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If you are currently running your own internet business then you will no doubt have heard someone say, “If you want to make money online, you have to get out there and build your list.”

To thrive online you have to understand what all the big fuss is about as far as building your list is concerned. Now most new entrepreneurs have the perception that since the internet is so big, the key to making money is doing head on pitches and doing loads of advertising.

In a way this is effective but not as much as everybody thinks. The secret to increasing profits is not reaching more people, but reaching the right people. Hence, you need to build your list.

Building your list is even more crucial nowadays given the current economic situation. The reason why online entrepreneurs build their list is because they want to make sure they reach “qualified” people. Qualified people mean that they know you and your products and services, and that they are interested in what you have to offer. 

They are an easier sell and a source of referrals. This is the main reason as to why to this day e-mail marketing is still the most effective tool in your marketing mix.

Now, if you are a new online entrepreneur it is understandable that you might feel a little inhibited about asking for an e-mail address. You might feel that this is an invasion of your customer’s privacy. However, if you think of it how will people know you have a newsletter if you do not ask them to sign up for it?

Here are some techniques you can use to build your list:

1. If you want to build your list, you need to ask permission first. E-mail marketing is different from other direct marketing methods that are currently in use. With e-mail marketing you need to get a definite “yes” first before you add someone to your e-mail list. Keep in mind that only permission-based e-mail marketing works.

When was the last time you actually opened an e-mail from someone you did not know? Most probably, you never had tried that before. The thing is we no longer trust or even open e-mail from people or entities we are not associated with. Only permission-based e-mails get past the spam filters and into the inbox.

2. Act on it right away. Time is if the essence if you want to build your list. Once someone shares his information with you do not wait for a couple of months before you act on it.

Meaning do not wait for a lot of time to pass before you send your first e-mail because they will not remember you by then. Send a welcome e-mail and a copy of your most recent newsletter while the connection is still fresh in his or her mind.

3. Focus on what you have on hand. This means that in the process of building your list you also need to focus on your current base. Learn how to cater to your existing customer base because they are a good source of referrals.

4. Build your list by providing a “Join My List” option for visitors. Your homepage is the “must do” place to put a sign-up box. Aside from your home page you can also incorporate a sign-up link on your other web pages and in your e-mail signature block. Archive your e-mail campaigns and include a link to past articles near your signup box, so people will know what they are getting into.

Onother thing you can do is having a squeeze page where you give away a free gift (special report, audio, video, ect) in exchange of your visitors emails and names. 

5. Build your list by providing quality content and information through business blogs. Your blog is your free self-made newspaper. Not only are you providing customers with helpful information but it is also a good way to earn ad revenue ad revenue, new marketing, and expert credibility.

6. Build your list by writing an e-book or special report. Internet marketers are always on the lookout of free stuff they can provide customers and visitors alike. This acts like a bonus for every purchase a customer makes. This is a great opportunity for you to build your own list. All you have to do is write an e-book or report and let other internet marketers give it away.

The e-book that you will write does not have to be so complicated nor sophisticated. Just make a collection of your best articles, business tips, and business resources. Of course, you will put links to your newsletter subscription and website.

7. Use social networks to build your list. Build your list through social networking websites. This is free marketing at its best so take advantage of it. If you are using social networking websites such as Facebook or Twitter, post to visitors or followers about your latest newsletter and encourage them to sign up.

Exposure through social networking sites can broaden your reach hence it helps you build your list.