How many web hosting companies send out promotional newsletters to their clientbase?

If you do, what do you usually cover/offer in the bulletin? Have you tested the effectiveness of your newsletters?

If you don't, why? Costs, absent technology, no one to write them, etc?

Best,

We will do once we launch however it won't be compulsory. We would cover staff information, as in this industry clients do get to know employees quite well and many discussion boards always consist of "Talk to [Name]" when there is a problem, so if for example a staff went on maternity we would note that down and wish her the best of luck etc. Communication is very important in any work place with the client. Promotions and any corporate information needed as well as achievements, and press releases.

Personally I send no unsolicited correspondence at all.
If we are going to have an update or any other event that may cause a downtime I will send it.
As a client I never want to recieve a promotional email from a company that I already patronize, nor do I want to recieve an email from companies that I don't patronize.
As such, I do not ever send promotional emails to my clients.

We do send out a newsletter here and there. There is no set schedule as to when we sent them out.

We include simple things in our newsletters like company changes, new services, and other updates. We do not include any promotional items in our newsletters like special offers or anything like that. Just things that we feel that customers should be aware of and that would effect them.

Michael, that is a bit rough. What about newsletters that can bring your clients' attention to a new service and let them save or benefit from it? Help them get exclusive discounts, expand their offering, etc.? As a client, I would certainly feel great if a company sent me a notice that only existing clients can get a major discount on new service I might be interested... Newsletters can definitely be beneficials to both company and clients. Not to mention that business theory suggests (and practice proves) that its easier to sell to an existing client than find a new one. Why not capitalize on that?

I agree 100%. Current clients have faith in your services and would love to expand or grab up extra incentives.

We don't send monthly newsletters...but if there is a new feature, server update, or something that the clients will be or could be effected by we send them out.

Just recently we sent out one about a few new services and features we will be offering over the coming months.

I agree. All that's needed is the right balance. Bombarding customers in an attempt to squeeze even the last dollar out of them won't play well in the long run.