Sic Codes Help Ensure Email Marketing List Relevance

By Author: Glenn Farrier
Total Articles: 123
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There are a number of ways to identify the correct email list to meet your marketing needs. One such way is to locate lists based on SIC code. SIC codes belong to the Standard Industrial Classification system, which was created in 1937 by the United States government. While SIC codes are slowly being replaced by the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), some government agencies still use SIC codes for identification. NAICS codes were established to include Canada and Mexico thereby creating consistency and cohesion within industries across borders. Meanwhile, these four-digit SIC codes indicate the type of industry and primary activity that a business is involved in. The SIC coding system is arranged in hierarchy of industry meaning that the first two digits refer to the major industry, and the next two digits independently further narrow down the specialization. However, it’s not imperative that you understand the coding philosophy given that there are user friendly databases to direct you to the SIC code you are seeking. If, on the other hand, you already know the SIC code for the industry you are looking ...
... for you can go straight to searching for email marketing lists using that code.

Searching for SIC codes is a simple process on AmericaInt.com. From the homepage, click on “Email Lists By Industry” which can be found in the left-hand column. From here you can either search using a keyword associated with the industry you are seeking, or you can re-sort the list by SIC code if you already know the SIC code associated with the list you are seeking. To re-sort the list by SEC code, click on “Code” at the top if the SIC code column. The next column to the right gives a description of the industry associated with that SIC code. This column should be cross-referenced to make sure you are purchasing an appropriate list and have not accidently transposed the SIC code. To the right of the keyword search box near the top of the page, you can also click to reset the view or you can switch the list to include NAICS codes. Within the list, you may see the acronym “Nec” which stands for “Not elsewhere classified.” As you will notice, there is an SIC code for nearly every business venture you can imagine including everything from Timber Tracks to Rooming and Boarding Houses. The diversity of the codes might even inspire a new marketing approach, so browse around.

The author has worked extensively with email lists and is skilled at finding email lists by SIC.