When I ask business owners how they build their lists, they often look at me as if I speak a foreign language. After explaining to them that their list of buyers is the most crucial asset inside their business and that list building is where they should spend the most time, it all makes sense to them.
Suppose you are not bringing your followers from YouTube, Instagram, and other social media platforms into your AutoResponder system. In that case, you are making a huge mistake.
No matter what business model you follow, your focus must always be to build a list of raving customers and create a healthy relationship with them.
Create a strong relationship with your list before selling a product.
Back To The Idaho Coffee Shop
Remember the coffee shop in Idaho from my previous post?
Although the shop had a friendly atmosphere with loyal customers, the establishment was leaving thousands of dollars on the table.
The attendant never asked me for my name and email or a way to follow up. That huge error could mean a loss of thousands in back-end income.
The Big Brands Do It And So Should You
Think about it: big brands Nike and Walmart spend millions of dollars in marketing each month to acquire your name and email so they can market and sell you their products and services.
There is a reason why Walmart and Target ask you for your name and email at the checkout: it brings in significant income after the initial sale. They know your information is the lifeblood of their business.
Every time someone buys your product or uses your service, they should become part of your database so you can create a relationship with them.
I will share more on effectively creating and fostering a lasting relationship with your list later.
Get Them Inside Your Autoresponder
Here are a few ways to get existing and new customers inside your Autoresponder and build your list.
- Ask every one of your customers to join your list for future promotions and discounts.
- Create a QR code with a link to your opt-in page. Offer them something on that opt-in page for their name and email.
- When they make a purchase, as you’re ringing them up, ask for their name and email and have them input it into your Autoresponder.
- Create and publish content on social media that encourages your prospects to visit your opt-in page for a special offer in return for their name and email.
There are thousands of ways to get your customers on your list.
What is most important is learning your customer’s profile once they have joined your list. Knowing their profile will play a huge role in knowing how to serve them, and it will alternately tell you what types of additional products and services you can offer your customers.
They Dropped The Ball
If the coffee shop in Idaho had known I was new to the area, they could have sent me information on some of their local events, which would have been very helpful to me. Would I have shown my appreciation by revisiting their location? Heck yeah!!
I noticed they host a local open mic once a week. That was an excellent opportunity for me to revisit the establishment, meet some of the locals, and introduce myself to the owner and the people responsible for running the establishment. Unfortunately, they never got a chance to market that event to me.
Let’s say they produced their own branded coffee; that would have allowed me to buy several bags of coffee to share with my friends and other coffee-drinking family.
Sadly, I never revisited the establishment and attended the open mic—an Opportunity lost.
Be The Solution Finder
As an entrepreneur, the more solutions you can provide your customers, the more money you will earn.
You might sell coffee, like the local coffee shop in Idaho, but as someone new to the area, you could follow up with me and offer me many other products or services that create additional income.
We will discuss the other products and services you could offer me later.
You must know as much about your existing and potential customers as possible. The more you know about them, the more solutions you can provide them. Ultimately, you will earn more.
Know Them Like You Know Yourself
Here is an excellent strategy to learn more about your prospects and customers after you get them on your list.
- When you make a sale, ask them why they bought your product.
- If you can meet them in person, ask them why they follow or listen to you.
- If they ask you a question, answer their question, then follow up your answer with a question about the product or service they receive from you.
- Ask them what their greatest struggles are. The more you know about them, the more solutions you can provide them.
The most important thing to remember is that once they’ve joined your list, they become the most critical asset in your business. Treat them as such, and your business will flourish beyond your imagination.
Note: It doesn’t matter what line of business you are in. You should always be in the mindset of growing your list. It is the absolute most crucial asset inside your company.
If you ever decide to sell your business, a responsive list of customers and potential buyers will be the most critical asset to the buyer.
