Selena Blake's Blog, page 5

My Experience with FloDesk

I have been shouting about FloDesk and it’s awesomeness for a few weeks.

I want to make you aware of something before you sign up.

And yes, I know that all newsletter services can have issues. I was at MailChimp for years and years without a single issue, but I know of many people who’ve had problems there. This post is specifically about my experience with FloDesk as an author and sharing what I’ve learned so that other authors can make informed choices.

Two weeks ago I spent several days perfecting my welcome sequence at FloDesk.

I published it, which means it is live and it will begin sending email when the parameters are met.

This particular segment and welcome sequence were for BookFunnel subscribers.

Note: There is no integration as of right now between these two services. I download a CSV file from Bookfunnel and import it into my mailing list. I did email Bookfunnel about integrating with FloDesk and heard back in about 20 minutes. FloDesk does not have an API but if they ever do, BookFunnel will gladly integrate.

Please keep in mind that I ONLY download the file from BookFunnel that contains users who have confirmed that they want to be added to my list.

I wanted to warm up that cold list with a welcome sequence tailored to BookFunnel subscribers. For instance, the subject line is something along the lines of Welcome BookFunnel Subscriber.

So Thursday, August 27th, I publish the welcome sequence (FloDesk calls this a workflow.) And then I imported the CSV file of confirmed subscribers from BookFunnel.

Shortly after, the first email in the welcome sequence was sent out to the segment, just as is supposed to happen. *happy dance*

Imagine my surprise when I got a lot of email the next day from readers in this segment.

You see, the first email in this segment is a free book offer.

And I stupidly forgot to include the link to it. *cease happy dancing*

Yeah. Boneheaded move on my part. And I’m actually impressed that I messed that up because I had sent so many tests to myself and always click links.

But I messed up.

I immediately went to FloDesk and drafted my “oops” email to send to that segment.

I send the email and go on about my business.

A while later I come back to make sure it’s sent and to see how many folks have opened the email. Because I’m a stats junkie, okay?

A notification below the email indicated “failed to send.”

Perplexed, I duplicated the email and tried to send it.

This time, a notice popped up saying something along the lines of “do you want to activate your account?”

Now I was really confused. I was pretty sure I’d already activated my account.

I mean, I’d paid Flodesk.

I’d moved several of my mailing lists to their service.

I’d created multiple welcome sequences/workflows.

I’d even sent email campaigns.

My welcome sequences were sending as far as I knew.

In short, I was fully using this service.

But, I clicked the “yes, I want to activate my account button.”

At which point I was notified that it will take 48 hours to activate my account. It was 10:30 on a Friday night and their hours indicate they are in the office 8am-8pm M-F.

At that point, given everything I knew and all the emailing I’d already done with FloDesk, I assumed this was a massive bug and that their developers were getting emails left and right about it.

It seemed that random.

But there was an email address at the top of the screen that said if I had any questions or concerns to email them.

So I did.

And then I replied to each reader who’d emailed me about the issue. I went to sleep at 2am Saturday morning fully expecting to hear back soon about the problem.

I didn’t hear back until Monday.

The tech support person wanted to know the source of the list and asked if I could send the original CSV file.

I told her that the list was created through a BookFunnel promotion and sent her the CSV which has a ton of information in it, including the day the person subscribed and that YES they clicked a checkbox asking to be subscribed to my newsletter. That is listed under Confirmed.

On Tuesday I got another reply asking for a link to my sign up form.

This is where I made a mistake.

I sent the link to the promotion/sign-up form. Here it is.

For those who don’t want to click, it’s a page on BookFunnel’s site with a copy of my cover, my blurb and a giant DOWNLOAD MY BOOK button.

When you click the button, a pop-up, well, pops up. I don’t know of a way to link to this pop-up. The pop-up gathers a name, email address and asks if you’d like to subscribe to my newsletter. The pop-up is the sign-up form.

But the tech support person did not click the DOWNLOAD MY BOOK button. And therefore, she did not see this:

If you can’t read the highlighted text next to the checkbox, it reads: I would also like to join Selena Blake’s email newsletter and receive special offers and updates. I understand that I can unsubscribe at any time.

