Starting a mailing list company is one of the easiest ways to start a business. The startup costs are relatively low and you do not need to stock any products. A mailing list company provides lists of consumer or business names and addresses to business clients. The client will typically pay $50 to $80 for each 1,000 names, according to Entrepreneur.com.
1
Decide the type of client in which you want to market, as it is best to specialize in a particular area rather than being a generalist. Sell mailing lists, for example, to entrepreneurs who market home business or network marketing opportunities.
2
Create a catchy name for your mailing list company--one that describes your lists. Call your company something like "Premier Real Estate Lists," for example, if you are selling lists to real estate companies. Make sure no on else does not have that same company name or you could have potential legal problems.
3
Register you business name or doing business as, known as DBA, with your local county administration office. Have the agency send you an application. Apply for a vendor's license at the same time so you can charge sales tax for customers in your state.
4
Find a mailing list broker from which to purchase your names. Go to the library and look through the "Standard Rate and Data Service Direct Mailing List Source" for mailing list wholesalers, according to entrepreneur.com. Check with the Direct Marketing Association at dma.org. Call potential suppliers and choose the one that offers you the lowest cost per thousand.
5
Get a separate business line for your mailing list company. Record a brief message about your mailing lists for those who get your voicemail. Have people leave their name, phone number and best time to call them.
6
Create your own website or have a web designer create one for you. Include information about what types of mailing lists you sell. Mention the benefits your lists have over competitive lists. Include a separate order page. Give people the choice to use credit cards, as this can increase your business. Ask your bank if they will process credit cards for you, or use PayPal.com.
7
Create a brochure, sales letter and order form for your mailing lists.
8
Advertise in trade publications that your potential clients are likely to read. Advertise in insurance publications, for example, if you are marketing to insurance companies. Place classified or small display ads that invite businesses to send for more information. Mail your brochure, sales letter and order form to these businesses when they write.
9
Place your website in major search engines Yahoo.com, Google.com and Lycos.com. Find a search engine placement specialist in your area that can help you get a high ranking on these sites.
0 Comments: