Marketing Database
Getting permission to send customers an email is probably one of the hardest and most important, things you can do as a business owner. When you first start email marketing, it's normal to have a small list. It takes effort to get into the habit of asking for e-mail addresses.
Here are a few simple ways you can build your list:
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Add a "Join My E-mail List" sign-up form to your website. Your website is usually the first place people look when they want information about your business. Don't miss the chance to start building a relationship with them when they visit your website. Contact Jala Design if you are interested in having an registration form added to your website.
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Ask existing customers for their email addresses and permission. Whether it's in person or over the phone, tell customers about your email communications and ask if you can add them to your list. If you have a physical store, put out a sign-up book in a prominent place. If your business is internet-based and your only customer communication is through email, send a follow-up email after an order and ask if they want to join your list.
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Ask contacts you meet at trade shows and networking events. When you meet people at an event, tell them about your free newsletter or your email-only specials and ask if they would like to join your list.
Want to take it to the next level?
Here are some creative ideas to put into practice:
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Incentives to register. It's amazing how a chance to win a prize, or receive a freebie, can be just what a contact needs to register for your email list.
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Run a "Forward to a Friend Contest." In your email newsletter, let your contacts know that if they use the "Forward to a Friend" link to send your newsletter to at least one new recipient, they'll be entered into a draw for the chance to win a prize. Jala Design will provide you with your own reporting system, where you can keep track of any forwards that take place.
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Include a "Join My E-mail List" link in all online content. Do you write your own blog? Do you have articles on your website or on other websites? If so, it’s easy to include a link that takes readers to your registration page. Your copy could read, "Like this article? Get more like it in your inbox. Subscribe today for our monthly e-newsletter."
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Include a "Join My E-mail List" link at the bottom of your e-mail signature. This is great advertisement and it's free. Add one line that describes the benefits of your newsletter or e-mail promotions, "Get our monthly newsletter with tips on how to grow your business" or "Receive weekly coupons for exclusive discounts”.
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Promote your newsletter on all printed collateral. It's easy to forget about email when doing a printed piece. Whether it's a brochure or a direct mail postcard, don't forget to add a line asking the receiver to sign up for your free newsletter.
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