About Thrive

What is Thrive's history?

What does Thrive's "team goal" mean?

Does Thrive specialize in any specific industries?

What sets Thrive apart from the 10,000 other marketing companies out there?

Email Marketing

Where do you get your lists from?

Our lists are generated primarily from co-registration and incentivized surveys. Unlike some of our competitors, our lists are not made up of individuals paid to click on the links in your marketing email. Including these kinds of people can falsely inflate the recorded response rate.

Are you compliant with CAN-SPAM laws?

Yes. We comply with all the CAN-SPAM laws. We ONLY send emails to people that have subscribed to our lists. To comply, we include a disclaimer, a valid return email, a physical address, and an easy way to unsubscribe.

Why are your prices so affordable?

1) We do not resell another company's services. Some of our competitors take part in multiple-layer reselling where they can be reselling services of one firm who is reselling the services of another firm, which will drive up prices. 2) We purchase our data from other firms. Some of our competitors collect their own data which is very expensive. We rely on firms specializing in data collection to take on this task, which saves us a lot of money. 3) We do not guarantee 100% delivery like some of our high-priced competitors do. For this kind of service, you can pay $5,000 - $10,000 for 1 million emails. Our successful delivery rate average is always above 70%.

Can I target by income, age, or location?

Yes! In fact, we encourage targeting by offering this service to our clients for free! Targeting allows you to focus in on the exact group that will most benefit from your marketing efforts, which helps keep your costs down and leaves you with a better emailing reputation.  Most of our consumer lists can be targeted by location, gender, age, or interest.  Most of our business lists can be targeted by location, gender, title, SIC code, company sales volume, or personal income level.  In some cases, we can do even more specific targeting.  Talk to your Marketing Consultant for details on what kind of targeting might help your campaign results.

How soon can I get my email marketing campaign going?

Generally we request a two day lead time from the time you approve the sample of your campaign and all the details before we launch your campaign. This ensures optimum results for your campaign. However, if our mailing capacity is low enough, we can start your campaign as soon a 1 business day after your payment has processed.

Why should I use a mass emailing service?

Most people do not have the bandwidth or the special software needed to send out a large amount of emails while remaining compliant with commercial emailing laws. Sending commercial email campaigns through your own personal network can cause poor delivery and problems such as blacklisting. Most people utilize a third party bulk email program or a web based email client that limits their ability to broadcast mass emails. Using a full email service like ours is a safe and simple way to take advantage of the benefits of email marketing.

Do you send spam?

Absolutely not! Each of our consumer e-mail lists are 100% opt-in and permission-based, not unsolicited spam. That is, each of the individuals on our lists have opted to receive information regarding the topic they have selected. It's important to state that our system honors ALL unsubscribes immediately!

How many records do you have?

Thrive maintains over 95 million opt-in consumer and industry-specific contact records for your use. These lists can be rented or purchased in order to market your company.
Our lists are generated primarily from co-registration and incentivized surveys. Unlike some of our competitors, we do not pay individuals to click on the links in your marketing email. Doing such can falsely inflate the recorded response rate.
Our lists are updated daily with new data from our partners and scrubbed daily for opt-outs, failures and stale addresses to ensure that your mailing goes out to the cleanest of data.

Can I target by gender, geographic location, income or age?

Yes, we can do further targeting within most of our lists by any of these criteria. Contact an Thrive consultant for details!

Can I include more than one list in my campaign?

Yes, you may include up to 10 lists per campaign

How many subject lines can I have?

We offer the use of 3 subject lines with each campaign to enhance delivery.

How do I track my campaign?

Once your email campaign starts, your campaign's click thru, opt out, and bounceback numbers can be viewed in your MyCampaignManager.net account -- in real time! You can view a demo account by clicking here and entering the following credentials:
Username: demoaccount
Password: demo

How long does it take to send out my campaign?

We can send a maximum of 500,000 emails per campaign, per day. 100,000 - 250,000 per day will allow for better delivery.

Do you send out HTML/Text ads?

Yes, we send both HTML and Text emails.

