I'm trying to market my sports (golf) specific directory, and I've been doing searches for golf websites that I think might have an interest in being listed in my directory. I've been sending out emails to the webmasters and owners of the sites, pitching my directory, but in a friendly, non-spammy manner. So far I've had a few decent responses, but I still feel like sending out unsolicited emails is not a good way to get biz. Any thoughts on this method...and does anyone else do this?
Technically, it is Unsolicited Commercial Email (UCE), which is a form of spam by definition, but the webmaster would have to be a real bastard to cause a problem for you. Chances are, if a webmaster is not interested, he will just delete your email. That's what I do when I am solicited by another webmaster, and I am not interested. Have you ever thought of sending out a letter, or making up limited copies of a brochure? Make it splashy...inform the recipient he can be listed in "the Newest Online Golf Directory" (or some kind of unique pitch to your website) with a list of benefits. Jim
Thanks Jim...the letter idea is a good one. In my emails I try to keep it fairly personal and not sound too "this is what my company can do for you...bla bla" and it's not a mass email campaign. Funny...my last name is Guynn..Pronounced the same as yours.
I've used this technique before and from what I've seen some people fall for it and think themselves for "chosen" but most of the experienced webmasters are more or less irritated. Anyway, as long as you follow the thin line between too personal and too general, I think it will bring you some benefits. The reason I gave it up is that I just lack time recently