Which comes first: Creating a Website or Email Marketing?

March 20, 2009 · Filed Under Email Marketing, Small Business, Web 2.0, non profit 

We’re always intrigued when some clients tell us they can’t get started in email marketing without having a website first.

That’s why we’ve always told clients that they need both, but they can get started in email marketing without a website.

“Really? How so?” They ask.

Well, here’s how it works.

Most of our clients run a business with a store, a specific location, or a personal service they offer to others. They meet their customers face to face. If that’s the case, you can start an email list by simply asking a few simple questions:

Would you like to receive updates from us?

Can I have your email address? I would like to send you a new checklist that I just created to help you along.

We’re launching an email newsletter soon, so would you mind if I added you to the list so you can receive it?

The 3 examples all see the customer’s permission before you get their email address and start sending them a whole lot of email.

On the other hand, if you already are running an email newsletter or a mailing list, then it makes sense to ALSO have a nice website handy. This is very useful when you start sending out newsletters with short excerpts of long articles, and then you could easily point your email readers to your website where they can “Read More” of your article.

A well organised, easy to update website is also critical as it keeps your customers and visitors coming back to read all the wonderful expert content you’ve posted on your website.

In the next article, we’ll be discussing a bit of whether you should spend money and develop a media rich flash website, or simply go for the low-down 5 page website…. our answer (which is “Neither”) may come as a pleasant surprise to you.

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