It's FOUR FER today at "Newsletters I never"

More Newsletter DON’Ts: Thanks KW!

Go ahead, push a button. Make my day!

Just a week ago Clifford added me to his newsletter (without my permission) and via Constant Contact started sending UBE to me. Nice looking guy. Good looking newsletter. Probably some good content to.

BUT It was also a perfect entry for Newsletters I never signed up for.

That was 1 week ago and it looks like he’s moved away from using Constant Contact. I’m not sure why. Maybe he was banned?

In either case when an email came today I recognized the name but didn’t recognize the layout of the newsletter. It was because he’s now on a different email provider.

The bad news is that Clifford makes my list yet again. That’s not the whole bad news, he now has a friend who sent the exact same newsletter, at the exact same time, with the exact same Subject, with the exact same content. There goes that special feeling I was starting to get.

But wait, there’s more…

Now I’m starting to feel like I’m channeling Billy Mays. As I’m writing this post I get yet a THIRD! And then a FOURTH! The one common thread? Keller Williams Agents all of them!

And the value to me, the consumer is exactly what again? I have to wonder if KW is teaching people to spam or is this an unintended consequence of some coaching call.

UPDATE:I’ve heard this is part of an Agent Toolbox of sorts called eEdge. I’m all for that. I’m thinking they need to also include an instructional manual for the tool. Wendy shows how to add but people but someone should go a little deeper.

What’s wrong with importing your address book? I think Aweber has the explaination of what is right and what is a big No No. Go read “Can I Use This LIST Post?”

UPDATE II: This Keller Williams system just helped KW win Innovator of the Year from Inman News. No, really!

Go ahead, push a button. Make my day!

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Mike Mueller

Mike builds the custom Apps that create the Tabs that make Custom Facebook Pages special. He builds Discount WordPress Blogs and shoots commercial high def video. He's an avid hockey fan, rides a motorcycle (a really fast one), loves strong beer and good red wine.

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http://210consulting.com/ Jeremy Blanton

Gotta love it
http://twitter.com/themlsapp The MLS App

I’ve received a few of those EXACT same emails this morning.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=711609114 Anonymous

Just finished spending part of my morning fixing this unintentional email. And it wouldn’t be surprising if the two guys that already posted received the email as well. (frustrating)
http://www.facebook.com/maureenmccabe Maureen McCabe

what’s your email? I can probably get you on the Real Living email newsletter from a large number of agents. I know we were told NOT to change anything… send it out as is to our mail list… “this is really good stuff” was said in the webinar / call I attended… That was not a Real Living corporate coaching. I think the individual who taught the RL corporate class got that it would NOT be a good thing.

I still am not sending a newsletter out.

I’ve got some KW newsletters lately. I know years ago my office hired someone to help us with our databases and she had my newsletter going to everyone. Lenders, competitors. I wanted to die.

http://AreWeConnected.com mikemueller

Just commented on your post in Facebook.

http://twitter.com/SeattleCondo Ben Kakimoto

You mean email spamming is a perk we get? I gotta get on that. Seriously, though, that’s just pathetic.

http://AreWeConnected.com mikemueller

Yup

Ted Mackel

Mike,

KW rolled out eEdge this year, this is part of eEdge. You have been added to this guy’s 33 touch program most likely (your’e gong to get touched 32 more times LOL!).

The system is pretty slick, but it’s not a system you just throw anyone into without consideration. People have been told to import their entire contact database into the system – wrong. My preferred client list would get pissed off if I put them on this campaign not to mention my friends who like you live far away and don’t need my newsletter.

http://AreWeConnected.com mikemueller

Ted – People have been instructed to load their entire database into it? No discussion on who should be there or better yet, the CANN-SPAM Act? Am I reading that right?

Ted Mackel

Well this is two part answer. Yes they are telling everyone to import all their contacts into eEdge. I dont’ know how they are telling people in each office how to deal with the contacts once in, but it would not be hard to assume eager real estate agents blasting out not realizing what they just did. I am one of the trainers for my office, we will be using the safe and sane approach.

Part II, the results so far in terms of new business are hard to argue with. I will get the numbers for you, but this system is working and exceeding expectations nationwide. The newsletter marketing is only a small part of the system. I saw it and did not see much value for someone like me who has a blog.

http://www.barnettassociates.net/ Toby Barnett

SPAM: Not just a food group.

Being a KW agent there is a preached philosophy of lead generation and staying in-front of potential customers. With that said, sometimes it is to much with all the tools, systems, and gadgets they push their agents to use.

http://AreWeConnected.com mikemueller

Toby – yup! I’m ok with lead generation to a point.

http://www.facebook.com/kevincottrell Kevin Cottrell

Welcome to KW E-Edge – where just like with Market Leader for lead generation, you get to look exactly like everyone else. Bonus – you are completely automated…Just upload your database and off you go without any regard to SPAM …

http://AreWeConnected.com mikemueller

I like the idea of providing an Agent with the tools to be successful. This could be one of them. I’ve said it before, someone forgot the user manual with this one.

Anonymous

I don’t believe it is JUST a KW e-Edge issue, but an overall lack of knowledge by agents that Newsletters should be opt-in only. This is an industry issue. BTW, this is why I prefer people to subscribe or check out my website, daily. And that material is “unique” and NOT canned.

http://AreWeConnected.com mikemueller

Actually it’s somewhat mandatory for them to OPT in. The offenders are the people who will never see this message, never see the newsletter. People like you will continue to do things right. ;)

Sarah Stelmok

C21 New Millennium rolled out a mass email campaign for each of their 600 agents to advertise their new listings and open houses. The company appears to have imported every agent in Virginia into everyone’s account. I now get an email everytime someone in C21NM takes a new listings or has an open. The bonus is that I have to opt out of all 600 agent’s emails. I’ve decided to sign them all up for catalogues to be delivered to their offices and homes. Not just any catalogues, but teacher catalogues. Something completely useless to them. Revenge is mine!!!!!

http://AreWeConnected.com mikemueller

Nice one! Too bad there’s not a RickRoll Catalogue I can do the same with.

http://next.Inman.com Chris Smith

Mike. Thanks for bringing light to this major issue. Also if we are “touching” folks daily via SM is 33 more too much? Certainly a debatable topic.

As for the Inman award. Twitter has a lot of spammers. As does Facebook. Not sure it’s the platforms fault as much as the operators.
Eric Slifkin

I agree the eEdge campaigns can get spammy. The problem with “33 Touch” and several other pre-built campaigns eEdge offers is they are not easily custom-tailored. It takes time and effort and in some cases you have to devise a work-around to create the right content for your clients. This entails replacing graphics, verbiage, and other tweaks. It took me several days to develop content that a client will hopefully find compelling. I did import several databases, but they are each assigned to their own group and customized from there.

http://AreWeConnected.com mikemueller

Eric, I’d probably say you were the exception to the rule. Most agents wouldn’t go to that effort. Kudos to you!
That said, I have to ask, on the several databases you imported, did they all specifically express their approval to be sent these emails, prior to sending them the newsletter?I can fully understand collecting emails from a website, open house, etc. along with a “would it be ok if I send you regular informational updates via email?” If not, how is it not Unsolicited Bulk Email?

Not attacking you, just trying to understand.