You Build Your List To Build Your Business

It is a strange thing but sometimes new Internet marketers lose sight of the object of building an opt-in list. They can get so caught up in expanding their opt-in lists that they lose sight of the obvious. You build an opt-in list for the purpose of building your business. Building the list isn’t the main objective. A list with only 10 names and email addresses is 10 times more valuable if you make ten sales than a list with 10,000 names on it that you make one sale to. Quality is more important than quantity when you are talking about opt-in list names and email addresses.

There really are only three basic rules for building a list that will build your business and that, after all, is the objective.

Rule #1: Ask! Ask the members of your existing list what they want. Ask them what kind of information that will best server their purposes and then provide what they ask for. People love to be asked for their opinions. It makes them feel valuable and the fact is that they and their opinions really are valuable to you.

Rule #2: Don’t over-do it! You may want to stay in constant touch with your opt-in list but they will not like too much contact. I have just recently removed myself from a mailing list that did provide me with some excellent information but three emails a day was a distraction and an interruption...so I opted out. Keep your enthusiasm in check, and try to only send a maximum of one e-mail a day unless special circumstances arise requiring more.

Rule #3: Know the members of your list. Knowing who the members of your list are will help you to gather names and email addresses of like-minded individuals. These like-minded individuals will build your list, as well as, build your business. Never be afraid to ask your list to recommend you to their friends and co-workers, or to others who share their passion for your niche. ‘Know other tennis enthusiasts? Show them you’re in the know – forward them your copy of today’s issue and suggest they subscribe!’