Email Marketing to Customers

Overview

Cornerstone's CRM capabilities allow you to send marketing emails to your customers directly from the software. Use the Inquiry/Mail > EMAIL feature to stay in touch with customers and promote your services.

How to Send Marketing Emails

Creating Your Marketing Email

Use Inquiry/Mail > EMAIL to create marketing communications:

1. Navigate to Inquiry/Mail > EMAIL
2. Craft your subject line
3. Write the body of the email
4. Attach an uploaded PDF if desired (such as newsletters, color advertisements, or announcements)
5. Select your recipient list
6. Send

Marketing Email Opt-Out Feature

Respecting Customer Preferences

Some customers don't wish to receive marketing emails. Cornerstone includes an 'opt out' field for each email address in the customer record specifically for Marketing Emails.

How It Works:

• The opt-out exclusion only applies when using Inquiry/Mail > EMAIL
• Opted-out customers will NOT receive marketing emails sent through this feature
• All email addresses will continue to receive:
  • Emailed invoices and statements
  • Inquiry/Mail letters that are generated and set for email

Important Distinction: Letters are used for communicating important account information, not marketing, so the opt-out does not apply to them.

Duplicate Email Handling

Important: If multiple accounts share the same email address, only one email will be sent to that address. This prevents customers from receiving duplicate marketing messages.

Example

If you have three customer accounts all using "manager@propertycompany.com", that email address will receive only one copy of your marketing email, even though it's associated with multiple accounts.

Large Email Batches and SPAM Prevention

Email Volume Management

To prevent your emails from being flagged as SPAM, Cornerstone manages large email batches carefully.

What Happens:

• If your email campaign exceeds 75 recipients, a warning message will appear
• The message states: "Email exceeds the number of emails to go out in one session"
• You'll be prompted to contact Cornerstone to execute the mailing

Why This Matters:

• Cornerstone manages the transmission for you to maintain deliverability
• Prevents your emails from being flagged as SPAM
• Ensures better inbox placement rates
• Protects your domain reputation

For Large Campaigns

If you need to send marketing emails to more than 75 customers:

1. Create your email as usual
2. When you see the warning message, contact Cornerstone
3. We'll manage the transmission process to ensure successful delivery

Contact: 847-405-9517 or email customer.success@alarmbills.com

Best Practices

Content Recommendations

• Subject Lines: Keep them clear and engaging
• Email Body: Be concise and include a clear call-to-action
• Attachments: Use professional PDF attachments for newsletters or promotional materials
• Frequency: Don't over-email your customers - respect their inbox

List Management

• Regularly review and respect opt-out preferences
• Segment your audience when appropriate
• Keep email content relevant to your customer base

Compliance

• Honor all opt-out requests promptly
• Include clear identification of your business
• Provide value in your marketing communications

Use Cases

Seasonal Promotions

Send announcements about special offers, seasonal maintenance programs, or limited-time discounts.

Service Announcements

Inform customers about new services, expanded offerings, or technology upgrades available.

Educational Content

Share newsletters with safety tips, industry updates, or information about new security technologies.

Company Updates

Keep customers informed about business changes, new locations, awards, or community involvement.

Customer Appreciation

Send thank-you messages, anniversary acknowledgments, or loyalty program information.

Key Benefits

• Built-In CRM Tool - No need for separate email marketing software
• Opt-Out Management - Automatically respects customer preferences
• Duplicate Prevention - Smart handling of shared email addresses
• SPAM Protection - Managed delivery for large campaigns maintains your reputation
• PDF Attachments - Share professional marketing materials
• Customer Engagement - Stay top-of-mind with your customer base

What's Not Affected by Marketing Opt-Out

Customers who opt out of marketing emails will still receive:

• Invoice emails
• Statement emails
• Important account communications sent via Inquiry/Mail letters
• Service-related notifications

This ensures critical business communications always reach customers while respecting their marketing preferences.

Need Help?

Still have questions? Contact Cornerstone Holding Co. 847-405-9517 or email us customer.success@alarmbills.com