Alofa atu, alofa mai. Love received, love returned.

In the spirit of this proverb, let's explore how you can better connect with your community.

Email marketing, you might ask? Isn't that a bit...old school? Not at all! Despite the rise of social media, email marketing remains a powerful, cost-effective way to reach and engage your community.

Why Email Marketing?

If you're a community organisation aiming to enhance well-being, your focus is on building relationships, providing value, and helping people. Email marketing can support all these goals, and here's why:

• Whakawhanaungatanga (Relationship-building): Email is personal. It allows you to speak directly to your community members, creating an intimate, one-on-one conversation.
• Reach: Almost everyone uses email. In fact, it's often the first thing people check online each day.
• Cost-effective: With the right strategy and tools, email marketing can be an economical way to reach your community.

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Choosing the Right Platform

There are many email platforms out there - Mailchimp, SendinBlue, Constant Contact, to name a few. They all offer different features, so take the time to find one that fits your needs and budget. Many even offer free tiers for smaller email lists, perfect for community organisations just getting started!

Building Your Email List

Never be tempted to buy email lists. Remember, it's all about whakawhanaungatanga. The key is to build a list of people who genuinely care about your kaupapa and what you offer.

Crafting the Perfect Welcome Email

Your first email is your mihi, your introduction. It's the most important email you'll send. It sets the tone for your relationship. It's a chance to share your organisation's story, your mission, and what your new member can expect from your emails.

Staying Consistent

Like any relationship, consistent communication is vital. This doesn't mean you need to send an email every day. It means finding a schedule that works for you and sticking to it, even during busy periods.

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More than a Newsletter: Discovering Automation

Email marketing isn't just about newsletters. Automation can be a game-changer for your organisation.

For example, suppose a new member signs up for your email list. Automation can ensure they receive a welcome email right away. It's like having a digital team member working round the clock!

Whakakotahitanga (Unity) Through Communication

In the end, email marketing is all about creating connections and building a strong, united community. With a thoughtful approach, you can make every email a chance to say "Alofa atu, alofa mai. Love received, love returned."

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