Top 15 Ways to Build Your Subscriber List

Top 15 Ways to Build Your Subscriber List

Email marketing can be profitable for any business, no matter what kind of product or service you offer. It is significantly cheaper than other advertising methods and, if done right, helps build loyalty and trust with customers. As a result, you generate more sales and more profits!

The foundation for successful email marketing is a targeted, permission-based email list. Marketers call contact lists their 'goldmine' because it can generate much of their sales revenue. If you've built up a list of opt-in subscribers that are qualified and interested in what you have to offer, then you've completed the first step and are on your way. Now it's time to 'mine' for gold!

Below you'll find several list-building and retention ideas that will help you get the best results from all your email marketing activities:

1. Provide useful, relevant content. Your visitors will not give you their email addresses just because they can subscribe to your newsletter free of charge. You have to provide unique and valuable information that will be of interest or use to them.
2. Add a subscription form to every page on your website. Make sure it stands out so it is easy to find. If it doesn't look cluttered, you may want to include more than one on some pages. For instance, if your opt-in form always appears in the top-left corner of your site, you may want to add one at the end of your most popular articles.
3. Add subscription forms to your social media pages. Make sure that you don't waste this valuable source of revenue opportunities. Integrate your sign-up forms with Facebook and more!
4. Make it easy for readers to sign up. The more information you request, the fewer people will opt-in. In most cases, a name and an email address should suffice. If it's not necessary, don't include it here. You can always survey them once they're customers! We do recommend that you provide a link to your Privacy Policy however.
5. Publish a Privacy Policy. Let your readers know that they can be confident you will not share their information with others. The easiest way to do this is to set up a Privacy Policy web page and provide the link to it below your opt-in form. (Note: If you don't have one, put the words 'privacy policy generator' into a search engine and you should be able to find a suitable form to use.)
6. Provide samples of your newsletters and Ezines. This lets potential subscribers review your materials before they sign up to determine if it's something they'd be interested in.
7. Archive past newsletters and articles. An online library of past newsletters and articles is both appealing and useful to visitors and builds your credibility as an authority. In addition, if your articles are written with good SEO techniques in mind, they can increase traffic to your website through enhanced search engine positioning.
8. Give gifts subscribers can actually use. Offer an opt-in bonus for joining your subscriber list! Write an ebook or provide a PDF business report, or even hire a programmer to create downloadable or web-based software. But don't limit yourself to offering gifts to opt-ins. Give them out when your readers fill out a survey, provide a testimonial, success story, or a great product idea. Let them know when they can expect the next gift offer. Everyone likes to get something for free! And if you pass out 'goodies' throughout the year, your subscribers will feel truly appreciated − and that's good for business!
9. Ask your subscribers to pass it on. Word of mouth is a powerful viral technique that works great with email marketing. If your subscribers find your content interesting, amusing or informative, they'll probably share it with their friends. This can be a great source of new customers, so make sure to remind them to 'pass it on'.
10. Let others reprint your newsletter as long as the content is not modified. If you're happy to share your content with the universe, then why not! Many webmasters and newsletter publishers are actively looking for high-quality content and, if they reprint your newsletter, you'll get new subscribers, and more traffic and links pointing to your site.
11. Include a 'Sign Up' button in your newsletter. If you're using plain text instead of HTML, be sure to provide a text link to your subscription page. You may feel that this is not required because the subscriber is already on your list, but remember that readers will forward your newsletters to others, or reprint them online. Make it easy for them to subscribe!
12. Add a squeeze page. A squeeze page has one goal − to acquire opt-ins and build your list. Think of it as a mini-sales letter to go along with your subscription or opt-in gift. It should feature a strong headline and a couple of powerful benefits that should make subscribers salivate to sign up! Once created, use a service such as WordTracker to find hundreds of targeted keywords, and promote your offer using pay-per-click advertising from Google, MSN and Yahoo. Now that should make a splash!
13. Include testimonials on your squeeze page. This is crucial. Put one or two strong testimonials from satisfied customers on your squeeze page. This can be in any format, but you may find that multimedia (audio or video) is more 'believable' and inspires more people to action. To further enhance believability, get permission to use actual customer names, locations and/or urls (Don't use 'Bob K, FL'). Add a note inviting others to participate. After all, it's free publicity!
14. Blog religiously. Blogging is a great way to communicate with prospects and potential customers, and creates a nice synergy with your email marketing. Be sure to include your newsletter sign-up form on each page of your blog. You can start a free blog at Blogger or WordPress.
15. Post on other blogs. Post thoughtful comments and information on similar blogs with a link to your squeeze or opt-in pages. Also comment on others' blogs through trackbacks. In most cases, your comments will be posted on their blogs with a link back to your site. This is an easy way to generate new traffic and subscribers, and get your brand out there!

