Successful online marketing relies on being able to navigate the landscape of all of the various tools available and focus on your specific customer’s interests and needs while generating the right type of leads for your business. As we’ve previously discussed, the best companies are using email marketing to build customer relationships and provide relevant product information.
Email marketing is the process of using email to distribute relevant messaging targeted at building a closer connection between your business and your leads/customers. Benefits include lowered costs and faster response rates. It costs almost nothing to send email and you can generate immediate results.
Are You Ready for Email Marketing?
Quick Email Marketing Assessment
__ Yes __ No – Are you collecting email addresses from your customers?
Email addresses should be including on any sign up form or customer order sheet. It is an essential piece of information you must be collecting from your customers.
__ Yes __ No – Do you have an email opt-in form on your website?
Adding an email opt-in form is very simple but can be frustrating for non-technical person.
__ Yes __ No – Do you have promotions or coupons that could be distributed via email?
Most businesses can create special promotions and offers and email is the most economical method for contacting your customers.
__ Yes __ No – Do you have the resources to generate content for a weekly/bi-weekly/monthly email newsletter?
Example content would be recent blogs posts, a message about industry trends, or internal company news. There is always something you can email your customers.
__ Yes __ No – If NO, do you have the resources to hire a professional to generate content for your email campaigns?
Content can be generated by anyone. Some companies have employees generate content or hire a freelance writer to develop specialized content. All content goes through a quality review so don’t worry about losing control over the message.
__ Yes __ No – Are you competitors using email?
Think about your competitors and whether or not they are using these activities and if they seem to be having success. According to research from MarketingSherpa’s 2012 Email Marketing Benchmark Report, it is highly likely that your competitors are using email. They found that over 67% of companies expect to increase their email budgets in 2012.
Any questions? Comment below.
If you’re using email for your business, comment below and let others know how you’re using it and how email marketing is contributing to your business.