I just came across these links and thought I’d share…
2010 Online Marketing Influencers: Trend Predictions in 140 characters by Trendsspotting http://bit.ly/876UgL
TrendsSpotting’s 2010 Consumer Trends Influencers http://bit.ly/7JPMmg
TrendsSpotting’s 2010 Social Media Influencers – Trend Predictions http://bit.ly/4OWZgV
One of the most cost effective ways to reach out to current and potential customers is to communicate via e-mail to a deliberately chosen mailing list. In the same manner direct mail sent via the postal service has benefited businesses in the past, e-mail marketing can also reap the same benefits but at a fraction or no cost to you.
Depending on the frequency and size of your mailing list you can either send out e-mails using your current e-mail service or purchase or pay to use a software program designed specifically for larger quantity e-mail distribution. Always adhere to the rules of etiquette and the law when initiating an e-mail marketing program.
Here is a list of some of the things you can accomplish utilizing an e-mail marketing program:
1. Announce new products and services – Why wait for a print ad to be published or a new brochure or catalog to be delivered when you can announce a new product or service in real time?
2. Generate sales leads – If you have a unqualified list of potential customers you can e-mail them an offer for something of value and in return require them to sign up to receive your newsletter, blog posts, e-mails, etc.
3. Promote a conference or webinar – Use your current mailing list to generate a larger audience at conferences and to participate in webinars that you are conducting. Any event can be announced and promoted via e-mail.
4. Offer demos and samples – Offer to demonstrate your product or provide a sample to allow a potential customer to overcome any doubts regarding your product. It allows them to become familiar with what you are offering.
5. Solicit newsletter subscribers – E-mail a sample of your current newsletter and offer the opportunity to subscribe. It’s a wonderful way to share information and build a relationship.
6. Conduct surveys and research – Collecting data on trends and attitudes about your brand are a key component of your marketing strategy. Surveys conducted via e-mail are a cost effective way to reach out to your target market. You may want to offer a small reward to encourage participation.
7. Direct offers – With an established mailing list you can offer current customers the opportunity to purchase your product or service when running a promotion. You can encourage usage or upgrading of a product they currently use.
8. Offer a new catalog or sales literature – Announce the availability of a new catalog or literature about your product. Cut down on the expense of mailing out these items by offering it via e-mail and providing a link to a pdf of the literature. You can always offer a print version in your e-mail too.
9. Increase trade show booth traffic – Pre-trade show marketing using e-mail to announce your participation and booth assignment for a trade show can increase traffic. Offer a personal demonstration, valuable information, or redemption of a promotional offer which can only be acquired by visiting your booth.
10. Educate customers and prospects – Provide information that helps your market understand your product more clearly. Focus on the features of your brand than are of value to the consumer. Provide the links to online tutorials, tips, and learning programs associated with your product.
