You were talking about advertising to customers via email. If you already ahev established relationships with customers then you are ok to email then about new services etc...If you are trying to build your emai list then you have to think about whats in it for potential customers to sign up.
Firstly you need a website that offers quality information...people dont go on the internet to buy, they surf for information. If you answers all their questions they will feel more confident about buying/signing up with you.
I have know a few people to buy a list of homeowners, thinking that if they emailed 5000 they would get a great response, they emailed all 5000 customers and had 2 replies, because they did not answer the fundamental question that the customer is going to ask...whats in it for me.
Email marketting is a fine art and there are 3 main parts to it;
1) Prospecting
2) The actual sales copy used in the mail to target your customers needs.
3) The follow up.
Im not a salesman but I was always taught to sell benefits rather than features. For example its not good saying you are the cheapest in town. You have to give the customer a reason to use your services.
One example that sticks in my head is that you dont buy a car becuase it has air conditioning...you but it becuase it will keep you cool im the summer.
Hope that helps a little
Ian
thanks ian... now i understand... its not just a case of hoping someone wants a window cleaner.. like a leaflet.