Email marketing may be a form of Internet marketing, but that doesn’t mean an email list can only be built online. There are many offline tactics for email list building, especially for offline businesses wanting to improve their email marketing efforts. Here are nine ways to help build an opt-in email marketing list offline:
- An offline business can place a book or simple sheet of paper near their checkout area for buyers to add their name and email address for updates, news, or special offers. Bands and other entertainers often do this too when selling their CDs or merchandise at live shows.
- A line for an optional email address and simple check box to confirm email list subscriptions can be added to customer satisfaction surveys.
- Postcards with email list opt-in information can be included in other direct mail campaigns.
- Add a newsletter subscription option to bill or invoice tear-offs that are sent back to the company with payment.
- Add a newsletter subscription notice to any letters or correspondence sent to customers, clients, or others in the industry.
- Offer email list subscriptions when participating in presentations or seminars.
- When selling products offline, include a mailing list signup card in the packaging, as an option on warranty cards, etc.
- Simply ask customers if they would like to subscribe to an email marketing list when speaking to them on the phone, especially with sales or customer service calls. You can also use on-hold messages to mention subscriptions, encouraging the caller to leave an email address with a representative.
- Add a signup option on forms or applications (such as forms customers fill out to get a grocery store discount card, store credit applications, job applications, etc.).
Can you think of other ways you could build an email marketing list for your small business offline? Share your own tips in the comments.
Note: This post was originally published on April 23, 2007. It was updated and republished on its currently-listed publication date.
