Creating Links to your Web site with direct E-mail

How URL embedding works   

When you list a URL in the body of an E-mail message, E-mail applications, such as Eudora PRO and Netscape MAIL, recognizes the URL format as a WEB address and converts the address text into an active hypertext link. The hypertext link looks and works exactly like a Web page link, so when the recipient clicks on it, his or her browser will  launch and load the page. The conversion to a hypertext link occurs in the recipient's E-mail application. If the recipient doesn't use an E-mail application that converts URLs, the address will appear as plain text, like the rest of the message. The recipient can still benefit from the message and listed URL, but he or she will need to launch a Web browser and enter your URL to reply to you.   

For example, suppose your company sells Tea bags and you are trying to sell a bag of Tea via your company web site. To Lure customers to your Web site, you send E-mail messages offering a free packet of Tea bags to eyerone who enrolls in the Tea lovers' mailing list. To receive the Tea bags, customers must click a hypertext link to go to your Web site. Once the customers arrive there, they'll see your online pitch for selling the Tea bags.   

Visibility and effectiveness   

You can make an embedded URL more effective by placing it in the subject line of your E-mail message. Many E-mail applications repeat the subject line at the beginning of the displayed message, making your URL highly visible. For example, your subject line could read   

Subject: Free Tea at http://www.Teacompany.com/   

Likewise, you can make your URL more visible by embedding it in the opening line of your message. Given the notorious lack of patience on the part of E-mail readers, you should deliver your message and URL quickly. You might also prompt recipients to click on the URL, since many may not realize that the address represents an active link.   

Notes   

Embedded URLs provide you with an opportunity to lead customers to your Web site with one easy mouse click, but embedded URLs won't get you far unless you have customers to send E-mail to. You can always solicit E-mail addresses from customers at your Web site or place of business, but you can also enlist marketing services for this purpose. For a fee, services like PostMaster Direct from NetCreations, CyberGold, or GoldMail will distribute your E-mail advertisement to the appropriate, consumer-approved E-mail addresses.    

Within India however, no such marketing service provider is present. The market for such a service could be immense and widespread. Direct e-mail is here to stay.   

Try to keep every e-mail address your company receives. It may pay a great deal in the long run.