Much Internet marketing is carried out using e-mail to reach customers. Spam has created a negative impression on many buyers and subscribers. Most of the world has developed barriers, filters, and firewalls to keep their e-mail accounts spam-free. People will subscribe to e-mails that improve their knowledge of products, services and their site. Some even pay for these services usually to people they trust. Honesty and integrity by the site owner will help to establish this trust.

What is Honesty and Integrity?

Basically, it is doing what you claim you will do. Subscribers are more skeptical today, they receive tons of email loaded with hype and promotions of every product under the sun. Subscribers want to know more about what can be of use to them; what these sites are offering as value added material at reasonable cost. As an example today, ‘private label rights’ seem to be many gurus choice to promote as new up to the minute content although most require re-writing. Some are better than others and these usually limit the number of subscribers and are moderately priced. SEO is hot in most peoples minds and original content is probably the quickest way to improve rankings. Today’s customers want to be kept updated on what they are interested in and what may be new in their chosen area. Webmasters are continually searching for new and up to date data to satisfy their subscribers.

Businesses want these kinds of customers; the basic element needed to get these types of people is value added products, over delivery, and trust of the consumer. When your customers trust you; they will purchase products you sell or promote. They will almost always buy from you in the future as long as you maintain your honesty and integrity in your business dealings. Tarnishing either can destroy your reputation and customer trust. Use extreme care in anything you might promote to your subscribers.

How to create good relationships:

Using double opt-in e-mail lists is one way, the e-mails you send containing your materials such as newsletters, even sales letters, and other marketing material will get through if you have been given permission. Successful e-mail campaigns begin with the customers trust in you and your maintaining that trust. Getting the trust of an internet user you don’t personally know is getting more and more difficult. That is one of the reasons to maintain the trust of your present subscribers or customers. It all goes back to honesty and integrity and delivering valuable information.

There are many things you can do to gain this trust; stating what you plan to accomplish and then delivering on it goes a long way. Name, or brand recognition in your area of expertise is another way. Making sure your customer is happy by over delivering will always help in gaining trust. Honest and ethical businesses practices will always strive to make the customer satisfied, happy, and coming back.

Give them reasons to return, give them helpful hints and guidelines that will make what they are trying to accomplish easier. It’s even better if you do this on a regular basis and keep them abreast of the latest and greatest products or services in your field of interest. This lets them know you stay up with everything happening in your principle area of expertise.

Honesty is the best policy and always will be. In other words, explain what your product offers and explain how it will make life easier for them. Then, that’s what you must deliver because that’s what the customers are looking for and expect. Everything you do should make it easier for the customer and it starts with your sales page and continues through the buying process. It should include a “Thank You” for ordering and possibly some additional bonuses for doing business with you (over deliver).

Make sure they have a means to contact you if there is some kind of problem; they do happen. It is also a good idea to have tutorials explaining how to use your product; or an expert to answer questions about your product or service. Some marketers set up websites that address questions and answers about the product. Anything you do to make it easier for the customer will help improve and maintain their loyalty.

Warranties are a must and if you have a quality product, that does what it proclaims, the warranty should not be a problem. Make sure you have one most customers will accept the product and never ask for a refund. If they are not satisfied they are gone for good and may damage your reputation. Keep your customers happy.

One BIG problem to avoid.

Spam has created some very big problems for everybody and some customers will see additional e-mails as just that. Don’t start sending them all kinds of affiliate links trying to sell them something else; just because they gave you their e-mail address. Most subscribers are wary of emails and know that most is sent to line the pocket of the sender and might as well be spam. If you want to keep your subscriber hold promotional email to a minimum. Always give them an easy way to opt out of any additional e-mail it is required by law.

On occasion everyone can have a problem of something failing. If this happens to you, the best thing you can do is find a way to satisfy the customer. It is amazing how good things go unnoticed but the bad things are always discussed over and over especially on the Internet. There are many ways to create customer satisfaction the one I like best is giving a little extra with every purchase. Customers always seem to like bonuses especially if they didn't expect it.

I know everyone talks about backend sales and they can increase your profits; just remember how you feel and try to treat your customer as you would want to be treated. It doesn’t hurt to mention some additional complimentary products that is available in your “Thank You” e-mail just don’t 'hype it up' to much. Sometimes I wait two weeks and send a follow up e-mail asking the customers if they had any problems with the product. Maybe even offer a discount on some of the backend products.

Customer loyalty and trust can’t be overstated as a major asset for your business. It is much less expensive to cultivate and maintain a good customer base than to create a new one. Your honesty, ethical treatment and good will toward your customers will create trust and always pay off.