This article is a comprehensive guide for local business owners on how to leverage the power of non-spam emails to boost sales and maximize their existing customer base. It provides a simple yet effective method that can be implemented immediately, regardless of whether the business has a website or not.
Whether you run a local grocery store, hair salon, pet supply shop, or any other type of local business, email can be a powerful tool to increase your profits. This method is often overlooked by many local business owners, but once you understand its simplicity and effectiveness, you'll wish you had started sooner.
The first step in this process is to collect your customers' contact information. When a customer is paying for their service at your register, ensure you collect their first name, last name, and email address. This information can be logged into your database. If you don't have a computer at your register, it's time to get one. Alternatively, you can write down this information on a piece of paper and transfer it to your database later.
If the idea of a database seems too complex, you can simply enter the information about each customer in a simple text file. The text file should look like this:
"EMAIL","FIRST NAME","LAST NAME" "EMAIL","FIRST NAME","LAST NAME" . . . "EMAIL","FIRST NAME","LAST NAME"
When customers ask why you need their information, tell them it's for your "preferred customer list." This list is used to inform them about special offers at your establishment before the general public hears about them. Avoid using the term "mailing list" as it can sound impersonal and less valuable compared to a "preferred customer list."
After collecting email addresses for a month, you should have a substantial list of customers. Now, you can contact these people as often as you like by email for free. Instead of sending postcards, letters, or paying someone to call past customers about new products/services or specials, you can simply send them a small email notice for free.
This is not spamming. These customers have given you permission to email them. They have used your products or services and will be happy to hear from you by email. They will consider this excellent customer service interaction.
Whenever you have a new product, service, or special you want to announce, first hit your "preferred customer" list with an email announcement. This should help you generate some quick cash for your business.
