List building is a simple process but to be effective one must first set up certain things. It also takes patience, time and hard work to build a responsive list. At times list building might seem like a slow process requiring lots of effort but a good list can pay dividends in the long run as people start to trust you and buy on your recommendations.
Before you start to build your list you need to set up some essential things to make it successful.
Register and purchase a domain Name.
You can start building a list without your own domain name but to build a responsive list you really need your own domain name to build your brand and reputation. It should include your main keyword and be preferably a.com domain name especially if your business is going to be worldwide.
Create a Blog.
You need to create a website or blog as the central point of your online business presence. One of the best platforms for this is a WordPress blog as it contains most of the things you need built in or available via WordPress plug-ins. This makes it easy since you do not have to have your website built by a website designer.
Unique Quality Content.
Build your blog up with some quality preferable unique content so your future subscribers can read all about you, what you do and what you have to offer them. Well written content shows you are a professional and will help establish you as an expert in your business.
Auto Responder Service.
Spend some money here and get the best auto responder service you can afford such as Aweber or Getresponse. Low or zero cost ones might seem attractive now but as your list and business expands you will need more of the bells and whistles available only in the more expensive ones. Because they require you to have people reconfirm when you change over you will lose a high percentage of you current subscribers even with a decent gift for them to sign up to your new list. Using a specialized auto responder also helps protect you against spamming issues.
Create a Product to Give Away.
You need an incentive for people to join your mailing list so you need a product to give away. Your product needs to be great value and something relevant to your business. If you can create or source something unique then even better. If your product has giveaway rights and includes links to your business then other people can also use it to build their lists.
Squeeze Page.
A squeeze page is a very simple website that you use to get people to sign up to your list by offering them your free product in exchange for their name and email address. Do not over complicate it with other offers as this will only confuse the visitor and distract from your main purpose of getting them to opt in to your mailing list.
Mentioned above are the basics of a what you need to successfully build a responsive email list. However you now need to promote your squeeze page to get subscribers through such events as giveaways, pay per click advertising, forum marketing, blog comments and other online advertising.
Kerrie Sheehan
A well written post, and yes – never over complicate things.