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Check Out These Wonderful Ideas To Help With Video Marketing

Check Out These Wonderful Ideas To Help With Video Marketing

Video marketing is one of the best techniques you can use to improve your business. 

It is a huge mistake not to utilise this highly effective marketing method. This article contains several great video marketing tips. By studying them carefully and applying them to your business, you are sure to enjoy tremendous success.

Try outlining the path of your video. Great videos make it clear early on what will be discussed during the video. Just diving in your content will not help the viewers understand the benefits of watching it. Start with an outline like you would an essay to explain to viewers early on what to expect during the rest of the video.
What are your customers asking? Do they want to know how to use your products? Would they like to know how you create each item? To answer them, formulate a video which provides a 3-minute peek into whatever it is they wish to know, you'll find they appreciate your efforts.

REDDOG Business & Marketing Strategies

http://www.reddogstrategies.com.au

You should create a video to document your typical day at work to give your customers an idea of how products are created and shipped. Introduce your colleagues, show your workspace and follow the different steps you go through to complete an order. The goal of this short documentary is to convince viewers that you are a trustworthy professional.

Do you find that customers are emotional about your brand? Put them on video! That's a great way to show potential customers what it's like to buy from you - show them how they will be purchasing a life long bond with your company which is already changing lives around the nation.

Even though you are trying to market a business, it is a good idea to get a little personal with your video delivery. This means that it is okay to share personal stories that may help you connect with others. Make sure you stay professional, since being otherwise may cause you to lose users.

If you are posting videos on a regular schedule, you have to stick to it. Over time, people will begin to anticipate videos from you and your company. The same way people follow television programs, they expect your videos to be released at a specific time and on a specific day. Let them know if there will not be an update or new video coming.

Video Advertising Works
http://www.reddogstrategies.com.au

Even hardened video marketing professionals can learn a thing or two from the viewer comments. If people are telling you about issues with your videos, listen to them. Maybe on slower connections your videos are loading too slow. Listen to what they have to say so that you can adjust your videos and make them work for all viewers.

YouTube is a great way to share your videos but do not expect all your customers to have YouTube accounts. Some people will use their YouTube account to comment and subscribe to your videos, but you should make this content accessible by sharing your videos on your site and social media.

Post your videos to a host of different sites. While YouTube should be your number one choice, don't rely on it entirely. Other sites, like Break and Vimeo, could all be beneficial to you. You may even be able to find a site that caters to your type of business.

As was talked about in the opening paragraph of this article, video marketing is a terrific, highly effective way to improve your business and boost profits. By taking advantage of the great information you've learned by reading this article, you can see higher profits than you ever imagined. Don't wait any longer, start working on your video marketing strategy today!

Since Federation, Australian agriculture has received less Federal Government support than manufacturing

Since Federation, the level of Federal Government assistance given to the agriculture industry has been far less than the manufacturing sector, according to a study by two University of Melbourne economists.

Via: Business Regulation RSS Feed from 891 ABC Adelaide

All government boards to be abolished by South Australian Government

All government boards and committees in South Australia are to be abolished and only those which can prove their worth will be reinstated. The SA Government has put 440 boards on notice, with the axe will swing at the end of October. Parole and economic development boards will survive the chop and be reinstated, but some agricultural, health and other advisory committees could be gone.

Via: Business Regulation RSS Feed from 891 ABC Adelaide

Cost burden on business leads to suspension of new building safety codes

Three health-and-safety codes of practice are being suspended in South Australia because of the cost burden on business.

Via: Business Regulation RSS Feed from 891 ABC Adelaide

Consumer office defends planned trade licence changes

Acting commissioner for Consumer and Business Services Dini Soulio said his office can take submissions from trade associations if they have worries about proposed licence changes.

Via: Business Regulation RSS Feed from 891 ABC Adelaide

News Ltd boss ready for regulation fight

News Limited chief executive Kim Williams has threatened a High Court challenge if the Federal Government pushes ahead with recommendations from the Finklestein inquiry.