Can you design an ad for me?

Yes, we can design an ad for you for only $149. We will have your HTML sample to you within 2 business days and offer 3 free rounds of revisions so that we get your ad just right before launching it in your campaign. The ad will be yours to keep.

Do you give any guarantees?

Yes, we guarantee 3% of all e-mails transmitted will be opened, or we will rerun your campaign until this rate is achieved.

Do you guarantee signups and/or sales?

No. It's impossible for us (or anyone else) to guarantee that. What we CAN do, is sell you a list of all the people that clicked on your email ad. You can then follow back up with these warm leads even if they do not purchase or sign up from the initial campaign. For example, a list of up to 99 email addresses from these warm leads, can be purchased for just $15. Please contact us for pricing on larger lists.

What kind of click thru rate can I expect?

Results depend on the individual campaign -- the quality of the html ad, the product or service being advertised, the ad's offer, the targeted list, the campaign timing and many other factors. Typical campaigns with Thrive see a click-thru rate of about 250 per million. Our most successful campaigns have seen over 1,000 click-thrus per million.

What are your terms and conditions?

You can find our terms and conditions by clicking here.

Do you accept credit cards?

Yes, we accept all major credit cards.

Do you accept checks?

Yes, we accept checks. Keep in mind your check MUST clear to enable your campaign to start.

Where do I go to place my order?

You can place your order by clicking on the "Order Now" button. Or, if you'd rather have an Marketing Consultant assist you through the process, you can email sales@Thrive.com or call toll-free at 866-673-7004. Our consultants are available to assist you from start to finish for no additional charge.

I have more questions... can you answer them?

Yes, if you have any other questions that haven't been answered in this FAQ,
please contact us and we'll be more than glad to help you.

Does Thrive.com reject any email campaign?

Yes. We do not endorse nor will we participate in any form of mass emailing for:

• Any message that violates our terms of service.
• Any violent messages.
• Any hate or discrimination messages.
• Any illegal sexual messages.
• Any illegal substance messages.

As an internet marketing company, we are true believers in First Amendments Rights; however, we also believe that the First Amendment comes with responsibility. As long as your message does not contain any of the material listed above, we will be more than happy to service you. We reserve the rights to refuse any campaign based on our policy without refund. Please click here to view our email terms and conditions.

Why does my hit counter not match up with your stats?

There are many reasons that a visitor will not register with your server.

• A user cancels out the window before your site loads
• The user is on a slow connection and the request times out
• The user is behind an ISP with a proxy. (example is AOL)
• The user's browser served the request from cache instead of from your server
• Your site was unavailable at the time of request
• Your tracking software could not handle concurrent connections

How long will my link be available?

The link will remain active for 2 months after it’s posted date, but it’s always a good idea to immediately download and save your list to your own computer.

Can I get a copy of my list on CD?

Yes for a $25 fee, we’ll burn it to a CD and mail it you.

Can I send this list out from my own personal computer?

We never recommend this, as a user's ISP will often block any attempts to send large amounts of email from their network, or more often, they will disable the ability to send large amounts of email through their email servers. ISP violations will cause poor and possibly detrimental results.

So, who should mail this list?

We always recommend that you use a 3rd party to send commercial email campaigns, as 3rd party emailing companies have ways to collect data such as bounces, opt-outs, etc and remain compliant with commercial email laws.

Can I use any 3rd party Email Service Provider (ESP) to mail this list?

Many Email Service Providers will not allow you to use purchased lists with their service, so be sure to check on that before paying for or running a campaign. We of course, do. And we would love to mail your purchased list out on your behalf. ResultsMail.com and AdMail.net also allow purchased lists to be used with their service.

What do I do if I get more than 5% hard bounces from my list?

We guarantee that 95% of the email data we provide will be deliverable. If you get more than 5% hard bounces (meaning the email address no longer exists) after mailing to the entire list, send us a list of the bad email addresses along with the failure code that your ESP provides. Also, let us know what replacement records you’d like. If there are no replacement records that you’d like, we can provide a credit or a pro-rated refund. We’ll verify and then replace, credit, or refund you.

