There are many avenues one could consider when choosing a proper marketing technique for their business. As affiliate marketing can be very confusing, especially to novice advertisers, it can be a difficult subject to research and select quality forms of media. The best way businesses can reach their customers directly is to use email marketing.

Email marketing is a form of advertising where the company saves lists of addresses and sends out promotions, interesting news or other information pertaining to the business. All email marketing requires a sign up or email opt in. This means that anyone receiving the email has to have selected it by choice. If they have not, it is considered SPAM and is illegal. All business owners should be made aware of the legalities involved within email marketing prior to the first email being sent.

There are many ways to develop a customer driven email list. For one, on opening day or during a special event, pass around cards asking for email addresses. There can also be a sign in list where one could choose to receive emails. Another great way to acquire a list of customers is to create a promotion. The best promotions bring in new customers, satisfy the current market and provide a service or product unavailable during normal business practices.

Once an email marketing list has been acquired, there is no better way to promote the business. As these are all valued and verified customers, the emails will for sure be of asset and value to them. Unlike new age advertisements running from affiliate networks, email marketing is unwavering dependent on clicks, leads or conversions. It is also the least expensive form of online advertising as there is no middle man between the business owner and the consumers. The business can choose a promotion and special, then immediately inform the customer base through a common form of communication. The business owner knows the information will always reach the desired audience on time, every time.

Emails sent out by business owners or marketing professionals should always include coupons, deals, promotions or useful new information. Writing customers to just ask them to come in does not work. Offering them 10% off if they mention the ad, generally does. Email marketing can save advertising money, which can be later used as leverage to offset promotion and coupon costs. Consider using email marketing especially when the season is slow and business isn’t doing as well.

Although there are many ways business owners can reach their customer base, using email marketing is the best option available. As most email lists are collected within the business, there is never a question of who is receiving the advertising. The safety and security of the company sending mailers themselves ensure quality leads that do not require click count or conversion rates. The lack of third party middle men also saves businesses money that can be used to offset advertising costs. Email marketing also ensures that customers receive information in a timely and organized manner, directly from the source. If interested in promoting ones business, consider email marketing as a primary objective.

Author Bio: Trevor Richards writes for Extravision, a UK email marketing company.

Category: Advice
Keywords: email marketing, email campaign, ecommerce, internet marketing, e-commerce, sales, business