One of the best forms of marketing is speaking directly to your client base. You can develop an Email Marketing list of qualified, interested customers and prospects by getting visitors to opt in to email messages you send out on a regular basis.
Developing a list takes a bit of effort, but it is certainly worthwhile. Take a look at these tips for creating, and expanding, a strong customer base.
General Email Marketing Tips
Keep in mind that you need to use every point of contact with prospective clients: face-to-face interactions, website visitors who use the “Contact Us” form, former and current customers, blog commenters, etc.
Always obtain an opt-in form. Although rules vary by country regarding spamming, it is a good idea to get permission before sending a message via email no matter where you do business. Ask for each person’s name, mailing address, telephone number (as an option), and email address. Send a verification message as soon as you receive the completed opt-in form welcoming the new subscriber.
Make sure you give each contact a reason for signing up to receive your emails. An incentive could be in the form of a special discount, a free item, or simply the promise of receiving complimentary, valuable information in your regular Email Marketing newsletters.
Website Best Practices
Ensure that it is easy for website visitors to your site to opt-in to email communications. You should have at least one page with a sign-up form; you may also want to consider adding it to every page on your site. If you are paying for a PPC campaign, make sure the landing page incorporates a sign-up form.
Include a sign-up form option for everyone who places an order. This can be done by asking each customer to create an account and adding a check box for “sign up to receive newsletters and special sale information”.
Add a button that current subscribers can use to “tell a friend”. Word of mouth is a powerful form of marketing. This is also quite effective when included at the bottom of your email newsletter.
Miscellaneous Tips
Ask for subscribers in every form of promotional material you use such as print ads, press releases, or brochures even invoices. This also extends to the signature line in your own email account. Make it an easy-to-see, clickable link.
Follow up with every customer via email message or postcard and ask them to opt-in to future communications. This could be accomplished as part of a customer satisfaction survey.
If your budget allows, you can rent a list of prospects or get listed on another internet marketers newsletter. Ask interested parties to register to become a part of your permanent Email Marketing list and for permission to send further communications.
Promote your newsletters as you would any other part of your business. The more popular the content becomes, the more likely you are to obtain subscriptions to future mailings. Utilise social networking, bookmarking, and article writing. Market your newsletter on directories.
There are many ways to build up a list of prospects. Start with the most obvious, such as adding forms on your website, and go from there. It will be a continuous process to obtain opt-ins and to manage email addresses and requests to subscribe/unsubscribe, but the results will be well worth it.
Have a most outstanding day.
Sean RasmussenAussie Internet Marketing
www.SeanSEO.com © 2008 - 2010
