How To Compose a Crave Worthy Email

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Imagine creating emails as satisfying as freshly-baked cupcakes.

Sounds good, doesn’t it?

Your readers would bite hungrily into your content. And wait impatiently until the next time you hit send.

Could an email ever be that good?

For Sarah Waters, brand director of Treat Cupcake Bar, email marketing is one of the most effective ways to pique her customers’ appetite and get them to shop with her.

“We’re the kind of store where people may only come in every other month, so we really need to be able to reach people through email,” says Sarah. “Email has definitely helped increase our online orders. People being able to click-through and shop online has been huge.”

Want to try email marketing for your business? Sign up for your free 60-day Constant Contact trial here. 

Here are Sarah’s four ingredients of crave-worthy emails:

1. Start with an enticing sign-up experience

Since signing up for email marketing, Sarah has grown her email list to over 2,500 contacts. She collects contact information both online and in-store to reach her audience at multiple touchpoints.

Her sign-up form is visible on every page of her website — not just the homepage. She also uses the Join My Mailing List Facebook app so anyone who visits her Facebook Page can join her mailing list easily.

Here’s how the Join My Mailing List App appears on her Facebook Page:

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In-store, Sarah offers a small incentive to entice people to sign up.

“We have bowls in both our stores that ask people to ‘Sign up for the Friends of Treat Mailing List’,” she says. “When they sign up, they’re also entered into a monthly raffle to win a dozen cupcakes. “

Tip: Use this checklist to make sure you’re doing everything you can to build your email list. 

2. Only send valuable information

With a growing list of subscribers, Sarah is sure to make every email count. Her emails include information on upcoming sales, details of store events, and creative solutions.

“We never want to put together a newsletter that feels like there’s no reason for it,” she says. “We always want to feel like we’re informing them of something new. We don’t want anyone to ever feel like we’re sending them junk or something they already know.”

Sarah emphasizes that her emails aren’t always promotional. Her advice for stand-out marketing is to simply understand your customers and what interests to them.

“You don’t have to always send out sales,” Sarah explains. “If you send out a creative recommendation (like a cupcake centerpiece) or unique gift idea that can be a breath of fresh air among all the special offers. We try to solve a problem for them or offer some inspiration.”

Here’s an email Sarah sent out to remind customers about Treat’s gluten-free options:

 

Tip: Use these 30 email ideas when you’re not sure what to send.

3. Be timely

Timing is a huge part of Sarah’s email marketing strategy. When deciding what to send, she thinks about what holidays are coming up and how Treat Cupcake Bar can fit in with her customers’ plans.

“I try to allot one day a month where I can think about what my game plan is going to be,” Sarah explains. “I plan things around the holidays — for example, I know around October and November I’ll need to send emails about Halloween and Thanksgiving.”

Working around holidays means Sarah’s messages are always timely and she is able to plan things out ahead of time.

“My advice is to write down your game plan ahead of time,” she says. “It saves me a lot of time to have a schedule with what kind of content I want to send out. And then it’s just sticking to that schedule the best you can.”

Sarah sent this email to promote custom orders for Thanksgiving:

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Tip: Here’s how to create an email marketing plan that you’ll actually stick to. 

4. Keep emails short and sweet

A recent Constant Contact survey found that emails with approximately 20 lines of text and three or fewer images resulted in the highest click-through rate.

For Sarah, using a mobile-responsive email template allows her to create short and focused messages that are fast to create and easy to read.

“I want my emails to be clean. And I want, from the moment that someone opens it, for them to be able to see the purpose without scrolling down,” Sarah says. “I’ll add a cute, whimsical header, a big picture of something that makes them hungry, and just a line or two about what the email is about.”

Sarah makes sure the main picture links back to her website and she always includes contact information and buttons to her social media channels.

The example below includes an engaging header, an image and short description, and a call to action to order online:

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Tip: Use these steps to design emails to drive more action. 

Make your readers hungry for your next email!

Using Sarah’s tips, you can create emails your subscribers are excited to consume.

Don’t bite off more than you can chew — choose one of these four tips where you think you can make the biggest improvement. Even small improvements can make a big difference and go a long way in building loyalty with new and existing customers.

