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Marketing to your database PDF Print E-mail
The power of a database to help your marketing is in the functionality it brings, over and above just storing your clients name, address and email address. It will bring sanity to your marketing plan and allow you to contact your Sphere of Influence, your clients and potential clients in ways you never thought possible!
by TaraJacobsen


The power of a database to help your marketing is in the functionality it brings, over and above just storing your clients name, address and email address. It will bring sanity to your marketing plan and allow you to contact your Sphere of Influence, your clients and potential clients in ways you never thought possible!

The easiest way to add people to your database is to build a form and have people enter their information directly into your marketing database. Almost every database system allows for some kind of online entry, if you are not an expert in how to program your website, hire someone to help. This online entry will coordinate with your auto-responder efforts.

The very best aspect of a database is the ability of it to personalize your outgoing message. Most databases will allow you to send out some sort of blast message (either by email or direct mail) which can start with Dear Client Name. I am sure most people realize that we are using technology to personalize the message BUT that does not decrease the effectiveness of using someones given name.

The most important thing you can have for your database is LOTS of people. These should be people who are interested in your product or service and who you have at least a small connection with. They can be member of a professional organization that you belong to, a member of your church, your friends, your dentist, past clients, or anyone with whom you would like to communicate. If you will commit to adding a fixed number of people to your database daily (five per day is realistic), you can guarantee that by the end of the year you will have at least one thousand, two hundred and fifty people to talk with on a regular basis.

The best thing about the internet is the ability to market affordably, and no where is that more apparent than with email marketing! Using just a little time, you can send a message to your entire database with just a few mouse clicks. A great message that is helpful to your clients can be sent once or twice a month without burning out your list.

Direct mail is one of the most effective, time test means of communicating with your clients, prospects and suspects. It requires a commitment on your part though, sending one message will not accomplish much in the way of results. It is said that your message will need to be sent at least 5 times to break through the clutter of mail people receive. I am not sure that I am that pessimistic, I think a great, well thought out message can work quickly " but I also think that repetition will make that message stronger.

Autoresponders or drip marketing is another way to communicate with your database. This involves sending out a series of messages over time to your new clients or prospects, telling them about aspects of your business or service. Instead of yelling at them about your business, you tell them about it gradually through a series emails sent once a week or even every few days. Two great services for autoresponders are AWeber and Constant Contact, both of which supply a great service at an affordable price.

There is nothing worse that you can do to your database than send out unrelated messages from your core business or service. Make sure that you NEVER sell your list to anyone or talk about a product or service totally unrelated to your product. I have frequently seen marketers send advertisements out that were not a part of their product or service line and their unsubscribes went through the roof.

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