Many netrepreneurs may become affiliates for complimentary products or services. This can give your site a ‘full-service' feel that may appeal to many of your potential clients.
The downside is when that potential customer immediately gravitates toward an affiliate link. Your potential client basically used your site as a portal to an off-site business.
You can level the playing field by having the link send the visitor to a ‘squeeze page' first. This page allows you the best chance to capture their email address by encouraging them to sign up for an ezine you produce or select a free download of an industry related product or information. Once the client submits their email address they are passed on to the affiliate. In this scenario you receive their email address and the potential of residual income if they indeed make a purchase from the business you have listed as an affiliate.
Articles
Informational articles are becoming one of the best marketing tools on the web, but did you know they could also be a consistent source of list building opportunities?
Many articles on the web will provide links to other portions of the website, but if you don't have a subscribers link to a newsletter or ezine you are missing out on an incredibly powerful list building technique.
A simple “Sign up for our newsletter” link may result in more additions to your database than you would have thought possible.
The reason this is true is if your online information is good the visitor may not want to miss out on the possibility of additional information from your firm. The articles you supply have the ability to instill the trust factor your client needs to consider you a solid alternative for ecommerce.
Signing Bonus
Every time you can provide a signing bonus you will likely encourage the rapid growth of your email distribution list. It's true, many individuals will sign up if they believe it is in their best interest, but there are so many free offers available many site visitors may be looking for what you will offer them for signing up. You might even provide a list of freebies for signing up or accepting a free membership to your site.
