Companies are constantly in search of ways to build their email marketing lists. Established companies make attempts to obtain the email addresses of existing customers while new companies generally struggle to compile an original email list. Let’s explore the things you should know when it comes to building your email marketing list.
Network with Local Businesses
Attend meetings in your local area (i.e. seminars, and city commerce luncheons) to exchange cards and information with other professionals. Exchange business cards and be sure to follow up – via email of course. However, you should make sure that the people in this network are interested in what you have to offer and the possibility of sharing contacts with you. It’s poor form to contact businesses that wanted nothing to do with you.
Attend Trade Shows.
This is a good opportunity to network with people that are interested in your niche. Set up a booth. organize a presentation, or simply ‘attend’ a show and use it as a networking opportunity. Obtain general contact information and offer promotions and ‘free’ gifts. The people who fill out your information form have automatically ‘opted in’ to your marketing strategy. Along with trade shows a good option is to organize and attend informational seminars geared to both consumers and business contacts alike.
Retail Storefronts
A great place to expand your email marketing lists is a retail storefront. You can design a drawing or a contest that requires registration. You’ve probably engaged in this marketing technique before without even knowing it (i.e. registering to win a new car while shopping at the mall). Any storefront opportunities are well-received and are a great way to add to your email marketing lists of contacts.
Local Events
Many people attend functions like openings, parties, musical concerts, and any other event that will draw people together. You might want to consider sponsoring one of these events yourself or joining with other likeminded businesspeople; to sponsor the event. This affords you the opportunity to increase your Internet mail address listings and help you get your name out there.
Direct Mail
Sending out mail to prospective customers is a good way to grow your list. You can mass issue postcards with your company name and website and collect contacts as they visit the site or make inquiries. Be sure that you offer some type of incentive that will earn you the best response.
Telemarketing
This process can be time consuming but well the efforts if done properly. You can use phone calls to touch base with prior customers and it is a great way to rekindle old business and perhaps make new contacts. Just don’t allow your telemarketing staff to call during lunch and dinntertime hours.
Conclusion
Email marketing is just like any other form of marketing and is designed primarily to open the lines of communication and to make contact with people. You should do your best to translate your everyday interactions with people into business growing leads and contacts. To deploy a successful email marketing lists campaign, you must cultivate your people skills and always adhere to the Golden Rule; treat your customers as you would expect to be treated in a given situation and your business will go far.
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