Trying to choose the best Email Newsletter Software package may feel like a daunting task. However, there are some key features and tools that you should look for.

Visual Editor – a good visual editor will make your newsletter pop, which is what you need to make an individual want to read it. You also want creating your newsletter to be simple. Functions such as drag and drop, live editing, customization, and photo editing can make it easy to create impressive newsletters for novice and skilled individuals alike.

Templates – using a pre-designed template for your newsletter can save you hours that you would normally spend creating a newsletter from scratch.

CRM – you should be able to integrate your management of customer relationships with the software, bringing together marketing and sales that will result in campaigns that are more effective. It will allow you to update demographic information in real time, meaning your data will always be up to date and ready for your next newsletter campaign. Being able to create newsletter content that is based on your CRM data can give you an edge and your contacts relative content, such as things they previously bought.

Analytics and Report Functions – a good Email Newsletter Software program is meant to help cut through the clutter of all of that data you've collected by giving you detailed overviews of just how well your newsletter is doing. Choose a program that gives you an easily accessible dashboard and analytic and report functions that give specific information regarding demographics, how people are getting and viewing your newsletter, whether they open, forward or delete the emails and what content is being clicked on most. A good program will offer interactive graphs and ways to optimize your email campaigns.

Auto-responder – the main reason a business uses Email Newsletter Software is for automation. A good program will allow you to set up auto-responders, allowing you to save time and money by automating a few tasks. For example, setting an autoresponder message for each email you receive. It makes it more personal and a sender feels that there is a connection with a simple message that says you've received their inquiry and will reply as soon as possible. It streamlines how you reach new customers through email follow ups.

Spam regulation compliance – its important that your software complies with Can-Spam regulations. It not only makes sure you are not sending unwanted emails to individuals, but maintains your reputation, while keeping you legally safeguarded.

Email Optimization - email optimization in your software can give insights on whether your subject line will be caught by spam filters, if there are broken links or legitimate HTML coding, or if the email will look as intended when a recipient opens it.

List Segmentation – using a one size fits all approach in email marketing doesn't work well. The software you choose should allow you to create segmented lists or groups that are geared towards locations, click-through's, or whether they engage with your auto-responder messages.

Web Based Option – when images are not loading in the recipient's email, there should be an option to view the newsletter online.

Time Controlled Dispatch - the option to set up a schedule for when a newsletter gets sent is a great automated option to have. Let's say you are sending a newsletter campaign the same day that you are meant to be away on holiday or over a weekend. With a time controlled option you can set the date and time and then leave it, knowing your email will go out as intended.

Email Prices – if you need high volume or flexible options for email marketing it can sometimes be expensive. So, you want to find software that will give fair pricing on bulk email, such as set amount per thousand emails, or flexible pricing that suits both large and small companies alike.

Apps and Integration – having the ability to integrate your email newsletter with apps such as PayPal, Google, Shopify, Twitter and other social media means you can reach even more people. You can set your newsletter to post a link to your Twitter account the day it gets sent for example.