The most valuable asset to any business, in both the online and offline world, are your customers.



The relationship between a supplier and a customer is the lifeline of your business.

The respect and trust that you will gain form your customer is so important, as it builds loyalty and credibility that is irreplaceable.

Reputation counts!

With that trust gained, not only will your customer support you directly, but indirectly as well, by ‘Word of Mouth' referring friends, relatives, or their customers to your business.

That's free advertising.

One of the powerful tools in online “email” marketing is to build an opt-in mailing list.

An opt-in mailing list is a database of peoples' names and email addresses that have subscribed to an email list via a web form giving that list owner permission to send them periodic emails on the topic they are interested in.

The best gift of this powerful tool is building crediblity and trust with the subscriber.

This is Permission Email Marketing.

One big benefit of an email list is, your subscribers will be more responsive as they are your target audience.

The reason why people subscribe…you have a valuable and unique product and service they are potentially looking for.

Although everyone who visit your site will not become a customer, they must have some interest in your product, or service that led them to your page.

Therefore every visitor is a potential lifetime customer.

Potential customers are much more likely to become a customer if you make an effort to keep in touch with them. It requires several communications to gain that trust for a sale.

That's where an “Opt In” form and a simple communication tool such as an email helps.

Here are some Do's and Dont's for opt in list building:

1. Put a subscription form prominently on your direct response website. If a visitor subscribes via the subscription form, you have just gained their permission to email them. As much as possible avoid being suspected for SPAM.

2. In exchange for a visitor's name and email, offer a free quality ebook, report, eCourse or eZine targeted to their needs.

3. Be clear on how people can benefit from subscribing and how often you will contact them. Let them know exactly what they will be receiving.

4. When a subscriber signs up, advise them to reconfirm their intention to join your opt in list. This will ensure that your list remains targeted.

5. Pose an easy opt-out option. People who like to join your opt-in list would, along the way may want to opt out of your list somehow. Give them a link to opt-out.

6. Use a reputable autoresponder to automate and personalise all your email messages! Preload it with quality content.

7. Set up a Thank You page or Welcome page for new subscribers.

1. Add everyone who has ever emailed you to your list. Always ask for permission.

2. Do not Abuse people's trust. Provide your subscribers with quality content that will benefit them in the long run.

In building opt-in mailing lists always keep in mind to offer something of value to your prospects.

The key to earning serious money from your opt-in list is to cultivate your list.

Build up a relationship and stay in touch with them on a regular basis. Let them know who you are and show your personality.

Address your subscribers by their actual names and provide VALUE to your articles with good offers

Building an opt-in list is not easy, it is hardwork and can be tedious. But Owing an email list is essential, it's like owning your very own goldmine; without it you don't have an internet business.