The root of finding and keeping customers lies in gathering contact information. You should maximize every opportunity you get to gather emails, phone numbers, addresses, likes and follows.
Why is this important?
Every good marketing strategy must have advertising; whether that is online, print, word of mouth or another various way. No matter the strategy you must have an avenue to reach people. By developing potential and current customer contacts you are building the resources you have, to better market your business.
How do I get their information?
There are many ways to get people to give you their contact information. How many times have you checked out at a store and they asked, “Can I have an email or phone number?” I bet that happens in 99% of the stores you go to. Most times they don’t even tell you what is being used for. Here are a few ways you can get contacts yourself:
- Rewards Program
Example: They can be part of the punch card program if they give you their email address (you probably already have their address if you’re working at their house) and for every time you mow their lawn (or other service you offer) they get a punch in the card. 10 punches is 1/2 off a lawn mow (or other service)
- Raffle or Drawing
Example: Fill out this sheet with your name and email and be entered in a chance to win a free **??**(one of your services or a discount on a service). Use this with current or potential customers
- Referral Program
Example: Give us the name and number of anyone you think would be interested in us. For every person that buys something/becomes a customer, you get a $$ giftcard/discount on your secy service with us
- Loyalty Club
Example:Â Sign up for our free monthly newsletters and coupons to be emailed/sent to you. We just need your email and address.
- Birthday Club
Example: Give us your email and like us on Facebook to get a free **??** for your birthday every year.
Make sure your contact campaign is crafted for your desired outcome. Collect as much contact information as you can just in case you need it for future advertising, however if, for instance, you currently only send out a monthly online newsletter, collecting emails should be a concentration. Click here to view more ways to gather email addresses.
What do I use their information for?
Gathering contacts is a never-ending job. You can literally never have enough. The more you have, the more you will be able to reach for future marketing campaigns. Some may think, “Why do I need their information if they are already a good customer?” That’s easy. You want to show them you appreciate their business, they aren’t forgotten and remind them why they love you. Here are some ways to do that for new and current customers:
- Emails
Example: Could include blog posts, company announcements, promotions, invitations to events, specials, discounts, holiday thank you, hour changes, etc.
- Mailers (postcards, flyers, etc.)
Example: Limited time only sale announcements, monthly promotions
- Social Media Promotions and Advertising
Example: New products, sales, company achievements, community involvement/events
There are so many ways to gather customer information and use it to inexpensively advertise your business. Contact information is a sensitive subject for many, be sure you and your employees are respectful in obtaining this information. Ask only once, don’t persist or pressure anyone for their information. Doing so will only create disgruntled customers.
Properly executing advertising with the contacts you gathered is a large job. You must create original material and designs to distribute, determine your demographic, establish reliable contacts in the area to distribute your materials and analyze the results and effectiveness of your campaign.
