8 Ways to Grow Your Email Database

With the amount of spam filling inboxes on a daily basis, it’s no wonder that people are hesitant to share their online contact details. This presents a challenge for savvy business owners who understand the importance of an online presence and the need to convert visitors to customers. Here are some ideas on how you can you build your email database and increase sales conversion.

1. Be aware of email etiquette and ethics. Don’t assume that because someone exchanged business cards with you that they are giving you permission to contact them regarding your products or services. Ensure that only those emails you have received from a permission based invitations are included on your database.
2. Ensure that your website has opt-in forms. There are numerous companies online that can provide form building as well as database management.
3. Opt-in forms are only helpful if you have traffic going to your site and a reason for people to opt in. Build traffic through regular blogging and social media interaction. As people visit your site, make them an irresistible offer. There email and contact information in return for knowledge or a free gift from your site. E-books, white papers and newsletters are a popular choice.
4. Consider asking website visitors for advice and feedback in return for their contact information. It’s amazing how many people enjoy assisting you and will gladly share their email address in return.
5. Offer subscriber only specials. As you send out newsletters include a special offer to those who already subscribe. When your offer is a good one, news will spread via word of mouth or via social networking.
6. Offer a trial period for you product or service. This can be a particularly useful way of promoting a product or service that is difficult to describe or market. Once you have a few satisfied customers, news of your service will extend beyond your current database.
7. Ask your subscribers to share your newsletters or emails with others. One effective way of doing this is to hold a competition. With the right incentive you can create your own viral marketing scheme. Use the forward to a friend link in your email.
8. If your business has an office or showroom, ensure that visitors are asked to complete a form including email contact details.

Remember that online marketing is all about building trusting relationships. Your online presence is all-important and if you want to build a network of followers who can be converted to customers it is essential that you present the most professional image. With this in mind, think about everything you send out in emails and your online web content. Nothing is more off putting than emails peppered with spelling mistakes or grammatically incorrect content.

For more information about email marketing and ways in which you can build your email database, contact PlanetDomain here or call us to speak to a consultant on 1300 36 64 05.

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Tags: email marketing, Social media