The Gold is in the Opt-in List
by Kathleen Gage
Published on this site: April 19th, 2005 - See
more articles from this month...
When I consult with small and home based business owners, more
times than not one of the greatest concerns they have is how to
increase reach to a targeted market while keeping costs down. Hands
down, effectively using the power of the Internet is the cornerstone
to achieving this outcome. More times than not, companies are not
using their Internet presence as effectively as they can.
I often see a company that has a website that looks great
from a design perspective, yet from a marketing and sales
perspective the site is not working. Many people are under
the mistaken belief that if a potential customer or client
visits their site they will be so impressed they will automatically
return time and again. Fact is, this is not what happens in
the real world of the Internet. Chances are within minutes
most visitors have forgotten sites they looked at unless there
was something that encouraged them to remember.
People remember based on the value you create and a problem
being solved. They also remember by you keeping your name
and company fresh in their mind.
One way to do this is to offer visitors the opportunity to
opt in to your mailing list. If people have taken the time
to visit your site, you need to encourage them to leave their
contact information. You do this by offering them something
that is incredibly valuable that they sign up for.
It's incredible how many companies, large and small, miss
the opportunity to encourage visitors to sign up for something.
It is in the signing up you will build a mailing list that
is worth more than its weight in gold.
Most people are so overloaded with information that if you
don't immediately solve a problem for them they are not going
to be interested in signing up for anything. Additionally,
once they sign up if your information does not continue to
solve their problem they will want off your list.
In today's world of Internet marketing, your job is to look for
ways to continually offer value while increasing your distribution
list.
Specific Strategies to Increase Your Distribution List If you are
in the retail industry, every time someone comes to your store,
simply ask them if you can add them to your distribution list to
keep them updated on specials, events, and unique offers. In most
cases if they are attracted to your store, they will gladly give
you their information. Make sure to get their email address.
If you have a current mailing list of clients, conduct a survey
and offer an incentive for people to respond. Direct them to your
site where they fill out a survey and perhaps receive a free report
or eBook.
If you do any type of presentations as a part of your job, collect
contact information from the attendees. Send a follow-up message
within 48 hours inviting them to sign up for your Ezine.
Use your email signature file to encourage people to sign up for
an incentive on your website. Put the web link right in your signature.
Put a sign-up box on every page of your site. Many websites have
a sign-up on the main page but have not put one up on other pages
of their site. Fact is, a web search for a specific product or service
can take people anywhere on your site, not just the main page. Make
it easy for them to sign-up for something from every page.
Write and distribute articles online with a strong byline at the
end of the article. A byline is simply an information piece that
is usually a few sentences in length. In the byline direct readers
back to your website for something of value.
Offer a free report from your site. Make sure it is compelling
enough for people to want to sign up.
Offer free eBooks to encourage people to leave their contact information
in order to download the file.
Opt-in lists are one of the most powerful marketing tools
you have in your online and offline marketing. Complemented
by a good Ezine, website, consistent focus on driving traffic
to your site and gaining visibility, the potential for growing
your business is unlimited.
Kathleen Gage is a keynote speaker, author and business
advisor specializing in marketing and promotions. Access Gage's's
FREE eBook Street Smarts Marketing On the Internet at
http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/free-ebook.htm
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