Blog

Julians’ Blog. Topics include Infusionsoft and marketing.

How to build your LinkedIn database of connections and create sales opportunities

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I am now a big fan of LinkedIn automation -for me, it's now on a par with Keap/ Infusionsoft! It's exciting, like having the automation power that Infusionsoft brings, but what Infusionsoft lacks is a huge, searchable, built-in, up-to-date database of business people. I was on the Growth Mindset Movement Podcast with Paul Greig-Smith the other day with a new strategy - if you were starting with...
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When the going gets tough – think of this

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Print this image and keep handy for inspiration when times get tough. Jeff Bezos Amazon
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Direct Mail Campaign – mistakes make learning opportunities

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This is a true story. Some years ago a client engaged a consultant to help with a small postal mailing to the purchasing departments of blue chip corporations. The consultant sourced the list (which was provided on MSExcel) and drafted the letter. Thereafter the client was keen to take control of the project, ie., to run the mail-merge and the fulfillment (basically printing, envelope-stuffing and...
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Hotjar – look “over the shoulder” as visitors view your website

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hotjar

Hotjar is a great little tool that gives you a real feel as to how website visitors are using your website - and what they experience while on your site. So it records the visitor's screen and shows mouse movements, clicks etc. So giving you a real feel for what the visitor experienced - were there broken images or links for example It can also create heatmaps of web pages to show you the ar...
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Have you got a LinkedIn marketing automation strategy to generate sales enquiries?

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Have you got a Linkedin marketing automation strategy that will generate sales enquiries? (or do you struggle to employ workers? - that's a whole other topic. Click here). Most people never tap into the full sales potential of LinkedIn because it is hard and time-consuming work. Writing, reading, commenting and liking posts, writing articles, sending invite requests (that often get ignored). I...
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Do you know how to calculate how much you should spend on marketing?

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marketing spend calculator

How much should I spend on marketing? This is one of the most common questions I get asked as an Entrepreneurs Circle Coach. And the answer is relatively straightforward to calculate - just follow the steps and calculations in the Marketing Spend Calculator below: Download the Marketing Spend Calculator as a printable PDF
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The Donkey and the Tiger

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The donkey told the tiger, "The grass is blue." The tiger replied, "No, the grass is green ." The discussion became heated, and the two decided to submit the issue to arbitration, so they approached the lion. As they approached the lion on his throne, the donkey started screaming: ′′Your Highness, isn't it true that the grass is blue?" The lion replied: "If you believe it is true, the ...
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NEW and Free – the LinkedIn Dream 100 Strategy

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A free strategy on how to create and market to your Dream 100 list of prospective clients using LinkedIn, LinkedHelper 2 automation and Keap marketing automation. Check out this podcast episode where I was talking about my LinkedIn Dream 100 Strategy with Paul Greig-Smith. TRANSCRIPT Okay, welcome to this recording of the growt...
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Creating a video and need free music or sound effects – try the free YouTube library

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Transcript Hi, just a quick tip I've just learned regarding video production so sometimes in your videos, you might want to add sound effects or music to a video and how do you do that without having to go in and pay for music and all that, you know, so YouTube gives us a brilliant tool to use actually a useful asset. So if you go to YouTube and then you go to your you need to set...
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The Quickest Way to DOUBLE YOUR BUSINESSS (Without Spending A Penny!)

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Entrepreneurs Circle Certified Coach

Can you tell me -without guessing and without doing a lot of digging around - how many referrals per active client or customer you averaged during the last 12 months? It’s a key statistic, yet most business owners have no grip on it at all. The quickest way to double your business is simply to get every existing customer to bring you another one. Not only will you double your business but… ...
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HighLevel AI Voice Agent: Revolutionise Customer Interactions

