We researched into the top 8 Newsletter extensions for Joomla recently, and were a bit disappointed with the results. Now, we've been developing websites with Joomla for years now, and have installed dozens of newsletters and extensions. Once we find one that we like, we usually stick to it for a couple of rounds until it gives us reason to do another round of research.

We want to prefis this article with YaNC, Yet another Newsletter Component, our favorite extension for Joomla 1.0. YaNC was the ideal newsletter extension. YaNC had templates, fields to insert in newsletters, imported easily the user database, sent emails individually and in groups with a customizable timer in between emails, displayed statistics that showed who read the email and who didn't, sent previews, had editable automatic messages grouped according to email lists, easy user import and export settings, ability to display Joomla articles and modules in the newletters, no advertisement on the newsletters, allowed readers to opt-out of the newsletter... ALL OF THIS FOR FREE.

As with most extension companies at that time, the free and popular qualities was not a good business model. YaNC switched to a membership system, and its development and support for Joomla 1.5 has been, at best, slow. Finally, when Joomla removed all non-Open Source coded extensions from their directory around Joomla 1.5.9, YaNC was removed from Joomla's extension directory, and has never relisted itself. If you need a newsletter for Joomla 1.0, install YaNC because it is the best newsletter extension for Joomla 1.0.

That said, we will use the features of YaNC as a basis to judge all other newsletter extensions. We will also use the average price of an extension that has been around for a while, which is about $20-$30 on Joomla.

So, it's not like the technology to make a good newsletter has changed lately. Granted Joomla makes changes to its code over time, there is still not a lot of new newsletter features being developed. We've consistently seen that without YaNC offering reasonable competition, the prices of all other Newsletter extensions for Joomla have gotten WAY out of hand.

Acajoom

Acajoom has consistently removed features from their free or cheaper priced Acajoom versions, and to charged more money for the same technology. Granted, they have developed a couple more features to integrate with other extensions, but overall we have not be satisfied with the degree to which they've offered less for more money. We own an older copy of their free Acajoom version that we downloaded over a year ago, and it has more features than the free version that they sell now. An example of their offering less for more is that they currently removed link tracking from the entire package and placed it into a whole other plugin priced separately. Also, to gauge the extent to which they're reaching for every penny, we purchased the Plus version a year ago at $66 for its decent statistics, and a year later the price has doubled. With all that in mind, they offer a fairly decent product that other notible extensions can integrate with, and their costumer service has been good but inconsistent.

Pricing & Noteable Features

• News - Free - Validates emails, Templates, batch sending with settings
• Plus Powerpack - $111 - Removes Acajoom ad, tracks who read the email, performs scheduled mailings, auto responder
• Pro Powerpack - $182 - Subscribes via url (used to be on all versions), inserts joomla articles into newsletters (used to be on less expensive versions), insert Community Builder fields
• Other Features turned into plugins now included in the "Power packs" are: Link tracking, auto blacklist email bouncebacks

AcyMailing

AcyMailing is the new kid on the block. Founded in November 2009, their tech support in their forums is on top of things, but they're new, so their component may still be a bit buggy and we are unsure how long they'll last in the long run. Also, for being such a new company, they have an awful lot of 5 star reviews in short amount of time, which makes it look like they created email accounts to rig their Joomla rating in their favor. On the other hand, we were impressed by the new integrations they offered with other extensions, such as Virtuemart.

Pricing & Notable Features

• Starter - Free - Imbed images, create Templates, view online, insert Joomla articles, Queue management, send from gmail, no ad in newsletters
• Essential - $42 - removes the AcyMailing Ad from component, tracks links clicked on, Scheduled newsletters, subscribe via url, welcome message, tracks users
• Business - $77 - Can list Virtuemart Products in newsletter, integrates with Community Builder Fields, integrates with events from JCalPro2, offers decent statistics that tracks when your newsletter was read, tracks each mailing, automatically generates a newsletter and sends it, statistics tracks when your newsletter is forwarded,
• Enterprise - $127 - Can do auto response campaigns, integrates with Community Builder Fields, inserts Joomla Articles into newsletters, bounce-back handlings, insert Joomla Modules

ccNewsletter

We tried using ccNewsletter a year ago and encountered a critical problem with the mailing; I think our links or images weren't displaying correctly. We recommend trying it though, because it's free, they've been around for a while, and they do have Virtuemart integration.

