In the last issue of Marketing Tips, I told you about a hot new technology that's revolutionizing the way Internet business owners communicate with their customers and subscribers.

It's called "direct-to-desktop" messaging, and it literally allows you to send messages straight to your customers' computer desktops -- without using e-mail!

Sound complicated? Well, it used to be. Until now only Fortune 500 companies with enough money to buy the advanced software have been able to use it.

But that's all changed!

Keep reading and I'll give you an inside look at how you can get started with your own highly profitable direct-to-desktop campaigns, including examples of tools and strategies businesses are already using.

PLUS, because I've just rolled out my own direct-to-desktop version of the Marketing Tips Newsletter, I'll show you how you can switch your current subscription from e-mail to my exclusive desktop edition...

... As you'll see, I'm offering a little bribe to the first people who switch. ;-)

But before I get into that, let's take a look at the basics of direct-to-desktop technology and why businesses (big AND small!) are scrambling to use it.

To start, I'll answer a few of the most common questions people have been asking me about "direct-to-desktop."

FAQ #1: What is direct-to-desktop messaging?

At first glance, direct-to-desktop messaging looks something like the "instant messaging" programs out there like Windows Messenger and ICQ.

To receive messages, you download a small application called a "desktop reader" that retrieves messages over the Internet and displays them in an "inbox" right on your computer desktop, bypassing your e-mail software.

But wait until you check out the powerful differences between "direct-to-desktop" and "instant messaging."

With "direct-to-desktop" you can:

• Send messages to an unlimited number of people -- not just a small list of personal contacts.
  
  
• Format messages in HTML with full color, sound, hyperlinks, and even Flash animation -- not just plain text.
  
  
• Customize the "look and feel" of the tiny application your customers download to get your messages with your own company logo and colors!

... But the most exciting thing about this new technology is that it gives you (and your customers) the power to completely sidestep some of the most frustrating problems of e-mail communication...

If you send out e-mail promotions or newsletters, you probably know exactly what problems I'm talking about:

Your legitimate messages and newsletters get filtered, blocked, and bounced back to you because ISPs and spam-blocking software identify them as "spam"... even though they're not!

That's why anyone who is marketing their business online should be very interested in direct-to-desktop technology.

It gives you the benefit of:

1. Zero spam accusations.
   Since subscribers must download your "desktop reader" to get your messages -- and since they can uninstall it whenever they choose -- you can't be accused of sending "spam."
   
   Total subscriber control equals no spam!
   
   
2. 100% deliverability.
   If you send e-mail messages to groups of customers or subscribers, it's almost impossible to ensure that all your messages will get through.
   
   Not only do you need to be concerned about aggressive spam filters; you also have to deal with overflowing inboxes that "bounce back" messages once they've reached their storage limit and subscribers who accidentally filter your messages straight into their "junk mail" folders!
   
   Direct-to-desktop messages show up right on your subscriber's computer desktop -- without passing through e-mail filters and spam blockers, and without competing for space in a stuffed e-mail inbox.
   
   If your subscribers can connect to the Internet, they're guaranteed to receive your direct-to-desktop messages!
   
   
3. No distractions.
   Many people's e-mail inboxes are filled with so many different newsletters, promotions, and personal messages (not to mention spam!) that important messages from trusted senders can get lost in the clutter. A direct-to-desktop inbox only shows messages from you!
   

... As you can see, it's extremely powerful.

I know those of you who have been struggling to successfully deliver e-mail to your customers or subscribers are going to be really excited about the potential of this technology.

After all, it gives you the ability to "lock in" the people on your mailing list and make sure they never miss a single message from you!

FAQ #2: Will direct-to-desktop technology replace e-mail?

In a word, no -- or at least not for a while.

When e-mail first came along, a lot of people wondered if it would end up completely replacing regular postal "snail" mail.

Obviously, it hasn't. In fact, there are a number of situations in which snail mail is the preferred choice.

