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Google and Yahoo are implementing new guidelines for bulk email senders in early 2024 to protect against spam, fraud and phishing, and improve deliverability. Join us on Wednesday December 20th for a conversation with Tara Natanson, Constant Contact’s Email Deliverability Manager, where she’ll talk about these upcoming changes.   We’ll cover: An overview of email deliverability What this change means for your emails Actions you can take to authenticate   The good news? You’ve got an expert in deliverability on your side. In fact, we have the highest deliverability rate out there, and we’ve got you covered.   Register Now: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/551719977026336858?source=General+Registration+Link       See you there! ... View more

Exciting changes are on the horizon as Google and Yahoo gear up to implement new guidelines for bulk email senders in early 2024. These changes are aimed at enhancing security, combating spam, fraud, and phishing, all while improving your email deliverability. The good news is, we've got your back! Our team of experts is working diligently behind the scenes to ensure that your emails continue to reach your audience seamlessly.   Check out the Email Delivery: Success Hub 2024.  It includes all the information you need to successfully navigate these changes, from documentation, AMAs, webcasts, video training, and much more. The hub will be continually updated as more information comes out about the changes from Google and Yahoo!   Learn more about: What type of email authentication should I use? What is email authentication? How to prepare for the changes What options are available to you and much more! Remember, we're here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to our dedicated support team.   Let's embrace these changes together and continue sending impactful emails!     ... View more

Embarking on your journey in email and SMS marketing? Welcome aboard! We know growing your contact list is a top priority, and we've got your back with a treasure trove of tools and resources to make it a breeze. Let's dive into the essentials: 🚀 Start with a Sign-up Landing Page Creating a Sign-up Landing Page is like setting up your welcoming party online. It's super easy, and guess what? You don't even need a website to make it happen! If you're into SMS marketing, you can make your landing page a dual superstar—collecting both email and SMS contacts.   Create a Sign-up Landing Page to collect new email and SMS contacts online     💬 Add Text to Join to Your Toolbelt Text to Join is your sidekick for collecting contacts wherever they roam—online or offline. Your peeps can simply text from their mobiles to opt-in for both email and SMS. Spread the word online, in your store window, by the register—literally, anywhere you can think of!   Add new email and SMS subscribers through Text to Join   📱   Download the ListBuilder App for On-the-Go Sign-ups For those in-person connections—whether at your register, trade show booth, or farmers market—the ListBuilder app is your go-to on your tablet. Quick and easy for collecting email contacts, and it even updates when you're back in the service zone if you happen to be offline.     🌐 Make a List Growth Plan Using Your Web Presence Now that you have your sign-up form, it's time to promote! Link your landing page everywhere—from your social media profiles to your blog and even in the footer of your personal email. Spread the love and watch your contacts grow.   💬 Join the Conversation Excited to explore more growth strategies? Our Community is the place to be! ... View more

Exciting news is on the horizon! Yahoo and Google are making some changes to how emails work, and we want to keep you in the loop.   Starting February 1st, 2024, both Yahoo and Google will be implementing unauthenticated mail changes, and you may be wondering, what does this all mean?   What are Yahoo and Google Changing? Both Yahoo and Google are strengthening their email security measures, particularly in the area of authentication. Mail sent without proper authentication after February 1st may result in bounced messages or placement in the junk/spam folder.   Why are they making these changes? There are a variety of reasons why these changes are being made but a few big ones are:   Spam Reduction: Unauthenticated or improperly authenticated emails can contribute to the influx of spam in users' inboxes. Strengthening email authentication helps in filtering out illegitimate emails, reducing the chances of users receiving unwanted or harmful content. Enhanced User Trust: With the prevalence of online threats, maintaining user trust is crucial. By implementing stricter email authentication measures, Google and Yahoo seek to provide a more trustworthy and secure email experience for their users. Global Cybersecurity Standards: As part of the broader effort to align with global cybersecurity standards, these changes are intended to contribute to a safer and more standardized email ecosystem.   Why Now? It’s about to be the busiest time of year for me.   These changes do not go into effect until February 1st, 2024.   What is this Email Authentication you keep mentioning?   Authentication is like a digital stamp of approval that verifies an email's legitimacy, ensuring it's not a phishing attempt or spam.     Should I be worried about this change for me and my business/non-profit?   With Constant Contact, absolutely not. It's all about enhancing your email security. Think of it like adding a super-secure lock to your email door.  By tightening the rules around email authentication, Yahoo and Google aim to reduce the risk of phishing attacks and enhance the overall safety of your inbox.   How Do These Changes Affect Me?   Delivery Impact: If your emails aren't properly authenticated, there's a higher chance they might be marked as spam or, in some cases, not delivered at all. It's crucial to ensure your emails are authenticated correctly to maintain a healthy delivery rate. Sender Reputation: Authentication plays a role in establishing your sender's reputation. A good sender reputation ensures that your emails land in the inbox rather than the spam folder. Unauthenticated emails might harm your sender's reputation. Your email reputation is like your online popularity status. If your emails play by the rules, your online popularity stays golden.    Can Constant Contact Help Me With These Changes? I Don’t Have the Time for this.   Of course! We have your back to make these changes as painless as possible. That’s where Authentication comes in and it only takes a few, quick steps.   What Should I Do? How can I Authenticate My Emails?   You have a few options here for Authentication and luckily we’ve written all the details out. The simplest way is to use CNAME records. Check out a comprehensive guide here. DKIM CNAME record is the simplest and most secure way to authenticate a domain email address. This is the best option if the customer has only 1 domain. Using a TXT Record (This option is best for users with multiple Constant Contact accounts using the same domain.) DKIM TXT record is the best option for customers who have multiple Constant Contact accounts using the same domain. Are there any next steps I should take? Keep an eye on updates from Constant Contact, Yahoo, and Google regarding these changes. Stay informed about best practices for email authentication. Do you have any other resources I can check out? DMARC - https://knowledgebase.constantcontact.com/email-digital-marketing/articles/KnowledgeBase/7644-What-is-DMARC?lang=en_US Self-Authenticate - https://knowledgebase.constantcontact.com/email-digital-marketing/articles/KnowledgeBase/5932-self-publishing-for-authentication?lang=en_US   Do you have questions or just want to chat about it? We're here, ready to answer. The Constant Contact Community Squad 🌟📬   ... View more

