Once you’ve decided that an e-newsletter is an avenue you want to pursue, you’ll find that to start building your subscriber list you just have to start by asking customers for their emails.
Consider having your pest control techs ask for emails at service appointments so that as you get the new appointment reminder software you are thinking of using they’ll be ready. In the meantime, use these new emails as the seed starters for your budding subscriber list.
Consider having your office staff save all copies of your website contact form for entry into an Excel spreadsheet which you will load once a month of prospects or website contacts into your e-newsletter subscriber management account.
Don’t forget to put a subscriber form on your website and blog.
It is easy to start to build your list and you’ll find that you can grow one fairly quickly. One note to the wise, it is very important before you start these endeavors that you update your website’s privacy policy to state that if someone contacts you via email that you will aid their name to your e-newsletter list and that they can easily unsubscribe.
How do you nurture your subscriber list once you have one? Cater your content to your audience. Watch your bounce rate, link clicks, and analytics of what seems to be popular with your readers. Ask for future topics and solicit advice from existing clients about what they like or don’t like about your e-newsletter.
Many clients think that they should do a weekly newsletter, but readers will typically prefer only a monthly frequency. Too many e-newsletters will rack up a bill with your subscription service and start the bleed off of subscribers as they start to block you as a spammer. It is better to send less frequently than more frequently. The only exception may be if you are an e-commerce store and are sending out deals and coupon codes. Then weekly or bi-weekly may be best for you.
For more information on how you can use e-newsletters here’s a great article that shares some additional insights for review.