Email software that works with iMIS

You’ll want to make sure your email marketing tool can access and sync the key fields you store in iMIS, such as member status, join dates, demographics, or any custom fields you use. You’ll then be able to segment your members based on these fields to complete targeted emails.

For data syncing, you might need to decide on the frequency this takes place. It might be important that this takes place in real time. Typically, contacts and lists are synced overnight.

With data privacy regulations, it’s critical that member communication preferences are always up to date. Your integration should ensure that opt-ins and opt-outs recorded in iMIS are seamlessly reflected in your email marketing platform, and vice versa.

Ideally, your integration will allow engagement metrics such as opens, clicks, and bounces, back into iMIS. This creates a single source of truth for member engagement and makes it easier to report on communication performance alongside other membership activity.

For more on member engagement, check out our article ‘What is engagement scoring?’ and our tool scorez.

One of the biggest benefits of integration is the ability to automate communication based on member activity. For example, new joiners can automatically receive a welcome email, lapsed members can get renewal reminders, and event registrants can be followed up with after an event.

Look for integrations that allow workflows to update dynamically as member data changes, so you only need to set them up once.

Some come as native connectors, others rely on third-party tools. In some cases, you may need custom API development. Make sure you know who is responsible for maintaining the connection – especially when iMIS or your email tool rolls out updates. Reliable support is key to avoiding disruption.

Integrations can carry hidden expenses, such as API limits or ongoing maintenance fees. It’s also important to consider scalability to make sure the solution will continue to work if your organisation grows.