One of the best bits of advice I’ve ever received was this: build your customer list. Do not allow people to slip through your fingers (Do I hear an evil laugh in the background!) Capture contact information so you can stay in touch over time, so you won’t be a stranger, so they don’t forget you and so they can take advantage of all the tempting discounts and freebies you’ll offer them!
Here are a few ways to build your customer list:
1. Hold a monthly give-away. Place the registration “fishbowl” or “guestbook” near your cash register, front counter or even in the restroom where folks won’t be able to ignore it!
2. Put an “opt in” form on your website so people can access tip sheets, newsletters, tutorials, special reports, industry updates, etc. Promise you won’t spam them or sell their names to outside third parties so they feel comfortable sharing their info.
3. Start a “Birthday Club” where you send them a coupon good for half off something when used during the week or month of their birthday. Sweeten the deal by asking them to bring along a friend or two.
4. Try the Family and Friends approach of asking for family/friend contact info so they too can qualify for the free bug zapper or whatever.
5. Offer registration-based clinics or workshops to teach people valuable skills. Car repair shops can teach teenagers basic car maintenance. Insurance companies can teach clinics on how to buy a car. Chiropractors can teach how to get a dancer’s posture, landscapers can teach how to create a killer compost heap!
6. Partner with a complimentary business who agrees to cross-market and combine lists with you (assuming you’ve never promised NOT to share your customer’s contact info)
7. Due to fears of privacy loss and identity theft, be cautious not to ask for too much personal information right off the bat. If you’re doing your job right, rest assured they’ll become “all yours” before they know it!
8. Ask for their opinions. I’m not just talking about the “popular” customer comment cards here. Post a “question of the month” on a white board as they enter your establishment to encourage them to share their wisdom.
9. If you train, speak, offer classes or clinics, make sure each participant gets a copy of a highly descriptive sign-up form. Avoid generic statements like, “Sign up to get our newsletter” OR “Join our list”. Better to use an enticing question like, “Want to make more money?” or “Want to get a good night’s sleep? Learn how when you subscribe to our monthly tip sheet.”
10. And finally, get yourself a user-friendly contact management system. It could be one of those fancy-schmancy software programs, an Excel spreadsheet or even a box of index cards. But you’ll need some sort of system to organize the data once people start banging down your doors!
I’m sure many of you make it a regular practice to build your list. Care to share any tips or advice?
Laura, writing from 6711 ft. above sea level
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Hello from Russia!
Can I quote a post in your blog with the link to you?
Certainly. Thanks for asking!