Determine whether you want to administer your list management software applications yourself

For some companies, the ability to completely control every aspect of their list management solutions is vital. For others, it's preferable that someone else manage the list management server, software upgrades and customization. Before you can decide on a particular piece of software, you need to be able to answer this dilemma.

I recommend: Constant Contact's SpeakUp! Email Marketing is a leading option in the realm of list management software applications housed on the solution provider's servers.

Ensure that you customers can manage their own subscription

One of the biggest annoyances about being on the receiving end of email campaigns is when your customers can't easily change how they receive your emails. You absolutely must offer your customers easy options to change their subscription to avoid being relegated to the Spam folder.

I recommend: iContact offers your customers the ability to manage their subscription through both your website (linking to theirs) and your emails.

Track the success of your next email campaign with your list management software application

One of the best ways to grow your next email campaign is by learning from the last one. The only way you can learn what works and what doesn't is to know how your customers responded to the email. Many mailing list management software options offer you the ability to count how many of your customers open your email or click on one of the links contained therein.

I recommend: Campaigner gives you the ability to track your success in a variety of methods that can be tailored to your needs.