That starts with staying in regular communication with your target market. When you build an ongoing dialogue with them, you increase the trust and comfort level they have with you. They look forward to hearing from you. It becomes second nature for them to think of you. You’ll stay top of mind with them and as a result, they’ll become more loyal to you, spend more with you, donate more frequently, and be more likely to refer you to their friends or colleagues.
Sounds great, right? One of the easiest, most effective ways to build that dialogue is with email marketing — by using email newsletters and promotions that you send regularly.
That’s why
you should have a list of your customers’, clients’, or members’ email
addresses: it’s a real asset to your business. And it’s so easy to quickly build
it and at little cost.
Here’s How: Here are
some things you can do to build a permission-based list, wherever you go,
however your organization interacts with the public.
At your office or place of business:
- Ask every customer if they want to receive your email newsletter.
- Request customer email addresses on your POS, online ordering, or checkout system.
- Add space to your comment cards or surveys for people to sign up.
- Put tent cards, wall, or counter displays in your place of business. Use a teaser, if applicable, about getting the inside scoop or exclusive offers from you.
- Use a fishbowl on your counter to collect newsletter sign-up forms or business cards. Offer a weekly or monthly prize, like discounts or gifts from your establishment or other local vendors. Announce the winners in your newsletter, and add everyone in the bowl to your mailing list (be sure to include a disclaimer on the sign up sheet that says "winner will be notified by email" to ensure they provide you with the correct address.)
If you’re online and use social media:
- Add a “Join My Mailing List” app to your website and your Facebook Page so people can join your list.
- Ask your Facebook fans and Twitter followers to sign up for your list by providing a link to your sign-up form on your website.
- Share your latest issue on your favorite social network and let those not on your mailing list see the great content you’re sending on a regular basis.
When you’re at events, in the field, or
networking:
- Bring a sign-up sheet
- to every public event you exhibit at or participate in: fairs, open houses, fundraising events, craft shows — any place where dozens of people will encounter you.
- Leave postage-paid sign-up cards behind when you visit clients or at networking events so people can mail it back to you. Just write your address on the back and stamp it — it won’t cost them a penny to join.
If
you already use email marketing or other outgoing communications:
- Make it easy for recipients to tell their friends about your emails with a “forward to a friend” link
- Staple a sign-up card to customers’ receipts, or include it in the envelope if you mail them bills.
So, now you
say, “I Have a List…Now What?” Here’s what to do!
- Ask your customers or members
- what they want to hear about from you — consider using an Online Survey to collect this information quickly and easily.
- Consider segmenting, which lets you subdivide your master mailing list into smaller lists that group people together by their interests. It allows you to create truly targeted communications that speak directly to them.
- Host an event like a class, seminar, demonstration, client/member appreciation party, or fundraiser to establish a bigger presence in your community, get publicity, and attract new people. Don’t forget to ask attendees if you can add them to your mailing list.
- Collect people’s birthday or anniversary dates. Every month, send a special discount or offer to those celebrating their big day. (See...even big brands do it!)
Email communications are a very low-cost, high-impact way to engage
with and have a conversation with your customers (and prospects). There are
several online companies that offer Email Communications and TRIO is now a Constant Contact
Partner! If you have ever wanted to try it, or learn more about Constant
Contact, sign up here: http://www.constantcontact.
Merry Christmas,
and we’ll talk next year! 
515-259-0577 - office
316-644-7029 - cell
renee@trioagency.comwww.facebook.com/trioagency
www.trioagency.blogspot.com
www.trioagency.com
About TRIO Marketing|Branding|AdvertisingTRIO is a full-service marketing communications company providing a wide array of integrated marketing services to meet all of your business and marketing needs. At TRIO, we understand that each client is unique; therefore we provide customized solutions based on your goals and growth objectives. All of our recommendations are made specifically for you and your business.
TRIO Marketing|Branding|Advertising delivers an effective blend of creative talent and strategic thinking, delivering results that increase the bottom line of our client partners. We utilize our network of local experts in the community to execute the campaigns on the basis of design, printing and mailing.
Our Services include:
- Marketing, Branding, Public Relations and Advertising Consulting
- Strategic Annual Marketing Plan Development
- Integrated and Interactive Marketing Services including E-mail and SMS Marketing
- Promotional Products
- Media Negotiation, Placement & Spot Traffic Management
- Print Design & Production
- Web Development & Search Engine Optimization
- Direct Mail Services
- One-on-One Business Development/Sales Team Coaching
At TRIO,
we work hard to combine marketing talent and technology with outstanding
customer service to build long-term partnerships with you and your business. Our
strategies are delivered on time and in a cost-effective manner to achieve
maximum response and grow your business.
