Ethical Email Marketing - 3 Essentials for the Web Entrepreneur

In today's market place it is said that the most effective form of marketing on the internet is still email marketing. Even with the boom in social media, networks and groups, it all boils down to getting directly connected to your prospect or audience. It is the attainment of the email address that to some degree ensures your connection and I'll even say a level of trust between you and your prospective buyer. Many people will 'friend' or 'like' you on Facebook or other social networking sites, but attaining the right to send them a message directly into their inbox is still a privilege. A privilege that has become even more closely guarded thanks to millions of spammers over the past decade that have tarnished the reputation of unsolicited emailing.
Statistics say that 44% of consumers check their emails more than 3 times per day. Internet users spend more time in their inbox than on any other online activity. That being said, how do you connect with your prospective buyers at the inbox level where it counts? Follow these 3 essential ingredients and you will be on your way to not only bringing in big profits, but also reaping the rewards of a good relationship with each of your customers.

I. Target your audience.

Too many internet marketers do not take the time to establish their niche and find the right people to market to. It is a nuisance, unethical and sometimes offensive to receive emails that are of absolutely no interest to you. If you are building an email list, do not send everyone the same emails. Do some research on the people on your list before you send out your email campaign. This not only ensures that you will be talking to an interested recipient but also it builds credibility for you by not annoying those on your list with a product or service that they are not interested in. Failing to do this may put you in the recipient's conscious or subconscious 'blacklist' which will ruin your reputation and negate the possibility of them opening any future emails even if they are properly targeted to them.

II. 3rd party recognition.

If you want to build your brand or image to your prospects they must know that you are the best place to spend their money for your particular product or service. Don't fall prey to adding hype and hoopla about how great you are. Let the truth speak for your business. This can be done by using real testimonials from your previous customers or clients. Include these types of endorsements in your email marketing to show the truth of your integrity. If your business is new then get endorsements about your character from professionals who know you or what your business plans are. In doing this you will show your potential clients more about who you are and why they too, should come to you for their needs. Remember that all business is about relationships and people who have good relationships are more likely to attract more relationships.

III. Use video in every email.

Today, the average business owner receives hundreds of anonymous emails a day, more than half of which are unsolicited junk. You need to stand out from this crowd and the absolutely best way to do this is by using internet based video in all of your email communications. Video email removes the possibility of miscommunication and establishes a personal connection with the viewer. In my research, click through rates have increased up to 180% video email from me, rather than the traditional text with graphics. It allows me to establish a greater importance in what I am offering as well as showing my prospects that they are truly important to me because I took the time to send them this personal visual of who I really am. COMF5 is the best example of a service that allows users to send regular emails in surprisingly less time than what it takes to send a text one. You can also send bulk video email campaigns to your double opt-in lists so that you know you are reaching your targeted audience. They host many other services including live video broadcasting, conferencing, webinars and mobile marketing.

If you truly want to stand out as an ethical entrepreneur in your niche, add video email marketing, 3rd party recognition and endorsements to your targeted ethical marketing efforts to build trust and add an extra personal touch.

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