Social networking is a tool you can use to build an email list. It has become one of the fastest growing marketing online tools that business owners are using today. Social networking is a means of communicating with your target market in an interactive form. Some use it to keep in touch with friends and family; others use it as a means of promoting their business. Let’s talk about it in terms of the latter and promoting your list.
With social networks, you can interact with those you feel would be interested in what your business has to offer. There is normally an option to join (or form) groups where your target market is. For example, if you are selling jewelry, you may want to join some womens’ groups where you would find women who like to accent their appearance with nice jewelry. You could also join some groups that include men who like to give jewelry to their wives as a gift.
There are a variety of social networks today:
- My Space
- Ning
- Forums – choose niche related forums
With any of these networks, when you join, you will be given the opportunity to create a profile. Make sure you do this and make it an interesting one. Be descriptive in what you do as far as your business, so that people will be willing to connect with you.
In your profile, include a link back to your email list sign-up page. You can even consider creating a special page for each social network. For example, when your facebook fans click through your link, they will come to a page that says “For Facebook Fans of (Business Name)” and then offer them a special bonus for signing up for your list. You can do the same thing for each social network you join.
It’s good to include a picture of yourself so that others can see you. It will help them feel more connected to you. You will also be able to create a signature that will show up when you post a comment. Make sure you include a link back to your sign-up page.
Social networking has made it possible to connect with your target market on a whole new level. You can be more informal and relaxed and just talk to them, and they can respond back. It is a great way, not only to build an email list, but to gather feedback on what your market needs and wants.
