Get Free Mailing Lists
Work With Other Entrepreneurs To Find and Use Free Mailing Lists
Feb 10, 2007
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Day Sixteen: Get Free Mailing Lists
Most entrepreneurs have a mailing list - or a potential mailing list - lurking around somewhere that they haven't done anything with. Whether garnered from a trade show draw or an online form, these email addresses are extremely valuable when trying to make money without spending a dime. Use them to your advantange, and you'll have clients wanting to know more about your business in no time.
Step #1: Get Your Own Mailing List Working For You
First, start writing regularly spaced newsletters or updates to your mailing list. Send them as infrequently as every month or as much as every day, but whatever you choose, make sure you can keep a schedule. Your newsletter doesn't need to be anything challenging or time consuming, either. Briefly delve into what's new with your business, remind readers of any time-sensitive specials or seasonal deals, and print a small article related your clients' needs in relation to your business (free reprint articles can easily be found at article submission sites like EzineArticles).
Step #2: Find Other Entrepreneurs To Get Free Mailing Lists
Once you've written 3-4 notes to your mailing list, it's time to find other entrepreneurs like you. Think of other businesses that may:
- Be in a similar geographic area that shoppers may want to visit all at once (i.e. a strip mall);
- Offer related products or services (i.e. carpet cleaners and moving crews);
- Have the same or similar target markets (i.e. breastfeeding mothers may have a need for nursing support, house cleaning, pre-made meals, nutrional counseling, breastfeeding-specific clothing or spa/pampering services).
Once you've located other companies, check their website to see if they already have a free mailing list. Those that do make it to the last step of this process.
Step 3: Exchange Free Mailing Lists
There are several ways to go about exchanging your mailing list (or gaining access to the free mailing list) with other entrepreneurs, such as:
- Offer free advertising in your newsletter in exchange for the same in theirs;
- Write an article for the other free mailing list and ask for the same in return (with links back to your website);
- In the update section of your newsletter, mention your new partnership with the other company in question (and vice versa);
- Each company provides the other with their free mailing list to do as they please;
- Offer to guest write a newsletter for the other company's free mailing list in exchange for a percentage of any profits the newsletter receives and/or the opportunity to sell your own products/services to the free mailing list recipients.
There are many other variations, and creativity doesn't hurt anyone. Just make sure that by using another entrepreneurs' mailing list you will not be stepping on anyone's toes.
Read for the next challenge - to create a free contest?
