"The Money is in the List". Every affiliate marketer is familiar with this saying. However, only a few believe in the power of this old saying, and make sincere efforts to build a genuine opt-in email list. As a serious affiliate marketer, you know how difficult it is to find prospective customers, and thereafter convince them to buy your products. This is where a list of subscribers proves to be quite helpful.



Basically, an opt-in email list is nothing but a database of email addresses, which people voluntarily share with you to receive some useful information. Now, all your subscribers are your prospective customers. You haven't hunted for them; they have come to you because they have confidence on the effectiveness of your product. Once, you have 800 to 1000 responsive subscribers, nobody can stop you from becoming a successful affiliate marketer.

The big question that comes to the fore at this point of time is, "How can I build a profitable opt-in email list?" No doubt, the entire process of building an effective list is quite cumbersome and time-consuming. However, there are 4 fail-safe tips that make this process a piece of cake. Let's take a look at them.

Tip #1: Online Newsletters

Studies reveal that online newsletters can generate as much as 50 percent of sales. By publishing your online newsletter once or twice a month, you can not only build-up your opt-in email list, but you can also elevate your profit levels. Keep in mind that your newsletter is a good medium to dispense information about your products and services. Therefore, use the newsletter-space sensibly.

Tip #2 Magical Ebooks

Ebooks are another powerful way to get a stream of subscribers. Select the topic of your ebook carefully. The topics should be related to the products and services that you sell. Besides this, leave no stone unturned to make the content interesting and useful. Remember, with your ebook, you are not just building your opt-in email list, but you are also trying to establish a long-term relationship with your probable customers. Hence, give wholesome information. A lot of ebooks are available free of cost on PLR websites.

Tip #3 Special Reports and Articles

Bear in mind that most of your prospects are hungry for valuable information. Special reports and articles are yet another good way to attract subscribers. As with newsletters and ebooks, here also the content is the king. It is advisable to stay away from article directories and special report centers. Most of the time, these places have nothing more to offer, than pieces of information that have either been copied countless times or that are completely unrelated to what you sell. A better proposition would be to write something on your own. If your writing skills are not exemplary, hire a good writer.

Tip #4 Software Download

A computer owner is always in search of nifty software. You can build-up your opt-in email list rapidly by offering FREE software. Your prospects will not hesitate to divulge their email addresses for a copy of free software. All you are required to do is to make sure that the software is workable, and you have the give-away rights.

One method that works well is to give away a trial version, and then as long as you also have re-sale rights to this software you can offer the full-version upgrade at a special discount. Now this will only work if you have both versions of software, which is unlikely unless you are the original developer.

Once you have a good subscriber base, concentrate on the strategies to promote your products. Remember, your subscribers are waiting for your offers, so if you consistently offer them high quality products they will become your permanent customers.