Tracking how many readers share your emails on social media is easier than ever. Any email service provider worth its salt lets you monitor social interactions (we do!) such as likes, comments, shares and retweets in your email report.

But how do you get your readers to share your email in the first place? Read on for a few tips and best practices for maximizing your email reach through social sharing.

1. Add social share buttons to make sharing easy

A good email will include a call-to-action (CTA) that makes the next desired step clear. When you add social buttons to the email header, you create a secondary CTA without detracting from the primary one in the main body.

VerticalResponse’s editor allows you to drag and drop sharing buttons anywhere in your email. If you’re worried about distracting readers from your central message, try testing button placement in different areas of your email. Here’s an example.

2. Dedicate an email campaign to your social pages

An alternative approach is to make connecting on social media the primary call-to-action of your email. While email still provides the highest return on investment by far, staying active on your business’ social media accounts has its perks.

For one, social media often serves as a de facto customer support tool. It’s a great medium for retaining happy customers and reconnecting with former ones. Also, you can boost your search rank by having profiles on Facebook and Twitter.

3. Give them an incentive to follow you online

Keep in mind some customers may be reluctant to follow you on social media if you already have access to them via email. Whether you want them to like your Facebook page or follow you on Twitter, give them incentives to connect with you.

Let them know up front what they’re missing, like social-exclusive offers and content. Then, be sure to deliver on that promise.

Like what you saw? The examples above were made using VerticalResponse’s easy-to-use email editor and template gallery. Sign up for your free account today.

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