If you run a small business, then you may not be too concerned with crossing the Internet threshold with your marketing. After all, you are local and you have a loyal customer base, right? Wrong. You simply cannot afford to not take advantage of all the Internet has to offer your business. Inevitably, there will be another small business just like yours, competing with yours, that DOES establish an Internet presence. Who will win then? You guessed it. Now, one of the first and best things you can do is to add email marketing to your sales plan. Why? Check out these benefits of email marketing for small business:

Convenience. Most people check their email inboxes much more frequently than they do their mailboxes. Why? Because these days, email is simply much easier to get to. Whether you are at work, at home, or even using your cell phone, you can check your email . . . but you can’t necessarily visit the post office.

Real time. Want to get news of a new product, promotion, or price slash out to your customers right away? Then there is no faster and easier way to do that than via the Internet.

Personalized customer relationships. When customers sign up for your email communications, they open up a direct line to you for communicating with them. You can use this direct line not only to advertise your goods and services, but also to build strong relationships and, ultimately, more loyal customers. By sending regular emails (think newsletters, tips of the trade, coupons, and more), you can keep in touch with customers on a regular basis, establish yourself as a regular presence in their daily routines, and keep your brand fresh in their minds.

Expense. Hands-down, one of the most obvious reasons you should consider email marketing is the fact that it costs you very little – much less than other marketing alternatives like direct mail, advertisements, and commercials.

Effectiveness. Want a really compelling reason to use email marketing? Here’s a simple one: it works. And there are many studies to back that up. As a matter of fact, email marketing is regularly cited by business owners as one of the most valuable, most effective marketing methods available today.

When it comes to marketing your business, you simply cannot afford to overlook the great opportunities afforded to you by email marketing. Consider these advantages and what they might mean for your small business, then start looking for an email marketing company near you.

About the Author: Chloe Bleacher is an IT specialist who has branched out into the world of online marketing. She specialized in memory card recovery and now works to ensure business owners are properly backing up both their online and offline content.