Why A Startup Should Treat Email Marketing Like ‘Dating’!

Being a startup is a challenging job.

Dave McClure, Founder of 500 Startup said,

A startup is a company that is confused about –

1. What its product is, 2. Who its customers are, 3. How to make money.

If you’re in the confusion that how to make your more compelling and building relationship with your target audience and prospects.

Email Marketing can be your friend!

Email Marketing has become a valuable tool to communicate and build relationships with your target audience.

Successful startups became successful because they understood how important email marketing is in building relationships with their customers.

If you’re a startup, then you must think of your email marketing as your ‘date’.

Wondering, how a marketing strategy can become your data?

I’ve put some key elements which play a vital role in both email marketing and dating.

Enjoy!

1. Trust

All the relationships depend on trust!

As Stephen Covey said,

Trust is the glue of life. It?s the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It’s the foundational principle that holds all relationships.

(Source: Brainy Quote)

Okay, tell me one thing.

When you have a date, you likely know whom you are meeting and what they look like. Would you knock on a stranger’s door, and expect them to just immediately go on a date with you?

No, of course, you would not. She doesn’t know you and you don’t know her.

Similar in Email Marketing, when a visitor gives you their contact information in hopes that you’ll add value over time.

Think more about giving than receiving. Offering something of value – an information-packed newsletter, handy tips, an e-book, a discount, inspiration is the first step in offering trust.

You don’t get married on the ‘first date’. The goal of the first date is not to get married. The goal is to get another date.

You will not make or break your business on your first email marketing campaign. You are getting to know each other.

You are building trust. You are learning if you are a match.

2. Relevant

When dating someone, it’s important to note whether he/she is vegan or hates scary movies, for instance. A great date never about your preferences.

Pay attention to your subscriber’s likes and dislikes. Allow customers to choose the type of info they wish to receive in their inbox.

Respect those preferences and deliver relevant emails. Think about what his or her needs are and focus your content on those needs.

3. Conversational

What happens when you spend a date doing all the talking?

Nothing good, right?

Do you know what?s the secret of a successful date?

Just show interest in the person you’re with. If you want to be interesting, be interested.

Allow for the person to respond back to you. If you are laughing on your dates, having fun, and having conversations that flow easily, then you are likely a good match.

The same principle applies to your Email Marketing. Give your subscriber a voice. Ask for reviews, polls, survey feedback.

And listen to what they reply back to you. Even if it’s not all positive, it’s a chance to interact and create a real connection.

4. Strategic

You should date regularly to build a strong relationship. Do some experiment in your relationship.

You can add a bit of spice, but just not too much. A bit of change, in the right dose, can be fun. A dinner date might be Chinese one night and Italian another night.

Does she like it when I compliment her, give her massages and open doors for her?

You do the same thing with Email Marketing. You must send out messages on a regular basis. But never irritate your subscriber with too many emails. Don’t be overeager. Take it slow and give it time.

It’s important to experiment with different elements of your relationship or email to see what makes them happy and responsive.