I received a phone call yesterday from a local restaurant (Slates). The gal on the phone wanted to thank me for our previous visit and hoped we had enjoyed our meal (which we did). She then asked if I had an email address that she could add to their email list. They send information about upcoming events and coupons to the restaurant. I said “sure,” gave her my email and we hung up. Now, they have my email address and I may actually go back to Slates (I can only afford it when there’s a coupon involved).
Do you often think that your email list could be larger? Or, has your list become out-dated and is in bounce-back shambles?
Here’s a thought: call and ask!
If email addresses are bouncing back, or if you have people’s phone numbers but not emails, give them a call and ask for the current email address. It may take a little bit of time, but you could do 5-10 a day and, depending on the size of your database, be up and running in no time. Plus, taking the time to reach out and say “hello” to a current or potential customer is a great way to build a relationship. And in case you haven’t noticed, that’s what marketing is all about these days, building relationships.
No phone number?
But what if I don’t have their phone number? Well, then you’re kind of stuck. But, for each person you lose because of this, give yourself the goal of getting a new person to replace them.
Do this by ASKING. When? Here are a few ideas:
- At a networking function and someone gives you their business card – “May I add you to our email list?” (make a note on the back of the card).
- You have a guest book at your hotel, restaurant, winery – Be sure to have an “email address” line.
- A potential customer calls to get your business hours – “Would you like to be added to our email list to receive information about upcoming events, specials and coupons?”
- At your next event, hold a business card drawing for a prize – Just be sure to include a note by the fishbowl stating that “by entering, you are giving us permission to add you to our email list” or something of the sort.
- You run into an acquaintance at the grocery store or picking up your son from schools – “I’ve started an email newsletter for my business (explain business) and you might be interested, can I have your email address?
- You own a restaurant – At the bottom of the receipt where the customer signs for their credit card (if that’s how they paid), add a line asking for their email address.
- You’re at a business meeting – Ask those in our meeting, “Have you signed up for our email list yet? You should (and tell them why). Would you like me to add you?”
- Similar to item 4 above, have a box at your main customer counter requesting sign-ups. Hold a drawing once a month, or every week depending on your business.
- Your out for a “girls only” night. Your companions ask how business has been, you tell them. Don’t forget to mention your email program. Then, ask if they’d like to join. Even if it doesn’t apply to them directly, they might know someone who could benefit.
- Remind your Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other contacts. But that’s all part of another conversation…
Allyson is a digital marketing and communications enthusiast, who spends her days as a 
