iTRAIN Uses VerticalResponse For Effortless Email Marketing

Background

iTRAIN is a breakthrough, web-based product that provides personalized audio, and HD video, fitness classes to consumers who want the benefits of a personal trainer at an affordable price. The cost-efficient programs are easy to download on any .mp3 player device and come complete with high-quality music and workout options for every level of consumer.

Problem

After its initial launch, iTRAIN quickly recognized the need for a third party tool to stay in front of a quickly expanding group of customers. As an entirely web-based business, email communication seemed the most direct way to communicate, while still providing its audience with the freedom to open the email or not. With an industry as saturated in advertisement as the fitness industry, iTRAIN recognized it needed to proactively target consumers and was looking for a means to reach people in an efficient, professional manner, that would easily and affordably scale with them as they grow.

Discovery

iTRAIN’s realization that email marketing was the best way to reach its customers was almost immediate, and the company began using VerticalResponse within six months of launch. VerticalResponse came highly recommended from other web business owners who could quantify the successful results they’d achieved using the product for their marketing needs. The professional yet simple interface stood out among other similar services. Marketing tools such as Spam Check, Forward to a Friend and the measurement and tracking dashboards have all helped iTRAIN build customized campaigns and deepen existing customer relationships. "Our popularity has increased so quickly, we really rely on VerticalResponse continually improving and upgrading its services to streamline the marketing process and keep us relevant and targeted," said Sebastien Reant, Co-Founder of iTRAIN.

Solution

Incorporating VerticalResponse into the overall marketing program proved effortless. iTRAIN soon realized that all of its marketing needs could be satisfied using VerticalResponse, with the addition of select outside advertising. With every campaign, iTRAIN has received great feedback. Customers love receiving informative newsletters and with each correspondence, iTRAIN has seen people coming back to purchase more. VerticalResponse gives the freedom to create and maintain a valuable dialogue, which is crucial in the fitness industry, with its high volume of information and constant offers. Email marketing has provided a way to reach out with new information to maintain existing relationships, and a great channel for new customers. iTRAIN’s goal, from the very beginning, has been to serve as a trusted resource to its clientele, and VerticalResponse’s marketing tools have allowed just that, while also expanding to a broader audience.

Results

iTRAIN has seen phenomenal open rates every time it sends a newsletter; rates are always above 18% and have peaked at 35%. The newsletters are a proven brand-building mechanism and means to increase awareness about product offerings. Successful campaigns directly impact revenue, with iTRAIN pulling in a full 100% more money on days they communicate with customers versus those without campaigns. Because each newsletter is incredibly easy to set up and manage, VerticalResponse has made engaging customers virtually effortless.

Reant said, "We chose VerticalResponse because it is simple, effective and scalable. We looked into many Web-based tools but VerticalResponse stood out from all of the others. The process of setting up an email newsletter is smooth and fast, with expert guidance along the way. Each feature assists us in getting the most out of every email campaign, so the most people can get what they need from our products."