The List is Everything
The evolution of the list. Why is it so important? What is "the list"? The marketing database has been around since before there were postage stamps. When people say: "Build the list"; it now means different things to different people.
Telephone numbers list: Call people personally to inform and invite (or vote). This can be done one by one or with automated tools.
Cell phone numbers list: Call people personally to inform and invite (or vote). This can be done one by one or with automated tools.
Mailing list: Mail in every shape and size can be used to reach out to people. If you understand bulk mailing discounts, you can leverage your dollar. From marraige mail to individual personal postcards, everyone lives somewhere and gets mail.
Email list: With an email list the business takes advantage of automation, measuring response, speed to market, personalization and the cost efficiency. It is also now mobile as people can pick up their email message while on the go.
Twitter list: The Twitter list are those who follow you. The click "Follow" allows you the option to send direct messages (DM) which remain private and personal. The limitations in characters forces the message to be specific.
Facebook list: The Facebook list lets a business on the inside, into the inner circle. When someone "likes" a page, what is accessible includes: interests, likes, friends, activity, photos, etc. When someone either "Likes" your Facebook page or becomes a "friend", all is revealed. Email addresses, phone numbers, addresses and much more. The fact that so much personal information is revealed emphasizes why so many businesses say: "Like me on Facebook".
LinkedIn list: By adding a list of both people and groups, it is acceptable and easy to share and/or connect with more than just an email address. As with Facebook, more is revealed than just an email address.
Biznik list: Biznik is a resource which provides opportunity to connect both online and offline. The Biznik list helps you to connect with more than just an email. Connecting people with events, articles, recommendations and referrals is only a small piece.
And so many more lists exist from associations, groups, schools, etc.
In general, people will gather where they feel they have the most to gain. Where they have the most to gain depends on their priorities and goals. For those who want a simple way to stay connected with the world without revealing everything there is to know, email may be the best choice. If the purpose is to build business, more professional tools or platforms are the best choice and Linkedin or Biznik come to mind.
The primary point is: "The List" has moved beyond "mailing list" and now is moved beyond the "email list". It depends on the potential buyer and how those who are hungry for your product will communicate with the world.
Everyone seems to own a cell phone, have an email address (or two) and have a mailing address. These lists do not drill down into their special interests. If there is a special process for acquiring information that will reveal what they are hungry for, the list increases in value.
Build a list in an online network, phone, cell phone, email, Twitter, mail, Facebook, Biznik, LinkedIn, Meetup, and many other platforms where YOUR customers spend time.
If you know what each person on the list is very hungry for, that is the where the real power lies.
By the way....If you "Like" my Facebook Page at www.fastereasiersimplerfunner.com, you will be on my list. If you find that to your advantage then by all means click that "Like" button at the top.
Should you build your list via all the methods above?
Yes.
Don't spend time building the list without understanding the likes/dislikes or hungers of those on your list. It is not very likely you can help someone move forward if you don't know what they need or want. Otherwise your business will become like those sending emails about how to cure balding to people with a full head of hair. (Get it?)
Sure, this is about inbound marketing. The best software you could use for inbound marketing is Hubspot. Before you jump into a 30 day free Hubspot trial or use another software platform, learn about list building, social media with free inbound marketing training.
When it is all said and done, it is not a list. What you will have are names and contact information of people who may be interested in your product or service. If you use the guerrilla marketing principles, you will treat them as if they were your friend, family or royalty.
Go now and grow "the list".