Pricing & Notable Features

• Free - Virtuemart 1.1 integration (not specific as to what this means), Imports from Acajoom, Letterman, YaNC, Communicator user import, Community Builder Plugin, does not validate email addresses, Templates, batch email sending

Newsletter Subscriber Pro

This developer made a fairly basic and easy Newsletter. Though not as robust as others, its fairly straight forward. As it is made by a developer, the customer support going out into the future may or may not be decent.

Pricing & Notable Features

• $14 - Tracks forwarding to a friend, Anti-Spam though not as many self adjustable settings, inserts fields, has statistics, integrates with Community Builder, can send preview emails using the "Tool kit", Imports and exports users.

Communicator

Free, but company website is just a forum and not so navigateable. No Demo and difficult to tell what the features are.

Letterman

Free, but not being developed, so little or no tech support. May work for Joomla 1.0.

MKPostman

For starters, most of the website is in German, with some English Translation. It has some basic features, but it says it was developed by a student as a thesis project, which means the developers may not be working on it or providing tech support going out into the future.

Pricing & Notable Features

• Free - It does auto response campaigns!, apparently doesn't provide SMTP emailing, does not handle email bouncing or allows inserting of custom fields.

RSMail

There wasn't a lot of information about what features this newsletter provides. They price on a support subscription and number of urls basis, and it seems fairly basic for the price.

Pricing & Notable Features

• All Subscriptions allow for: insert fields in newsletters, email templates, customized confirmation messages
• $55 - 1 Domain
• $167 - Unlimited domains

Sun Powered Productions Recommends

1. Trying out the free versions of AcyMailing, ccNewsletter & Communicator. Send yourself some test newsletters to see if they work and that you like any of them.
2. Check out the two in dept videos on Newsletter Subscriber Pro and see if you like the features.
3. If the free versions are not robust enough, we recommend purchasing a more robust version of AcyMailing (after you've tried the free version.)

PLEASE NOTE: The assessment of these companies and extensions was performed on January 26, 2010. This assessment was based on our experience with the companies as to that date over the course of a little more than a 2 year period, and practices and policies of the companies may change as time passes. Some of the prices were converted from Euros or other currencies on that date, and may be different when you read this article.

Today we launched the site JamesLorenzen.com. James Lorenzen is a world renown professional speaker and entrepreneur.

This site features a wealth of information for meeting planners as well as a special private section for Speaker Bureaus full of tips and information specific to their work.  The site is configured to work with a number of off-site programs such as the Speaker TRACKER and an Online Assistant, both developed by eSpeakers.

The site also features multiple user assess levels, a custom forms, a flash animated splash page, a category specific RSS feed, and a document download manager.  For the design process of JamesLorenzen.com, James Lorenzen provided us with a non-Joomla design template and we adapted it to work with Joomla. 

It is always a pleasure to work with Jim.  He is always very clear and precise, and we look forward to all future projects he passes our way.

This week we launched JoanReedNewman.com.  Joan Newman writes children's stories, and her site is full of fun facts for kids about the ocean as well as fun writing projects.

It was a treat for us to work on a site like this. Designing this site with the kids in mind, we really splashed the design up with lovely colors, large text, and fun big buttons.

Gardner Hathway LLC came to us looking for a professional website that would stand out and shine above their competition.

To speed up the design process, James provided us with a template he chose online. Though this template was not created for Joomla CMS websites, we easily converted it into a Joomla Template, integrating the flash header and navigation to fit in as well. We couldn't have been more pleased with the result, and we found the process of converting a preexisting design or template an excellent option to offer to future clients.

We thoroughly enjoyed working for James Lorenzen. Knowing exactly what he wanted and providing us with a full detailed site map enabled us to work very efficiently. Within sixteen days after accepted our proposal, we completed and launched his 20-page site.

We are currently working on another project with Gardner Hathaway, LLC and look forward to working with them on all future projects.

Next week, the week of April 20th, Automatic Update/Windows Update will ask users of IE6 and IE7 if they'd like to automatically update to IE8. This means, having your website compatible for IE8 will become a more serious issue next week, as we estimate more users will be using IE8.

What we can do

1. See if your site lays out properly in IE8.
2. Determine the number of your websites viewers view your site with IE8.
3. Troubleshoot and fix any problems your website may have with IE8.

CONTACT US to receive an assessment of your site.