Want to send business-generating emails in no time? Our 5-step Approach to Successful Email Marketing guide will show you how! 

This article was written by Miranda Paquet: Writer, marketer, and @ConstantContact contributor.

#UniqueLunchClub

 

The Unique Team started a Lunch Club in office! Everyone has a designated day to cook for everyone else in the office, and we must say, we LOVE it!It allows us to save money, eat healthy and we only need to worry about making lunch one day a week. Now poof...it's a club! It really brings us all together and allows each of us to try out those Pinterest recipes we've been eyeing for a couple...years. Here are some of our favorite dishes and recipes so far. We challenge you to start implementing a lunch club in YOUR office, share your dishes and tag us on Instagram with the hashtag #uniquelunchclub .

Click the title to get links to similar recipes online! 


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Support Black Owned Businesses...Every Month.

It’s February, which means it is Black History Month. And while we think Black history is American history, so should be celebrated (like all cultures) all the time, we do think this is a great opportunity to show some love. So we've curated a list of Black-owned businesses to support. Check out some of our favorite companies:

 

Apparel

 

Philadelphia Printworks

Zuvaa

 

Circa Eighty Two 

 

 

Lingerie

BeingU

 

Skincare/Self Care

 

Temple Zen

Naked Bar Soap Co

Soul Sense Box

 

Money Services and Banking

One United Bank

Sole Strivers 

Diverse Stock Photography 

Tonl 

Baked Goods

Southern Girl Desserts

For the Kids

ABC Flashcards

Natural Girls United

Beverages

Not So Urban Coffee

Maison Noir Wines

Watches/Jewelry

Talley & Twine

LilyEmme Jewelry

Valentine's Day Gifts for Everyone, Including Yourself.

Generally speaking, Valentine’s Day consumerism focuses on the ladies. Don't get us wrong, we believe everyone deserves copious amounts of chocolate and jewelry... but we decided to switch up the vibe and give some innovative gift ideas that are gender and status neutral. Here are some of our faves! Click on the images to visit their websites. 

 

1. Timbrephone is a wooden box that luxuriously amplifies and upgrades the acoustics for an iPhone without any plugs or electricity needed!

1. Timbrephone is a wooden box that luxuriously amplifies and upgrades the acoustics for an iPhone without any plugs or electricity needed!

2. Stone Candles make woods-scented candles for that cuddled-in-a-cabin feel. It's made from food certified coconut oil, making it the cleanest burn available - we love the Juniper scent. 

2. Stone Candles make woods-scented candles for that cuddled-in-a-cabin feel. It's made from food certified coconut oil, making it the cleanest burn available - we love the Juniper scent. 

3. Our office uses these chic and efficient Poketo project planners!  So easy and visually stimulating to organize projects and schedules.

3. Our office uses these chic and efficient Poketo project planners!  So easy and visually stimulating to organize projects and schedules.

3. Winc is a Unique office obsession! You can buy your partner (or yourself *ehem*) a box of curated wine from California, a tasting box of bubbly, or even a subscription to 4 wines delivered to you per month. This is definitely for the winos i…

3. Winc is a Unique office obsession! You can buy your partner (or yourself *ehem*) a box of curated wine from California, a tasting box of bubbly, or even a subscription to 4 wines delivered to you per month. This is definitely for the winos in your life. You're welcome. 

 

 

4. For those of you who want to spruce up your flower-giving game, we highly suggest Bouqs. They are a farm to table, sustainable florist that tells you exactly where your fresh flowers are coming from.  

4. For those of you who want to spruce up your flower-giving game, we highly suggest Bouqs. They are a farm to table, sustainable florist that tells you exactly where your fresh flowers are coming from. 

 

5. Calpak is killing it these days (if you don't know about their luggage now you know) and this affordable and stylishly neutral backpack can fit a laptop and secure itself on the back of your wheeled suitcase.  

5. Calpak is killing it these days (if you don't know about their luggage now you know) and this affordable and stylishly neutral backpack can fit a laptop and secure itself on the back of your wheeled suitcase. 

