Posted on Wednesday, September 29 @ 22:37:17 CDT | Topic: Business
by Jessica Swanson
Most small business owners believe that email marketing is a simple process:
you simply type up an email and send it off. A few years ago (before the onset
of spam and CAN-SPAM laws), that may have been the case. However, in today's
business environment, the email landscape has drastically changed.
In order to develop an email campaign that builds loyal subscribers and
eventually turns those subscribers into customers, there are a few key points to
keep in mind:
1.Permission is NOT an option. It's essential that every single person on
your email list has opted-in via a form on your website. Today, sending
unsolicited emails will only hurt your company's reputation. In addition, as
tempting as it may be to purchase a list of one million prospects from a lead
broker, you run the risk of creating angry prospects who can't wait to report
you and your company as spam. Therefore, build your list through permission, not
spam.
2. Focus on quality over quantity. Too many small business owners believe
that a large list is the key to success. However, the truth is that a targeted
list is the key to success. It's better to have 500 targeted prospects, than
5,000 untargeted leads.
3. Segment your list for better results. It's important that you take time
to segment your list in order to send appropriate emails to appropriate leads.
If you have prospects whom have made a purchase from you, segment them and send
them emails that keep them happy and loyal customers (coupons, special offers,
customer appreciation promotions).
4. Deliver value. As you build your list, you want to ensure that every
time you send an email, it delivers valuable information to your subscribers.
This is the key to building loyal subscribers who look forward to hearing from
you. Avoid aggressive sales pitches and pushy behavior -- it's the quickest way
to lose valuable prospects.
5. Call to action. Although it's important that you deliver valuable and
educational information to your prospects, it's also important that each and
every email asks your prospects to act. You may want them to call a 1-800
number, you may want them to register for a webinar or you may want them to take
a look at your newest product. It doesn't matter what action you want them to
take, just so long as you ask them to take some form of action.
Email is a very powerful option if used correctly. Therefore, take the time to
implement proven email strategies to ensure the overall success of your
marketing efforts.
Jessica Swanson, “The Shoestring Marketer,” has helped entrepreneurs, all over
the world, explode their businesses using cutting-edge, proven and completely
free marketing strategies. To download your FREE Marketing Kit, which has helped
thousands of entrepreneurs, just like you, learn the exact techniques for
marketing their businesses for NO-COST, visit: Shoestring Marketing Kit
Contact the Author
Jessica
Swanson
Shoestring Marketing