 Every Tuesday we'll share tips, tricks, and insights on using Constant Contact and online marketing   Groups In our bustling community, we've got something special to share—a Tip about discovering the magic within our Groups! 🌟 Today, look at three fantastic spaces: Retail and E-commerce, Non-Profit, and Small Business Voices.   🛍️ Retail and E-commerce: Elevate Your Digital Presence! Are you in the world of online retail? Dive into the Retail and E-commerce Group, where fellow entrepreneurs gather to:   🚀 Stay on Trend: Be in the know with the latest e-commerce trends. 📢 Boost Your Brand: Explore proven marketing strategies. 🎉 Celebrate Wins: Share your successes and inspire others. Join the Retail and E-commerce Group—it's the digital commerce hotspot you've been looking for!   🌍 Non-Profit: Transform Passion into Impact! Calling all change-makers! The Non-Profit Group is your sanctuary for:   💡 Fundraising Wisdom: Unlock strategies to amplify your cause. 🌟 Impactful Campaigns: Learn and share successful nonprofit campaigns. 🤝 Community Connection: Join forces with like-minded difference-makers. Embark on a purposeful journey—your cause deserves to echo through the Non-Profit Group!       🚀 Small Business Voices: Ignite Entrepreneurial Excellence! Entrepreneurs, unite! The Small Business Voices Group is where innovation thrives. Here, you can:   💡 Exchange Ideas: Spark creativity through idea exchange. 🤝 Solve Together: Tackle challenges with community insights. 🎊 Celebrate Journeys: From the first sale to milestones, share your entrepreneurial story.   ... View more

    Google and Yahoo are implementing new guidelines for bulk email senders in early 2024 to protect against spam, fraud and phishing. These changes will also improve your deliverability.   The good news? You’ve got an expert in deliverability and authentication on your side. We’re working behind the scenes so your emails continue to be delivered.   Check out the resources below to help answer any questions you might have and next steps you can take.         Join us for our next Community Town Hall: What you need to know about Google and Yahoo's new requirements   December 20th @2pm EST           What type of email authentication should I use?   I send email from my own domain that I control    I send from my organization's domain  I own my own domain, but not currently sending email  I send from a free webmail or my local ISP provider   The best option for you will be to set up self-authentication within Constant Contact and then add the DNS records we generate for you        Contact your IT or mail server group to enable DKIM signing for Constant Contact in your outbound email. If they can update DNS records, opt for self-authentication in Constant Contact.   Contact your IT or mail server group to set up organization domain email and enable Constant Contact to DKIM sign your email. If possible, choose self-authentication in Constant Contact.   Since you’re sending from a domain that you’re not able to set up authentication for, Constant Contact has you covered! We’re working on a process to help make sure your messages stay in compliance.       Resources       Understanding the new email requirements:   Choosing the right solution for your business:    Steps to self-authenticate your domain: Blog: How to prepare for the upcoming Google and Yahoo! Changes Help overview: Understanding Email Authentication Upcoming Changes to Google and Yahoo! Email Authentication Requirements Email Authentication Options Overview Guide: 2024 is the year of safe sending           Self-authenticate your emails using your own domain What is DMARC policy and why do I need one? Update your DNS Records through your hosting provider         Videos      In this video tutorial, you'll learn more about email authentication and why you should self-authenticate your emails if you own your own domain.    In this video tutorial, you'll learn how to self-authenticate your emails using CNAME records in order to help improve your sending reputation and email deliverability.   ... View more