I noticed that my list contains phone numbers. Can I call these people?

If you purchased a consumer list that has phone numbers included, it is important that you have a SAN (Subscription Access Number) from the Federal Trade Commission before using them. The SAN number allows you to gain access to the Do Not Call database. It is your responsibility to have a SAN and get the phone numbers scrubbed before calling them.

Search Engine Marketing

What is the difference between Search Engine Marketing and Search Engine Optimization?

In short, Search Engine Marketing deals with the advertisements you see when your search results come up whereas Search Engine Optimization deals with the results themselves and how to get your company to the first page.

Search Engine Marketing deals specifically with advertising on the search engines (Google, Yahoo, MSN). SEM allows allows the advertiser to specify things like number clicks to receive each month and it is based on keyword research. SEM is easy to get started and the results are visible almost immediately.

Search Engine Optimization is a much more complicated process because it involves so many strategies. SEO could be called more of a "grassroots campaign" to strategically build a broader presence on the web, and thereby increase search engine ranking. This is done through a variety of methods such as link building, website content and structure management, analytics, as well as SEM.

Is Google the only Search Engine you will market my company to?

Each campaign is customizable, but we can market your company successfully to all of the major search engines, Google, Yahoo, and MSN being the most popular.

What exactly are keywords?

Keywords are any terms or phrases that are important to your company's mission. For example, for an event planner, some keywords might be wedding reception, anniversary, or party. When entered into the major search engines, these terms will bring up any website with content relating to that particular keyword. For a more in depth look at keywords visit our Articles page.

If I choose your 500 clicks per year plan, I will be paying about $2.40 cents per click. Isn't that high?

Search Engine Optimization

FAQ coming soon

Blogging

How often should a blog be updated to be successful?

The simple answer is the more often the better. Weekly is great, if time allows daily or several times a week would be ideal. The more often your blog is updated, the more new material will be available for its readers. This serves two purposes: (1) It allows the search engines to see new link material, and (2) it increases the daily traffic to the blog. So, if you are content with your website ranking on the search engines and a blog is simply a means to occasionally keep your clients informed about company changes, you may not need to update more than a few times a month. But if you are looking to increase your search engine rankings, draw in new visitors to your site, and give your site a “constantly updated” feel then the first answer stands: the more often the better.

Can you give me blogging topic ideas?

Absolutely. We will work with you to learn about your company, your clients, and we will research your industry to make sure you always have plenty of blogging material.

How long should a good post be?

This too is somewhat subjective. Generally a minimum of a few hundred words is a safe bet. You do not want your readers to feel that they have wasted their time by visiting your blog. Updating your blog several times with a one or two sentence post for the sake of “updating” is a sure way to drive readers away. This is why the topics that you choose are important. Write about something interesting, something worthy of discussion, and know your readers and their general attention span. If you do this, your readers will be interested and informed and your blog will be successful.

How long will it take for you to set up my blog?

In most cases, we can have your blog up and running within 72 business hours complete with first post.

Social Networking

How is social Networking different from blogging?

Think of a blog as a sort of personal news report for you or your company. In this way, it is unilateral and informative; you write and the reader reads, but does not respond. Social networking refers to community – mutual communication and interaction. It is a medium in which many individuals interact with one another at one time, share information, references, and so forth.

What information would be posted about my business on these social networking sites?

As much or as little information as you would like. Company contact information, general information about your business and its products or services, and industry classification are commonly found on social networking sites. Information can vary from company financial information such as a range of yearly earnings and staff salary range to more personal information about company executives.

What kind of maintenance is involved?

This too depends on the level of service. Members of social networking sites will often receive requests from other members to become their friends or contacts. We will manage and respond to these requests based on how helpful they will be in building a successful presence. So, if Warren Buffet sends you a friend request, rest assured that we will accept for you! Additional maintenance is similar to that of a blog – making sure that your profile is regularly updated, adding company news and happenings, and being on the lookout for other members with whom to network that could help drum up business.