So that was my mistake. I should have expressly stated: to see the sign-up form, click the giant button.

Because from her point of view, I didn’t do my due diligence. And they require you to at FloDesk. Or they shut your account down.

Why they chose to wait until after the welcome sequence had already sent its first email, I’ll never know.

Why none of my other lists were verified in this manner, I don’t know.

Once I sent a screenshot of this form, I was told that we were all good…except…

They asked me to verify my domain name. This is an extra step to keep their service whitelisted. Which is a good thing. It’s also something that is built into their system.

However, I thought it was optional so I didn’t do it when I was setting up my account.

When they asked this time, I verified my domain. I was told to let them know, via email, when their system indicated my domain is verified.

That happened over a holiday weekend so I waited until Tuesday (yesterday) morning to email them.

But anyway, here we are at Wednesday. Twelve days after all this started.

I currently do not have a resolution to this issue but I will update this post.

I’ll be honest with you. This is the first time I’ve had such a problem with a mailing list provider and I’ve been using all sorts of services and products for the last 20 years.

My patience is incredibly thin. I have a massive promotion that MUST go out tomorrow. And quite possibly, I will be scrambling at the last minute to use an old or different provider because the service I am paying for has locked me out.

So here is what I’ve learned about FloDesk and what you, as an author, need to know so you can go into this with your eyes wide open.

When your account is in this ‘needs activation’ mode, NONE of your email, welcome sequences, workflows, and autoresponders will be sent.Make sure you have a sign-up form tied to each segment. I don’t know this for 100% fact but the segment that got my account shut down did not have a FloDesk sign-up form associated with it, whereas the other ones did. It’s my guess that there is something in their system that flags this sort of activity.If you are going to upload a list, don’t do it on Thursday or Friday. If your account gets shut down, they will likely not get to you until the following Monday as per their 48-hour note. It is no fun to sit around all weekend knowing there are issues that you can do nothing about. Verify your domain name in your settings.Have good records for all lists you import. Be ready to provide clear, concise instructions and links to sign up forms and provide original CSV files.Understand that this is a small company and many processes that you would assume are automated are not.

Honestly, #1 is the biggest issue. It makes zero sense to me that this one segment is shut down and so the rest of my account is basically bricked.

And yes, I confirmed this is in fact the case. I began to worry that my welcome sequences are not being sent since my account is not active.

So I sent another email asking for clarification. “Can you tell me if the deactivation is halting my whole account? Are workflow emails still going out as scheduled?”

Yes. The deactivation is affecting my WHOLE account. My Selena Mail. Gillian’s Mailing List and this new segment for BookFunnel Friends.

NO. My workflow emails/welcome sequences are NOT being sent to ANY segment. This means the people who’ve subscribed (since August 28th) have NOT gotten their welcome email with their free book in it. So I look like a jerk.

That, more than anything else, bugs me.

I look like a GRADE A Jerk because I was an idiot and forgot to include the download link to the free book I was offering. Which would have been fixable and manageable if my account was working as it should.

But that mistake was compounded by a company’s confusing practices so now my account is halted and no new subscribers are getting their links to a free book.

That burns me up.

My readers are so incredibly important to me and this is not the level of service I want to give them. This is why I moved away from my previous mailing list provider.

As an author, you need to know the truth about the services you’re doing business with. I have personally recommended FloDesk to several authors, some of whom have used my referral code and signed up!

Now I feel bad because I don’t want them to experience this hassle.

I 100% hate spam. I completely understand that FloDesk is a small, new, startup and they are doing their job to keep their service whitelisted. I even appreciate that.

But the lack of timeliness and the randomness of all this has been stressful.

Which is incredibly ironic because switching to FloDesk was such a stressless experience. I was coming from a place of stress. FloDesk was peaceful and I was so excited about my newsletter again and the results I was seeing.

Now I’m not sure I can recommend a service that seems to audit accounts at random. But more importantly, a service that HALTS the service that I have paid for. Like, I am literally unable to send emails through their service right now. And the latest email from tech support did not make it clear when I will be able to use this service again.

So, if you only have sign-ups through your website, excellent. You’ll likely love FloDesk and have little issue.

