Grow your customer list... at craft shows!

Grow your customer list... this is important if you want to create a newsletter, with all your important information, upcoming shows, and any promotions you wish to run.. whether its online or offline, you need to grow a customer list...

The following is a article I wrote that was recently published in the online article directories..

How to grow your newsletter list at Craft Shows

A great way to get willing participants for your newsletter, is to offer a draw at your next Craft show, open house, garden party, studio party... (what ever way you have found sells your arts and crafts best!).

Try this, at your next craft show, create a ballot box, and create a nice craft for a draw.. you could offer it to customers only.. but if you want a bigger list of people, make sure to have no strings attached!... Place it near your brochures and business cards, so they can pick those up as well.

Create a ballot, that will contain their name and address, phone number (for if they win the draw) and their email address.. and make sure to write under the email address that you will NOT be giving out their address, that this will be for newsletters only.

Now, you will get some people, who will not give you their email address, or some people who just don't like dealing with computers.. (there are still a lot of people like that) in this case, you can send them a paper newsletter...

You will end up with 2 lists... those that you can send by email and those that will need a hard copy of your newsletter.. now as we know, it can be easier to promote your website or products with a email newsletter.. but don't give up on the non-computer list, as you can keep them informed of your next craft shows, what you have for sale, pictures of products, coupons, and still type in your website and email address under your name.

Its worth the stamps.. as I have found many a customer with newsletters thru the mail.. the old fashioned way of advertising!.. You know what??? It still works, and should not be put in the "old fashioned" pile yet..

In both cases, your potential customer has volunteered their information, and you will not get accused of SPAM.. we don't need that.. Make sure to go ahead with the draw, and publish the winner in your next newsletter.. if you do this at each show.. then your list will grow and grow..

Another note, make sure the art or craft you create for the draw, is not too big, as you may end up with visitors from all over the countryside, and you will need to mail the prize to the winner... with your brochure, business card, and latest newsletter.. never pass up the opportunity to sell your products, website, or service thru the mail..

Respect the privacy of your potential customers.. and you never know, they may become "repeat customers"

Always remember, to respect your customers, if they wish to be removed from the customer list, then remove them.. but if you create great content, then this should not happen, if you do this at every show, you can grow a great customer list.. and a great customer list, can lead to great sales and profits!.