In the vibrant tapestry of our community, we're thrilled to spotlight the incredible spaces where voices harmonize, ideas flourish, and connections thrive—our Groups! Today, let's dive into the heart of three remarkable groups: Retail and Ecommerce, Non-Profit, and Small Business Voices.       Retail and Ecommerce: Embrace Elevation in Every Sale! In this dynamic hub, retailers and e-commerce enthusiasts converge to share insights, strategies, and success stories. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just launching your online store, the Retail and E-commerce Group is your go-to source for: E-commerce Trends: Stay ahead of the curve with the latest in online retail. Marketing Strategies: Explore proven tactics to elevate your brand. Success Celebrations: Share your wins and inspire others to thrive. Join the Retail and Ecommerce Group to amplify your online presence and witness the collective power of digital commerce!   Non-Profit: Transforming Passion into Impact! For the changemakers, philanthropists, and advocates, the Non-Profit Group is a haven of inspiration and collaboration. Here, you'll discover: Fundraising Tips: Unlock strategies to amplify your cause. Impactful Campaigns: Share and learn from successful nonprofit campaigns. Community Support: Connect with like-minded individuals making a difference. Embark on a journey of purpose and shared impact by joining the Non-Profit Group. Your cause deserves to be heard!   Small Business Voices: Igniting Entrepreneurial Excellence!   At the heart of innovation and enterprise, the Small Business Voices Group is where entrepreneurs unite to: Exchange Ideas: Spark creativity and innovation through idea exchange. Problem-Solve Together: Tackle challenges collectively with the power of community insights. Celebrate Milestones: From the first sale to significant business milestones, share your journey. Join Small Business Voices to fuel your entrepreneurial spirit and navigate the business landscape with resilience.   Why Should You Check Them Out and Join? Network and Collaborate: Groups are the perfect arena to connect with like-minded individuals, fostering collaboration and shared success. Expert Insights: Gain access to industry experts, influencers, and seasoned professionals who regularly contribute valuable insights. Community Support: Whether you're seeking advice, celebrating a win, or navigating challenges, your group is your supportive community. How to Join: Log in to your Constant Contact Community account. Navigate to the "Groups" section. Explore each group and click "Join" to become a part of the community. Your voice matters, and in our Groups, it resonates even louder! Embrace the opportunity to learn, share, and grow within our thriving community spaces. Together, we elevate each other to new heights.   Join the conversation, make meaningful connections, and let your voice be heard! 🌟✨   Happy connecting, The Constant Contact Community Team ... View more

  Every Tuesday we'll share tips, tricks, and insights on using Constant Contact and online marketing   MyRewards Being a part of the Constant Contact family has never been more rewarding, and we're excited to introduce you to the MyRewards program – our way of thanking our most active and loyal customers for advocating for Constant Contact. Earn points for completing activities and unlock fantastic rewards    How It Works: Share It Out: Perform the suggested activities to qualify for reward points. Rack Up Points: Each successful activity earns you valuable reward points. Cash It In: Redeem your accumulated points for exciting physical or virtual rewards.     How do You sign up for the program? Simply accept the Terms & Conditions, and you'll be automatically enrolled, ready to start earning rewards.   Get ready to make your Constant Contact experience even more rewarding! ✨ If you have any questions, feel free to explore the MyRewards portal to start earning points today. Happy advocating! 🚀🎉       ... View more

As we approach the end of the year, it's the prime time to lock in your strategies for 2024. This is when most small businesses are looking for answers about the right things to do in their marketing and how to improve from this year to the next-- so we're here to answer those questions.   Join us for this free, one-hour webinar with our experts to address your questions about email marketing, social media strategies, or integrating text marketing into your mix.   Register now to submit your questions and join us for our live Q&A event.   About our speakers: Stephanie French is a Senior Producer of webinars at Constant Contact and is on a mission to help small businesses achieve their goals through educational content and webinars. With more than 13 years of experience in digital marketing, she spends most of her days planning and executing some of “the best webinars” on digital marketing.   Aaron Wesley Means is a communication specialist, internet marketer, and CEO of ACTIVATE Business Solutions based near Asheville, NC serving the greater Carolinas and nationwide. He has a B.A. in Communication from Arizona State University.   ACTIVATE is a 4-time award winner, including "Constant Contact Solution Provider of the Year" in the Southeast. ACTIVATE has been a leading Constant Contact partner for 12+ years, has trained thousands of businesses through seminars, webinars, and conferences, while delivering a full suite of custom marketing services and solutions for business and organizations of all shapes and sizes.   NOTE: If you are unable to attend, please register anyway and send us your questions. We’ll send you a free recording of the webinar which you can watch on your own time.   Register Now https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5353658890010585431?source=Event+Page ... View more

