What do you need to build a power-packed business database?
These questions will answer your question.
To create an in-house database, you need to make a habit of collecting data from everywhere possible. Data can be collected either by collecting business cards, through event participation, PR exercises, offline promos, advertising, etc. Once you get a few details, you need to start socializing in order to get other relevant details of contacts.
Points to remember while developing the database:
Do not ignore any touch-point: Collect data from any possibility where you can; communicate with your prospects and customers.
Get permission: Seek permission from your customers. Tell them that you would like to send special offers, promotional mails, news, etc.
Gather basic info: Collect info like email address, name and company profiles.
Build credibility: Specify your private policies clearly and build trust and credibility.
The database you build should be:
Flexible: Make your database flexible enough to add more details later.
Scalable: Your database should be able to scale up with your growing business.
Integrated: Having your database in bits and pieces with different software and in different locations would create chaos. So it is better to integrate it into a single platform, making it robust.
Sources for business data:
Opt-in forms: Giving customers too many forms to fill up might irritate them. Ask them for optimum information so that they don’t slip off.
Corporate website: This is one of the easiest ways to seize information of the prospects. If you provide them with enticing content and offers, people will most likely register.
Online directories: Getting information through these requires a lot of effort and resources to see to it that you get relevant and the right contacts.
Community newsletters and directories: Most of the major communities have their own newsletters, directories and journals. You can avail accurate data from this source.
Offline email subscription: Request for email subscriptions even through print ads, offline communication channels like direct mails, events, seminars, conferences, etc.
Advantages of having a great business database – saves money and time for the company, apart from being an important driver of success.
These questions will answer your question.
- What information do you need to collect for your database?
- How can you collect it?
- What are the various data sources?
To create an in-house database, you need to make a habit of collecting data from everywhere possible. Data can be collected either by collecting business cards, through event participation, PR exercises, offline promos, advertising, etc. Once you get a few details, you need to start socializing in order to get other relevant details of contacts.
Points to remember while developing the database:
Do not ignore any touch-point: Collect data from any possibility where you can; communicate with your prospects and customers.
Get permission: Seek permission from your customers. Tell them that you would like to send special offers, promotional mails, news, etc.
Gather basic info: Collect info like email address, name and company profiles.
Build credibility: Specify your private policies clearly and build trust and credibility.
The database you build should be:
Flexible: Make your database flexible enough to add more details later.
Scalable: Your database should be able to scale up with your growing business.
Integrated: Having your database in bits and pieces with different software and in different locations would create chaos. So it is better to integrate it into a single platform, making it robust.
Sources for business data:
Opt-in forms: Giving customers too many forms to fill up might irritate them. Ask them for optimum information so that they don’t slip off.
Corporate website: This is one of the easiest ways to seize information of the prospects. If you provide them with enticing content and offers, people will most likely register.
Online directories: Getting information through these requires a lot of effort and resources to see to it that you get relevant and the right contacts.
Community newsletters and directories: Most of the major communities have their own newsletters, directories and journals. You can avail accurate data from this source.
Offline email subscription: Request for email subscriptions even through print ads, offline communication channels like direct mails, events, seminars, conferences, etc.
Advantages of having a great business database – saves money and time for the company, apart from being an important driver of success.
Wow, thaks for sharing about Powerful Business Database. Nice informative post.
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