4 Steps to Building a Marketing Database

This summer I started to commit more time to building a database of contacts. In the past I had not been very good about working on the list on a regular and consistent basis, but now I do. Actually I pay someone part time to do it from home because it would never get the attention otherwise.

Here are ways to build and use a database for growing your business in a slow economy.

1st. Make sure that the names you get are from people that you have met or have given you permission to contact them. That is the reason for building the list, because you plan to contact them.  If you get a business card or an email from someone add them to your database. Or call and ask if you can contact them later or I ask “Would it be ok if I sent you my contact information”. Or “Can I email you some info about our company.” Those are ways to build the list.

2nd. Get good information. I use Google documents this lets me set up a spreadsheet that I can update and edit from any location. It also lets multiple people update the same list. This keeps the information up to date and correct. I can leave notes about the conversation I had and when I last contacted the business. I keep track of Industry, Company, Contacts Name, Title, Phone, ext, Date Contacted, Date to call back, Email, Website, and Comments about the call.

3rd. I use that info to import into Rush Mail this lets me send a email newsletter to that list on a monthly basis. I could also use that list to form a direct mail campaign.

4th. Always update the list. Call your contacts on a regular basis. I make a point of calling my potential clients when ever I have down time. I call them every 3-4 months. I ask if they recieved the email or post card that I sent and if they have any project coming up in the future. I am not very aggressive with the call. I keep it casual and quick. If they don’t need me I don’t want to be annoying. But I do want to remind them that I want their business.