February 6, 2008
Happy 2008! It's been awhile since we've sent one of these out so we have some catching up to do!
2007 was a great year for The Green Pen. We continued to grow and extend relationships with our phenomenal clients, we got a new logo and a new focus for our business, and we had more opportunities to share our knowledge of emarketing so that everyone in the industry could benefit.
This year we plan on continuing to educate the Green Industry about the benefits of emarketing and a strong Internet presence. We are busy with several releases from the end of 2007 such as www.baystateaquascapes.com, www.irisblade.com, and the upcoming release of Aquascape Distributor www.aquascapesofnewhampshire.com which will include online shopping.
Finally, please check out our article featured in the December issue of PondKeeper Magazine about emarketing (page 30).
When I first met Dan and Rebecca from IrisBlade on a trip to Cabo in 2005, I was struck by how well this dynamic brother and sister team worked together. The continued growth of their business is evidence of that. Over two years later, I am proud to call them, and team member, Andre, friends and thrilled to have had the opportunity to see their work first-hand.
The Atlanta market is struggling now due to drought and recession, yet their business continues to grow. It is easy to attribute this fact to the quality of the beautiful work they do as well as the fact that Rebecca has a great mind for marketing. While their former site wasn't that old, Rebecca knew it did not really reflect who they are and the work they do. The redesign included a greater emphasis on content to make their consumers better educated and an improved photo gallery that showcased their amazing workmanship. Once you see their site, you'll know why they have a bright and prosperous future ahead of them!
No doubt about it, the purse strings are tightened. Across the country I hear how many professionals in the Green Industry and in construction and development are struggling to get by. So, I'm hitting the rewind button and reminding you of how to market cost-effectively.
eNewsletters are one of the best and cheapest ways to reach your customers. Print direct mailing costs start on average at about $2 per recipient. eMail marketing costs start on average at about $.02!!! And the benefits are limitless!
- It's a great targeted touchpoint with your customers that keeps you top of mind for products and services and helps build relationships.
- Informational communications build confidence in your knowledge and abilities.
- Allows you to track the success of your campaign both immediately online and via long-term results.
- Gives you the ability to promote products and specials at a moment's notice.
- Provides an opportunity to have your customers refer your business to friends and family.
- Communications can link to your Web site increasing traffic and Search Engine Rankings.
- eMarketing has a larger Return on Investment – some studies estimate it at over 150% GREATER than direct print mailing and advertising on the $1!
The list is endless, but this should be more than enough to get you to put email campaigns as a major component in your 2008 marketing plan!
Next month – building your email distribution list!
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