Practical Ideas for Customer List Growth / Management

CEOs, presidents, marketers of all levels love to talk about great marketing
campaigns. They love to talk creative; they hate talking tactical. At the very
root of tactics is the customer list. Customer list generation is a dog, but it
is vital, and there are ways to take some of the bark away (besides shoving it
on an intern). 

Here are some very simple to-dos for your customer list.

1. Have a central owner. If no one owns list management, nobody will raise their hand to do it. Assign this vital important marketing role.
2. Mandate a weekly refresh check. Many key people in your organization are touching your customer information. Make each accountable to keeping the data they use and generate legit by checking accuracy each week. Report on the changes to the data. Many CRM tools will give you access to reports that show data transactions.
3. Use a CRM tool. Spreadsheets although highly available aren't a CRM tool. You'll pull your hair out trying to maintain and update customer data if you are managing version 1.2.5.8 of the spreadsheet. It's an investment, but CRM tools are powerful if they are USED. Email me for CRM recommendations. 
4. Allow customers to add themselves easily. There are great online and offline strategies out there. Here are just a few ideas from across the WWW.

• Simply ask the people you know for referrals. This tactic is easy to do for things such as email newsletters. It's easy to ask, and the people in your circle will help champion your cause. Plus, don't discount the personal approach. Email your colleagues, your co-workers and group members to connect interested parties to the powerful aid you can provide.
• Utilize online channels to create a bond. Your online presence is an easy sell to someone in need of information that could possibly solve their pain. 
• Maximize your social media channels like Facebook. Be sure to have a sign up page on your Facebook page.
• Utilize face and store interactions. Be sure to capture possible repeat customers in your storefront. For online retailers, your store front is the web, be sure to capture data on their every move.
• Give them a compelling reason. You know your customers. What would compel them to provide you sacred entrance into their inbox? Take some time here and be sure to follow up on promises.