I need some help with promotional ideas

Discussion in 'General Marketing' started by hmilesjr, Dec 19, 2006.

0
  1. #1
    I am starting an agent locator on my site for Real Estate Agents, Mortgage Brokers, and Insurance Agents. It will be similar to some directories, but then also different in many ways. Anyway, I am building it from scratch offering the service at half price, some add-ons as freebes, and a promotion time period to lock in the annual price forever as long as they keep the service. The areas will have limited availability (max of 3 spots in each city) So, whom ever gets them will have little competition. The service will include bio pages and request forms.

    I had thought about simply visiting the various agent sites that are listed in the directories at and sending them an Invitational Email to join and reserve their area. But I don't know if this would be considered spam since it is not bulk submissions. I don't want to spam to get it done. I really don't want to take any chances.

    Can you guys and gals share some tips with me on how I could go about getting the message out about the service? Would I be best served with PPC?
     
    hmilesjr, Dec 19, 2006 IP
  2. wizardofx

    wizardofx Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    572
    Likes Received:
    10
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    140
    #2

    One idea is to go to one of the trade journals that cater to this business
    and rent their opt-in list, or better yet their snail mail list.

    best regards
    mark
     
    wizardofx, Dec 19, 2006 IP
  3. hmilesjr

    hmilesjr Active Member

    Messages:
    747
    Likes Received:
    12
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    58
    #3
    Thank you Wizardofx.

    I have located a database available for purchase. I was thinking about using it and doing a batch upload in small incriments, say 1000 at a day with each getting an auto generated email that would to would simply state that they have been selected to receive a free 14 day trial listing and give the URL of the location and ask them to Please check their listing for accuracy.

    Once on the site they could determine if they would like to upgrade or not. I was told that this would be CAN-SPAM conpliant.

    Any thoughts? What is the likelihood of this triggering filters?
     
    hmilesjr, Dec 21, 2006 IP
  4. Seiya

    Seiya Peon

    Messages:
    4,666
    Likes Received:
    404
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    #4
    Uhm any email i personaly receive like that i just ignore.. dont think thats your best bet.
     
    Seiya, Dec 21, 2006 IP
  5. wizardofx

    wizardofx Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    572
    Likes Received:
    10
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    140
    #5
    It is cheap and if it is relevant it is effective.

    I used to chafe at getting unsolicited e-mails, but I found that
    as time goes on I am more likely to take serious a letter that
    is applicable to my business.

    And since you are spot-on, and your clients need all the advertising
    they can get, and because e-mail is cheap, why not?

    After all, these are opt-ins.

    best regards
    wiz
     
    wizardofx, Dec 21, 2006 IP