We're assuming that primary goal of any Internet marketing effort is to earn money consistently over a long period of time. It doesn't serve us well to look only at short term goals. 'Flash-in-the-pan' success does happen for some people, but it's rare, and by far not rule. That being case, a list containing names and email addresses of interested prospects becomes an essential building block of success. A viable and workable opt-in mailing list is not an 'option' . . . it's a necessity. It goes without saying that we want our list to be as large as possible, but we're also seeking list quality as well.
So, here are several techniques that we have used, and continue to use in our own list-building efforts. They will work IF you work them.
1. Place an invitation to join prominently on your site.
Exposure is operative word. Consider that your visitor is likely to be already interested in what you have to offer. Otherwise, she wouldn't be at your site in first place. She will also be likely to join your list IF you give her an open invitation, and make it worth her time and effort.
2. Offer an incentive for joining your list.
A majority of Internet users come online seeking information about whatever topic interests them at moment. Take advantage of this human curiosity by offering an informative ebook, group of ebooks, or an educational report on a topic that surrounds your site's focus. This will further pique interest of your prospect, giving her a reason to join your list.
3. Advertise your incentive offers to other lists.
Paying for qualified leads is a reasonable and much used business practice. Advertising your new promotional ebook, report, or even a free service that you will provide can and typically will bring in a flood of new list members.
Note however, that this technique involves a cash investment for initial advertising. To use this method, you must also have a focused marketing plan in place, geared toward recouping your cost by immediately offering your new subscribers related products for purchase.
4. Promote your list in your signature box.
Most email softwares will allow you to generate a signature file that will be appended automatically to every email message you send. Configure this file as an advertisement for your mailing list or newsletter. Stress benefits of membership to your list, and feature your incentive items in this ad as well.