Email service providers – How to find your perfect match
You think that some email service providers offer more powerful tools, more attractive features, more user-friendly interfaces and better performances than yours do? Switching providers can be a very stressful process given the risk of disappointment and the time and resources required to analyze all the solutions and ensure a smooth transition between systems. So you don’t want to have to do this exercise too often!
Here’s a short list of questions to ask yourself in order to make the best decision.
How will you preserve your data?
You certainly don’t want to lose everything you have built so far. So, don’t forget to make a copy of your database before transferring data into the new environment and continue your emailing programs. Pay close attention to consents and delivery errors in order to send emails only to people who have consented to receive your communications. If needed, keep an access to your current platform while starting to use the new one to prevent data loss.
What are the available statistics reports?
During your research, compare the different statistics reports available to ensure that the platform you choose will meet your needs. Also, make sure to keep a copy of your past reports to keep track of the evolution of your results after you lose access to your current platform.
Will you be using a dedicated IP address?
A dedicated IP address will help you maintain a good sending reputation and protect you from bad practices of third party senders who could use your shared address. If you are planning on using a brand new dedicated IP address, allow some extra time for testing small volume sendings and built your reputation before making high volume sendings.
Have you thought of your online forms?
Data collected through your online forms is saved in your emailing platform either instantly or deferredly. For either situation, you need to change the data transfer process so that this data can be linked to the new system. Make sure these adjustments are completed before D-day.
Is your CRM compatible?
In order to communicate with your prospects and clients and personalize your relationship with them, synchronizing your CRM with your emailing system is an important element to consider. Validate compatibility before going forward.
Can you get a free demo or trial?
Do you know exactly how you will have to prepare your emails and segment your lists in the new platform before buying it? Free demos or trials are the best way of making sure the tools are right for you.
What is the support level offered?
Don’t forget to ask what kind of support is offered by the new provider. Will you be supported during the new platform implementation as well as in your daily use?
FIND YOUR PERFECT MATCH
To ease your research and guide you towards the best fit, here’s an easy-to-use grid to compare potential email service providers.
How to use the grid
We have compiled a list of most sought-after features when looking for an email service provider. For each feature, set the importance level by assigning a score from 1 to 10. Then, evaluate each potential provider on each of these features by also assigning a score from 1 to 10. Finally, multiply your importance score with the provider’s score and add these up to get the total for each provider. The provider with the highest total score is your best choice.
Click here to download the grid.