HighLevel’s AI Voice Agent is a game-changing solution designed to handle inbound calls, engage customers in natural, conversational dialogues, and perform tasks aligned with your specific business objectives. The Voice AI Agent will be your personal office employee, answering calls, fielding leads, and collecting customer information for further follow-up! Powered by advanced speech recognition and natural language processing, this innovative tool ensures your customers receive seamless, personalized service around the clock. Key Features of the AI Voice Agent Natural Conversations: The AI Voice Agent intuitively understands and responds to customer queries, creating a fluid, conversational experience. Advanced Speech Recognition: It transcribes and interprets spoken words with precision, ensuring clear communication. Seamless Integration: Easily connects to your CRM and other business tools to streamline operations. Customizable Responses: Tailor the AI agent’s tone and messaging to align with your brand identity. 24/7 Availability: Provides uninterrupted support, enhancing customer satisfaction and trust. How the AI Agent Handles Calls Inbound Calls: During business hours, calls to the designated number are automatically answered by the AI agent. After hours, calls follow your customized settings, such as redirecting to voicemail or forwarding to another number. Call Actions: Update Contact Records: Automatically saves collected details to customer profiles. Trigger Workflows: Activates predefined workflows to ensure efficient follow-up actions. End Calls Gracefully: Politely concludes calls when appropriate. Call Transfers: Transfers to a human agent when necessary for seamless customer service. Send SMS: Sends relevant follow-up messages or important information via text. Frequently Asked Questions 1. Can I use my existing HighLevel phone numbers with the AI Voice Agent? Yes, you can assign any available phone number in your account, provided it’s not already configured for specialized functions like IVR. 2. Can the AI Voice Agent collect customer information and create contact records? Absolutely. The agent can collect data such as name, email, and address, automatically updating or creating contact profiles. 3. Can the AI Voice Agent schedule appointments during calls? While the agent gathers information and triggers workflows, direct appointment scheduling requires integration with your calendar system through workflows. 4. Is it possible to have multiple AI Voice Agents and phone numbers? Yes! You can create multiple agents with unique configurations and phone numbers to support different departments or services. 5. How do I update the AI Voice Agent’s knowledge base? You can train the AI agent on new information by updating the “Agent Goals” section with revised prompts or business details. 6. Can the AI Voice Agent handle call routing and transfers? Yes, the agent can transfer calls to human agents based on specific conditions you configure. 7. Is re-billing available for agencies reselling the AI Voice Agent? Yes, re-billing options are available. Contact our support team for guidance on setting this up. 8. Does the AI Voice Agent work with my own Twilio account? Currently, the AI Voice Agent’s voice capabilities are exclusive to the LC Phone System and do not function with direct Twilio integrations. Unlock the Power of AI for Your Business By integrating HighLevel’s AI Voice Agent, you can revolutionize how your business interacts with customers—enhancing service quality, streamlining operations, and ensuring consistency in every interaction. 💡 Take the next step toward improving your customer experience! Book a discovery call with Julian today to see how this powerful tool can transform your business. Click here to schedule a Discovery Call.
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How to Use Custom Objects in HighLevel : Transforming CRM and Marketing Automation

