Database Marketing is the gathering and storing of specific
information about your prospects or customers. This information
is usually stored in a database program on your computer.
You would then use the information to market and advertise
to them. It can save you time and money because you can
target your promotional efforts to your best prospects or
customers.
The Types Of Information To Collect
The information will vary depending on the
product or service you’re selling. If you’re selling a product
that costs $2 you wouldn’t collect information about their
yearly income. If you’re selling web space you wouldn’t
collect information about what type of books they read.
The basic information you need would be all their contact
information, purchase history, and birthday. You will need
to decide what other information would benefit your business.
How To Collect This Information
Online
It’s pretty easy to collect this information
online but the hard part is getting people to give it you.
The best way to collect this information is to give them
something FREE in return. Ask them to fill out an e-mail
survey before subscribing to your free e-zine. Tell everyone
who visits your web site they will get a free e-book when
they fill out your online questionnaire form. Ask them this
information before they sign up for a free contest at your
web site. Sometimes you have to give a little something
to get a little information online.
Beneficial Uses For Your Database
Find out your customers purchasing
habits. Use the information to improve the design of your
web site. Use it to write all your advertising material
more persuasively.
Find out the things they like or dislike
about your business. Use the information to target your
best prospects.
Find out how much money your prospects or
customers make. Use it to improve your customer service.
Find out what new products or services they
need or want. Use it to test ideas before launching a total
sales campaign.
Find out how to improve your existing
products or services. Use it to build your customer loyalty.
Find out which benefits or features they
like most about your products or services. Use it to send
electronic greeting cards on holidays or on your customer’s
birthdays.
The list of beneficial uses are endless.
Do you see the importance of collecting this information?
The Internet makes the process of collecting this information
quicker and cheaper than offline methods. Take advantage
of database marketing and watch your online profits skyrocket.
