Email Rules / Free Marketing Tips

Recently I did a marketing test, I emailed 38 people who recently paid to place an ad in a community business journal, I simply emailed them telling them that I found their ad in The Hills Magazine and wanted to know if they had a website. I made no reference that I was a business or any reference to my web design business, just a simply stated email. Only 12 people out of 38 responded to my email. And all 12 sent an email that went like this... No, we do not have a website, or No we are just a small business, or No sorry we don't have a website we have been meaning to get around to it or No I don't have a website but I should have one. Not one person even referenced in any way what they do in their email.

Hmmmm There is so much to be learned from this and here are the morals of this story...

(1) Never ever waste your time and money placing an ad anywhere if you are not even going to check or respond to emails. This may even turn people off from visiting your store, as many people search online and then buy off line at the storefront.

(2) Never, ever say the word NO to a customer or potential customer!
If you don't have it you find out where you or they can get it. Your response should go something like this...

Response #1
Hello, Thank you so much for contacting us here are Tristate Business Solutions, we provide high quality, affordable marketing services and offer free marketing consultations and would gladly set up an appointment that's convenient to you, we also have a special for all new clients to receive 250 business cards free! I have also attached some information on some of our services. Please feel free to call us at 201-203-0750. Many Thanks.

This response gives the customer all the information they need including a way to get in touch with you, detailed information on your product or service as well as an incentive for them to contact you and not be distracted by the fact that you don't have a website.

Response #2
Hi Karen, thank you for getting in touch with us for your printing needs, I did some research and here are two companies I found that offer the product that you are looking for, let me know if this works out for you. By the way we also have a spring special we are offering promotional pens at half price this month, I have attached some more info. Take care and let me know if you have any questions.

This response keeps the customer your customer. If you could not find a way to offer the customer the product your self and needed to do a referral, you want your customers to know you will go above and beyond to support them, hence why you made one or two calls or a quick Internet search to give them the info, and in turn you will gain loyalty and they will support and refer you.


(3) Always (PIMP) what you do always no matter where you are there is always a chance to promote your business. Sell your product or services to everyone. Someone sends you their ad you respond, thanking then for offering you the special and mention what specials you may have coming up. Every email you send out to a potential customer or client should mention the product or service you sell. This also increases your branding and image. Cost $0.00


(4) Use your signature in all your emails its prominent real estate and ITS FREE!
Always have a signature at the end of all your emails stating your business name, something like this:

Nikki Auguste
Tristate Business Solutions
High Quality, Affordable
Business Marketing Solutions
Phone
201-203-0750
Get 250 Free Business Cards this Month
Visit us online www.TristateBusinessSolutions.com
Mailing Address:
PO Box 8848
New Haven CT 06532

So even if you didn't mention what you do or the name of your business in the body of your email it will automatically be there in all your correspondence, you could also put a line like this saying "Get 15% off this month sprint special!" This is highly important, if the person reading wants to contact you they don't have to go looking for your phone number or wondering if you have a website etc.

(5) GET A WEBSITE, its more than saying I have a website its

Your Credibility
The Effectiveness of your Advertising -
Improved Customer Service -
Reduced printing costs
Increase your sales
Generated leads
To read more about the benefits click here
(6) GET A PERSONALIZED EMAIL ADDRESS MATCHING YOUR WEBSITE I.E JOHN@TRISTATEBUSINESSSOLUTIONS.COM....gone are the days to send out a business email from AOL, MSN or Yahoo! Again your credibility and you professionalism is at stake.

All of the above can help to either make or break the next deal you get.