Businesses-List-Building

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Updated 10 years ago

Whether you have an online or offline business or product promotion you needcustomers to market to. If your product or service is something that you can market to other businesses then its considered B2B (business to business). You will need an online, offline, or both, method of targeting these businesses.

Offline Businesses List Building- Effective offline method is direct mail. There are hundreds of Direct Mail Companies who target businesses. They compile their lists from numerous databases of info from phone directories, county courthouse and public records, new business filings, utility companies, Dun & Bradstreet and so on. Contact the Direct Mail Companies who advertise they specialize in 'Businesses Lists' and request price quotes on their direct mail lists. The larger the list of businesses you agree to purchase the less your cost per unit will be.

Direct Mail Tips-
1) Request 'free sample' of their lists. Many reputable companies will allow you to 'try before you buy'.

2) Target the business owners/manager in your direct mail campaigns. If name of company only, it will likely get tossed in trash before ever reaching the owner/manager.
3) Use unusual size/color envelope (invitation/pastel for example). Will appear as special invite to owner/manager and peak curiosity which will result in a higher open rate.

Online Businesses List Building- Effective online methods are email campaigns and social media. Locate a service that compiles lists of businesses email addresses. There are thousands out there. Again, contact for price quotes. Social Media is another great method of reaching business owners online via such avenues as facebook, linked-in, and google+, to name the top ones.

Email/Social Media Tips-
1) Use a CRM (customer relationship management) system with auto responder when setting up your email campaign. This will not only keep you in touch with your list but also track progress.
2) Send emails to attention of owners/manager of the business as they are the ones with absolute purchasing power. With social media establish relationships with owners/manager of business as well.
3) Peak their curiosity with an enticing email title to get them to open your email.
4) Within social media establish a google+ account for your business. This will add credibility to your content online. This is crucial to making folks want to do business with you!

If you have had any experience with the above and can add input or suggestions please feel free to do so. This would be much appreciated. Thank you!