17/03/09 How to build your Email list.

Opting In
The first thing to know is that it is illegal to send unsolicited email messages to people who have not opted in or agreed to be on your email list. Sending junk emails to people will only create a poor and unprofessional impression of your business.When sending marketing emails you must always let people have the opportunity to opt out so that they do not receive any more emails from you. EasyDrum email marketing software automatically provides this option so that you comply with the law.

So how do you get people to opt in to receiving your emails?

Make your emails interesting.
If your emails are interesting and engaging then people will ask for them so make sure they are not just sales messages but have valuable content. Ask yourself the question would you want to read this email? If no then why would potential and existing customers?

Ask for recommendations
Add a link in your emails asking the recipient to recommend a friend or colleague by forwarding your email on.

Ask your customers or contacts if you can add them.
Simple to do, especially in the Business 2 Business sector. Ask them after a transaction has been made or when they hand you a business card. Add a sign up facility on your website to make it easy for people to receive your emails.

Incentives
Offer unique discounts or services through your website if people sign up for your emails.

Use brochures
When creating other marketing materials especially paper based ones such as product literature, forms, include opt in tick boxes to sign up to your emails.

Email List buying
This is an effective method of quickly  securing a large amount of opt in email addresses. However treat this with caution as there are many lists that are not necessarily opt in approved. We would recommend researching the lists and finding out how the lists were created and when they were last used and by who. Also find out if they are relevant to your product. If someone has opted in to receive emails it is normally for specific products. EasyDrum can help source quality email lists if required.