Direct Email Marketing to SMBs?
I've validated a software solution, have a few committed customers, and developed it. Now I need to scale marketing of my app. In validating the solution, I simply went onto the yellow pages (YP.com) and got email addresses of local businesses from which I sent an email simply asking if they had the problem, not pitching a solution. This resulted in a very good reply-rate, which I was then able to begin a direct conversation and turn it into commitments.
Now that I want to broaden my scope of marketing, I'm considering the same approach, but don't want to wind up spamming people. I could begin email folks using the same approach, but this seems a bit time consuming especially if we are talking 1000s (but may be necessary) as I'd much rather write a solid email that gets right to the point.
Adwords is of little value as my customers aren't actively seeking a solution online, but once they are made aware of mine, then its been well received.
Does anyone have advice/tips on how they've successfully marketed to other small businesses, especially when those businesses aren't searching for your solution?
Thanks for your time and assistance.
Now that I want to broaden my scope of marketing, I'm considering the same approach, but don't want to wind up spamming people. I could begin email folks using the same approach, but this seems a bit time consuming especially if we are talking 1000s (but may be necessary) as I'd much rather write a solid email that gets right to the point.
Adwords is of little value as my customers aren't actively seeking a solution online, but once they are made aware of mine, then its been well received.
Does anyone have advice/tips on how they've successfully marketed to other small businesses, especially when those businesses aren't searching for your solution?
Thanks for your time and assistance.