C. Email & Lists

These days, email is important for starting and running a business. It allows customers to reach you whether or not you are available to answer the phone, and even if you don’t have a computer, most phones are email enabled.  Email through Gmail is free.  

Also, start an email list and send out periodic (not too often) emails to keep your customers interested.  Tools such as MailChimp, Emma, or Constant Contact, Benchmark Email can help.

Build your email list by asking your customers and potential customers if they would like to get your emails. Spam is a serious issue. Be careful not to send too many emails or your email address will get blocked. While free email addresses are cost effective, it’s much more professional and secure to purchase your email address when you purchase your domain name (yourname@yourcompany.com).