Here I will offer more advice, for those who are starting out, Lets be honest the gurus may suggest building a list is easy, well for me I haven’t found that – its takes effort, time and patience as many things do in your internet marketing activities. Yep you can using ad words build a list more quickly but its still all about building a ‘targeted’ list.

But for many just starting out like some of you, and was certainly the case for Sam & I we just didn’t have the cash for an Ad words campaign so here’s three quick and easy ways to build a profitable opt-in list without spending loads of cash

1. Find a product or service that people want and need. Although it may not be your forte, if you provide a service and product that you have researched and learned about, you can carry it forward. Invest your time, effort and money in creating a product that people want, need that offers the information they are searching for answers to – now you don’t have to create your own, it could be an affiliate product – but and here’s the key it must be product you would actually invest in yourself – don’t try & flog your list something you haven’t tried, don’t rate – it will come back to haunt you – just don’t do it, ever, never!!

While it is true that it is best to sell something that you have interest in, its not vital but it must be popular and needed and something people will pay for otherwise it will not be profitable.

Do your research well this is absolutely key, and you could well see the profits come in. Try visiting forums first to gain knowledge about your customers about their wants and needs and target those wants and needs. Also provide your subscribers with free offers, gifts etc this will make them more open to buy from you and will also spread the news that your a good guy to deal with.

2. Get your customers to trust you and your products first. Just because you’ve developed your opt-in list would not make you an expert or a believable seller.

You need to build that trust through your marketing; articles are a good place to start. First (and do this before you start an opt-in list.) Write about the topic you now know, how you’ve used it (the product & what made you develop it), what its done for you etc.

Self Promotion – Become An Expert

Join forums within your niche as well. Provide expert advice and recommendations. When you feel that people trust you already, you will be able to start your own opt-in list. You can build a base as well with other forum users. You can ask them to join your list. Friends are always good customers. Put up a link to your site so that they may be able to see what you’re business is all about. A word of caution here check the forum rules as to what you can or can’t do otherwise you could get banned.

The absolute, certain truth is, the orders will only come in when your opt-in clients and subscribers believe and trust in you. They want a product or service that could be a good value for their hard earnt money. People are not going to buy something from your recommendation if they don’t know you. Now the key is they will probably never know you, are in meet you but you have to in your communications convince them to trust you as if they knew you – get it?

3) Make friends with other Internet marketers with opt-in lists. This is basically beneficial especially if it is someone who has already launched a successful opt-in list. These are people that have the experience in this type of venture and experience is still the best teacher. While there are many articles and reports on ‘how to’ available there is nothing like getting a first hand account from someone you trust.

Experienced opt-in list users will be able to advise you what to do and what not to do because they have gone through it. While different situations occur for different people, the general concept can still be very helpful. There are many things to avoid, an experienced Internet marketer will be able to point you round the pitfalls, forums are key for this, you’ll find many experienced Internet marketers only very willing to offer up help & advice.

Building a profitable opt-in list don’t just happen overnight. Opt-in lists are built from scratch, as your list grows, you should also maintain the quality of your list. Keep it organized and manageable. Get or hire help if need be, just make sure that your subscribers are happy and satisfied and they will be willing to buy from you.

Certainly using an auto responder management company such as Aweber is an absolute must. So there you go, 3 simple tips to get you started, yes it will take some effort and time, but don’t forget if as you should be you’re in it for the long-term, getting educated is key & DIY is one of the best educators you can get.

cheers

Tony