The most common sentence we are hearing from business owners right now is “I want more clients.”
Attracting new clients into your and funnel and then having those clients buy again and again (repeat business) plus then having them refer you to others, is the key to success, so building a strong database at any time, is imperative.
Many businesses build a list of clients and then realise they are an asset, as a secondary thought instead of a first. You work hard to build your client base so why not nurture it. Segment your market from the beginning, you will then be able to tailor specific campaigns to their desired needs, in the future when you need or want to.
Here are 10 suggestions on ways you can build your email customer database:
- Customer Surveys: Create online surveys or polls targeting different audience segments to gather information about their preferences related to your business. Offer incentives such as discounts or value adds for completing the survey. Survey monkey is a good system to gather information.
- Social Media Ads: Run targeted ads on platforms like Facebook and Instagram to engage with different audience demographics. Encourage users to provide their contact information in exchange for exclusive offers or content relevant to their interests. People love feeling that they are a VIP so give them exclusive rights to information, new releases, first to be notified for collaborative opportunities etc.
- Giveaways: Host regular giveaways on social media platforms where participants can enter by subscribing to the client’s newsletter or sharing their contact information. Offer attractive prizes to incentivise participation or connect with partners and bundle up different types of giveaways. This is a great way to include referral partners.
- Website Landing Pages: Create dedicated landing pages on the website for the different occasions, special offers, exclusive content or promotions in exchange for email sign-ups. For example, offer a downloadable guide or a coupon code for first-time subscribers. This allows for re-marketing later.
- Competitions: Host competitions where participants can suggest names for new product ranges or collections. Encourage users to engage with the brand by tagging friends or sharing their own ideas, which can help expand the client’s reach and gather valuable customer insights. This works with tradeshows and live events as well.
- Referral Loyalty Programs: Implement a referral program where existing customers can earn rewards, discounts or value adds for referring new customers to the brand. Encourage customers to share their referral links with friends, family and colleagues, thereby expanding the client’s customer base.
- Collaborations: Partner with complementary brands or influencers to co-host events or promotions that encourage attendees to sign up for the client’s newsletter or database. Offer exclusive perks or discounts for event attendees who provide their contact information.
- Exclusive Content: Create exclusive content such as mini e-books, tutorials, or guides that are accessible only to subscribers. Promote these resources through social media channels and encourage users to sign up to access the content.
- Pop-Up Events: Organize pop-up events or carpark pop ups at high-traffic locations where attendees can sign up for the client’s newsletter or database in exchange for exclusive offers.
- Email Opt-In Forms: Utilise email opt-in forms strategically throughout the website, in blog posts, and social media profiles to capture visitors’ contact information. Offer an incentive such as a welcome discount, free sample, trial offer or add value for new subscribers to encourage sign-ups.
Building your database is one of the most important marketing strategies you can build upon. Remember though it takes 5-30 “touch points” with a client before they are ready to buy from you so putting them into your database is just step 1 of the customer journey. Need help with the next steps? Get in touch at michelle@ohmarketing.com.au.