Via: Business Regulation RSS Feed from 891 ABC Adelaide

Bizot and Croser - a marriage made in the vineyard

Xavier Bizot knew enough about corporate law that he wanted to become a vigneron so he and his family packed their bags, bid Paris a fond adieu and headed for the Adelaide Hills Down Under.

Via: News Articles - Primary Industries

RIGHT NOW, INTERNET MARKETING IS CHANGING THE BUSINESS MODEL FASTER THAN ANY OTHER TIME PREVIOUSLY

Posted on October 1, 2014 by Real Asset Solutions Australia

Many businesses will simply not survive in their current format and will need to be ready to adapt to fast changes in coming technology should they wish to remain viable.

Gone are the days where a small business can rely on a physical office or retail location to attract new customers. Research clearly shows that those small businesses who are bucking the economic trend and are experiencing growth can attribute most of the growth from online marketing or having an online presence.

Shoppers now have more choice at their fingertips than ever before. Statistics tell us that nearly 50% of people will not do business with a website that does not load correctly, is cumbersome and slow to use or is not designed to be viewed on the persons device. Coupling this is the fact that consumers will use a number of different devices across numerous platforms throughout the day. Mobile is now expected.

A quite remarkable number bandied around is that approximately on 30% of Small Businesses have an internet offering that can not be viewed on any platform and even more astounding is that close to 30% of small businesses in Australia do not have a dedicated website for their business. With over $92 Billion transacted in 2013 via mobile gateways a figure that is over 300% higher that 5 years ago these retailers are missing the opportunity to capture sales from this group of people. They are in fact promoting their business to a little over half of their available markets.

Don’t be fooled by the latest trend or gimmick. Sustained Activity aimed at the correct audience will get you far better results than any tool or software

When the internet first arrived it took many years for people to feel safe enough to purchase and pay for things online. Sites like Ebay were the pioneers that made online purchasing an everyday event. With the introduction of the internet, there were  benefits for small business owners in that it  allowed a particular organisation to reach many prospective clients wherever those clients may be.. Even if you have one store or location you could now advertise your goods/services anywhere in the world.

The hard part for Small Business Owners though is the fact that getting your business on the  internet and getting noticed is not an easy task. Think of the Internet as the biggest shopping mall in the world with new shops opening and others closing every millisecond. Each operator ever more keen to promote their products and services with the latest gadget or plug in.

Think back 20 years ago; having a small flyer designed and printed was a two week-long event – if you were lucky! Today you can order printing from any where in the world and have it delivered to your door within a few days. Not only do you have a product and service far more superior than 20 years ago you also have literally thousands of competitors worldwide all trying to get your business.

The lesson for small business is don’t regard the internet as a medium for advertising your business, if you look at it from that angle you might as well take a classified advert out in every paper in the world. Obviously there needs to be some narrowing down of target markets, research needs to be conducted and testing and improvement is extremely important to develop a profitable distribution channel. All of these things are part of the core principle of Marketing, Product, Price Promotion & Price.

People often confuse marketing as being only advertising related, they feel a catchy slogan or an amazing offer will be enough to sway people to their product or service over their competitors. However Marketing is far more of an exact science that relates to getting a product to market whilst earning the greatest amount of return on your investment of time and money.

Think of Marketing as the recipe to product success; just like with baking a cake some ingredients suit better than others.

The answer and solution is working out what ingredients and at what amount need to be added to your cake mix to bake that award winning masterpiece. Sacrificing water for milk or cream for eggs does not work just as mixing the wrong marketing tools together will not work either.

To succeed online you have to harness and maximise the unique qualities of the web, this includes being able to find a way to offer your clients or customers a better way of doing things or a better experience than they can get elsewhere.

The words Online marketing – these two simple words placed together cover an enormous amount of subject matter, This is where a good marketer will understand that this raw data needs to be filtered and targeted to a point where you now have a method to communicate effectively to  those who may be seeking your product and services and what you are promoting is an enticing offer that in some way is better than your competitors.

Remember as a Small Business you do have some leverage over large competitors in terms of speed to market and the ability to be adaptable without a big bureaucratic noose around your neck. As a small business owner you need to maximise these weaknesses in your competitors Armour and cement your place in the market place before someone in a far far distant place finds your customers and begins to drag them away.

REDDOG Business & Marketing Strategies is an agency that differs from many other marketing consultants as we are salespeople and small business owners ourselves and first and fore most we agree and understand that having the biggest glossiest website or the best pay per click budget is worth nothing unless they are proven to be the right ingredient used at the right time in the right way.

