Tools for the post-email era
Latest posts | Feed | By Mark Brownlow
Post-email? Well, sort of. You might find this collection of tools over at Web Worker Daily interesting, as it shows how online communication is constantly developing.
The emergence of all these other forms of messaging and collaboration may well see email usage decline. But note that these tools are mostly about interactive communication between two individuals or small self-selected groups.
So it's important to distinguish between email and email marketing. Email use for collaboration and personal correspondence may decline, but that does not necessarily mean email marketing follows suit.
For example, my incoming personal correspondence shifted entirely from letters to email. But I still have a postbox which I use regularly to get communications from local shops, businesses etc.
Also, nearly everyone blogging or writing about these things belongs to the technical minority. My Dad has just about got used to the idea of electronic mail. He won't be moving to another form of online communication too quickly.
Having said that, it behoves email marketers to keep an eye on alternatives (like RSS). Not to "watch the competition" but because the more communication alternatives you give the customer or prospect, the more likely they are to pick one and listen to what you say.
You want to get your message across, not defend email from all newcomers.
[As for outgoing correspondence, I find a handwritten note can make a huge impression on a customer or business partner, now that everyone's used to the somewhat impersonal electronic alternatives.]
Tags: email marketing, online tools
The emergence of all these other forms of messaging and collaboration may well see email usage decline. But note that these tools are mostly about interactive communication between two individuals or small self-selected groups.
So it's important to distinguish between email and email marketing. Email use for collaboration and personal correspondence may decline, but that does not necessarily mean email marketing follows suit.
For example, my incoming personal correspondence shifted entirely from letters to email. But I still have a postbox which I use regularly to get communications from local shops, businesses etc.
Also, nearly everyone blogging or writing about these things belongs to the technical minority. My Dad has just about got used to the idea of electronic mail. He won't be moving to another form of online communication too quickly.
Having said that, it behoves email marketers to keep an eye on alternatives (like RSS). Not to "watch the competition" but because the more communication alternatives you give the customer or prospect, the more likely they are to pick one and listen to what you say.
You want to get your message across, not defend email from all newcomers.
[As for outgoing correspondence, I find a handwritten note can make a huge impression on a customer or business partner, now that everyone's used to the somewhat impersonal electronic alternatives.]
Tags: email marketing, online tools
Permalink | March 16, 2007 |
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