Generating new sales leads using unsolicited email marketing?

**user10** · 03-Feb-11, 02:42 PM

Hi,
I have to generate new sales leads for the first time and am wondering if it is ok to send unsolicited email messages to businesses using email addresses found on their web site or in online directories? The email will include an opt-out/unsubscribe option. If it isn't ok to send unsolicited email, does anyone have any suggestions on how I might go about generating new sales leads?
Thanks.

**Dave A** · 03-Feb-11, 04:05 PM

Originally Posted by user10

I ... am wondering if it is ok to send unsolicited email messages to businesses using email addresses found on their web site or in online directories?

Some people's definition of spam is far more aggressive than others.

What I will say is in such a campaign you probably have no more than a second or two to make sure the client recognises you're offering something he/she's looking for right now. If you really think about all the elements that have to fall into place to make a hit and overcome the "I've been spammed" factor... You'll have to be really, really good.

Originally Posted by user10

does anyone have any suggestions on how I might go about generating new sales leads?

Have a look at Marketing Motor.

**Mark Atkinson** · 04-Feb-11, 07:43 AM

Originally Posted by Dave A

Have a look at Marketing Motor.

Have you used Marketing Motor before, Dave?

I skimmed through their site and it seems to promise everything that every other internet marketing "guru" might promise. Sounds suspect to me.

Perhaps you've had personal experiences with them that may convince me otherwise?

**Neville Bailey** · 04-Feb-11, 02:46 PM

Originally Posted by Mark Atkinson

Have you used Marketing Motor before, Dave?

I skimmed through their site and it seems to promise everything that every other internet marketing "guru" might promise. Sounds suspect to me.

Perhaps you've had personal experiences with them that may convince me otherwise?

I am using Marketing Motor and I can most certainly vouch for its effectiveness!

Go to Google and type a search word/phrase about Pastel support / help / consulting. etc and you will see my website listed near the top!

**IanF** · 04-Feb-11, 04:18 PM

Originally Posted by Neville Bailey

I am using Marketing Motor and I can most certainly vouch for its effectiveness!

Go to Google and type a search word/phrase about Pastel support / help / consulting. etc and you will see my website listed near the top!

Neville
I searched for pastel support and doubleentry.co.za was on the top of the second page. Is this the website that you are talking about?

**AndyD** · 03-Feb-11, 10:12 PM

Some people's definition of spam is far more aggressive than others.

Generating sales leads by unsolicited email messages will be a thankless and unproductive approach. Assuming you get through the ISP spam filter and their email client spam filter, the average business owner is a black-belt at deleting messages of this nature unread. The one guy in several hundred that actually unsuspectingly opens one of your mails will hate you with a passion several seconds later.

**Jill** · 04-Feb-11, 06:25 AM

I suggest a phone call first - if you have a website you have a telephone number. Get the name and ask if you may send them info. Works for me and you have made personal contact which is important. You will get a lot of NO's but eventually you get the yes. Thats sales. Good luck

**Upstairs** · 14-Feb-11, 10:12 PM

I agree. That personal contact before you start mailing is the way to go, and you get a chance to speak to the right person.You don't need a sales pitch. Get to the point and you'll know where you stand. If the company or person has a need for your product or service he'll give you the time.

**user10** · 04-Feb-11, 11:42 AM

Thanks all for your advice.

**Mark Atkinson** · 04-Feb-11, 04:13 PM

That's all very well, BUT would it work for something like a web/graphic design business.

I see the sites that you get are extremely simple text-based sites with lots of keyword "optimisation". This includes having lots of links which all point to the same page but are different target keywords.

The web design market is EXTREMELY saturated and I'm quite sure that a site like that can't aid a design business all that much. I'm guessing it's more for niche targeting. If building a site like that and relying on keyword optimization is the bulk of their service, then I'm not sure how well it can work in a saturated market.

I will look into it though. I'd be interested to see how they can devise an Adwords campaign for a web design business that's cost effective.