Viral marketing has an array of possibilities and
ways to achieve your overall goals. However, just like
everything else, preplanning and the right setup to
create success are the things you will need to make it
work for you and your e-business.
The first thing you want to be sure you don’t
do is get over-zealous. The one thing you need to avoid
at all costs is spamming. Spamming is still used widely,
but with the government establishing more restrictions
and fines you don’t want this to be a problem for you.
The professional image of your site will also suffer if
you send mail blatantly.
Spamming requires a database that contains a huge
list of e-mail addresses set up so that the message can
be delivered with one click. The problem with it (aside
from the governmental restrictions and associated fines)
is that it irritates the recipients and kills the
validity of your campaign, which in turn kills the
factors that would motivate someone to refer your site.
You need to personalize by creating your website with
personal appeal. You must see to it that your website
makes your customers feel safe, secure and cared for.
E-mail is important, because it is going to be one of
the most affordable ways to keep in touch with your
customers.
The proper way to handle email permission is to first
let your customer know that you will not transmit their
e-mail addresses to third party companies. The next
thing to do is to attach the need for their e-mail
addresses to benefits they can receive.
For example: Coupons or discounts that are only
available to members who receive e-mail notifications.
With each e-mail you send the viral marketing effect
takes place.
