The Money is in the List!

Most Internet marketers will tell you that a list is their number one asset. Building a list should be near the top of every would-be Internet entrepreneur’s “short list” of important things to do.

It is never too early to start building a list. The initial page design of your site should included plans and/or the actual opt-in form used for building your list. If you have a site without an opt-in feature for building a targeted list, stop what you are doing and get this step started today!

What a List Is and How to Build One

A list is a group of targeted leads of at least first names and email addresses. With this list you can later market your own or affiliate products. A list of targeted prospects is a very powerful tool!

Steps for Building a List

1. Sign up with an autoresponder service like AWeber.com. (By the way, they are no relation!) DO NOT skimp on this part! DO not buy cheap autoresponder software and try to do it yourself! You will regret this…trust me! AWeber has much experience and is well respected by ISP’s. In today’s times, it is simply not worth the risk of going this part solo and risking spam charges. AWeber’s monthly fee will seem trivial if you get hit with spamming accusations!
Secondly, do not consider starting with a free or cheaper service. At some point you will WANT to move to AWeber. At that time you are not allowed to move an unapproved list over to AWeber at will. They are well respected and do not allow just any list to be used. They insist on forcing every lead on your imported list to RE-OPTIN! This is not good! I use AWeber and I am an affiliate for them. I highly recommend them.

2. Put together a free download you can offer. It can be a PDF file, video, or piece of software you have created or have permission to give away. This is NOT hard to do, so don’t be intimidated by it at all. Use this free online service to create PDF files: http://media-convert.com/convert/. Now upload the file to your host server.

3. Next, create a “Thank You” page which a person who fills out your opt-in form will be directed to once he submits his name and email. On this page thank the visitor and inform him to check his email for the download. Do not give the link on this page; this forces them to provide a valid email address to get the download. You can also have a special offer available on this page if you choose.

4. Now login to your AWeber account. Go through the process of creating a new list. Go ahead and write the first message. This is the message the new lead will receive in their mail with the download link you promised.

5. Create a form now for this list. You will need the URL to the Thank You page you created above. Require the lead’s first name and email address only. Do not ask for more.

6. Get the code for the form and paste it onto your page.

7. Go back to the list in AWeber and start writing more follow-up messages which can be used to keep in touch with the leads and build a trusting relationship with them. Do not try to sell them anything yet. You must build trust first. Set the emails to occur every 5 to 7 days.