HighLevel’s introduction of Custom Objects in Workflow Automation is a revolutionary leap forward for businesses seeking personalized, efficient, and scalable CRM and marketing solutions. This powerful feature opens up endless possibilities for tailoring customer interactions, automating repetitive tasks, and managing complex data structures—all while enhancing the overall client experience. What Are Custom Objects in HighLevel? Custom Objects allow businesses to create unique data records beyond the standard contact, company, or opportunity fields. These objects can represent anything—from pets at a veterinary practice to properties for a real estate agency. They are fully customizable and can be linked to existing contacts or other objects, forming a relational database within HighLevel. This flexibility means businesses can structure their data in a way that mirrors their specific needs, enabling more precise workflows and tailored communication. Why Custom Objects Are a Game-Changer Data Personalization Custom Objects enable you to track data unique to your business. Whether it’s tracking client vehicles in an automotive shop, student progress in an educational setting, or product warranties in retail, Custom Objects ensure that every detail is organized and accessible. Workflow Integration Custom Objects seamlessly integrate with HighLevel’s Workflow Builder, allowing you to automate processes tied to these records. Trigger actions, send messages, or update records automatically based on specific criteria. Enhanced Customer Experience By automating personalized communications—such as appointment reminders, follow-up messages, or milestone celebrations—businesses can deliver a superior customer experience that drives loyalty and satisfaction. Scalability For growing businesses, managing large amounts of data can quickly become overwhelming. Custom Objects provide a scalable way to keep data organized and workflows efficient as your client base expands. Examples of HighLevel Custom Objects in Action Veterinary Clinics: Manage pets as custom objects linked to their owners. Automate vaccination reminders, send birthday greetings, or follow up after appointments. Real Estate Agencies: Use properties as custom objects tied to clients. Automate notifications for new listings or schedule reminders for contract deadlines. Fitness Studios: Track memberships, workout plans, or fitness goals as custom objects. Automate milestone celebrations or membership renewal reminders. Healthcare Providers: Use patient records and treatment plans as custom objects to automate appointment scheduling and follow-ups. How to Set Up Custom Objects in Workflows Define Your Objects Identify the unique data points you need to track. For example, if you’re a property manager, you might set up custom objects for properties and maintenance requests. Create Relationships Link your custom objects to relevant contacts or other objects. For instance, connect a “Pet” object to its corresponding owner in a veterinary practice. Build Workflows Use the Workflow Builder to create automated processes based on your custom objects. For example, trigger an email when a custom object field (e.g., warranty expiration date) reaches a specific value. Test and Optimize Run test workflows to ensure they function as expected. Make adjustments as needed to refine the automation. Unlock the Full Potential of HighLevel HighLevel’s Custom Objects Workflow Automation is more than a new feature—it’s a tool for businesses to reimagine their CRM and marketing strategies. From simplifying administrative tasks to delivering hyper-personalized customer experiences, the possibilities are endless. Learn more about HighLevel features at MarketerM8 – a HighLevel agency Ready to explore how Custom Objects can transform your business? Book a discovery call with Julian to dive into the future of CRM and marketing automation.
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Santa Pause is coming – to HighLevel

Have you ever received marketing emails over the Christmas holidays – it just seems wrong when you get an email on Christmas day asking you to take action today. Know what I mean? Well this is no longer a problem for HighLevel users. At a global account level we can pause workflows and emails from going out over the Christmas holiday time – and they just resume after the holidays, a neat little feature. Here is more detail:- Managing workflows efficiently is crucial for businesses, especially when certain processes need to be temporarily halted during specific periods, such as holidays or maintenance windows. GoHighLevel’s “Pause Workflow” feature offers a streamlined solution to manage these pauses without the need to deactivate or delete entire workflows. Understanding the Pause Workflow Feature The “Pause Workflow” functionality allows administrators to temporarily suspend specific workflows for designated date ranges. This is particularly beneficial for workflows with seasonal actions or those requiring periodic adjustments. By utilizing this feature, businesses can ensure that certain processes are paused and resumed seamlessly, maintaining operational efficiency. How to Implement the Pause Workflow Feature Access Global Workflow Settings: Navigate to the “Global Workflow Settings” within your GoHighLevel dashboard. Set Start and End Dates: Click on the “Start Date and Time” field to select the desired start and end dates and times for the pause period. After making your selections, click the “Confirm” button. Select Workflows to Pause: In the “Select Workflows” field, choose one or multiple published workflows you wish to pause. Note that only published workflows will appear in the dropdown menu. Add Multiple Date Ranges: If you need to pause workflows during multiple periods, click the “Add Date” button to include additional date ranges. You can add up to 15 different date ranges. Enable Annual Pauses: For recurring pauses on the same dates each year, check the “Annually” box for the corresponding date range. This ensures the selected workflows are automatically paused annually on the specified dates. Clone or Delete Date Ranges: To duplicate a date range, click the clone icon next to the desired row. To remove a date range, click the delete icon. Monitor Paused Status: When workflows are paused, their status will be highlighted as “Paused” on the Workflow Landing Page. Access Builder Settings: Within each workflow’s builder settings, a “Pause Workflow” section provides details about the pause schedule. You can also access the “Global Workflow Settings” from this section to make any necessary changes. Important Considerations The maximum allowed duration between the start and end dates for a pause is 15 days. Ensure that a workflow is not included in overlapping date ranges to prevent conflicts. By leveraging GoHighLevel’s “Pause Workflow” feature, businesses can effectively manage their workflows, ensuring that specific processes are paused and resumed as needed without disrupting overall operations. For a detailed walkthrough and additional information, refer to GoHighLevel’s official support documentation.
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The Secret to Getting More Leads: How to Create a Lead Magnet That Pulls in Customers

