Send one email

photo credit: formatbrain

Send one email today that isn’t a reply. It can be to:

• a satisfied customer
• a dissatisfied customer
• someone who was going to buy but didn’t
• a commenter on one of your posts
• a survey participant
• someone you admire
• someone who is successful in your field
• an author
• a blogger
• a celebrity

1. Thank them: for their great articles, for buying your product (or considering it), for the inspiration, for commenting, whatever you are grateful to them for.

2. Offer something: a small piece of advice, a compliment, assistance, to buy them a coffee when they come to town, to spread the word. It shouldn’t be too big, because that’s overwhelming and a bit creepy.

3. Ask a question: give them a reason to write back! It can be very business-related (“Could you help us improve by telling us why you didn’t complete your purchase?” or “Why did you decide to go with X as your publisher?”) or a LITTLE more personal (“What’s your favourite t-shirt?”)

If they’re very busy, the best kind of question to ask is one where you’re asking them to choose between options: “Should I start a Facebook fan page or save all my energy for Twitter?”

Do NOT ask them to buy something. This is about growing a relationship, not selling.

4. Thank them again: in this case, for their time and advice.

5. Sign off and include your website link, Twitter name, etc in your signature.

Possible step 6. Walk away from the inbox: if you’re like me, you’ll have to resist the temptation to refresh like crazy. It doesn’t help.

Who are you going to email today? Stuck on how to write it? Talk to us in the comments!