subject: Getting The Leads That Count [print this page] One of the most important things for you to consider when you are operating a business is keeping in constant contact with your customers as well as your potential customers. Although there are many ways for you to be able to do this, the Internet has really opened up opportunities that were not available just a few short years ago. For example, you can contact people through social media and through email marketing lists, both of which can help to increase your bottom line considerably. Here are some of the ways in which these items can be used to your advantage.
Before we begin to discuss marketing using email, let's talk about social media because it is the newcomer on to the scene. Social media marketing is done through various online services but primarily, it is done through Facebook or twitter. You should not ignore the smaller services that are available, however, because many of them can put you in contact with individuals that are interested in what you have to offer. In order to get one of these campaigns started, you need to understand something about social media marketing that many people tend to forget.
When marketing through social media, you don't simply want to plug your website or service regularly to your contacts. They will quickly ignore everything you have to say when you are doing so. Social media is excellent, however, for building up your reputation among your potential customers and for getting the word out about you as an individual, as well as your business. There are going to be times when it will be appropriate for you to plug your business but that should only be a small part of your overall social media efforts. It is great for building your reputation and when your reputation precedes you, business will follow.
Using email as a marketing tool is something that needs to be done properly as well. Just like social media, it is important to make sure that you are building a reputation and gaining favor among your subscribers. Although there are various formulas that can be used for this purpose, it is generally thought that you should send out a marketing message for every four or five regular messages that are sent out. As long as you are giving good information consistently, your subscribers will not mind an occasional marketing message and you will find that it works much more to your advantage.
Above all, make sure that you always do things appropriately regardless of how you're contacting your customers. More than one business has gotten themselves in hot water as a result of inappropriate email marketing tactics or using social media improperly. Be sure that you understand the ins and outs of these marketing tactics or hire someone that is going to be able to walk you through the process. You will find that it is a long-term strategy that can not only help you for the long term, it will give you immediate benefits as well.