 

6. Simone LeBlanc is for all the elevated gift giver's out there. They specialize in an array of luxurious gift boxes, and we love the reusable wooden crate it all comes in. Our choice would be the "Staycation" box for a night of pampering…

6. Simone LeBlanc is for all the elevated gift giver's out there. They specialize in an array of luxurious gift boxes, and we love the reusable wooden crate it all comes in. Our choice would be the "Staycation" box for a night of pampering properly with your mate or with your self. 

7. For the chefs in the house! Gift a VERY sturdy and well made apron that is hand crafted from American canvas, raw Japanese selvage demin and European linens. For the amateurs and professionals alike. 

7. For the chefs in the house! Gift a VERY sturdy and well made apron that is hand crafted from American canvas, raw Japanese selvage demin and European linens. For the amateurs and professionals alike. 

8. A robe is a gift that truly keeps on giving. Our pick is this 100% linen robe in "Chaos Theory" from Fussy Hussey - one of our Unique LA vendors! 

8. A robe is a gift that truly keeps on giving. Our pick is this 100% linen robe in "Chaos Theory" from Fussy Hussey - one of our Unique LA vendors! 

9. Another Unique Vendor we love to support in the Robe department that gives us a 70's vibe: Highway-Robery. 

9. Another Unique Vendor we love to support in the Robe department that gives us a 70's vibe: Highway-Robery. 

Unique Fall Fashion: Metallic state of Mind

Trend Four: Metallics

The metallic trend is practically evergreen in fashion, which is why we’ve seen it time and time again. The Metallic or silver sparkle trend can be easily incorporated into your attire through tops, bottoms, shoes or jewels. 

Although a metallic piece is sure to stand out from your wardrobe, nothing makes more of a statement than a metallic shoe. By adding loafer of this color to your fall wardrobe you can achieve a comfortable, yet stylish look, perfect for all ages.

Check out our entire fall fashion line-up on the Unique Markets Blog.

Unique Fall Fashion: Rocking plaid, 70's Style.

Trend Three: 70's Plaid

70’s plaid is another trend, which is practically evergreen in fashion. From the plaid pants to the checked blazer, this vintage inspired style can be worn to the office or dressed down to meet your street style needs. Decade after decade, 70's plaid is a pattern you can continue to recycle and most definitely one to rock this fall.

Brown and rusty versions of the plaid trend, which give off a warm autumn vibe are perfect for daytime strolls. While the traditional grey 70’s plaid tones create a sophisticated and elegant look, perfect for an evening around town.


The 70’s plaid trend is also a look children can wear during the fall, adding a seasonal touch to their tiny wardrobes..

Stay tuned for our complete round up of fall fashion trends throughout the month of November!

Unique Fall Fashion: Be Bold with Couch Florals

TREND TWO : couch florals

Florals are a trend that can be worn throughout various seasons. However, when transitioning to fall it is essential to trade in your spring florals with darker vintage inspired prints

To achieve this easily attainable look, you can choose anything from a statement maxi dress to a floral  bomber jacket. The dark print can be easily transformed from day to night, by adding something as minimal as a leather jacket or a wool coat.

The floral trend is also makes for the perfect toddler fall wardrobe, which can also be transitioned year round. To keep your toddler up to date with the floral trend, pair the print with pantone colors like Butterum, Grenadine, Navy Peony and Shaded Spruce.

And don't miss the other posts in our Unique Fall Fashion Guide! Check out our favorite Pantone color palette for fall

THE UNIQUE FALL FASHION GUIDE

LIFE ISN’T PERFECT BUT YOUR OUTFIT CAN BE.

Happy October! We are rapidly nearing the end of the first month of Fall. And although it still feels like we're in the throws of summer, with scorching temps here in LA, we're craving a new fall wardrobe. So it's time to get up to date with all the latest and greatest fall trends that we're crushing on over here at the Unique HQ!

After spending more than our average amount of time on Pinterest, we have rounded up a series of five fall fashion trends, which we will unveil over the next few weeks. 

TREND One : Pantone Colors

When transitioning into fall wardrobe, it is essential to keep the Pantone Color palette in mind. That is, darker hues like navy peony, golden lime, and autumn apple; which will help evoke a rusty and warm hue, reflecting seasonal vibes.