Visit our website www.reddogstrategies.com.au for Free Marketing Tips

Pacific Brands' Sheridan leaving South Australia for Queensland distribution base

Homewares company Sheridan is shifting operations to from SA to Queensland, with the promise of improved efficiency and customer service, but dozens of Adelaide jobs are going.

Via: Economic Trends RSS Feed from 891 ABC Adelaide

Homebuyers 'unprotected' from bankrupt real estate agent Shane Snellgrove, commissioner warns

Homebuyers and sellers are being warned not to deal with a bankrupt real estate agent operating in South Australia.

Via: Small Business RSS Feed from 891 ABC Adelaide

Has it Been A Good Year For Property?

Has it been a good year for property?

I can not see a lot of confidence in the market, yet prices are rising ? 

Perhaps we are at an equilibrium where we will see a more balanced market going forward? 

Interesting thought, Are we more motivated by making money or does the fear of losing money outweigh our greed?

In my opinion the main problem with any investment at the moment is affordability. Whilst inflation may be under 3% overall, do some research on essential services and see what high inflation is about.

You cannot rip an extra $5000 -$10,000 out of the average families cash flow and expect no flow on effect.

What is the easiest thing you can do to keep in the black,easy forget about the future and stop saving or investing- you need a house to live in, a car to drive, clothes, gas, electricity TODAY, not in 10, 15 or 20 years.

So if you are short on money after losing so much on extra essential services charges what do you think you will give up to make up for it?

Of course, your future financial goals are first on the list. They don't come around to cut the power off if you don't pay unlike your power provider.

Hence it is pretty hard to save your way to Financial Freedom living in a society where boundaries move and you have absolutely no control.

Obviously, this scenario is nothing new, 20 years ago it was oil and petrol, prior to that building materials etc, there will never be a perfect storm in an economy with natural disasters, financial crashes and market cycling happening everyday.

Savvy investors are usually people who make well researched decisions based on reliable modelling, whilst you can never totally remove risk you can plan for it. A plan that takes into account the what if's and provides a strategy that is based on worst case scenario integrated with good risk management and reporting is the most safest, secure and predictable way to success.

Whilst it may take a little longer your journey is going to be so much more relaxed and enjoyable.

If you are struggling to get ahead financially and feel that you are caught up in a scenario where you have the least amount control over your money then perhaps you may need to consider making an effort to stop being reactive and become proactive.

A simple phone consultation can often save our clients over half their term in mortgage payments and still have more cash flow coming in than previously.

It really depends on your circumstances and what you want to achieve, not everyone wants to buy and own investment properties or shares, however you need to find something to reduce the amount of interest and tax you will pay in your lifetime if you want any chance of financial freedom and don't want to be be another million dollar sucker paying your banks CEO's yacht off for them.

Book a Free Consultation during September using our Online Appointment Scheduler & Reminder System and Receive a $50.00 SHELL Fuel CARD as a Free Reward to pay for next weeks fuel bill.even better it may change your life....

http://realassetsolutions.appointron.com/bookings/choose_slot?account_id=37971&person_id=21300&service_id=27401

Australia the land of Broke Retirees

Retirement and  why property may help 

Research shows that only one in 10 Australians currently invest in residential property as a vehicle for wealth creation. With statistics showing that less than 10% of Australians are retiring in a similar or better financial position than before retirement. Do we need to ask the Question ? Is property the best investment vehicle to achieve a self-funded retirement? And if so, what is stopping the other 90% from investing in Australian property.?

Broke at 40 - Wait until your income drops by 60%

According to the Commonwealth Bank on their website Commbank.com.au when it comes to wealth creation for Australians’ residential property remains the number one asset, accounting for $4.4 trillion of our wealth”.

In comparison to other asset classes the bank states that superannuation accounts for $1.5 trillion, Australian listed stocks $1.3 trillion and commercial real estate $0.7 trillion.

Based on the above there are strong indicators that Australians feel safe in bricks and mortar. After conducting research there were three repeating reasons that appeared when questioned non investors on what was stopping them.

1) A Fear of Investing - this could be as simple as not wanting to lose money or a deep seated fear or phobia.

2) Don't know how to do it or where to start - some people are financially inept and for whatever reason can't put a plan in place to make it happen.

3) Could not be bothered with the headache - Unfortunately this is where most Australian's are placed. Most people do not see the URGENT need to create wealth at this very moment.

