The internet is a living dynamic environment, ever changing, ever evolving. The internet has out grown all our expectations and is now a billion dollar industry many times over. As it evolves on a daily basis those in the industry like ourselves need to be ever changing, increasing our knowledge and developing new marketing skills to hold our place, develop our business AND make it pay.

If you have money to invest in your business then there are many companies willing to help you to build a list for a fee as well as develop your web site and business. This is a new form of business caused by the ever increasing complexity of running an internet based business and being able to compete with your nearest competition. However, if you are strapped for cash then you need to find cost free ways of marketing and building your list and there are free ways around. Perhaps the best known one is Opt-in lists where your prospective customer has given you permission to email them with your product or service.

This will usually take the form of marketing materials in the form of a News Letter or other promotional material in the form of a catalogue, video, audio tape or simply a series of email letters. If used properly then opt-in email marketing is very effective because the prospective customer has shown interest in your area of business and has become a highly targeted contact. There can be no better list to build than one that is opt-in. these are the people who have decided they like what they have seen or read and want to know more.

If it is more traffic and increased profits you want then make the effort to take your business to the new level by developing an opt-in email list. Should you ever want to sell your business in the future then you cannot have a better asset to offer a prospective buyer. It does take a bit of effort and some patience but when you use an auto responder with a good squeeze page (sign up page) then really it is no more hard work than running any internet business. There are many articles on building a list available to be read and many find it very confusing because there are so many ways lists can be built. The answer may well be very simple, choose a method that suits you, where you are with your business at this time.

1. Your web page must be interesting have GOOD CONTENT, hold the interest of the visitor and make them want to know more. While giving plenty away you must make sure to hold something back or offer some incentive, like a fee gift to encourage them to sign up to your list and give you permission to contact them again. The headline must catch their attention and interesting subheading should lead them down the page to your opt-in form. I believe in using good graphics and having a photograph of myself on the web page to help visitors feel more confident that this business is run by a real person.

2. The form does not need to be complicated in any way. BUT, you must explain exactly what you want them to do. A brief statement reminding them of the benefits of subscribing to your list. Then a simple form requiring their name, I usually ask for the full name and email address. This should then be automatically saved into your auto responder data file and a thank you email sent immediately. This will then be followed up by your marketing campaign. I find long copy tiresome although I know the gurus (who ever they are) recommend long copy I personally realise not all people have a fantastic fast internet connection and the quicker your page loads the better. A simple attractive site packed with good content is all that is needed.

3. This should not have to be written but you know how valuable a good service or good value product is, it is priceless. If people get the idea they are being ripped off or the product does not do what it is supposed to do then you have lost that customer for life. You want customers to return, time and time again. Some people recommend you increase your price every time you Market with more expensive products. Others would argue that your opt-in client has only agreed to purchase a product at your entry level and there fore that should not be increased. I think there are arguments on both sides and only you can decide. What you need above all else is word of mouth recommendations for your products or service.

4. Make certain you take care of your list. It is very precious. I would never recommend selling on your list. These people have trusted you, remember your good reputation can drive even more traffic and more subscribers strengthening your business, your income and your freedom from the everyday grind.

Copyright (c) 2008 Adrian Butt