Are you doing a email list at your theatre?

If so how do you manage it and send out emails?

Do you use some sort of list manager software that is free or purchased like Yahoo groups?

I want to sart an email list for marketing but I am not sure to manage the collecing of the names and if I do how can I send out bulk emails via regular email software it seams like there must be an easy way to handle this.

I collect the email addresses from my movie card signup or from the website. I then enter them into a distribution list in Outlook. I have a Word document that I just change the movies and times and then email it to everyone.

You may have problems with your server not being able to send a large lists or a large email with pictures due to bandwith restrictions. If this is the case, you will need to use one of the distribution list services (most ISP's offer it for a fee).

We used to use Outlook but the management of the list became cumbersome and we experienced a number of email bounces because certain providers (like AOL) assume spam when group emails are received by their users.

We have 1300 emailers on our list and now use a service www.mainstreetmail.com and it's pain-free. You can send email either plain text or html and Users can also sign up or remove themselves on their own.

Sandra

Is it a free service?

Nope, cheapest rate is $60.00 per month.

Ouch. My Outlook lists are free and I like free

I use a program called PHPList. It is a web based mailer. More information at
www.phplist.com

It is donationware - so if you like it, you donate to the author.

Best features of this little application are the self-managing ones. Your customers can add and delete themselves on/off your lists. They can also change their e-mail address - all without having to do it your self.

Jeff

Can you manually edit the list as well? Too often, I get emails returned due to an invalid email address. This could be annoying if kids misuse it.

Yep. PHPLIst gives you full access to adding, deleting and editing your lists.

Jeff

PHPLIst looks like it has all the features of a paid service but you host it on your web site.

Here is another mail list service that one of the business in our town uses. It makes a real nice email. It is called Constant contact. The adress is: http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?cc=promos07

I was thinking of using it when I posted this note. Right now I need to do something but have not decided what yet.

Jeff can you send me a test email from your PHPList so I can check it out.

I use a hosting service that runs on IIS so it looks like I will have some mods to make if I choose this route.

Done. It is a test based message only, but PHOLIst can do HTML too.