If you’ve ever struggled to generate consistent, high-quality leads for your business, you’re not alone. The truth is, most businesses don’t have a lead generation problem; they have a lead magnet problem. If the offer in your marketing isn’t enticing enough, it won’t attract the right people into your sales funnel. So you need a compelling free offer to entice your ideal customers to give you their contact details – we call this a lead magnet. Not only does the lead magnet serve as a freebie to attract protentional customers but it gives you a valuable opportunity to start to grow – Know, Like and Trust with your potential customer – and ultimately this is required to get the sale “over the line”. So, how do you create a lead magnet that grabs attention and compels your ideal customer to take action AND gives them real value? In this post, we’ll break it down step by step. Step 1: Generate Lead Magnet Ideas Coming up with the right lead magnet idea starts with understanding your audience’s pain points. Your lead magnet must solve a problem, provide value, and be something your ideal customer truly wants. Here’s how to brainstorm winning ideas: a. Identify Common Questions & Pain Points What questions do customers ask you the most? What challenges are they facing right now? What misconceptions or objections stop them from buying? A great place to find this information is in customer emails, social media comments, or industry forums where your target audience hangs out. b. Use Existing Content for Inspiration Review your most popular blog posts or social media content—what topics get the most engagement? Look at high-performing content from competitors for inspiration (without copying). Repurpose existing content into a more digestible format—checklists, guides, or templates. c. Leverage Industry Trends & Data Are there any new trends or shifts in your industry that people need help navigating? Have there been recent updates, laws, or best practices that impact your audience? Use tools like Google Trends or AnswerThePublic to discover trending topics. d. Choose a Lead Magnet Type That Fits Different problems require different solutions. Here are some ideas based on what your audience might need: Need quick answers? → Checklist, cheat sheet, swipe file Need guidance? → E-book, how-to guide, mini-course Want to improve skills? → Templates, toolkits, webinars Want personalized insights? → Free consultation, quiz, assessment, Discovery / Strategy Call A must have? → Simply offer a free item – a branded t-shirt, merchandise, cool item they just have to have. A competition. Once you’ve identified a compelling idea, validate it by asking your audience for feedback or running a small test campaign. Step 2: Crafting an Irresistible Headline Your lead magnet title is everything. It’s the hook that draws people in. If your title doesn’t immediately grab attention, your lead magnet will be dead in the water. Let’s look at a real-world example: When Tim Ferriss first launched his book, he originally titled it Drug Dealing for Fun and Profit. Predictably, it didn’t gain much traction. But after some careful testing, he changed it to The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich. Same book. Different title. Result? A New York Times bestseller that shaped an entire generation of entrepreneurs. What changed? The offer in the title. The lesson here is simple: Identify your audience’s biggest, most painful problem and present the solution in your headline. Some high-performing lead magnet title formulas include: X Ways to [Achieve Desirable Outcome] Without [Painful Struggle] Example: 6 Ways to Get a Six Pack Without Doing a Single Sit-Up [Do Something Difficult] in [Specific Timeframe] Even If [Limiting Belief] Example: Pay Off Your Mortgage in 7 Years Even If You Have a Modest Income How to [Achieve Goal] Without [Biggest Obstacle] Example: How to Eliminate Belly Fat Without Giving Up Your Favourite Foods Step 3: Touch on Burning Issues Every point in your lead magnet should answer a pressing question your audience has. If your headline promises a solution, your content must back it up. For example, if your lead magnet is called 5 Shocking Ways Hackers Are Stealing Your Data (And How to Protect Yourself), then your content needs to break down real cyber threats in simple, digestible terms. Each section should build intrigue and keep them reading. Here’s how: Use shocking or curiosity-driven subheads: #1 – Think Your Password Keeps You Safe? Think Again! #2 – The One Mistake That Lets Hackers Into Your Bank Account Use bullet points to make it easy to skim Give actionable steps they can implement immediately Step 4: Keep It Simple People are busy. They don’t have time to read a 50-page whitepaper. Short and actionable lead magnets work best. Aim for 5-6 pages max, and make sure it’s packed with value. Here’s a simple way to create a lead magnet quickly: ➡ Compile your best blog posts into a short guide and format it into a PDF. ➡ Interview industry experts and compile their insights. ➡ Turn a checklist into a downloadable resource. ➡ Repurpose video content into a written guide. Step 5: Format Matters—Make It Look Professional Your lead magnet should look as valuable as it is. Even if it’s just a PDF, a well-designed cover and clean formatting will boost perceived value. Use: Bold headlines & clear subheadings Bullet points for quick scanning Images and graphics to break up text Conclusion A well-designed lead magnet isn’t just about getting email addresses—it’s about attracting the right people who are ready to buy. If you want to see how to create a lead magnet that can transform your business, book a Discovery Call with Julian. Let’s turn leads into sales—on autopilot.
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How to Craft a Guarantee That Skyrockets Sales and Eliminates Customer Doubts

