Email marketing has proven to be an effective option for businesses of all sizes and shapes whether that business is based online or not.  Start up businesses looking to increase exposure and sales are looking to email marketing as a viable option to add to their overall marketing strategy. 

Developing your database of prospects and email addresses is the main focus in outlining an email marketing campaign.  You should begin by making sure you have current email addresses for your clientele.  If not, encourage them to provide it with some sort of incentive by email, on your website, or perhaps on their next invoice.  Your email marketing list should be constantly growing and evolving.   

Offer some sort of a report or article in exchange, ask them to provide survey input, or request they join your email distribution list.  Be sure that you leave the door open for them to opt-out at any time, even though doing so may initially disappoint you, it’s far better to focus your efforts on those who have an interest in what you have to offer.  Be sure your offer entices people to sign-up by making the offer relevant to your target market.  Not all people respond favorably to email marketing; give them the option to opt-out without taking it personally.  The incentive is one of the best ways to capture new names to your distribution list. 

When you begin sending out your marketing emails create a good balance.  Don’t bombard your clients and prospects with too many emails, as this will often cause them to opt-out.  Instead be consistent by sending your messages the same day and time each week or month.  Consistency is the most important part.  People will gauge your reliability against the consistency of your marketing efforts.  Create and follow a schedule so that your subscribers will know when to expect a communication from you. 

Remember, people who opt-in to your email distribution list are interested in you and your offerings based upon what you’ve offered them either by having already experienced your product or service, or by the interest you created with the offer you made to capture their contact information.  Keep in mind that it could take as many as seven connections before a prospect begins to recognize you and up to twelve times before they feel they know you well enough to actually initiate a sale.  Set realistic expectations and keep sending quality email communications on a regular basis and you will see a great return on investment. 

Implement these simple guidelines to kick-start your email marketing campaign and monitor its success by tracking your results.  Email marketing is a cost-effective option to grow your business. 

Jeannine Clontz, IVAA CVA, MVA, EthicsChecked™, owner of Accurate Business Services is a Virtual Assistant (VA).  ABS provides ‘as needed’ marketing and social media support, training and consulting to busy entrepreneurs.  Clontz is a writer, author, VA Coach, and speaker on business topics including business ethics.  For her free 10-Step Guide to Finding the Right VA, or her FREE Report, Social Media Marketing Benefits, send a request to:  service@accbizsvcs.com or visit:  http://www.accbizsvcs.com, www.VAbizcoach.com  or her book website http://www.entrepreneurialfreedom.com