Unfortunately it seems the majority also underestimate the amount they will require to fund their retirement and overestimate how much their Superannuation will provide.

Data provided by the Australian Bureau of Statistics from their Census results indicate these people are in for a rude shock. Unless they make fundamental changes to their financial structures chances are without a lottery win or recieving a substantial inheritance they will end up either Dead, Dead Broke or Still Working though their twilight years.

Not much reward for a life time of sweat and toil !

If you grew up in Australia with Baby Boomers as parents, keeping in mind they were raised by parents who lived through a depression, you were most likely told that debt is bad and should be avoided at all costs.. The safest way to secure your future was to save a large deposit then buy a home. Once you had a family you would work as hard as you can to pay your mortgage off and when you retire you will always have a roof over your head and a back yard to grow vegetables.

Now fast forward to 2013 and according to the Melbourne Institute you will need at least $38,000 per year as a household just to live above the poverty line in retirement. The website then advises that as of March 2013 the maximum age pension a couple can receive in Australia is $31,688.

Realistically, a comfortable lifestyle Retirement goal in 2014 should provide at least $60,000 p/a for a couple.

To achieve this you would require approximately $1.200,000 invested in an income producing asset, this figure should not including the value or equity in the family home.

This scenario would provide an annual income of around $60,000 p/a with a 5% return.

As you can imagine saving your way to Retirement seems a futile exercise. This is where you need to take advantage of leveraging and using debt to your advantage. There have been very few wealthy people who have saved their way to wealth. You need to use debt to leverage your exposure and therefore multiply your returns.

Also as important is the need to protect and preserve your most important asset - your family home. There is clear anecdotal evidence that more and more Australians are relying on using the equity in their home to help fund retirement. They are effectively reducing the amount available for future generations

To highlight the problem, the investment management firm Challenger provide data from APRA that show that the average superannuation fund for couple aged 60 plus is currently between $120,000 - $200, 000. These figures are a far cry from the amount required and you don't need to be a mathematician to work out there is very little that could be done to fix the problem. In reality,these people are heading for a meager existence unless they remain employable.

Missing the mark with your finances - your not alone

So back to Property & how to avoid the above scenario? It really comes down the old adage "Just Do Something".

The longer you leave it the harder it is going to be - Already the Federal Government has began making changes to reduce the Age Pension entitlements and reduce Social Service payments.

The Government can see the writing on the wall and need to take decisive action and implement policies and tax incentives to encourage mum and dad investors. If we want Australia to remain the Lucky Country then who is going to pay for increasing costs' associated with a large increasing number of an aging population?.

Another key difference in our modern society is the increasing expense involved to provide essential services and we live in a much more disposable society, 'things aren't made like they used to be"

this makes for interesting times for the Generation X crowd who will be heading in to their last quarter of their working lives very soon.

So what can you do?

First - Make an appointment to see a good Advisor who understands and works with Direct Property,Property Funds, Superannuation, Tax Planning & Debt Reduction is a good place to start.

Just like your Doctor, don't worry they've heard it and seen it all before. so don't feel embarrassed about your current situation. no matter how Grim the future may look.

OK, you've found your Adviser - Now what?

The 6 Important Questions to ask

1) How can I reduce my debt in the shortest time frame by utilising cash flow management?

2) How can I save paying so much tax & how can I use this improve my cash flow & reduce debt?.

3) How much am I risking in equity or cash and how long is this risk expected to last?

4) What will your strategy achieve for me in xyz years?

5) What will happen if this or that happens?

6) What are the risks associated with my family home?

If your Adviser cannot answer these 6 Basics questions then find another. Other professionals that can assist are your Accountant, Your Mortgage Broker or your Asset Managers & Strategists.

Good luck and we would love to hear your experiences and comments.

Remember - Sharing is Caring

We truly believe property is the best vehicle for the average Australian to create wealth

Author - Antonio Sawlwin - Santolo

Contact - antoniosaw@gmail.com

Copyright 2014 -

RASA

References

<http://www.commbank.com.au/about-us/news/media-releases/2013/introducing-property-mywealth-brings-world-first-do-it-yourself-investors.html>

<http://melbourneinstitute.com/downloads/publications/Poverty%20Lines/Poverty-lines-Australia-June2012.pdf>

<http://www.superguide.com.au/how-super-works/age-pension-rates>

<http://www.challenger.com.au/funds/TechnicalUpdates/CRIR_How_much_super_do_Aussies_have_Apr12.pdf>