Jun
29

7 Critical Email Marketing Rules

Here’s how you can increase your sales numbers and attract a better quality client

Email marketing has transformed the way we can grow businesses. From the costly (yet still highly effective) direct mail world with the postage and printing costs… to the new age of instant delivery and little out-of-pocket costs for a mailing.

Email can bring life to your marketing mix and give your prospects and customers an insiders peak into your personality and business endeavors.

That said, email marketing is not a guaranteed moola maker.

In fact, more of them go wrong than right (despite what nonsense many of the ‘gurus’ are feeding you this week).

It doesn’t take much to sit at your computer like I am doing now, and put together a letter to your clients, much like I am to you right now.

What it DOES take is some grey matter to go into your campaign and some formulas that help ensure your odds are improved.

1) Write to ONE person… not hundreds or thousands. Know who your perfect client is. Know them like your best friend. Know what they would say if they were the one writing their life story in a journal.

What would they tell you?
What are their challenges?
What are their frustrations?
What keeps them awake at night tossing and turning?

If you don’t know this – you can’t write effective emails to them. They will come across as bland, stale, and without a personal connection. BUT, when you DO know who they are (intimately) your email will strike a chord with them unlike any others they receive. (fyi: I actually got to know my one client so well that I ended up marrying her :o ) 11 years now… twin 9 years daughters to add to the mix. You could say I know her very well :)

Marriage and kids... the roller coaster ride of your life!

2) Leverage your personality. One of your greatest assets, yet highly unlikely being used to its potential. Here are a few key things you can use in your copy that may help.

The key to this is to let loose. This is a unique way of getting inside your head and finding real life ways to position you and your business in the buyers mind. Don’t worry about if it is too much or too little… just dump your thoughts on paper.

Sometimes the most unusual of things about you can be the big breakthroughs we are looking for in the marketing and positioning of you.

Have fun… share freely.

* Pet Peeves
* Physical Characteristics (Uniqueness)
* Core Beliefs
* Politics
* Birthplace
* What Are You Pathological About?
* Significant Childhood Events
* Beliefs
* Hobbies
* Education
* Skills
* Interests
* Family
* Talents
* Life Events You Remember Most
* Adventures You Will Never Forget
* Incompetence At?
* Anything You Are A Legend Of?

If you invest a few hours on this, and write down the points you think of as they come to you, that docuement will help you write promotions, articles, blog posts and campaigns for years to come.

A definite worthwhile investment.

3) Always try and include something in your promotions that gives an insight, a tip, or something helpful. Even in your promotions, include a PS or a side bar that is helpful. It helps them justify the time they invest in your materials.

4) What makes you unique in your field? Everyone talks about a USP – but, as you’ve probably seen, they are not that simple to create. Ask anyone what the best USPs are, and you will always hear Dominos Pizza, Fedex, etc. Always the same. Why? Because they aren’t that easy to do. Especially in today’s market with soooo many competitors out there – all doing the same thing you are. But there must be something, just one thing, that makes you unique. Right? Find it – then mention it in every email that goes out. Use it on your websites. On your blog. On your invoices. Everywhere you can – spread the word about the one thing that makes you unique. It doesn’t have to be rocket science – Microsoft doesn’t have one – Coke doesn’t have one – even Apple doesn’t have one. So monster success stories didn’t always get that way with an official USP – they just found one or two things they were good at and made that the focus of their marketing.

5) Call to action. Obvious… but not used. Every email you send should have a call to action. That does not mean you sell something every time you email… that is a dangerous path to take. The call to action could be to visit your blog, or reply back with comments, or to fill out a survey (the unsung hero of getting to know your customers). Just ask them to do something.

You should aim for 4 times as much content as promotions.

So one out of every 4 – 5 emails you send can be a promotion.

6) Have more fun with graphics. I am as guilty as charged here – but have been testing different approaches with some retail clients of mine. I found some interesting conversion improves with some very untraditional graphics.

Something I recommend you try.

Think about how people ‘traditionally’ think about your business, product or industry. What is the opposite of that? What graphic could be used to show the 2 opposites? Test it – you may be pleasantly surprised with the results.

7) Always remember Murphy’s Law in your email marketing. If something can go wrong, chances are it will. Pay very close attention to (speaking from my own mess ups): Deadlines are correct, contact details are correct, dates or holidays are the right one (like my mixup on when Canada day is this week – whoops!), etc.

Plan for a contingency.

Think through your email from the point of view of a brand new prospect to your email list. How would they see it? What would they like about it? Dislike aoutb it? Is it worthy of being passed on?

Do your best to factor these 7 rules into your marketing.

More to come.

Have a great week.

Troy White

PS: REMINDER – If you haven’t snapped up one of the Cash Flow Calendars at 63.27% off, get your copy now through this special link:
https://responsivedm.infusionsoft.com/saleform/nathniit

You can read all the details at www.cashflowcalendars.com (but must use the link above to get the 63.27% discount)

PPS: SPECIAL OFFER. If you are looking for a unique email (or print) marketing campaign this summer, email me back. I have a very unique and unusual exciting alternative for you this summer – one that’s guaranteed to be highly profitable for you.
This is available to you at just a fraction of the cost of our full service campaigns. No obligation – just email me and we can set up a time to talk for 5 minutes about it.

