In the recent 'WebSavvy 2009' online course, we discussed how to capture leads with your website and then what to do with the leads once you have them.

My recommendation is to send a monthly or quarterly e-newsletter. These are also sometimes referred to as e-zines. It's simply a newsletter delivered via email. You're reading one right now.

This is a very inexpensive, yet professional, way to stay in front of your audience as well as promote events or special promotions.

Send your e-newsletter to clients, prospects and other design professionals such as architects and interior designers. I also include realtors, suppliers and personal contacts in my mailing list.

Here are some ideas for what to include:

* Personal commentary- let people see "behind the curtain". * Featured projects * Announcements- events, promotions, special offers * Gardening tips and advice * Product reviews

Your e-newsletter should be a combination of "selling" as well as providing value for your readers. You should probably aim for 70% value and 30% selling.

The best way to create and deliver your monthly e-newsletter is by subscribing to an "Autoresponder" service. This service maintains your email list, allows you to design your newsletter, automatically delivers it for you and also provides reports which tell you how effective your message is.

An autoresponder service can cost between $15 and $20 each month, which is dirt cheap compared to the return you can get. Pay for the service in full for the year and you'll get an even better price.

The service I use and recommend highly is Aweber.com. It's the best service available hands down-

http://www.aweber.com/?316370

I highly recommend starting an e-newsletter campaign, even if you only send it quarterly. You can get a highly disproportionate return on investment.

Give it a shot.

All the best,

Chris Heiler, Editor

Visit my blog- http://www.fountainheadgardens.com/blog