Small Business Administration Advocates e-Marketing
A Home Business Article Contributed by Donna M. Brown
Small Business Administration Offers Advice on e-Marketing
The Small Business Administration touts e-mail marketing as one of the most effective ways to keep in touch with customers.
"It is generally cost-effective, and if done properly, can help build brand awareness and loyalty, " according to an SBA article published online at
The Small Business Administration is a well-known advocate for the little guy. E-marketing is one of the ways smaller business can compete with big box companies without investing millions those small business simply don't have.
According to the Small Business Administration, response rates on e-mail marketing are very strong. The response rate varies from industry to industry. Format plays a role here too, but the response rate of e-marketing is found to be 5 percent to 35 percent. Compare that to regular mail advertising - much more expensive - with only a 1 to 3 percent response rate.
Small Business Administration Can Help You Plan Your e-Marketing Approach
When customers sign up for your email newsletter, they provide valuable demographic information that you're not likely to get through more traditional forms of communication.
The Small Business Administration says this is one excellent way to begin to target the customers to which you are most likely to appeal. Age, gender, income and special interests are all a part of the information online clients often willingly provide. Not sure how to begin? Contact your local small business administration or visit the business friendly organization online. The SBA's main goal is to help small business thrive. You'll be surprised at how helpful they really are.
Consider These Points Offered by the Small Business Administration
People generally respond better to HTML emails than they do to text emails. Graphics and colors make publications appear more professional. If you provide an incentive to subscribe, including tips and information, you will entice more customers to keep in touch.
Customers are more likely to pay attention to your emails if you offer information and incentives than if you try to sell, sell, sell according to the small business administration.
When you ask questions, limit them to basic information that won't make customers feel threatened and give them the option to opt out of your survey.
You Don't Have to Be Involved in e-Commerce to Take Advantage of the Internet
"Even if you choose not to sell your goods or services online, a business web site can be a virtual marketing brochure that you can update on demand with little or no cost, " the Small Business Administration maintains. "Your presence on the Internet can be a useful marketing tool by providing richer pre-sale information or post-sale support and service."
The Small Business Administration carefully monitors marketing trends and has determined that E-Commerce has redefined the marketplace. Business strategies are altered and global competition is finally possible for small businesses throughout the United States.
The Small Business Administration says, "The term 'electronic commerce' has evolved from meaning simply electronic shopping to representing all aspects of business and market processes enabled by the Internet and other digital technologies. SBA is preparing to help this new generation of Internet-enabled or eSmall Businesses."
