Database Marketing is the gathering and storing of specific information
about your prospects or customers. This information is usually stored in
a database program on your computer. You would then use the information
to market and advertise to them. It can save you time and money because
you can target your promotional efforts to your best prospects or
customers.

The Types Of Information To Collect

The information will vary depending on the product or service you're
selling. If you're selling a product that costs $2 you wouldn't collect
information about their yearly income. If you're selling web space you
wouldn't collect information about what type of books they read. The
basic information you need would be all their contact information,
purchase history, and birthday. You will need to decide what other
information would benefit your business.

How To Collect This Information Online

It's pretty easy to collect this information online but the hard part is
getting people to give it you. The best way to collect this information
is to give them something FREE in return. Ask them to fill out an e-mail
survey before subscribing to your free e-zine. Tell everyone who visits
your web site they will get a free e-book when they fill out your online
questionnaire form. Ask them this information before they sign up for a
free contest at your web site. Sometimes you have to give a little
something to get a little information online.

Beneficial Uses For Your Database
Find out your customers purchasing habits. Use the information to
improve the design of your web site. Use it to write all your
advertising material more persuasively.

Find out the things they like or dislike about your business. Use the
information to target your best prospects.

Find out how much money your prospects or customers make. Use it to
improve your customer service.

Find out what new products or services they need or want. Use it to test
ideas before launching a total sales campaign.

Find out how to your improve your existing products or services. Use it
to build your customer loyalty.

Find out which benefits or features they like most about your products
or services. Use it to send electronic greeting cards on holidays or on
your customer's birthdays.

The list of beneficial uses are endless. Do you see the importance of
collecting this information? The Internet makes the process of
collecting this information quicker and cheaper than offline methods.
Take advantage of database marketing and watch your online profits
skyrocket.




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