How long will it take for you to set up my social network?

This depends on how many sites you would like your company to have a presence on. To set up a basic profile on one or two of the largest social networking sites can take as little as 48 hours. For more in depth profiles on a broader range of sites please contact us.

Video Production

FAQ coming soon

Video Spokespeople

Will there be a way for my visitors to pause or exit the spokesperson's video if they would like?

Our standard player comes equipped with a “Play/Pause” button, as well as an “Exit Video” button. For a small fee, we can design a custom player as well as engineer your video to only play at certain times (when someone first visits the website, once a day, etc...).

Will my video have your company logo on it?

No, we never place our logo on your video. Why would you pay a company to advertise their service on your website? Once your video is paid for and completed, you own the video.*

How long will it take for you to complete my spokesperson video?

Our standard production time is 5-7 business days. However, if you are working on a deadline, please inquire about our rush service.

Is there a monthly fee to maintain or host the video once it is delivered?

No, once completed, the video is yours to keep on your website for as long as you would like. Our price includes the actor, the video production, and installation support. We do not charge a set up fee, a maintenance fee, or an other hidden charge.

What are some examples of custom video services offered?

• FAQ page - Set-up fee of $250, and $100 per video answer to each question
• Multiple visit videos - this feature recognizes when a visitor is returning to the website and plays a different video from the initial/previous visit. This allows you to provide a truly unique greeting for each visitor. The first video is regular price, each subsequent video will be $199/$249 for 30 or 60 seconds, respectively. For bulk orders please inquire about further discounted pricing.
• Custom video presentations - these can be designed around a PowerPoint video presentation, a flash presentation, even provided with a custom built landing page to direct your customers to. Please contact us for pricing for this service.

* Please ask about licensing your video for multiple websites.

Flash Presentations

How long will it take for you to set up my Flash Presentation?

We can have your presentation completed in 5-7 business days. For simple presentations it is usually significantly less time, generally 48 business hours. For more complex presentations the time will increase accordingly.

Will using Thrive Flash Presentations on my website or landing page slow down the connection for visitors?

Please be aware that page load time varies according to how fast the viewer's internet connection is. That said, we are careful to maintain a balance with our presentations so that the image quality is still very high, but will not negatively impact those individuals with slower internet connections.

I was told that Youtube is Flash video but the quality is not very good. Can I use my own HD video in a Thrive Flash Presentation if I send it to you?

Absolutely! Please contact us to discuss your video.

Will I (or my webmaster) be able to maintain my Thrive Flash Presentation or will I need to call you to do that?

As long as you or your webmaster are familiar with Flash you will be able to maintain it (turn it on or off) without any issues. For actual editing of the presentation we recommend that you contact Thrive directly.

Website Copywriting

Can you help organize my disorganized website?

Yes, Thrive will work with you to construct copy that is concise and efficiently conveys your message to your visitors. We also offer website consulting services to assist with a more structural approach.

Is there any extra charge for moving pages around so that my website copy flows more naturally?

Moving actual web pages, or moving copy from one page to another requires FTP access which would be the role of your technical team or webmaster and is not covered under Thrive's copywriting service charges. However, we can do this for an additional fee.

How long will it take for you to do my website copy?

We can produce a minimum of 500 words of copy per day. If you need your project done faster, please let us know. Please see our pricing chart here.

If I have a Thrive copywriter do my website copy, will you own the rights to the words on my website?

No, when you purchase copy from Thrive, you are not only paying for the writing of the copy but also for the rights to the copy.

Press Release

What kinds of topics make for a good press release?

A press release should first and foremost be newsworthy. To some degree this is subjective, but you must use good judgment in determining whether or not to issue a press release on a particular subject. Try to determine whether the information will be of value for a large number of readers. Try to determine whether or not it will be accepted as “news” by the media. You can find some helpful hints from Colorado State University here.

How long should a good press release be?

You should be as concise as possible while still relaying all pertinent information to your audience. A press release should be no longer than a page according to Joan Stewart of PublicityHound.com. A press release between 500 and 1000 words should give ample space to inform your reader.

