You know, of course, that the heart of your business is your customer list or your list of prospects. If you don't have such a list, you have no business. It's as simple as that. On the other hand, every name that you have on that list is a potential source of revenue for you that you can target, focus your activities on and convert into a sale.
You may not succeed in business if you don't have a list, but having a prospect list is not an absolute guarantee that your online business will thrive. It is not the be-all and end-all of your business; it is simply the starting point for all your activities. You still need to work the list in order for you to earn the reward that lurks hidden within it.
And so how do you do that? How do you convert your prospect mailing list into a goldmine that keeps your revenues flowing?
The answer is simple: build a relationship with your list.
Here are a few ways you can cultivate a relationship with the people on your prospect list.
Give Free Stuff Away
If you have tried online marketing in the past, even if only on a limited scale, then you already know that the best way to get your audiences to trust you is to give away value, for free. That's right, you first need to give in order to earn the right to receive later on. Ideally you want to give away samples of your product to each person on your list. But in an online business, it is enough that you give away valuable or useful information.
Be Constant and Consistent
Just as you probably have multiple social interactions with your family and friends, building a relationship with your list requires that you stay in touch with them on a consistent and regular basis. You need to stay top of mind with your list and the best way to do this is to keep reminding them who you are. Don't just email your list when you have something to sell; stay in touch even for the sake of staying in touch.
Write Compelling Copy that No One Can Resist
Even if you consistently and constantly send out email, it does you no good if people do not open them. You need to make sure that your subject lines are attractive and compelling enough to get your list members to at least open your email and scan through it. Then your content should likewise be interesting enough so that they read on and take the action you want them to take.
Do Your Homework
Find out what the people on your list want to read about. You can produce and send out great content, but if it doesn't interest your recipients they won't read your email. Or worse, they may opt out of your mailing list! Be sure you share things that are relevant to their needs and desires.