 

Grenadine 

Resemblant of the pomegranate, this syrupy color is sure to make a bright and bold statement.

Tawny Port

 

Consisting of deep brown and amber hues, Tawny Port is the perfect color for embodying autumn tones. 

 

Ballet Slipper

Subtle, yet sophisticated. This pink hue is one of the many pantone colors that can be easily transitioned throughout all seasons.

Butterum

Another color exuding warm and autumn vibes is Butterum. The fourth color of the pantone color palette can illuminate your wardrobe with its golden tone.  

Navy Peony

Dark, stable and refined. Navy Peony is the perfect hue for fall 2017, which can either be worn to the office or easily transitioned for date night.

Neutral Gray

The universal color. Despite its neutral name, Neutral Gray is another perfect color for making a statement.

 

Shaded Spruce

Emitting a forest hue of green, Shaded Spruce is autumns alternative of Teal.

Golden Lime 

Another vibrant color sure to make a statement is Golden Lime. Its yellow-green tones are perfect for making an impression this fall and also next summer.

 

Marina 

The cool blue tones seen in Marina are perfect for creating a crisp and refreshing look during the fall.

Autumn Apple

Nothing screams “Autumn” more than the rusty and warm hues emitted from Autumn Apple.     

Easy DIY Costumes to Beat the Halloween Stress

Trick or Treat Yo Self! 

With Halloween right around the corner, many of you have probably begun stressing about creating an effortless, yet unique costume in minimal time.

DON'T WORRY, WE GOT YOU Covered. Here is the Unique Markets round-up of easy and affordable DIY Halloween Costumes ideas that will set the bar high for any upcoming costume contests.

 

Cactus

What you’ll need: A Green/Olive colored oversized sweater or dress, clothes pins or white paper and a flower. 

 

 

Starbucks Cup

What you’ll need: A tan dress, a printed starbucks logo, hot glue gun, paper towel roll, green acrylic paint, a foam brush, white felt, scissors and a headband. 

 

 

 

 

 

Brawny Man

What you’ll need: A roll of Brawny Paper towels and a red flannel.

Pinterest

What you’ll need: Plain red dress, Pinterest logo print out,  Pin it logo print-out and a hot glue gun.

Ice Cream Cone

What you’ll need: White Tee or tank, white tulle skirt or dress, white shoes, mini popsicle sticks, hot glue gun, brown paper, coloured paints, bobby pins. 

 

 

Elliot

What you’ll need: A red hoodie, either aN ET mask, stuffed animal or ET face print-out, a white blanket to wrap ET with and a milk crate.

 

Bob Ross, little tree + squirrel

What you’ll need: Brown Afro, cardboard, paint, nail polish or markers. Brown long sleeve shirt or dress, one fall branch from Hobby Lobby, squirrel picture printout, hot glue gun.

 

 

Dalmatian + Firefighter

What you'll need: A white long sleeve shirt, black felt cut in circles, hot glue gun, tulle skirt, a hard hat and suspenders.

 

Cotton Candy 

What you’ll need: One white poster board, pink ribbon, glue gun, pillow fill, design master perfect pink spray for silk flowers, a white fitted long sleeve shirt and general purpose adhesive spray.

 

House Plant

What you’ll need: Crepe paper, corrugated paper, paint brush, green acrylic paint, brown felt, canvas straps, scissors, basket, hot glue gun and excelsior.

Bubble Bath 

What you’ll need:  White balloons, a shower cap and a yellow shower mitt.

Lumberjack

What you’ll need: Red Flannel, beanie, jeans, suspenders and a toy hatchet.

APPLY NOW FOR THE UNIQUE LA HOLIDAY MARKET

The Unique LA Holiday Market returns to the California Market Center in Downtown Los Angeles, December 2 & 3. Would you like to sell at the Unique LA Holiday Market? Vendor applications are now up online!

FIRST: Review the FAQs, the Vendor Agreement, and then proceed to complete the online application. 

Vendor applications close on October 10!

Notification of acceptance will go out via email October 20.

 

 

 

Rad School Supplies for Adults

It's back to school time! If you're like us, this time of year makes you nostalgic for the days of wide ruled paper and #2 pencils (were you on team Ticonderoga or Sanford Eagle?), and makes you wish you had a non-ridiculous reason to search eBay for a Lisa Frank trapper keeper or a plastic lunchbox with matching Thermos.