Why Your Business Needs a Guarantee—And How to Create One That Converts Every business owner has heard of a guarantee. But few know how to craft one that wields its full sales potential. A powerful guarantee does more than just reassure your customers—it dismantles their scepticism, eliminates their risk, and makes your offer irresistible. If you’re not using a strong guarantee in your marketing, you’re leaving money on the table. Worse, you’re placing all the risk on your customer—which, let’s face it, doesn’t inspire much confidence. Let’s dive into how you can craft a guarantee so compelling that your competition will be left scrambling to keep up. Why You Need a Guarantee If you don’t have a guarantee, why should anyone trust you? Your prospects have been burned before. They’ve seen businesses overpromise and underdeliver. They’ve heard the hype and gotten nothing but disappointment in return. So, ask yourself: Why should they believe you’re any different? A well-structured guarantee removes this doubt. It shifts the risk from your prospect to your business. Instead of asking a complete stranger to gamble their money on your product or service, a strong guarantee reassures them that they have everything to gain and nothing to lose. And here’s the kicker: Guarantees don’t just make people feel safer—they increase sales. A well-executed guarantee can triple conversions while only being invoked in less than 5% of transactions. With a strong guarantee your offer becomes a “no-brainer” for the customer. The Psychology Behind a Guarantee That Converts Risk is always present in any transaction. In most cases, it’s the buyer who carries the risk. Your guarantee flips that dynamic. It reassures your customers that they will get what they were promised—or they’ll get their money back. A weak guarantee is vague, passive, and uninspiring. A powerful guarantee, on the other hand, is crystal clear, bold, and leaves no room for doubt. It tells your customers that you are so confident in what you offer, you’re willing to bet on it. If you’re still worried about being taken advantage of, understand this: For every dishonest customer who abuses your guarantee, you’ll gain more than five honest ones who wouldn’t have bought otherwise. The numbers are is in your favour. How to Create a Guarantee That Sells 1. Study the Competition Before you craft your own guarantee, analyse what’s already out there. Search for guarantees in your industry. Take notes on what works and what falls flat. Do your competitors play it safe with generic “satisfaction guarantees”? Good. That’s your opportunity to outshine them. 2. Identify Your Strengths What do you do better than anyone else? Do you deliver results faster? Offer superior quality? Have the best customer service? Build your guarantee around what makes your business exceptional. 3. Be Specific Vague guarantees don’t cut it. Instead of saying “100% satisfaction guaranteed,” make a concrete promise: “If you don’t see a measurable improvement within 30 days, we’ll refund every penny—no questions asked.” 4. Offer a Meaningful Payback What happens if a customer isn’t satisfied? Don’t just refund their money—surprise them with extra value. Offer a free consultation, an additional service, or a discount on future purchases. The goal is to turn a potential refund into an opportunity for customer loyalty. 5. Test, Measure, and Improve A guarantee isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it tool. Track its impact. Run A/B tests. Experiment with different durations and wording. You might find that a 90-day guarantee outperforms a 30-day one—or that adding a unique name increases conversions. 6. Make It Visible Your guarantee should be front and centre. Put it on your homepage, sales pages, ads, and checkout process. The more prominent it is, the more trust you build with potential buyers. 