Web 2.0 is in full swing and we seem to be on top of everything associated with it. This means social networks, blogs, communities, RSS, and everything which comes with 2.0 tag, we are there. Many have already started eying on Web 2.1 or Web 3.0 (You can call it what ever you want). But with this, we are also hearing lots of rumor about E-mails.

A big question to answer – Is E-mail dead? Or Web 2.0 has killed it.

I think, Jeanniey Mullen has the best answer. For her, E-mail should be part of our Web 2.0 strategy. And to some extent, I am also on the same page. So, the nest question comes into my mind is “How does e-mail fit into the Web 2.0 world?”

Mullen thinks if you are not including E-mail into your media plans or your development strategy, then you can be on the loosing side. She has thrown some light as to how we can make optimum use of Emails in our planning.

• Ask for e-mail addresses on your site’s home and landing pages, as well as in other media channels. Send a thank-you e-mail to validate the address as correct. I know this seems basic, but many companies don’t do this. Asking for an e-mail address is the first step in getting someone to give you an e-mail address.
• In your social network and community ads, include an opt-in request. If readers happen to be on an iPhone blog and see an ad for your company about iPhone service, it’s a perfect time to get them to opt in without having them go to your site to do it.
• Plan to e-mail your entire user base once a quarter. I know, I know. You’re an advanced marketer and pull your lists only by segment. News flash: over 30 percent of the list never gets an e-mail from you. Take the time to send an e-mail to your entire e-mail opt-in base at least once a quarter to keep the relationship strong.

These points can draw some significant advantage to your strategy.  But I still think Email has lot to prove here in Web 2.0