Flashback 1999 Web Marketing Tips 12
This is great – I just unearthed an article I wrote back in ’99. It was a 12-step guide to Web start-uppers and I can’t believe how appropriate so much of it still is. I mean, this was the day we thought broadband was some kind of wide belt. Whatever. In our countdown to the top here’s tip No. 12:
Spam-free follow-up
The best way to ensure future sales is to follow up on previous sales. Creating a lasting relationship with online customers is a snap – and it doesn’t take spam.
Send a warm, sincere thank-you note after the sale, preferably within 48 hours. Contact customers within a month or so, just to make sure they are completely satisfied with your product. Let them know you’re waiting to answer any questions they might have. Another month or so later, suggest that you have additional products that might interest them, basing your pressure-free pitch on products that tie into those the customer previously purchased.
Continue this friendly form of contact for as long as the customer feels comfortable with it. If you get even a single request to stop sending email – STOP! Your customers will respect you, remember you and refer you to friends if you follow this suggestion.