7. Name Your Guarantee Naming your guarantee makes it more memorable and impactful. Here are some examples: 100% Money-Back Guarantee Unconditional, Money-Back Guarantee Your Money-Back, No Questions Asked My Personally Guarantee No Way You Can Lose 30-Day Free Trial No-Quibble, Money-Back Guarantee Iron-Clad Money-Back Guarantee Examples of Powerful Guarantees in Action Need inspiration? Here are some legendary guarantees that set industry standards: 1. John Lewis – The Price Match Promise John Lewis built its reputation on trust, and its “Never Knowingly Undersold” policy was a big part of that. If you buy a product and find it cheaper elsewhere within seven days, they’ll refund the difference. It’s a clear, confidence-boosting commitment: shop with us, and you’ll never overpay. 2. Dyson – 30 Days to Change Your Mind Dyson backs its premium pricing with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Not sure if their latest vacuum or air purifier is worth the investment? Try it for a month, risk-free. If you’re not convinced, return it—no hassle, no hard feelings. That’s how you stand behind a product. 3. Vodafone – A Network That Lets You Walk Away In a competitive telecoms market, Vodafone UK turned the tables with its 30-day service guarantee. If you’re unhappy with your coverage or service after switching, you can cancel within the first month—no penalties, no lock-in. That’s a bold way to prove confidence in what you’re selling. 4. Whiskas – If Your Cat Won’t Eat It, You Don’t Pay Even the best pet food brands know that cats can be fussy. That’s why Whiskas offers a money-back guarantee—if your cat turns its nose up at their food, you get a refund. It removes the risk and encourages pet owners to try new products without fear of wasting money. These guarantees aren’t just words—they’re game changers. Action Plan: Implement Your Power Guarantee Today List Your Features & Benefits: Identify what makes your product or service stand out. Define the Outcome: What tangible result does your customer get? Write It Down: Put your guarantee into words, making it clear, bold, and specific. Make It Public: Display your guarantee prominently in your marketing materials. If you execute this right, your guarantee will become a powerful conversion tool that crushes doubt, builds trust, and drives sales.
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The Simple Marketing Hack That Every Shop Owner Should Be Using

If you run a physical shop, you’ve probably had the same frustration: people walk in, buy something, and then disappear forever. You hear all the buzz about email marketing, but how do you make that work when you don’t sell online? Well, here’s the answer: get their email addresses. And no, this isn’t about some awkward hard-sell at the till. The simplest way to do it? Offer to email them their receipt. It’s easy, seamless, and a natural part of the transaction. Do this consistently, and you’ll be surprised how quickly your email list grows. Once you’ve got their details, don’t just let them sit there—start sending interesting, useful emails. Maybe it’s a tip related to your products, an exclusive discount, or a heads-up about new arrivals. Before you know it, customers aren’t just popping in once—they’re coming back. And here’s the kicker: if you include links in those emails, some of them will go straight to your website and buy from you online. That means more sales, without relying solely on foot traffic. How to Get Started—For Free The easiest way to start email marketing is with MailChimp. It’s simple, free for small lists, and perfect for getting those first emails out. But if you’re ready for something more sophisticated—like automated follow-ups, segmentation, or full CRM integration—let’s talk. Book a free discovery call with me, Julian, and I’ll help you get set up for success. Book a call now.
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