For example, handwritten messages have a more personal touch, so people still like to send and receive printed greeting cards, wedding invitations, and other personal correspondence the old-fashioned way.

And of course, postal mail is the only way to go if you're sending product samples, like those little packets of shampoo ;-)

For most communications, though, e-mail is superior to snail mail. It's faster and cheaper to send, so it has replaced the typewritten memo, the company newsletter, and so on.

But like I've already mentioned, e-mail has its problems too.

It's getting harder every day to ensure that the e-mail you send to your customers and subscribers is being received.

And it works the other way too -- if you count on receiving e-mail from trusted companies and individuals, there's simply no way to guarantee that their messages won't get blocked or filtered before they ever reach you!

So while direct-to-desktop won't replace e-mail anytime soon -- just as e-mail hasn't completely replaced snail mail -- it WILL completely change the way businesses communicate with their
best customers and subscribers.

Picture this:

As you continue to collect leads and develop relationships with your customers and subscribers by e-mail, you also offer a free upgrade from their e-mail subscription to your "premium" direct-to-desktop service -- a secure, direct channel that you use to send your best offers and most important updates.

Now, not everyone will want to sign up -- many casual customers will stick with an e-mail subscription while they're getting acquainted with you and your business.

But the people who DO sign up will be the ones who have come to trust and respect your business -- in other words, your most loyal and valuable customers and subscribers.


FAQ #3: How do I use direct-to-desktop messaging for MY business?

Adding this technology to your business is easy -- surprising easily, in fact.

You can advertise it on your web site, just like you would an opt-in offer for an e-mail newsletter subscription.

Or if you already offer an e-mail newsletter, you can send an e-mail to your subscribers, letting them know about your new direct-to-desktop subscription.

When your site visitors and e-mail subscribers see your offer, they can simply click a link to download your desktop reader and start receiving messages immediately.

Of course, you'll need to give them a good reason to take this step, especially if they're unfamiliar with the new technology.

So try using the same kinds of offers you would use to get people to subscribe to a free e-mail newsletter.

For example:

1. Offer a "customer rewards" program.
   Include valuable information or services that they can't get anywhere else like news reports, industry updates, event announcements, or special offers.
   
   
2. Send up-to-the-minute information updates.
   If you're in a business such as real estate, where new listings are a hot commodity, you can offer "instant updates" to your most valuable customers. New information can be on their computer desktops within MINUTES of you releasing it.
   
   
3. Give previews of valuable information and products.
   You can also use direct-to-desktop technology to offer free previews of information that people can't get elsewhere without paying for it.
   
   For example, if you write content for a private web site or paid-subscription newsletter (or if you offer a special report, eBook, or other digital product) you can adapt your current or archived content to create a tip of the day, or to share a preview chapter, with links to your order pages. This should generate additional sales quickly!
   
   
4. Distribute organization-wide notices and updates.
   If your company has a sales team that needs to receive regular updates, you can send them via direct-to-desktop.
   
   This way, the messages are guaranteed to be delivered instantly without getting filtered, bounced, or lost in cluttered inboxes.
   
   Even if your team members don't check their e-mail, they'll still receive your most important notifications and messages.
   
   
5. Ensure guaranteed delivery of information products.
   If you're using e-mail to deliver information products (such as eBooks, paid subscription newsletters, or software downloads) there's no guarantee that your customers will receive them. If you use direct-to-desktop to deliver your products, though, you know they'll arrive safely every time.
   

All these techniques are great ways to increase the traffic to your web site... increase your customer loyalty and satisfaction... and make more sales!

Be one of the FIRST to get the "direct-to-desktop" edition of this newsletter -- and I'll give you a Special Gift!

Now, this is the part I'm really excited about...

Starting today, you have the option of upgrading your newsletter subscription to the FREE 'Premium' Marketing Tips Messenger edition.

That means, going forward you'll get a first look at ALL of my newsletters, industry updates, and special offers -- before the general public has access to them!

