While online fundraising is becoming one of the most talked about topics, non profits must first make sure that they have a handle on the best online tool of all – email.

Email is a cost effective way to stay in touch with your volunteers, build relationships with supporters, let people know of upcoming events, and educate your audience about your cause.

This week I’ve rounded up quite a few great articles about email marketing and communications.

What is email Marketing? By Mark Brownlow of Email Marketing Reports provides a great introduction to communicating with customers (your non profit’s supporters) via email.

What makes an email newsletter subject line successful? from Convio – The subject line can make a big difference on whether the recipient read the email or hits delete without even opening.

Elevate your email newsletter from snoring to soaring by Katya Andresen with tips from Kivi Leroux Miller of NonprofitMarketingGuide.com

Writing More Effective Email by Chris Brogan (with thanks to Marc Pitman for the link)

Wait, That Newsletter’s Not Spam! from TechSoup – How to keep your organization’s messages from getting junked

4 Nifty Tips for Building a List by Rebecca Ruby of the Non Profit Marketing Blog

10 mistakes to avoid with email newsletters from The Non Profit Times

9 Email Do’s and Don’ts for the Sender from Network for Good

10 Best Practices to Increase Email Response Rates for Fundraising from Marketing Sherpa (requires registration to view – which is free)

Email Software Providers

Your Mailing List Provider is an inexpensive mailing list server that’s great for small groups. I use this service for a social service club I’m a part of.

Aweber is the email service I use to send out the Step by Step Fundraising newsletter.

Constant Contact is one of the most popular email services in the non profit sector. Includes templates and and easy to use online system. Starts at $15 per month.