How to Successfully Segment Your Database for Lead Nurturing

Lead Nurturing Databases
The foundation of any business plan should include a comprehensive database system. A carefully crafted database system holds volumes of valuable data about clients, vendors, marketing, sales and bookkeeping. There are two types of databases: relational and contact. A relational database is one that contains cumulative information about each entry. The contact database functions as a means of maintaining contact with business associates like clients and vendors. Today, databases also offer the ability to embed graphs and other graphical data into each entry. For lead nurturing, a contact or relational database is a way to create a composite of locations of abundant target markets and increasing clients.

How to Successfully Segment Your Database for Lead Nurturing
Your successful database segmentation begins with accurate data entered in an organized template. Before entering data, create a standard entry profile for sales prospects. Many databases are linked easily online to sites that offer regularly updated information on potential new business contacts. The database template should be created as a standard format for all future entries and to allow input for additional information in existing entries. Keywords in a database affect your ability to search and recover essential information. For example, www.dentalmarketing.net might appear in databases using email addresses ending with the .net URL.

Databases are programmed with sort and search features based on common keywords. For instance, your sort and search function may be based on specific cities, states or countries where potential sales leads occur. Once you structure your database with a standard template, maintain the same template for each entry for convenience.

Start with Target Markets
Lead nurturing is an important feature of business databases. Enter all new target market information as soon as it is acquired through email, phone or mail inquiries or marketing research tools. Enter the most basic information on potential leads in target markets to make the business database a significant force for increased sales.

Segment Your Database
You can segment a database in numerous ways to accommodate business needs. Some businesses need a client and vendor database template. Sales and marketing may need only a contact template that includes:

• Contact name, address, phone and email 
• Date of contact and all past contacts 
• Specific comments related to contact
• Other personalized contact information where applicable.

Other Ways to Segment for Lead Nurturing
When relying on email contact, structure the database template on the URL, for example, Marketing.org and all email with the same URL address.