Even in direct sales, it's crutial you have a newsletter. No matter what type of a business you are in, or how often you send it, having a list of contacts is important.
Theresa, from Budget Dial ( www.budgetdial.com ) says "I recently started a Living on a Budget newsletter because so many people who are coming to me to save on their telecommunications costs. So a frugal living newsletter with tips, ideas was a natural offshot. I am able to use my experience being frugal and share it with my customer and readers.
The top reasons why it's so important to have a newsletter:
- Keep in contact with current customers.
Even if a customer has purchased from you in the past, if you don't keep in contact with them you may loose them to someone else in your industry. They may not always know about your latest specials or new products, so it's important to let them know. As your business grows, it becomes impossible to email each and every person that's ever purchased from you, and a newsletter can take care of this problem while still keeping it on a personal level.
- Announce parties, specials and new products
As mentioned before, you want your customers know about these specials and new products. It's also wise to give your subscribers some extra benefits that you don't give anyone else. Make sure they feel special and stay on your list!
Jodi Plum from Usborne Books ( www.ubah.com/T0639 ) says " I send out a monthly newsletter/email, plus will send an occasional special as well. Plus I send a monthly reminder for my website drawing to my customers & everyone who had previously entered the drawing. "
- Build a connection with future & current customers
Of course you do this by offering them unique specials, and being the first to know about new products. You are building that connection when you invite them to your parties.
Aurelia, who is involved in 2 direct sales companies which can be found at Real Life Solutions ( http://www.reallifesolutions.net ), says:
"[My] newsletter brings many more visitors to the site and offers me the chance to share new products and specials with my customers and potential customers. It also lets the visitors get to know me."
Keep in mind this article is just to explain the WHY part of a newsletter. There's other factors that determin your success with a newsletter such as the format you use, how large your list is, and how responsive your subscribers are to your offers. If you haven't started your newsletter yet, do so now!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ About the author: Kara Kelso is a work at home mom of two, and the co-owner of MHMM Ezine, which is an informational newsletter just for moms in business. Recieve business tips, parenting tips, and more when you subscribe at: http://www.momsezine.com/mhmm.html