P.S. The Compatibility View Button

IE8 recognized that not all websites will display properly in IE8, so it has built in a Compatibility View button, which will display the webpage as if it were in IE7. Please note that IE8's Compatibility View is not built exactly the same as IE7, and therefore may not display your site exactly the same as IE7.

This month our client Hilary Lambert, the founder of American Sports Bra, found her way into a major marketing avenue using her success as a small business. Her article in this month's Vogue Magazine® has not only increased her unique visits 375% over the previous month, but also has attracted interest from iVillage and NBC.

We interviewed Hilary Lambert about her recent success and are amazed once again with her delightful, positive attitude.

SPP: Briefly, tell us the story of how you ended up in Vogue Magazine®.

Hilary Lambert: Someone at Vogue who I know liked the sports bra. She showed it to the writers and they passed a few times. Then, a story came up that was about women having different body types...and it was an opportunity to talk about the sports bra. They did a really nice job. It took time and a connection at the magazine. It was a great boost for business. I'll always be grateful for that break. They are rare. But, even if you don't know someone, you can find a way if you believe in your product and it has value, it helps people somehow. I think having passion is really the force behind any breaks you get. People can feel your energy and so, even if you have an "in", you still have to have a product that has some value.

SPP: As a company just starting up, what resources did you have to work with and how did you use them?

Hilary Lambert: I grew up in a family where designing things was part of our everyday life.  My step dad, who I was extremely close to, was an industrial designer.  He was a great resource for me because he encouraged me to get a patent and to really try to make the sports bras for other women.  He taught us how to make something work.

My mom and dad and step dad are all very hard working business people, and I think I learned from them that you have to keep at something until you get it right. And that quality is most important.  Another resource was of course my fiance who is an actor.  His creativity and drive helped push me to follow through, to meet with people and ask questions, to keep looking until you find the part you need or the person you need.  As an actor, you need to have that "Never quit" spirit.  He brings that out in me.  Other resources...I have always been a passionate athlete.  It is part of me.  So, my experience, and really being in touch with my own physicality helped build my product and get it right.  Also, I had a career as  tv reporter and producer and writer, so I wasn't  living as if my business was the only dream I had. In fact, it took so long because I was working and living the other parts of my life fully.  Other resources are - a great patent attorney, accountant, web designers,  and great sewers and pattern makers.  Great people who are willing to help the new-comer.

It's important to be really nice and have gratitude for all the people who help you, regardless of the fact that you are paying them for their expertise.  Gratitude is, to me as important a currency as money.

SPP: Are there any websites or resources that you found helpful and would like to recommend to new or existing businesses?

Hilary Lambert: The Board of Equalization has great info about business.  I work in California so the State government's page is a great resource on what you need to do to start up. The library has tons of books on whatever industry you are going into...I read about 25 books on business.

SPP: Are there any other creative marketing plans that you've tried out or are currently developing?

Hilary Lambert: I really just have a very basic marketing plan.  As we grow, we will have a new one.

SPP: Do you have any future development plans or strategies for American Sports Bra as it expands?

Hilary Lambert: I think the key for our growth and what informs our strategy is - no strategy.  I try to listen to the women who are buying our sports bras and bathing suits.  I really care what they say because the whole point is for them to feel good, to want to go out and exercise and to be comfortable.

So, my only plan is to show it to as many women as I can, of all sizes and shapes because every woman is beautiful...and every woman needs to move...

I would say to anyone...once you feel that you have left no stone unturned and you know your product works...you have tested it not once, not 10 times but 100 times in 100 conditions...then get out and meet people.  See what they say to you. Listen.  If you always think you are right, you will miss important information.
We are developing new products that I have wanted to do since I started.  But, it's important to keep it simple at first.  Do what you can afford and what you can handle.
Be patient.

SPP: Do you have any advice for other business owners just starting out?

Hilary Lambert: I would say that if you are adding something you truly believe is valuable to the world, a product, a skill etc., get fired up about it and don't quit.

It will be hard. There will be days when no one understands what you are trying to do, but go on anyway.  Believe in your goals because no one will do it for you!

Also, treat customers with the utmost respect.  They matter and they are spending their hard earned money on something.  And finally, I feel that I have another motive for working so hard.  It is to one day be able to give back to help kids and animals...I think it's good to be driven to do good for others.  Also, you will meet great people on your business journey. It's hard work, day and out...but it's a great ride.

