Building Trust and Connection Through Communication.    

Irrespective of what business you’re in communication is KEY. 

If you want people to visit your website, shop, office, practice or restaurant more than once then you need to remind them that you exist.  By sharing the latest news and updates you strengthen your relationship with them. One of the best ways to do this is to collect email addresses and use them to create an online mailing list. 

Here are 3 Simple Steps to Setting Up Your Mailing List…

1.    Collecting Email Addresses

This is easier than you might think.   People are used to giving their email address in exchange for valuable information.

One way of doing this is to include an opt-in box on your website which gives your visitors the option to sign up to your newsletter.  If you have a bricks and mortar business then direct people to your site and invite them to sign up.  It is often better to make mailing list sign-up voluntary, as this means you will build a list of only the most enthusiastic people.

2.    What to Write in Your Mailing List Emails

If you want people to read your emails then avoid corporate speak.  You need to provide information and updates that are useful and relevant to the person who’s going to be opening that email.  If you don’t share information that’s useful to real people then your email will head straight into their junk mail.

You should take some time over your emails. Make them something that the recipients will want to keep and refer to more than once – often-updated, time-sensitive information is best, if you have access to it.

If you have a promotion, you should work in a link.  But be subtle about it – a good way of doing this is to include a tip or two with potential uses for your product or service.  This sparks the reader’s curiosity enough to click through and learn more.

3.    The Technical Side

Once you’ve got a mailing list and you’ve written the first email, the next step is to set up the technical side of things.   To get started you can use Outlook.  However there are generally number restrictions and as there are no unsubscribe options, there is a risk of getting blacklisted as a Spammer.  Remember to make sure that you use the Bcc (blind carbon copy) field for the addresses, to avoid sending out a copy of the mailing list to everyone on it.

A more cost and time effective option is a web-based solution.  This avoids you having to install any programs or send information from your email program.   If you can find a reasonably-priced one, then they’re often the ideal solution, allowing you to manage your lists directly and send out emails easily.  I use Aweber and have found it to be the most user-friendly and reliable system.  

Ok, you’re all set.  By following these 3 steps you can build your list and start nurture a long-term relationship with your clients.

 © 2010 Tania Usher International
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About The Author

Tania Usher is an internationally renowned marketing communication strategist, business coach, author, speaker and adventurer.  Her company Tania Usher International is dedicated to providing communication expertise and innovative solutions to accelerate results and positive transformation for entrepreneurs and businesses worldwide.  Tania aims to touch as many lives as possible with her authentic and ‘from the heart’ get NAKED approach to business where she strips back the hype to expose raw and uncut strategies for life, business and success.

Go now to http://www.taniausherinternational.com