Email Marketing. How to build an opt-in email marketing list

Email marketing, one step further. In our last article entitled 'Email Marketing Legislation. What does it mean to you?', we discussed some of the legalities around the subject of email marketing. We established that the key to successful email marketing is to get people to WANT to receive your mailing; to opt-in. Here are some interesting facts. Did you know that online buyers require your product or service to be placed in front of them an average of 7 times before they actually make the decision buy from you? Did you know that repeat customers spend 33% more than new customers? Did you know that up to 69% of email users make purchases online after receiving permission-based email marketing?

 

Email marketing is more cost effective and measureable than direct mail. Your opted-in email list is your 'little goldmine'; and acts as a constant source of traffic for you. All very well, but how can you build an opted-in email marketing list? You have a few options: create your own list; buy a list, or both. Today we shall focus on your 'home-grown' contact list.

 

Here are 10 simple and effective ways how you can build your own list of qualified, opted-in contacts.

 

• Customers. Collate a list of all your current customers and add to that list with each new sale. Also make sure your employees are asking every customer if they would like to be on your list.
• Networking events. You are likely to meet a number of contacts at a business networking session. Exchange business cards and ask your contacts if they would be interested in receiving your email communications full of interesting and informative information and offers.
• Website email sign-up. Put an email sign-up box on your website, and start collecting opted-in email addresses. These people have already shown interest in your products or services, so make the most of that interest; and let them know WHY they'll benefit from being on your mailing list.
• Email signature. Include an email subscription link in your email signature and ensure that your contacts are only a click away from signing up to your mailing list.
• Publish an article. People trust experts! Article marketing sets you out as an expert in your niche. Write quality content and people will want more of what you have to offer and trust you with their email addresses.
• Mailings & flyers. Place a note at the bottom of your print communications with a link to an online email subscription page to easily join your list via your website.
• Online forums & blogs. Respond to comments on forums and bogs, answer questions and give advice when you can. Most forums allow you to create a signature line which you can set up with the link to your newsletter opt-in on your website. Another excellent way to build trust and promote your expertise.
• Social networking. Consider building a page on the various social networking sites or build your own fan club with a link back to your online opt-in form only one click-away.
• Events, tradeshows, seminars & workshops. Consider offering a giveaway prize draw in exchange for explicit opt-in. Display a sign-up sheet so people can register. Mention your value-add email services in pre- and post-event mailings.
• Think viral. Create a 'forward to a friend' link in your e-communications. If your content is useful and interesting, people will want to spread the word and refer you to their contacts.

 

Do take the time to build your high quality, well-segmented, permission-based e-mail database; and above all, keep it current. Remember that business data decays at 30% every year! An effective, targeted email marketing campaign can drive traffic to your website, build trust with your target audience, keep them informed, engaged, and can turn leads into sales.

 

How can Simplicity help? Simplicity provides a complete eMarketing service from conception to completion. We can Create, Send, Track, and Manage your campaign from start to finish. You will receive a full report about the success of your campaign with real time results. You won't just know which messages were received, bounced or blocked, you'll know exactly who's opened your messages, even which links they have clicked on. Whatever your level of expertise, we are always on hand to help. Whether it's advice on the message content or design; data acquisition, campaign analysis, the creation or re-design of your website; we can help with any part of the equation.

 

Now, how do you ensure you get maximum results from your email communications? How do you get started and what should you consider when drafting your e-comms? How can you improve your email deliverability? All these questions will be addressed in our next edition of 'simplify', stay tuned.

 

Article coming soon:

How can I improve my email deliverability and improve my success rate?

 

If you need any help with your marketing or web design, please do not hesitate to ask, even if it's just some advice you need. Simplicity would be happy to help. Interested to learn how we can help? View our services; or simply contact us to discuss how we can help.

 

Here are some related articles which you might find interesting:

What is e-Marketing? Read this article...

Email Marketing Legislation. What does it mean to you? Read this article...

Demystifying email statistics. Read this article...

 

 

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