The Easiest Small Business Direct Marketing Tip You'll Ever Get

This really and truly is the easiest (and most profitable) small business direct marketing tip you'll ever get. And when I say easy? I really mean EASY.

It's a no-brainer.

Once I tell you what it is you're probably going to say, "Oh that? I already knew that."

But if you own a small business and are doing this I can tell you right now you're an exception. "If this is such an easy and profitable small business direct marketing tip why isn't everyone using it?"

That's a good question. I don't know. Maybe most small business owners think it's too much of a hassle?

Not so.

It doesn't take much time. Costs little. You could even pay a high school geek to do the computer stuff for you if you don't feel like messing with it.

The financial rewards can be huge... if you do it right. But this seems to be a small business direct marketing tip most people are happy to ignore.

So what's the big tip?

Simple.

Every time you do business with a new customer ask them if they'd like to sign up for your free "e-mail alert." Tell them you periodically offer specials and discounts for customers and ask them if they'd like to be included on your list so they can know when you have them. Many customers will gladly sign up.

Then ? use your list.

Offer your customers something?

? specific ?

? limited ?

? and of value to them as well as yourself.

Let's pretend... just for discussion's sake... you're the owner of Little Town Diner in Smallville.

You'd place a little E-mail address sign-up book right next to the cash register. Include spaces on each page for customers to write-in both their name and a Email address. Have the cashier invite customers to sign it.

Build up your list of names. It's valuable.

Suppose every Wednesday is a slow day at the diner. On Wednesday mornings you start sending out an Email like this one to your list.

**********

Hi (Customer's Name),

Pat here? from the Little Town Diner. How'd you like for me to do the cooking tonight? I just got a HUGE shipment of chicken breasts in today and I've got to move these babies out!

So I'm running a SPECIAL today?

Pat's 2 for 1 Special (today only- - eat in or take out)

2 juicy, tender barbecued chicken breasts... 2 baked potatoes or French fries on the side... 2 servings of string beans or cole slaw...AND...2 slices from any of our delicious pies-of-the-day (your choice).

Don't want to eat out? No problem.

We can have your dinner packaged and ready for you to pick up at your convenience if you place your order before 3pm. Let us know about what time you'll be in for your pick-up.

**********

Or? here's another way you could apply this small business direct marketing tip ?

**********

Hi (Customer's Name),

Pat here. I want to say, "thank you" for making Little Town Diner a part of your dining experience. Serving folks like you is what makes our business so enjoyable.

To formally say, "thanks" I'd like to offer you a special discount this week. If you visit us between now and Sunday tell your waitress you want the "Thank You Discount." You and your family can order anything on our menu and get 20% off.

Now remember - - you have to ask for the discount to get it. This offer is just our way of saying, "thanks" for choosing us to serve you.

Thanks Again,
Pat

**********

There's no limit to how you can use this.

If you're a tree trimmer you could use this small business marketing tip too.

Let's pretend you drop off some of the wood from your tree cutting business to someone who makes mulch. This person tells you one day, "I've got a LOT of excess mulch here I'd like to get rid of for cheap. Do you know anyone who might want some?"

So you e-mail your list?

**********

"Hi (Customer's Name),

Fred here? from Smallville Tree Trimming Service.

I've got a friend who has a lot of mulch. They practically want to give it away. You can have as much as you want for $xxx per yard. Every yard of mulch covers xxx square feet.

If you'd like some call 800-555-5555 and place your order. It'll probably go quickly at this price so call and reserve yours now.

I'll even drop it off at your home to save you the hassle of having to pick it up.

Sincerely,
Fred

**********

You then split the profits with your friend who is in the wood mulch business. The people on your list know you. They trust you. You've done work for them before. They're more likely to buy from you than from anyone else.

Many on your list aren't going to be interested in mulch. Some of them will... and they'll be glad you contacted them with a great deal to help them out.

This small business direct marketing tip applies to ALL types of small businesses.

Get your message out. The people most likely to buy from you are waiting to hear from you. You can contact them for next to nothing. Anytime you want.

Joe Farinaccio is a direct-response copywriter. In addition to writing sales letters for online clients Joe specializes in putting together successful direct mail packages for small and medium sized businesses. You can learn more about how to market your business successfully and sign up to receive his free monthly Ezine at http://www.sales-letters-and-marketing.com