But for those of us who do builders via BookFunnel and sites like that… Strap in. It could be a bumpy ride.

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The Post Facebook Doesn’t Want You to See

I tried sharing this post on my profile and in my fan group Monday and today, Wednesday.

Both times a message popped up saying that they couldn’t post it right now and they were looking into the problem.

Well, today I sent a test message to my fan group immediately and guess what. It went through.

So Facebook doesn’t want you to see this post specifically.

It’s a t-shirt. Or is it? Will we ever know?

Who cares. You can get your Read More Books shirt now and have it before the hot weather fades.

I’d love to see you rocking this shirt, so when you order it, tag me in a photo of you wearing it, okay?

Celebrate books with this cute graphic tee.



Order Your Tee



The story behind the shirt

After the great graphics tablet pen massacre of July 2020, I ordered a new tablet and took it for a test drive. I’m always looking to expand my graphic skills and one way I do that is by following tutorials.

This design is what I came up with during my lunch hour and I love it.

I love it so much I created it in different colors.

And then decided I needed it on a shirt.

I figured you guys might want it on a shirt as well, because who doesn’t want to read more books? Am I right?

So here it is. A new goodie in the Selena Gear shop. A t-shirt to proudly display your bookish pride. A proclamation for all the world, or at least your friends and family, to see.

Order yours here.

Two Sales! Get Your Books!

On Sale This Weekend!

Allow me to introduce you to the Deverauxs of southern Louisiana. They’re only the most eligible bachelors in the state. Wealthy, gorgeous, and…immortal.

Get this box set full of drool-worthy Wolf Shifters today. In fact, I recommend you run, don’t walk, to Amazon and download the Stormy Weather Collector’s Edition, full of bonus content. https://amzn.to/2CB3Gl6

Contemporary Fans!

SEALS of Roseville 2 & 3 are on sale this weekend. Don’t miss this chance to complete your collection of Gillian Blakely books.

https://www.amazon.com/SEALs-Roseville-3-Book/dp/B07J16ZRNF/

Meet Cal

Cal stood up on the plush bed, his massive paws burrowing into the soft sheets. Rocking backward, tail in the air, he stretched. His muscles rippled beneath his thick orange and black coat.

It was going to be a great day. Any day he got to see Amelia was a good one. And since he had back to back meetings that would require her assistance, he ’d be seeing a lot of her.

He hopped down from the bed just as there was a knock at the door. His heart lurched into his throat and he froze in the middle of his hotel room.

Should he shift?

Should he hide?

Deciding it ’d be better for her to walk in on him in the nude rather than a full-grown tiger, he started to change. But he wasn’t fast enough. As she had many times in the past, Amelia opened the door and stepped inside. Since he was not much of a morning person, she often threw open the curtains and woke him by telling him what a fabulous day it was going to be.

He’d missed one important meeting and now his assistant pulled out all the stops to get him there on time.

But today she took three steps before her gaze lifted from the device in her hand and focused on the half man, half tiger transforming before her eyes. Her lovely eyes widened to a comical proportion, showing off the whites. Her jaw dropped open slightly and she froze, the tablet tumbling from her grasp.

She was at the door, hand on the knob in less than a second. But he was faster. He shoved a palm against it and shut it quickly. She let out a squeak of alarm and spun to face him. Her breath came in such a rapid beat he worried she ’d hyperventilate.

“Calm down, sweetheart,” he said even though his mind was racing with possibilities and worst-case scenarios. “Just breathe. In and out.”

She stared up at him like she ’d met a Martian. And he supposed, in a way, she had. But she didn’t scream.

“I would never hurt you,” he said, realizing the acidic scent in the air was her fear. The knowledge slayed him. He’d scented that emotion from her once before and he never wanted to give her reason to feel it again. Especially where he was concerned. “I promise.”

She remained mute and didn’t take her eyes off him. Her lithe body trembled between him and the door.

“You told me once that you believe in ghosts, why not me?”

Her head drew back a notch and her nostrils flared. “What are you?” she whispered haltingly.

Her unease broke his heart. He ’d never wanted her to find out the truth. He should have been more careful. What the hell had he been thinking, taking true form in a hotel room?

