Why the Top US Small Businesses have an Email/SMS List (and what they do with it every week to generate sales). | ScottHall.com (Advisory)

Reason #1: Direct Communication.

Text and email marketing allow for direct communication with customers. This direct line ensures your messages are delivered straight to the customer, bypassing third-party platforms.

Reason #2: Personalization and Segmentation.

You can segment your audience and personalize messages based on customer preferences, purchase history, or behavior. Personalized communication often leads to higher engagement and conversion rates.

Reason #3: The Most Cost-Effective Marketing Channel.

 Compared to traditional marketing channels like print or TV ads, text and email marketing are relatively low-cost but can yield a high return on investment (ROI).

Reason #4: Increased Customer Engagement.

Regular communication through texts and emails keeps your brand top-of-mind for customers. This consistent engagement can build loyalty and repeat business.

Reason #5: Measurable Results.

With email and text marketing, you can track open rates, click-through rates, conversion rates, and more. This data allows for better understanding of campaign effectiveness and provides insights for future strategies.

Reason #6: Automation and Efficiency.

Many aspects of email and text marketing can be automated (like welcome emails or birthday messages), saving time and ensuring timely communication.

Reason #7: Wider Reach.

Almost everyone uses email or has a mobile phone, so these channels have a broad reach. They allow you to connect with a wide demographic of customers.

Reason #8: Immediate Delivery and High Open Rates.

Text messages are typically read within minutes of receipt, making them ideal for time-sensitive offers. Emails also have high open rates, especially when personalized.

Reason #9: Control Over Your Audience.

Unlike social media where algorithm changes can affect your reach, your email and text lists are your own. You have complete control over these channels.

Reason #10: Drive Traffic to Other Channels.

Email and text campaigns can be used to drive traffic to your website, social media profiles, or physical stores.

Reason #11: Customer Retention.

Regular, relevant communication via text and email can significantly improve customer retention by keeping customers informed and engaged with your brand.

Reason #12: Feedback and Customer Insights.

These channels can be used to gather customer feedback, which is crucial for improving products, services, and overall customer experience.

Reason #13: Crisis Management.

In times of crisis or urgent updates, email and text lists provide a reliable way to communicate important information quickly to your customers.

Reason #14: Long-Term Relationship Building.

Consistent and valuable communication via these channels helps in building long-term relationships with customers, fostering trust and loyalty.

While it takes some work and patience, the results are more than worth it.

Here’s the core steps:

Step #1:
Find a tool that allows you to send out mass broadcasts to everyone on your list all at once. There are all in one tools like Customer Engine or Active Campaign that allow you to do both email and sms marketing.

Step #2:
Import your existing email or sms list to the service.

Step #3:
Start out by sending 1 email and text per week to get a sense of how your customers will respond. 

Step #4:
Throw in a coupon or special promotion with a time limit on it to help drive business fast.

Step #5:
Gauge the reaction of the people on your list and mix up how often you send promotions based on feedback. Some of the businesses we help send out messages once a week while some send out several messages a week.