Next, add a subscribe address in your signature file so that each and every email you send out has it included.

If you have a web site, you will find it is one of best ways of getting people to give you their email address.

It helps if you give people a reason to register, such as a free email course, free e-book, etc.

Also, those placing email registration in visible section of web site when it first loads, find greatest amount of success in getting people to register.

And, historically, center or right side of web page is best spot to place your request for subscribers.

For those of you that can figure out coding involved, pop-up boxes requesting a name and email are extremely successful for gathering new subscribers.

People do HATE pop-up ads but it is clear that they do not mind pop-ups when entering in their name and email address.

In a method I helped to establish years ago, ad swaps with other publications for express purpose of increasing your subscribers is still an excellent way to add to your list.

The great thing I discovered about using this method is that you do not even need to restrict it to like-minded content for it to be a success.

These are just a few of methods you can employ to establish and build your own email list.

The important thing to do is to actually start your list and continually invest some time and building it even bigger.

The larger your list more successful your mailings.

Remember there is no such thing as a dumb question. But we've all seen and heard loads of dumb answers. Be sure yours do not fall into this category. It's just plain bad business.

If you have been careless with your email, and have been breaking any of above rules, begin following them now. It can do wonders for your bottom line.

Simple Rules That Matter

As spam is an ever increasing problem for most, be sure your message stands out clearly.

> Use your name in From field, followed by your email address in angle brackets. Bob Jones

> Be sure first three words in Subject field get right to point. Often full subject is not visible.

> Address your message to a name. If you don't know it, visit site. If recipient does not see their name, they may not even open message.

> Get to point in first line of message. Even a busy reader who doesn't recognize name or doesn't find subject revealing, may read first line. But that's as far as he or she is going to go, unless you have grabbed attention.

Sig Files

If you're not using signature files, start now. They can draw visitors like crazy. In fact create several. Append one most appropriate to end of current message. Both Pegasus and Eudora do a fine job in this.

Writing Skills

If you are weak in this area, you have only two choices. Outsource task (which can be expensive) or figure a way to handle it. Content of an email message may matter more than that on your site, for it's personally directed.

What works for many is to create boilerplate. Answers to commonly asked questions prepared ahead of time. Create a complete answer acceptable for each question you have seen repeatedly. Include more information than most will need. That is, try to anticipate all possible twists people may add to question. Ask a friend to edit for you. Or pay a pro.

Then tuck it away into a .TXT file, to be copied as needed in a reply. Or use a program such as ClipMate. It greatly simplifies this task.

You may need to add or edit a bit to get your prepared text to really fit way question was asked. But with practice, this is not difficult. One approach is to give a simple, brief answer to question asked. Then add, "I've appended further information."

Put Email To Work For You Now

Email is a revolutionary tool. A grand leap ahead in communications. But "communicate" has two sides to it. You need to accurately state your message. And person who receives it needs to understand it. Quickly and easily. Else there is no communication, and no point in having sent it in first place.

While some big outfits can afford to ignore email, a small business can not. Handling email effectively is fundamental to online success. Few succeed without embracing this need. The potential value of a single hit is simply too great. You can't afford to toss even one opportunity aside.