6 Email Marketing Tips that Build Trust & Increase Sales

Having an opt-in email list is more than just sending subscribers your newsletters, tips, promotions and sales letters; it's about establishing a positive relationship with your readers. People rarely buy from those they don't trust but by fostering fond relationships with your subscribers you're increasing their confidence in you which in turn will dramatically increase sales.  

Here are 6 tips that will create reader confidence, build lasting relationships with your subscribers, lessen your opt-out rate and best of all, boost sales.  

Tip #1 - Set Expectations for Your Subscribers
Be clear about what your subscribers are signing up for.  That means telling them exactly what kind of emails they’ll get such as a newsletter, tips, ecourse, special report, etc.  Also specify how often they can expect an email.  Also, for easy recognition it’s a good idea to indicate what email address your emails will be coming from.

Tip #2 - Help Viewers Learn About You
Before asking for a sign-up, direct your viewers to your personal page where they can learn about you and your business.  Share some personal trivia about yourself and include some pictures and a personal signature.   Let your visitors see and relate to the 'real' you.  The more they come to know and like you the more trust they will bestow in you.  

Tip #3 - Respect your Subscribers Time
Your subscribers granted you permission to email them; this is a privilege, not a right so respect that.  Send them only information and content that relates to what they signed up for.  Introduce new products gradually.  Sending blatant sales pitches are a sure way to increase opt-outs.  

It's also important to note that even though it may not be costing your subscribers money to opt-in to your list, it is costing them time to open your emails, read them and take action.  Keeping your content relevant and to the point is recognizing that their time is valuable and they will appreciate that.    

Tip #4 - Email on a Consistent Basis
Never flood your email subscribers in box, but don't ignore them either. When you get a new subscriber send them a welcome letter but don't wait a month or more to send them their next email.  People subscribe to things all the time, so without consistent communication they often forget they signed up.  Waiting long between emails increases the chance they'll opt-out or worse yet, hit the spam button.  Instead, use a good email autoresponder and send messages consistently.

Tip #5 - Always provide an Unsubscribe Option
No one wants subscribers to opt-out but you must give your subscribers the option. It not only shows your   professionalism it also indicates that you're a legitimate business and not a spammer.  Use the double opt-in feature provided with most email autoresponders, it will considerably reduce the number of unsubscribes.

Tip #6 - Promote Less and Help More
People don't like to be sold to; they like to buy on their own terms.  Before they buy they need reasons, benefits and most importantly, trust in who they're purchasing from.  The "buy this because I like it" approach rarely woks and will annoy your readers.   

If you have a product to sell use a slow paced approach by demonstrating how your product will benefit your viewers. A subscriber is not likely to stick around if they see you as someone only interested in making a quick sale.  Your subscribers have come to you as a resource for help and information so be respectful of that.  The more you help them, the more they will see you as genuine resource, then when the time comes for them to buy; they will look to you first.

In summary, don't target your subscriber list as a way to make money, instead focus on building a strong relationship with them. Treat your subscribers well and they will treat you well.