Jun
17

Drayton Bird… Master Marketer and Free Training For You

What an inspiration!

Many decades of marketing mastery all bottled up in one hilarious gentleman.

Drayton Bird was a blast to speak with.

Right Click here to download the interview with Drayton Bird

Not only did I thoroughly enjoy the call, he gave me far more of his time than I thought I would get.

He shared his history and what has inspired him to continue writing 6 hours a day for 50 years.

He shared the story of his mothers first direct response letter – and the staggering results she attained for her non-profit animal shelter (along with the single key that any non-profit could use to get the same results).

He shared his formula for creating winning copy.

He shared his incredible insights into the internet marketing age.

Last, but certainly not least – he shared his humour.  Lots of it.

I haven’t laughed like that in a long time.

He inspired me to use more humour and to develop my ability to see the lighter side in everything that I do.

If you have never heard of his 450 page masterpiece – NOW is the time to look it up on Amazon!

Common Sense Direct Marketing is a huge honking behemoth of a manual.

And it delivers.

For now though – start with the recording of this fantastic call.

Drayton Bird is a master marketer and you need to hear this:

Right Click here to download the interview with Drayton Bird

Would love to hear your comments on this.

Thanks,

Troy

PS: MAKE SURE you have a good look at Drayton’s upcoming program in London – this is one
I would hate to miss http://www.directmarketingmentor.com

Jun
16

How my dog helps me in business

My dog Casino was found wandering a gravel road on an Indian Reservation when he was under 2 months old.

He was malnourished, had a skin disease, and had been kicked in the mouth.

Luckily, Misty Creek Dog Rescue was driving by after collecting another 20 puppies from a certain death on the reserve.

They healed him.

Fed him.
Fattened him.

…and named him Casino, a name they were saving for the right dog.

This little husky mix was that one.

We adopted him when he was 4 months old and have loved every minute of having him since. That was almost 2 years ago.  My 9 year old twin daughters love having a dog and have a blast with himm in the yard and at the off-lease dog park.

I even have pictures of them dressing him up (we promised not to share with his dog park buddies).

We actually finally made the decision to adopt after having our house broken into 2 years ago, while we slept.

It was a stomach-wrenching realization waking up and knowing someone had been in the house while we all slept.  I always thought I would wake up if it happened (as does everyone), but I didn’t hear a thing.

Anyhow, the breakin scared my girls and a dog was soon to follow.

One of the biggest changes that I feel happened has a direct impact on my business.

…And there is a solid lesson in here for you.

My original mentor, the master Ad Writer, Ted Nicholas, once said to me that “walking is the unsung hero of exercise”.

Coming from a guy of his ‘experience’, and the fact that he is still very youthful and full of vitality, I listened.

…in fact, I used Casino as my excuse to get out there more consistently walking.

You know what?

Going for a fast-paced 30 minute walk every morning is a FINE way to start your day.  I walk fast, so every morning I get a good sweat going before tackling anything else.

Me and Casino cruise the neighborhood, stop by the offleash area, and then walk back home to pick up my daughters so we can walk them to school.

It gets me lots of fresh air, some sun, and hours a week of excercise (besides my 3-4 hrs a week in the Tae Kwon Do Dojang).

Here is my point to you…

…if there is any possible way you can start your day with a walk – DO IT!

Even better…

…start writing the SECOND you get back from your walk.  Well, maybe grab some water and a banana first.

It is one of the best ways to start your day.

You will find your mind refreshed, excited, full of oxygen, and ready for a powerful day. Marketing Maniac

Most of the days I am out walking, I am also listening to audios with experts or audio books.

So I am also getting a priceless education!

In the average 1 month span (probably more like 1 week, to be honest) I learn more PRACTICAL tools for growing a business than I did in my 5 years in Business School (Bachelor of Commerce Degree).

You don’t need a dog like Casino to get the benefits I have seen.

All you need is some initiative and commitment.

Troy

Jun
11

Zinging along with Joe Sugarman

A great recording just posted and a Calgary Writing class coming

Hope you had a great week.

One of the fun things I did recently was interview Joe Sugarman.

If you don’t know Joe, you may have heard of his sun glass line “BluBlockers”?

Many years ago, Joe was busy running a thriving ad agency when he ran into a line of unusual sunglasses. They were so unusual, he decided to test some unique marketing ideas he had.

One thing led to another and, next thing you know, he was selling 300,000 pairs of glasses every single month!

His line of glasses was a BIG success and allowed him to brand his name, while using direct response to make a mint in the advertising he did.

Something happened a couple years ago that went under the radar

…until the movie “The Hangover” came out.

Next thing you know, people were running to buy BluBlocker sunglasses and a huge sales surge enveloped the company.

