Email database marketing is when companies send targeted electronic messages to customers, individuals or businesses in hopes that consumer purchase will increase. Companies acquire email addresses through websites, comment cards, surveys or through purchasing the addresses from a third party. Email database advertising leverages technology already in use by companies and consumers for generating leads and create direct marketing channels competitors may not be using.
Generating emails lists is not very difficult in today’s business environment. Many companies require customers to create accounts or enter email addresses when using the company’s website. This forces customers to give the company an email address that can allow for email database marketing at a future point. In order to maintain a good reputation, many companies provide customers with an opportunity to opt-out, removing their email from the database, or limit the amount of emails they receive from the company. Companies may also create policies that restrict the sale of customer email addresses to outside firms.
Using email addresses for marketing and advertising can increase the opportunity for companies to spread their message. Many individuals have mobile devices that allow them to receive information in a near real-time format. Companies can maximize marketing opportunities by sending emails during peak shopping times. For example, a company can work with a survey company to determine when most individuals are shopping at stores during the day or evening. With this information, companies can set up an automatic marketing email in an attempt to reach consumers during these times. Adding a coupon can increase the chances that a consumer will make a purchase at the store.
Another option for email database marketing is to break consumers down into various demographics. For example, asking consumers to provide specific information such as income, location, age, sex, family size and other statistics allows the company to tailor email marketing messages even further. This ultimately allows a large organization or company to create regional messages for marketing and advertising.
Email database marketing also lets companies to create simple, form-style message used in repeatedly. By creating a few basic templates, the company can then insert the email message easily using a computer formula. This cuts down on the marketing personnel needed to create and develop messages. The electronic form can also contain tracking information that lets the company know what information is most sought after by consumers. Through this data tracking, companies can further enhance future email marketing messages.