As we approach the end of the year, it's the prime time to lock in your strategies for 2024. This is when most small businesses are looking for answers about the right things to do in their marketing and how to improve from this year to the next-- so we're here to answer those questions.   Join us for this free, one-hour webinar with our experts to address your questions about email marketing, social media strategies, or integrating text marketing into your mix.   Register now to submit your questions and join us for our live Q&A event.   About our speakers: Stephanie French is a Senior Producer of webinars at Constant Contact and is on a mission to help small businesses achieve their goals through educational content and webinars. With more than 13 years of experience in digital marketing, she spends most of her days planning and executing some of “the best webinars” on digital marketing.   Aaron Wesley Means is a communication specialist, internet marketer, and CEO of ACTIVATE Business Solutions based near Asheville, NC serving the greater Carolinas and nationwide. He has a B.A. in Communication from Arizona State University.   ACTIVATE is a 4-time award winner, including "Constant Contact Solution Provider of the Year" in the Southeast. ACTIVATE has been a leading Constant Contact partner for 12+ years, has trained thousands of businesses through seminars, webinars, and conferences, while delivering a full suite of custom marketing services and solutions for business and organizations of all shapes and sizes.   NOTE: If you are unable to attend, please register anyway and send us your questions. We’ll send you a free recording of the webinar which you can watch on your own time.   Register Now https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5353658890010585431?source=Event+Page ... View more

First, let me introduce myself. I’m Chris and will be managing the community experience along with the fantastic team you’ve seen answering your questions and sharing advice across the community.    Your feedback has been our guiding star, and we're thrilled to announce a transformative upgrade to your community experience. Brace yourselves for a more streamlined, user-friendly journey as we introduce our brand-new "Support Hub" designed with your needs in mind.   Listening to You   At the heart of our community lies your invaluable feedback. We've carefully listened to your suggestions, concerns, and desires to enhance your interaction with our platform. Your insights have fueled our commitment to refining the community experience, and we're excited to unveil the results.   Improved Navigation: Navigation has been greatly simplified. The team has spent considerable time condensing and combining to make the information you are looking for much simpler to find.    Community Home  Get Help - Visit the Support forum in "Get Help" to ask questions, submit ideas and much more. Events & Webinars - Attend upcoming events by Constant Contact and become a marketing expert. Resources - Quickly locate all the tools available to you in learning. Groups - Join and network with like minded individuals. MyRewards - Complete tasks and earn points.       Introducing Get Help and the Support Forum:    Say hello to the Support Forum, from the new “Get Help” area. Your centralized destination for all things support-related. This dynamic hub is a game-changer, consolidating key features to make your experience smoother, more intuitive, and more engaging.       Key Features of the Support Forum:   Ask Questions and Get Answers: Need help or advice? The Support Forum is your go-to place to ask questions and receive timely responses from experts and fellow community members.  Expert Tips and Advice: Say goodbye to scattered tips and advice. Our Support Forum gathers expert insights in one place, offering a treasure trove of knowledge. Discover practical tips, best practices, and proven strategies to elevate your community engagement. Product Ideas and Suggestions: We believe in co-creation. The Support Forum now features a dedicated space for you to share your product ideas and suggestions. Let's build something extraordinary together!                                 Navigating the Enhanced Community Experience:   To make your journey even more seamless, we've implemented intuitive navigation tools and improved terminology that was confusing.    Explore the New "Resources" Category:   In our commitment to providing a better learning experience, we've introduced a brand-new "Resources" category. Here, you'll find curated links to valuable resources, including: Help Center: Your comprehensive guide to navigating Constant Contact. New Customer Success Page: Follow this quick easy guide to get started with all Constant Contact has to offer. Knowledge Base: A rich repository of articles, guides, and tutorials to empower your journey. And Much More: Dive into a wealth of resources designed to enhance your knowledge and proficiency.               Connect in Groups and Attend Events:   Elevate your community engagement by exploring our new "Groups" and "Events" area. Discover common interest groups to join, connecting with like-minded individuals who share your passion. Explore constant contact webinars, live events, and access recorded sessions to stay updated and informed.                         As we roll out these enhancements, we invite you to actively participate. Explore the Support Hub, share your thoughts, and engage with your fellow community members. Your voice is our catalyst for continual improvement.   This is just the beginning. Stay tuned for upcoming features, exclusive content, and community events designed to enrich your journey.   ... View more