One phrase you may have heard a lot more recently is permission-based marketing. But what exactly is permission-based marketing? And how does it fit into your current tactics? And, perhaps most importantly, how do you use permission-based marketing in your current business model? <\/p>\n
The likelihood is that you already have permission marketing<\/a> as part of your approach. Essentially, permission-based marketing is a form of marketing strategy where you obtain permission from your customers before sending them more offers or information. For example, you may have offered signups to newsletters or regular product updates on your website. This is a type of permission-based marketing.<\/p>\n There are two main types of permission marketing:<\/p>\n It\u2019s important to note that you may not always get to decide what type to use. For some sectors, such as finance and health, you have to seek explicit permission from the customer. And if your business operates within the EU, that need for explicit permission extends to all sectors. Even if operating within the US only, you need to be aware of the jurisdictional factors when dealing with cookies and permissions<\/a>. <\/p>\n So, how do you make sure you are using permission-based marketing appropriately and to its best effect? Here are seven top tips to help you move forward. <\/p>\n Always be clear about what happens when customers give you permissions to send material. Initial contact should make it clear what they will receive and how often. For example, if a customer signs up for information on call centre for small business solutions<\/a>, you shouldn\u2019t send them information that differs from that. <\/p>\n If you send things too frequently, or if the content you send is irrelevant to them, then customers will be more likely to opt-out. Talking of which, be sure to make that opt-out easy for them to do.<\/p>\n Thankfully, the days of companies buying contact lists are mostly gone. In most countries, buying such lists is not illegal but using those lists for marketing purposes is. After all, how could your business get permission from a person you have never had contact with and who might not even know your company. <\/p>\n It may take time, but building your list organically is worth it in the long term. Every person on your list, such as email marketing, sending updates by SMS, or other options, has given you permission to contact them.<\/p>\n When a customer gives you permission to send them information and other materials, they will have certain expectations (often based on what you have stated) as to how often you will contact them. If there is no information on frequency, or if you say you will send daily updates, then people may choose not to give you permission at all. <\/p>\n Think about what you are sending. For example, if you are sending information on wifi calling<\/a> or other cloud communications, then weekly or twice-weekly is more than enough. However, if you are an online supermarket, customers may be open to daily updates on special offers. <\/p>\n It doesn\u2019t matter what your business type is. If customers see that you offer consistently good content, it\u2019s more likely that they\u2019ll allow you to send them more material. Think about how you present your content and what you offer. Blog posts can be a great way to achieve initial engagement that attracts them, there are various content marketing platforms<\/a> you can use. Then you can also offer exclusive content if they sign up.<\/p>\n For example, if your business offers a range of ecommerce solutions, you can offer special content to those on your mailing list, such as advice on how to start an online boutique<\/a>. <\/p>\n For people to sign up for your lists and content, they first need to find you. Think of SEO as the signpost that lets people discover your website or social media page. With a solid SEO strategy, your site should feature prominently on the main search engines such as Google. It should also guide them to the content, such as blogs, that is most relevant to them. <\/p>\n By using good keywords, people can find your content. If they recognize you as an authority on a subject or somewhere that offers the products they want, they are more likely to opt in to any marketing lists or newsletters on offer. <\/p>\n We\u2019ve already touched on the importance of good content, but variety of content can be vital, too. Outside of people who sign up purely for notifications of special offers, most people will want and expect an array of content. Think about adding more visual content to what you send people, or consider things like webinars<\/a> or instructional videos.<\/p>\n\n
Seven top tips for using permission marketing <\/h4>\n
1. Transparency <\/h5>\n
2.Build your contact list organically<\/h5>\n
3. Be reasonable<\/h5>\n
4. Offer great content<\/h5>\n
5. Invest in good SEO<\/h5>\n
6. Variety<\/h5>\n