Whether you are a local retailer with a store or strictly sell online, using internet marketing skillfully is the way to build your business. In fact, the two types of store are merging more and more. Retail stores allow customers to order online and pick up their purchase at the store. They offer “showrooming” customers the same price for an item as an online giant retailer. Whether your business location is strictly a website or is a physical store, your business success depends on Internet marketing.
Email lists are still an important part of marketing. You want to build a sound list and use it responsibly. Avoid buying lists from irresponsible brokers. They make claims they cannot support. The list you buy may offer few new contacts for your email marketing, and you can spend a lot of time trying to eliminate the invalid addresses. Add to the email list of customers you already have by using proven techniques. Give incentives to people visiting your website to join your email list. Overcome their wariness by pledging to remove their name if they request it. Give current customers an incentive to sign up for your emails. Coupons and special sales, even contests or games, will motivate people to receive and read your emails.
Make your business visible on social media sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn. Here you can give your business a more personal touch and establish a relationship with the customer. By making your site interesting to people personally, telling how a grandparent came to this country and built this business, or something similar. This can generate sharing by your customers with their friends.
Include a survey on your website periodically to get feedback from customers, as well as asking for feedback after each sale. A survey can give you information about why people like your site, how they feel about your products, what products they need but cannot find, and any complaints they may have. This is valuable to you as a basis for future planning. It can tell you what you need to correct and revise. It can also alert you to new product opportunities.
Be interactive with your customers through writing a blog. Give timely news and alert people to new innovations, product recalls, and new uses for products you offer. Encourage comments and respond quickly to them. Engaging customers in an ongoing conversation builds a strong bond.
If you receive an email from a customer with a question, an appreciative note about your product, or a complaint, try to respond immediately to their specific concern. These contacts are far more effective in building confidence than standardized emails sent out to a group.
Cut your own business expenses by buying office supplies in bulk on the Internet. You too can use Internet marketing to your advantage!
Use these tips to build strong relationships with your customer base. Satisfied customers will return, and will spread the word to their friends. Whatever your type of business, Internet marketing is the way to reach and expand your customer base.