Erin Phillips came to us looking for a very basic css website to her display work in the field of Real Estate.

As she was looking to minimize cost, we offered a shortened design draft phase, the phase of development that usually takes much time and expense depending on the clients' preference to detail.

Erin was excellent to work with, providing us with all the required logos and content in a quick manner and keeping her feedback direct and concise.

We helped her create ErinPhillips.org, a basic website we designed from the logo she provided that showcases her Real Estate Properties. Erin was a pleasure to work with, and we look forward to providing further advice and features to her site as her business develops.

Hyla Menuhin Douglas came to us wanting to create a site to showcase her vocal and visual arts.

We helped her create HylaArt.com. We worked with and modified a generic template that came with her site, and added some nifty plugin features, such as a flash slide show and a music mp3 player.

Hyla was a pleasure to work with. Without having any html or Joomla skills, we helped Hyla successfully learn to administrate her site, and she has now become quite a master editing articles using the TinyMCE editor.

We just completed the last backup of her site today. She plans to announce her new site to her mailing list soon.

We've been working closely with the web developers and management at Empire Media Group on a variety of their projects.

We've recently completed BadBoyBillyShaw.org, a website that aids the persona of Badboy Billy Shaw, an executive leader and visionary in the Clubbing Industry.

We produced a YouTube video about Mr. Shaw, which we embedded on the homepage of this basic html/css website. We also created and produced a Flash mp3 Player and embedded it onto the About the Boss page. We customized and added an open source commenting widget to the site as well.

We worked closely with the people at Empire Media Group to develop the excellent quality of projects they require. We enjoy working with other Marketing and Media companies on projects, and this is just another example of the professionalism and excellent relationships we develop with all our clients.

This week we launched a website for the Wealth Advisors Alliance.

The Wealth Advisers came to us looking for a very simple website, just two pages that introduced internet visitors to who they are. They gave us a sample of a logo, the colors they liked and their content, and we created for them a basic html website which we designed and then laid out in CSS.

On Thursday, we launched WoodMaster.

WoodMaster approached us last summer inquiring about SEO Black Hat and White Hat practices. Once we resolved some issues regarding his former black hat SEO company, we then focused on getting his site's content more SEO friendly. With his former site sitting at 200+ basic html pages showcasing his expert cabinet craftsmanship, we found his site an ideal candidate for a Content Management System.

Now with the search engines capable of reading his site better, we are excited to begin helping Woodmaster increase his web presence.

We sent out our February Newsletter today.  SPP publishes a, email newsletter monthly to announce recent projects and provide website tips and updates to our readers.

To read February's newsletter, please read...

Today we launched a new version of CPS Certification Services Incorporation. This is the third version of CPS Certification we've launched. We've worked with CPS Certification since 2005, and it has really been a pleasure watching CPS Certification grow over the years.

CPS Certification has done a smart job of link exchanging and, with the combination of our search engine friendly webdesign, they have really seen a great increase web traffic and business over the years.

This third version of their site focuses on providing more information to their customers regarding the cleanroom certification process. As their business has grown over the years, CPS Certification found many of their clients asking the same sorts of questions. CPS Certification wanted to streamline this process by providing more information online to empower their clients and reduce the time spent answering questions. As a result, we created the new version in a content management system to help manage the increased number of pages and allow CPS Certification staff to create new pages and edit old ones.

If this sounds like web talk hocus pocus, that's OK. This discussion is for the "Immanent Future" category of the Sun Powered Productions blog. In the last few months Identity 2.0 technology has begun to be supported by many major web applications. In the near future (say 2-5 years), the myriad of on line profiles or user accounts we have for every shopsite, blog, forum or community site we belong to will begin to be consolidated into a single profile that we will own and manage. When we visit a website our Identity 2.0 profile automatically handles all our payment, profile and other preferences. So, no more writing in your payment info or searching for lost passwords. Scary? Maybe, but it's definitely happening. Something to consider in the near future is whether you want your website, shopsite or blog to support Identity 2.0 technology. To find out more, take a look at openid.net or Dick Hardt's 2005 Identity 2.0 keynote speech.

How does this attract people to your website? Well, for the most part, Identity 2.0 has more to do with serving visitors once they get to your site. However, for a brief period of time, those who support Identity 2.0 will gain the attention (and admiration) of the early adapters of Identity 2.0.