Use of First Name when advertising

[market101]

When you are using TEs or safelists for your ads, do you include the recipients first name when offered a choice e.g. [first_name] ???  I used to do that a long time ago, but got out of the habit.  I still see a lot of folks using that technique and I wonder if it increases their sales?

 

[captkirk]

When you are using TEs or safelists for your ads, do you include the recipients first name when offered a choice e.g. [first_name] ???  I used to do that a long time ago, but got out of the habit.  I still see a lot of folks using that technique and I wonder if it increases their sales?

 

Yes, I use the recipients first name when offered a choice. I don't know if it increases sales.

 

For me, exposure of what you promote increase sales rather you use a first name or no names.

[rpsmith]

Personalizing ads can be a great way to get attention. Another way is to use certain numerical codes to create hearts,money bags, etc.

[Steve Shapiro]

Since the great majority of recipients of TE or safelist emails won't ever read what you are sending, I don't think it really makes a difference whether you include the first name or not.  I'll include it, just because I think it looks better, but I don't think it will help you make any sales. People will click the link for credits and the website that you send them to will have to do the selling for you.

[Greg Wessels]

Since the great majority of recipients of TE or safelist emails won't ever read what you are sending, I don't think it really makes a difference whether you include the first name or not.  I'll include it, just because I think it looks better, but I don't think it will help you make any sales. People will click the link for credits and the website that you send them to will have to do the selling for you.

 

And that is why TE/Mailers are considered low-quality traffic.  Totally untargeted with the advantage of members showing each other either

generic splash pages or company sales pages; neither convert well at all.

 

I personally like seeing my name in a message even if I do know it's script generated.  This is the first step to making the conversation personal

and with that come the conversions.  And while I also go straight for the credit link, if the site interests me then I will go back to read the email.

[craigbeddow]

I always shorten my name but if there is a reason to hide your name then nothing will fully resolve. True name is a bit too open though,

[dswival]

I don't use the first name. I've often wondered if it would increase response but I am concerned about having the awful #FIRSTNAME# show in the email instead of the actual name. I figure no name is better than that!

[captkirk]

I don't use the first name. I've often wondered if it would increase response but I am concerned about having the awful #FIRSTNAME# show in the email instead of the actual name. I figure no name is better than that!

 

You just have to be careful in using the tag that the site offer instead of just adding a tag that work for another site. 

 

If a site don't offer a tag, I just use: Hi Fellow Marketer...

[Clare Bowen]

For me, it depends on the ad I'm doing. If its a short one, I'll usually leave the name out (and mine too). If its a bit more conversational, I'll include names.

 

I've seen some people use both first and last name macros in subject line, and even just last name. Its very "in your face", but I always notice them. So from a perspective of drawing attention.

 

I think its worth taking care of what you put in your ads. While its probably true that most don't read their mails, especially in some sites where you can completely bypass the ad and go straight to the link (Unread emails tab), there are some that will open them. Anyone who has the ad text in front of them can get their "eye caught" by some word or phrase. Using bold or small changes in text color or font or highlight can help. and now I'm going off topic a bit, sorry :-)

[helpforothers]

Yes!

[wittyguyftl]

More important is using your name in the email.  And brand yourself, people will read more of your offer if they think they are getting from a real person

[captkirk]

When you are using TEs or safelists for your ads, do you include the recipients first name when offered a choice e.g. [first_name] ???  I used to do that a long time ago, but got out of the habit.  I still see a lot of folks using that technique and I wonder if it increases their sales?

 

Frankly, I don't think that it make any difference if you use a first or no names.

 

The BIG difference is what you're advertising, offering, promoting, pushing and etc...

 

Do the product or service fill a need or want is what's most important?

[market101]

Thank you all for your input.  I have decided not to waste my time adding 1st names.