How To Build A List

Are you thinking, DO I really need a list? Or, is it really worth the effort of building one? Think carefully about this aspect of your online business. You get an email, probably one out of many each day. Are you more likely to open it because you recognize the sender's name and email address, or if you do not recognize them? You purposefully subscribe to someone's list and receive regular emails from them as you expected. Is it more or less probable you will open those emails?

You open the ones you recognize - right? This is exactly what others online do too. The lesson is obvious isn't it? If you send emails to people who have subscribed to your list, and who recognize your name and email address, you're more likely to get more open rates than, for example, renting a list from someone else. It's an easy win for you to have your own list who have deliberately subscribed for your information and solutions. However, never forget, any specific subscriber is also on lots of other lists and getting information from other marketers. The question is, do they trust them as much as they trust you?

Everybody says to have your own list - and they're right.

So, how do you do it?

First, you need an autoresponder. Once set up with your emails, this will send out those emails automatically, according to the times you have decided. The basic reason for this is to develop a relationship with the subscriber.

Second, to do that, your emails have to have information relevant to what the subscriber is looking for, and be useful, and usable by them, as solutions to problems they have. That way, you create a sense of interest in them that makes them look forward to the next email. So, your emails get opened.

Now, creating a big list is unlikely to happen fast. But you will be developing your business, especially with customers who will buy product after product from you.

Finally, make sure your subscribers have to double opt in - they then have to click a link in an email to confirm they definitely want to join your list. People can forget they have joined a particular list. Double opt in means they're less likely to think you're spamming them.

One more thing: save your time and money and don't bother buying a list, to send a one-off offer to them. A profitable  online business is built on your own list that you have a long term trusted relationship with.

Here are your action steps to goal achievement - like building your list.