How To Develop Your E-Mail Marketing List

E-mail marketing is still considered one of the most cost-effective and efficient forms of marketing out there.  This is evidenced by the fact that so many online businesses today have incorporated e-mail marketing into their overall marketing plans and strategy.  It is one of the easiest ways to promote your company and the products or services you offer using a variety of formats such as greeting cards, newsletters, promotional offers, etc.

Unlike social media platforms that own the content you post there, you own the contents on your e-mail marketing list.  Furthermore, it is relatively simple to develop a contact list from your current and prospective clients or customers.  In other words, you simply build it from the connections you have already made as follows:

• Business connections – if you have a collection of business cards from industry colleagues, you can add these individuals to your e-mail list. However, today it is just easier to connect with other businesses at LinkedIn.

• Personal connections – people that you know are oftentimes your biggest assets. These are the individuals we often turn to for support in our efforts.  Plus, they might pass along your information to other individuals that you can add to your list.

• Sales connections – you should ask every customer for their e-mail address whether they make a purchase at your land-based location or online. This helps to generate a list of those individuals who are already interested in your company and have purchased from you before.

• Website-wide connections – opt-in sign-ups can easily be put in place on every page of your website. You can install a link that redirects them to a specific area for signing up or place a “sign-up here” button on any webpage of your site.

Remember, by continually building your e-mail marketing contact list, you increase your chances of being successful.  Keep in mind that individuals don’t want to be bombarded with continuous e-mails.  So remain courteous and make sure you offer an unsubscribe option.