Double Pronged Attack for Small Businesses – Blog & Newsletter
Okay, ‘attack’ might be a little strong, ‘approach’ might be better. I’m surprised everyday by the lack of take up of social media amongst small businesses, especially in the UK. The blog & email newsletter is a popular combination in the blogosphere, yet many small businesses are missing (or ignoring) the benefits.
Blogging is cheap and if done correctly can create a community that laps up your information and your products. It’s practically free to blog, a couple pounds for hosting and a few good articles and you’re on your way.
An email newsletter can be a way of connecting with your customers, building community and giving something back (ie Value) to the people who keep your business alive. Or it can be just another sales pitch. It all depends on the format, include articles, competitions, and valuable information and you have a valuable newsletter. A list of products with links to buy, well that’s just a blatant sales pitch, and very easy to unsubscribe from (especially in this economy).
I’ve checked out a cross-section of businesses owned by parents to see how they are connecting with their customers. These were completely random choices from the mum and working website. Just for fun I’ve rated them with a star system. 1* = Blog/Newsletter non-existant. 5* = Social Media Superstar
Everyday Maternity – No blog here, but they have a registration form which has a tick box for a newsletter, I suspect this newsletter would be merely a sales pitch (I might be wrong?), no incentive for joining either.
2**
Green Mums – They have an articles section, but not really a blog. No sign of a newsletter, there may be something when you sign up, but nothing promoted on the front page.
2**
Scribble Bug – No blog or newsletter sign-up form on the front page
1*
Hippychick – No blog or newsletter, but a big button to connect on facebook!
2**
No blog or newsletter, but they have managed an adsense ad, interesting
1*
So there it is, none of the businesses I looked at were really promoting a blog or an email newsletter that offered any incentive. Maybe I’m wrong and it’s not profitable for small businesses to do this, but as a potential buyer I’d like to hear the stories behind the business owners and really connect with the companies. Loyalty and trust are key in an economy where I for one am reluctant to open my wallet and make a purchase without a lot of consideration.
So recently, I was doing research for an article that I am writing about email marketing. I was researching private companies that offered services that are the most affordable to businesses owners. I came across a private company in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania called Phase 2 Solutions, LLC. Some of the services they offered flabbergasted me, in comparison with others. I thought I would like to share this company with other marketers because I had never heard of it before and was wondering what other people may think before I submit my article.
They provide an email blast service for $25, which they design and distribute it to up to 2500 of your contacts. Compared with other services, it seems as though it is the best deal around. Any feedback would be great that I can use for my article.
http://www.phase2solutions.net ? Company website
http://www.sendemailblast.com ? Email blast website
Hi,
This is random but I noticed you’re using Aweber’s blog broadcast…have you seen http://feedmailpro.com? You might like it.
Hope it helps,
Brian
Interesting comments, I did not know this blog and found it by clicking on something else. It’s allready in my bookmarks so you will see me back soon.