How to build a Profitable list

[rspadi]

Hi everyone,

Building a subscriber list is probably the most important task if you want to make a living online and survive on he Net in the long run. Sure, everyone tells you: You gotta build a list, you gotta build a list…

However, you could end up spending a year or more building a big list without ever making any substantial profit from it. So I think, there are some key elements you should consider in order to build a "quality list".


What are your approaches & strategies towards building a profitable list?


Here are some of the points that I think are important:

* Plan ahead before getting started and define a good strategy on how to move forward.

* Select a profitable market: In some markets, people are very open to spend money on good products, in other niches it's extremely difficult to get people to spend money. I think, good markets are everything that's related to hobby, sports, self-improvement and also making a living online (although it's crowded)…

* Target a specific market and don't just try to get anyone on your list. Put together JV's with other list owners who are already serving your target market – start small, do some interviews…

* Attract qualified prospects: Some people want only the free stuff, and they'll never spend any money on your products – some of them might even get angry and unsubscribe when you send them an offer.

So, maybe it's not the best idea to give away tons of freebies just to get lots of signups. I'd say, just be honest and make it clear right from the beginning that you are going to recommend selected products that will truly help and benefit your subscribers… That way, your list will be smaller, but definitely more responsive and much more profitable.

* Keep on building a relationship with your subscribers and win their trust: Over-deliver each and every time, recommend only top-class products & products that are well suited for your subscribers, be honest and show integrity…


What are your own experiences with list building – what works, what doesn't? What other important points can you think of?


Robert.

[richerbrat]

Robert - great advice, but I wouldn't recommend telling your sign ups that you want to give them advice on what to buy. Probably you'd be better telling them you will be giving them free info and advice on their chosen subject. To avoid signing up only those who want free stuff, probably best not to offer them a heap of free stuff for signing up. Info and tips on their chosen subject should do the trick, if they're seriously interested.

[Lowell Rieger]

Your list strategy really depends on your targeted market. Some people do well with lists that are just glorified pitchfests. Some only send an email once or twice a month and seldom actively sell to their list. Somewhere in the middle is where most end up.

I find that many successful email marketers tend to mail more often than most gurus advise. Of course what works in the Internet Marketing field might not work for a bunch of rose gardeners.

You hit the nail on the head with the planning. If you have a mission and a plan from the beginning, and stick to it, your subscribers will get used to you. One of the most important things is for your list to get to know you as a person, and to treat them like you would treat your friends.

A targeted signup bribe is pretty common. The important thing is that it be of real value and relevant to your prospective subscribers. But giving a signup bonus doesn't mean you are building a list of freebie seekers.

There are as many opinions on list building as there are people building lists. These are just a few of mine.