Plus, it gave them an entirely new niche they could target.

Joe shared some excellent information with me on this private call.  Things like:

* how to leverage unexpected media attention
* why luck has played a huge part in his recent sales surge…and how you can position yourself to experience more ‘luck’
* the single-most important tool in the entrepreneurs marketing toolkit
* what technology has leveled the playing field for anyone running a small business
* how to find the hidden hook in your product or service (and the easiest place to start)
* 6 of his success secrets that got him where he is today, and will help you fast track your business growth along the way)
* one thing you can change in your ads that could double your response (as it consistently does for him, and it isn’t the headline)
* the counter-intuitive system for breaking free of mediocre sales

…and much more.

The interview with Joe Sugarman can be found here:
Right click and save to your computer

~ ~ ~ ~

Need More Internet Traffic and Sales?

If you’re near Calgary, make sure you have a look at the brand new course
I am co-hosting on June 30th…

Writing With ~ZING~

Your 3 Step Blueprint
for Web Marketing Success

Get found.
Get Noticed.
Get Paid.

June 30, 2010

One-day condensed format for website owners who want to understand how to write for search engine optimization, social media, and internet marketing.

Writing With ~ZING~ Details

Guaranteed to give you solid, bankable results in your internet marketing campaigns.

Have a great weekend.

Troy

Jun
04

Partners in business or lone rangers?

One of the toughest things an entrepreneur can do is work with a partner.

Why?

Because one of the big reasons we go into business is that we are marketing mavericks, rebels, or independent thinkers.

We tried working for a boss.

We tried working with others.

We gave it a go and found that it just isn’t for us.

So we hang up our shingle as an entrepreneur and venture out on our own.

It’s scary at first.

No guarantees of any money, at all, coming in.

If you were like me, you quit your job without a plan in place, just the passion to do it on your own.

The key: “on your own”.

Ultimately the day comes when a partnership comes your way.

It may be a full time, all-encompassing partnership, or it may just be on a specific project.

We think things have changed and that now we can play well with others.

Then we get head deep in our new venture, and we realize that partnerships aren’t all they are cracked up to be,

You’re still a rebel at heart – and working on your own just feels better.

Your initial dreams about being twice as productive with 2 of you quickly meets reality.

And the partnership comes to a grinding halt.

Now this doesn’t apply to every entrepreneur… not at all.

I know many people who HAVE successfully entered into thriving partnerships.

But, unfortunately, I know far more people who have tried them and couldn’t make them work.

I am one of those.

One of the big things that seems to happen near the end is a lot of finger pointing.

“You didn’t do this as we agreed” or “it’s your fault this never happened”…

…and so on.

It causes friction… and sometimes costs a friendship that existed long before the partnership.

If you are strong, you find an amicable way to part ways… and stay close friends.

But not everyone can do that…they always like to have that finger in the air and cannot move past their own half of the blame.

A partnership is a mutual agreement… meaning BOTH parties hold equal responsibility.

If it doesn’t work.. move on and maintain your dignity.

If it does… congratulations… you are in a very rare situation and can use your partnership as a powerful leverage point for your business growth.

Business partnerships CAN be instrumental to growing a small business venture fast.

Especially when each of you brings a different skillset to the table.

But, and this is the main point of this article, make sure you are ready for a partnership and all the new challenges it brings.

Some people (like me) struggle with this.

We try – but consistently run into hurdles.

So we have to accept what is reality and know that being the lone ranger may be better in the long run for our business and sanity.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this subject, I don’t see it discussed much and am curious to your thoughts.

Are you for partnerships?  Against?

Have you tried it and couldn’t make it work?

Or just avoided it since the beginning?

Please share!

Thanks, Troy

May
12

Strategies for local search engine mastery

One of the best things you can do for getting qualified people to
your site is to learn some of the simpler seo strategies.

I am not an seo person.  But I have played with it over the years
and have done well through trial and error on some fronts.

But I have also missed far more opportunities than I should of.

Why?

Because I didn’t ask the experts.

David West and Stuart Crawford are 2 friends of mine in Calgary
that ARE experts.

Their entire business is designed around local search engine
strategies
for small business owners.

And they are having a class next Tuesday in Calgary that you
should attend.

For all the details – see http://www.troysentme.com

Side note:  David, Stuart and I are going to be holding an email
marketing, autoresponder training course next month.  If you
decide to attend the search engine class, and want to attend the
email class, let me know and we will work out a special deal just
for you.

Speaking of stories, I have just posted a simple checklist you
can use to start coming up with stories in your marketing.

As you should well know - story telling is incredibly powerful
for marketing and bonding with your clients.

The problem is… few are good at it.

I am an introvert and struggle with story telling – but I have
found some easy tools you and I can use to become much more
proficient at telling a story that tightens the bond.

Have a look at my newest blog post:
http://www.blog.smallbusinesscopywriter.com/story-telling-for-non-story-tellers

Thanks, Troy