Since we can't find a respectable reason to attend a client lunch with Lisa Frank in tow, we're using that sweet nostalgia as a great excuse to refresh our work spaces and buy some new supplies. Here's a roundup of some of our favorite "school supplies" for the creative, modern adult. 

Clockwise from top left:

- Keep your shit together with the WTF Planner from Hadron Epoch
- Minty fresh backpack from Individual Medley fits a 13" laptop and a trapper keeper (probably).
- Pocket Art Director by Pretend Shop via Poketo because sometimes you still need someone to tell you what to do
- Check all the right boxes with this School Subjects Pencil Set from CW Pencil Enterprise
- For a more sophisticated lunchbox option, opt for the Waxed Canvas Lunch Bag from WAAM Industries
- Countdown the minutes until class is dismissed with this iconic IBM Standard Issue clock from Schoolhouse Electric
- Professionals can still pass notes. Decorate them with Bando's gel pens.
- And finally, the adult version of a Thermos: The Corkcicle Canteen

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POCKET ART DIRECTOR by Pretend Store, available from Poketo
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SCHOOL SUBJECTS PENCIL SET from CW Pencil Enterprise
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FALL MARKET: UNIQUE is heading to Minneapolis!

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Unique Markets is excited to be partnering with AIGA, the professional association for design, on the first ever Unique Minneapolis! This pop-up market will take place as part of the Annual AIGA Design Conference October 12-14, 2017. The market will be open to AIGIA conference attendees October 12 and 13, and open to the public Saturday, October 14. 

Interested in being a vendor at Unique Minneapolis?
Review the Interested Vendor FAQs and then complete the online application today!

Applications are due by September 8, 2017.
Acceptance decisions will go out September 15, 2017. 

Super-Amazing Exclusive VIP Deal !

We've gathered a few friends to create an AMAZING deal for VIP Ticket Buyers at the Unique LA Summer Market! Whether you're a boss lady, an aspiring boss-to-be or someone who wants to support great women and be inspired by their stories, our VIP Ticket is for you... Plus it's only $25, so for just $10 more you get all the perks of general admission plus a swag bag we've curated that is worth $65. Holy guacamole! 

VIP ADMISSION COMES WITH THESE EXTRAS

  • 2 issues of the awesome BossLadies Magazine (Gasp, that alone is worth $40!)
  • 2 notebooks from Scout Books to hold all your big ideas
  • 1 delish Dream Pop popsicle
  • an inspirational Unique LA pencil (you've got to write down those dreams)
  • a drink from our friends at Verday
  • a healthy snack from GoMacro

Freebie Fun at Unique LA

The Unique LA Summer Market is right around the corner and we are SO EXCITED for everyone to see the amazing swag that we've got in store! Our partners and sponsors have been working hard to make the weekend super special and fun for you! 

Did you know that GT's Kombucha is a family owned company based in Los Angeles? They are an OG Unique LA sponsor and we're so happy to have them on board for ALL our LA markets this year! They always have their best flavors on tap so stop by and get some. 

This summer ART CAMP LA will be hosting a very fun DIY project in the Barker Hangar to get your creative juices flowing! I don't want to give it away but you'll be flying high when you see it!!

Califia Farms is back with amazing juices and Almond Milk Coffee drinks to keep you going all day so you can SHOP SHOP SHOP till you DROP DROP DROP. 

Our friends at Oh Snap! never disappoint with photo booth fun that includes both prints and digital versions sent to your phone so you can post right to Instagram and Facebook and make your friends jealous about all the fun you're having. 

When you've shopped up an appetite and are ready for a snack, Quaker Oats has got you covered with their delicious overnight oats in a jar. Don't miss out! 

We're excited to have Bundaberg back this summer with their delicious ginger beer and drinks. Keep your eyes peeled for their sweet wooden bar and mosey on up for a taste!

We're excited to have Bundaberg back this summer with their delicious ginger beer and drinks. Keep your eyes peeled for their sweet wooden bar and mosey on up for a taste!