Building Your E-mail List

When you first get started with email marketing, it's common to have a smaller list. It takes time and effort to get in the habit of asking for email addresses. Once you get in the habit and start building up your list – it will be well worth the effort!

Getting Started

Here are a few simple things that you can do to build your list:

Put a "Join My Email List" sign-up box on your website.
Your web site is the first place most people look when they want information about your business. Don't miss this chance to start building a relationship with them.

Ask your customers for their email addresses and permission.
Whether it's over the phone or in person, don't forget to 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 them a follow-up email after an order and ask if they want to join your list. If you have employees who interact with customers, train them to ask as well.

Ask those you meet when networking.
When you meet people at networking events tell them about your free e-newsletter or your email-only specials and ask them if they would like to join your list.Taking It Up A NotchIf you are already covering all the basics – you can still incorporate some other creative ideas.

Offer incentives for signing up.
It's amazing how a freebie or a chance to win a prize can be just what a person needs to "take the plunge" and sign up for your email list. Your giveaway doesn't have to be costly. Make it clear to those who sign up that they will be added to your list.

Partner with a related business or organization.
Think of a business or organization that is related to your business, but not a competitor. You can work together to promote each other's email communications to your customers. Some good partnership examples are a tax accountant and a financial planner or a theater and a nearby restaurant. Highlight your partner as a guest writer in your newsletter and ask that they do the same for you. At the end of each article, invite readers to join that author's email list.

Include a "Join My Email List" link at the bottom of your email signature.
This is great advertisement and it's free. Add one line that describes the benefits of your newsletter or email promotions like, "Get our monthly newsletter with tips on how to …" or "Receive weekly coupons for exclusive discounts."

Promote your web site and email communications in all printed materials
(including your business cards!).
It's easy to forget about email when creating 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. Business cards are a great place for a quick promo as well. By putting some of these ideas in place, your list will increase over the months and years to come. More contacts mean more opportunities to bring in new customers and build lasting relationships with them.

Please contact us with any questions you may have about online marketing.

- The MJ team

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