He hadn ’t been thinking. Simply exhausted and craving the numb bliss being in his tiger form always brought him.

“A shape-shifter would be an accurate description.”

Staring down into her eyes, he knew two things. He couldn ’t lose her. Whatever he had to say or do to win her trust again, he would do. And his world had just gotten much more complicated.

She nodded slowly. Once. Her gaze never leaving his face. She didn ’t trust him. He could see it in her wary regard and her rigid posture.

“This, my other half, is how I found you that night. How I knew you were in trouble. I smelled your fear long before I saw the courage in your soul.”

Reminding her of her past, how they met, how he ’d saved her life seemed to soften her. She’d leaned back a fraction and her shoulders relaxed. He hadn’t sent her down memory lane so she’d feel beholden to him though.

“Would you—would you mind standing over there?”

“Why?”

Her chin tipped up ever so slightly and he was once again captivated by her delicate features.

“You’re not wearing any clothing,” she all but whispered.

He couldn ’t help himself. He laughed. It felt good to laugh. It felt good to have her eyes on him, watching him closely.

“Promise me you won’t run, and I’ll put on some shorts.”

She nodded again, this time a little more quickly.

Get It

Excerpt from Kissing Wilde by Selena Blake

What I’m Listening To: April 2020

I have another podcast recommendation for you, especially if you like home improvement, DIY, decor. In other words, if you like the Girls’ Night trilogy, you’ll probably enjoy this podcast.

It’s called Young House Love Has A Podcast.

The couple that hosts it is funny and friendly and warm. They’re entertaining and educational. And I have found so many great products because of them.

In fact, I’ve had such success that when I tell DH “John and Sherry” recommended this, he’s like, “oh, okay. Let’s get it.”

They have a “game show” segment, where they quiz each other. They often interview other industry experts and bloggers. They cap off each show with what they’re digging. It’s super well produced and family-friendly.

Give it a listen. Let me know what you think.

Just Breathe

Me today…

via GIPHY

Note to self: stay off of FB. You know it scares you and yet, you persist. Stay. Off. Of. FB.

What I’m Listening To – March 2020

Here’s a clue. It’s about men.

You Deserve a Break, Dear Reader

It’s time to make your escape.

It’s time to head to Mystic Isle where the weather is perfect and paranormals play.

Dive into this 5 book series full of hunky werewolves, vampires and a precocious demon. Enjoy today with Kindle Unlimited.

Get it now!

Grayson West is on leave, visiting Mystic Isle to blow off steam when he collides with a blast from the past. The beautiful vampiress Coco Jeffres stole his heart a century ago on the battlefield. They were sworn enemies; can they overcome the past for a chance at a future?

Ceara Blackwell meets the werewolf of her dreams in Maxim Ciolek but he’s on the hunt for a mate and she’s not on the list. However, their mutual attraction won’t be denied.

Shade has won enough card games in his life to know when to hold. The beautiful vamp hell bent on paying for the damage she caused is definitely worth holding on to. But what will happen when she finds out they’ll be going head-to-head in the poker tournament…and he never loses?

Werewolf Hunter Ciolek knew Avery was his mate the moment they met. He negotiated and seduced, befriended and pursued her. But nothing changed her mind about love and now he has a new plan and only a few short weeks to make her see things his way because living without her is not an option and this werewolf always gets what he wants.

Three hundred years ago Dameon LeBeau fell in love with Valencia Fabelle but betrayal tore them apart. He’s never gotten over her and now he has four days to win her back.

Learn more: http://www.selena-blake.com/bookseries/mystic-isle/

You’re Invited to Attend Girls’ Night

Ever since I wrote my trilogy, Girls’ Night, I’ve wanted to host a virtual girls’ night with all my readers.

Now seems like a good time to make that happen.

So if you’d like to join me for a virtual Girls’ Night, here are the details.

When: Thursday, March 26th, 2020 at 8PM EST (7 CST, 6 MST, 5 PST)

Where: RSVP here and the link will be sent to you Thursday (We’ll be using Hubs.Mozilla.com. No registration is necessary.)

Requirements: You’ll need a computer, web browser, internet connection and the microphone that comes built it in with your computer. You do NOT need a web cam.