From time to time, I'll also be sending special messages ONLY to subscribers of my Marketing Tips Messenger with exclusive news, insider tips, and special reports that you won't be able to get anywhere else.

Plus, when you upgrade your subscription, you'll never have to worry about missing another issue due to aggressive spam filters that "eat" your messages before you see them!

And of course, like I mentioned earlier, I'm offering a special little "bribe" to the first people who download my Marketing Tips Messenger:

If you download your copy today, I'll give you a:

FREE COPY of a 61-minute 'live' audio interview with me -- Internet Marketing Center.

This exclusive interview will give you instant access to my NEWEST Internet-profit secrets including:

1. Simple tricks for driving 1,000's of qualified buyers to your web site!
   
   
2. How to build a HUGE opt-in list -- even if your site gets no traffic!
   
   
3. Strategies for getting 100's of people to promote your product -- without paying them a DIME!
   
   
4. Eye-opening secrets for starting an Internet business -- in less than 48 hours!
   

... plus much more!

To start listening to this exclusive interview in the next 2 minutes, all you need to do is download your FREE copy of my "Marketing Tips Messenger."

Just click the following link, and the download will start (it takes just seconds, even on a dial-up connection):

CLICK THIS LINK: http://news.marketingtips.com/messenger

As soon as your download is complete, you'll have instant access to start listening to this 61-minute interview that I recently did.

Plus, I will automatically upgrade your "Marketing Tips" subscription to my "premium" Messenger Edition.

Remember! This is all absolutely free! This subscription upgrade is automatically included when you access the free audio gift, so there's no need to fill out any extra forms or hassle with an additional sign-up page!

If you would like to learn more about how the Marketing Tips Messenger works, you can visit the Frequently Asked Questions page at: http://news.marketingtips.com/faq

And just like with my e-mail subscribers, I would like to point out that I do not sell, rent or disclose personal information about Marketing Tips Messenger subscribers to anyone.

To read the Internet Marketing Center's complete Privacy Policy, visit: http://www.marketingtips.com/privacy.html

And if you have questions about this download, or any problems, please don't hesitate to visit http://support.marketingtips.com

Want to try this technology yourself?

I know when a lot of you download my Marketing Tips Messenger, you will want to know how you can starting using this same technology for YOUR business ;-)

So here's what I can tell you....

I've seen the technology that the Fortune 500 companies are using... it's nice -- but it's extremely pricey. The solutions typically cost in the range of $15,000... $40,000... even as much as $110,000 to set up! And frequently another $5,000+ per month to actually use!

Plus, customizing it for YOUR business is costly because you typically need the help of programmers, designers and content developers.

That's why I had my team design my own software to do this...

I wanted to make sure I could use this technology without putting a serious dent in my bank account... But I also wanted to make sure YOU could use it, too.

If, after downloading my Marketing Tips Messenger, you decide you want to try applying this technology to your business, the first place I recommend you check out is:

http://www.marketingtips.com/desktop

This page will educate you about the different solutions out there, so you get the best solution for your business, without getting "had" and wasting your money.

Final thoughts:

I'm really excited about direct-to-desktop technology -- just like when e-mail first started to become "mainstream," the possibilities seem almost limitless.

However, if you're thinking about adding a direct-to-desktop messaging system to your own business, I'd like to end this article on a note of caution...

If you currently use e-mail to communicate with your customers and subscribers, you probably will NOT want to replace e-mail with your "direct-to-desktop" messenger.

There are still plenty of people out there who like getting information by e-mail, and you most certainly do not want to alienate those customers and subscribers!

A better option is to give your customers and subscribers the choice of downloading your desktop reader OR continuing to receive your messages via e-mail.

That way, you can still keep in contact with people who prefer e-mail or who are wary of new technology, but you can also establish a secure, private, direct line of communication between you and your most loyal customers and subscribers.

If you're testing direct-to-desktop technology for your business, I'd love to hear about your challenges and successes!

To share your story, send an e-mail to:

messenger@marketingtips.com

... I look forward to hearing from you!