Send – Once the final version of the email is prepared, Solid Cactus will send the email to the client’s subscriber base on the date specified in the monthly email blast questionnaire supplied to the client.
 

Email Reporting – On the 1st of each month, Solid Cactus will send client a Success Report detailing the email’s open rate, bounce rate, click through rate, open rate per link and revenue per email.
 
Required:
 
Email Marketing Platform: Prior to sending, client must subscribe to an Email Marketing platform, such as 1ShoppingCart, Constant Contact, Cactus Connect, Mail Chip etc. The Managed Email Marketing monthly fee does not include the cost of the Email Marketing platform.
 
Monthly Sends: Client acknowledges that s/he must send a minimum of one email blast per month. Client will be billed $149/mo regardless of whether the email blast is sent or not, and if an email blast is not sent, it cannot be rolled over to subsequent months.

• After signing up you'll be assigned a dedicated Email Marketing Specialist to work with you every month.

• Within one business day your specialist will reach out to you via email and include a short Business Survey for you to fill out. They will also ask to set up your Orientation call.

SAMPLE BUSINESS SURVEY

• Within three days (or as your schedule allows) your dedicated specialist will call you to review your Business Survey, ask for some important information, and review how the program works.You'll also get your first Content Brief to help you determine what you want in your first email!

• After your Orientation Call, your specialist will create your custom Email Header that incorporates your brand, logo, contact info and key information from your website. This optimized header will have a consistent look and feel with your website.

• Once you have returned your Content Brief, your specialist will begin working on your first email send (you set the date).

• Each month your experts sends a professional Email to your Mailing list.
  • You can add addtional emails whenever you like for only $99 each. Just ask your Dedicated Account Manager.

• Based on your Content Brief your Dedicated Account Manager will create and program the email with any coupon codes, links, and hero images you provide. They will also write the copy for your email for you, pick a subject line and send the email at the time you request.
  • We can also make a hero graphic for your emails for a small $75 fee.

SAMPLE CONTENT BRIEF

• Before sending any email to your customers, you will receive a proof to review. Just review, send back comments and your Account Manager will make any last minute changes. You always get final approval before we send!

• Success- Each month you will receive a Success Report outlining the key stats like Opens, Clicks and Sales from your previous month's campaigns. 

What is a Hero Graphic or Image and is it included in each email?

A Hero Graphic is a custom graphic designed for this one email. It often includes a relevant picture with call out text that emphasized the key points on the email.

Hero Graphics are no included in each email on the basic package. If you would like to add a hero graphic, we can make one for you for $75. Or you can provide your own image for incorporation. Just send it along with your content brief for each email.

Why isn't it included?

Depending on the content in your email, it may not be necessary. Many customers prefer to make their own as well. By not including it on every email, you can pick and choose when you need one, keeping your costs at a minimum.

I want a hero in every email!

Our starter package includes the Hero Graphic in every send and takes even more of the work off your plate. For $250/mo our specialists will not only customize each email, but plan the strategy for you as well.

Important: Client must sign up for an email platform to send emails through, such as Cactus Connect (http://www.CactusConnect.com) or Constant Contact (http://www.networksolutions.com/email-marketing-campaigns/index.jsp). An email platform is NOT included in this package.
 
 Double Opt-In: Cactus Connect requires subscribers to "double opt in", where all of the mailing list subscribers receive an automatic email asking them to "opt in" to the mailing list.
 Benefits: "Scrubs" the list, making for a more qualified, leaner subscriber list.
 Cons: Typically reduces the size of the email list.
 *An "opt-in" bypass may be requested, but with the expectation that the Cactus Connect team may say no. To be approved for a bypass, client must adhere to the following, but this does not automatically make them eligible for a bypass:
  - If a client has not emailed in more than a year, they will not be allowed a bypass 99% of the time.
  - If a client has not previously emailed using one of the tier 1 providers listed at http://cactus-internal.com/manual/index.php/ecommerce-store-development/145/446, they will not be allowed a bypass 99% of the time.
 
 If a client will not accept the Cactus Connect double opt-in requirement and does not meet the qualifications for a bypass request (though this does not guarantee a bypass will happen), they should be sold the Constant Contact platform (http://www.networksolutions.com/email-marketing-campaigns/index.jsp) or recommended another email platform.
 

 Q. If a client is not on Yahoo, SCeC or 1SC can they still use Cactus Connect for email distribution?

 A. Yes, they can, but the advanced capabilities of the platform are drastically reduced. Because the system cannot integrate with any other platforms, all new clients would need to be exported and imported into the system on a regular basis. They would then need to receive an opt-in verification email to be successfully added to the database. If the client wants a truly clean list, this is a huge advantage. But if they are looking to automatically add every customer that comes through their virtual door, it does have its limitations. Also, the Auto Responder feature is essentially useless since the accounts aren’t integrated.
 So, can they still use the system – YES! And for price comparison, Cactus Connect is very competitive.
 Web.com also has a partnership with Exact Target, a more robust (more expensive) email platform, as well, should the client be interested in more advanced features: http://emailmarketing.web.com/pricing.html.