Email Campaigns that Boost Your Business

Retail Dive reports that today's consumers will often go out of their way to shop at small and local businesses, especially if they have developed a relationship with the companies, their owners, or their employees. One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to hone this personal connection is through email marketing.

A welcome email can serve as the first handshake with a new customer. Encourage patrons to sign up to receive your emails by offering a discount code, access to exclusive offers or product updates, or how-to tutorials. Then take advantage of the opportunity to share your story and emphasize what makes your business special and unique.

Follow up with emails in which you introduce and promote your top products or services. Once someone has established a purchasing pattern, make personalized recommendations, introduce related products, or offer ancillary products or services that might interest them.

Consider creating an email campaign that features user-generated content, such as posts, tweets, and images created by your customers. As more people interact with you online, a sense of community will develop that further encourages them to stay involved and connected to you.

Don’t forget to implement a follow-up program that automatically sends a thank-you email whenever people interact with your brand. Reach out whenever a customer makes a purchase, requests a return, or posts a review. Even if they had a problem with your product or service, reaching out and following up via email lets them know they are valued.