If you were at the recent Synod Communicators' Workshop or if you've ever looked at the bottom of one of my mass e-mails, you've probably heard of Constant Contact, an e-mail marketing service. I don't usually want to use this as an ad space - and since I'm not getting paid to talk about them, it's not really an ad anyway - but I did want to share the benefits of an e-mail marketing service and some additional ones that apply specifically to Constant Contact.

• These services allow you to send to as many people as you want at one time. Many e-mail providers limit how many you can send (so spammers don't use their service).
  
• They do the work to help you not get marked as junk mail.
• Most provide easy ways to manage your lists and let the subscribers subscribe, unsubscribe, and change their information all on their own.
• You usually get very helpful statistics. The ones I like from Constant contact include open rates, which links people click on (and how frequently), bounce information, number of times forwarded, etc.
• You can jazz up your e-mails from their templates and also include your own photos/images to make their stuff your own.
  
• Pricing varies enough that you don't pay the same amount as someone sending to tens of thousands of subscribers. Pricing structures do vary by service, so find one that's right for you.
• The service can be accessed from anywhere, any time, by anyone - not tied to one computer.
• You can set up e-mails to send at any time, not only "right now."
• You can create different lists so not everyone gets every message. They can even subscribe themselves to which ones they want.
• And the list goes on...

And an added benefit to Constant Contact exclusively...

• The ELCA has entered into a partnership with them and is just now coming out with an e-mail template (it looks similar to the new design of ELCA.org) and will eventually grow the offerings to include things like pre-inserted content. There is no price break, but you do get these extras at no additional cost.
  

Let me know if you have specific questions!