Building an opt-in email list is better and more important than any social media tool, network or device on the planet. This includes Myspace, Facebook, and the growing Twitter. The reason why is simple yet I see many people clinging to the bells & whistles of social media based on the media attention heaped on these social networking platforms. Alas, I do not chastise these folks because I am one of them.
I have always known the importance of an opt-in email list and many of my sites have implemented a tool to collect email list. Opt-in email list are important because they involve a choice. A choice that some random person on the Internet makes to give you their contact information in exchange for relevant, regular and timely information. Basically it is about interest. I have collected email addresses but I have relied on social media tools to “get out my message.” Wrong action. Social media should be the second phase of my publicity plan, not the primary phase.
Opt-In Email Addresses
Why do I say this? Well, because I noticed yesterday that with 2000 “followers” on Twitter I was barely able to illicit 5 comments on my B-side film page for the Hollywood Black Film Festival. This includes 20 DM I sent to folks on Twitter. However, with my friends & family email addresses I was able to illicit more profound responses.
I still haven’t touched my email address from folks who have opted in. Hmmm… The results are pretty obvious, dontcha think? But I am going to test my theory again. Next week I will market directly to my opt-in email lists and see what effect it has all around. It’ll be very interesting.
Twitter, Myspace and Facebook are good tools for marketing and connecting. But nothing beats connecting with someone who has come to you and said, “here’s my email address. Send me information please!” Ahhh, I love the sound of that.
