VerticalResponse Inc., a firm that provides small businesses email and direct mail marketing, social media and online survey solutions, hosts the VR500 Awards for Email Marketing Excellence quarterly. Westway Studio was ranked No. 10.

Westway Studio is owned by Terran Bayer, a San Diego, Calif. pet photographer and graphic designer. Bayer, who also volunteers at rescues and shelters, is dedicated to capturing the personality of pets whether they are dogs, cats, turtles or horses.  

"Email marketing is a key way I stay in touch with my clients and those interested in my services," said Bayer, "VerticalResponse allows me to easily reach out to them while providing comprehensive data that helps make my future campaigns stronger. My last campaign increased my blog traffic by over 4,300 percent – and I couldn't have done it without VerticalResponse."

In order for small businesses to qualify for the award four email campaigns must be completed within the quarter, have an opt-in subscriber list with at least 100 members, have a specific amount of click-through and open rates, and be a VerticalResponse customer.

VerticalResponse will promote small business winners of the VR500 awards extensively through social media such as Twitter and Facebook. All winners receive an online badge to use on their website, blogs and Facebook pages.

"The VR500 awards highlight small businesses that have truly impressed us with how they've consistently kept their customers active and involved through creative email marketing," said Janine Popick, CEO of VerticalResponse. "These companies prove that email marketing makes a measurable, lasting impact on customer engagement and, in turn, the bottom line."

For more details and updates on the VR500 Awards for Email Marketing Excellence program, visit www.verticalresponse.com/vr500.