How long will it take for you to write a press release for my company?

We can deliver a 500-1000 word press release on your topic of choice for your company within 48 hours of payment processing.

How will I know if my press release is working (getting read, etc...)?

PRWeb offers a detailed analytics system that allows you to track the results on several levels. We provide assistance for learning to use this system (although it is very intuitive), which will allow you to track all of your press release statistics.

Marketing Materials

How long will it take for you to write the copy for my marketing materials?

For most jobs we can complete it within 48 business hours. For marketing booklets and higher volume jobs please call.

Since the words will be written by Thrive, do you own the rights to those materials?

No, you purchase the service and the rights to all marketing material copy we write for you.

Do you have custom marketing materials packages so that I can mix and match what I need?

Yes, please contact us to discuss graphic design and copy packages or a custom request.

Is there an initial charge for the custom marketing materials consultation?

No, we will sit down and take a look at existing materials or discuss ideas with you for no charge. We want you to feel comfortable with what Thrive has to offer prior to making a financial commitment.

Design

How soon can I expect to see a draft of the design?

Most designs will have a draft uploaded to your account within 24 hours if you choose this option. For bigger projects, such as a website design, it may take up to a week.

Why should I choose Thrive for my design solutions over the 1,000s of other design companies out there?

We have talented, dedicated graphic designers and web developers staffed in order to meet your specific needs within 24 hours.

How many revisions do you allow per design?

We will provide the first 3 revisions for free. There will be a charge of $25 for each additional revision, or $50 for three additional revisions.

I have an existing logo design that our customers know, but it's a little old. Can Thrive freshen it up and give it a new edge but make it still recognizable for our customers?

Yes, in fact, this is one of the projects we enjoy most. We would love to help you reinvigorate your logo!

Printing

What are the advantages to having Thrive do my printing when I could go to a local printer?

Our pricing can beat just about any local printer. On top of that, you won’t pay sales tax and we provide free shipping.

Can I get a discount if I combine copywriting and printing, or graphic design and printing?

Yes, always feel free to ask us about combining services. We are eager to make sure we meet your needs, and your budget.

I have limited storage - can I prepay for print services for an upcoming event and set delivery for a future date?

Yes, we can take printing orders up to 6 months in advance. Please just let your marketing consultant know the date you would like your materials delivered, and we will make it happen

Are there outrageous hidden shipping charges as there are with some "discount" online printing services?

No! We will not hit you with undisclosed shipping charges after the printing is complete. All price quotes will include shipping and handling charges up front.

Consulting

Is your free consultation really free?

Yes! We will do up to a two hour initial consult with you absolutely free. There is no obligation and no pressure to purchase our services.

Will the free consultation really get in depth or will it just be a sales pitch to buy a consulting package?

We will never pitch our services to you for the sake of making a sale. Our free consultations will be as in depth as you would like them to be. We are eager to ask questions, talk strategy and goals, and find out as much as you are willing to tell us about your company. Any recommendations we make will be based solely on your best interest, NOT a sales possibility.

What qualities should I look for in a good consultant?

The first quality one should look for in any business associate is integrity. A good consultant should first and foremost be honest. Other key qualities are industry experience, knowledge and skill set, and a strong work ethic.

Relationally, you want a consultant who is a good listener. The only way for a consultant to give effective advice is if he knows your situation, and the only way for him to know your situation is to listen and learn about it from you. You also want someone who is good at planning ahead and thinking outside the box. The ability to plan and anticipate the steps which must be taken to succeed, and creatively get there, are important.

Do you offer discounts for other Thrive services in conjunction with Thrive consulting?

Yes! Please contact us more for information.

Are Thrive consultants only going to steer me toward Thrive services or will they take a "neutral" approach?

We are here to help you assess your marketing needs. Of course we believe in the range of quality services we provide. That said, they will not necessarily fit the needs of every client for whom we provide a free consultation. Our primary concern is that you achieve your marketing goals as efficiently and inexpensively as possible, and our advice will be given with that end in mind.