Here are a few simple things that you can do to build your list: Put a “Join My Email List” or “Subscribe to Our Newsletter” opt-in box at the top of your sidebar, which will help your list building efforts as well. Constant Contact and other email marketing service providers make it easy for you to do this. It’s very important that you do. Your website is the first place most people look when they want information about your business or when they want to bookmark your site to come back. Don’t miss the chance to start building an attraction relationship with them.

Ask your visitors and customers for their email addresses and permission. Whether it’s over the phone or in person, don’t forget to tell customers about your email communications and ask if you can add them to your list. If you have a physical store, put out a sign-up book in a prominent place. If your business is internet-based and your only customer communication is through email, send them a follow-up email after an order and ask if they want to join your list. Ask acquaintances you meet when networking and at trade shows to join. When you meet people at networking events and trade shows tell them about your free e-newsletter or your email-only specials and ask them if they would like to join your list.

Beyond the Basics:
Take your email marketing to the next level. Offer incentives for signing up for your newsletter. It’s amazing how a freebie or a chance to win a prize can be just what a person needs to “take the plunge” and sign up for your email list. Your giveaway doesn’t have to be costly; it can be as simple as a free resource guide or ebook. Make it clear to those who sign up that they will be added to your email list.

Conduct a “Forward to a Friend Contest.” In your newsletter, let your contacts know that if they use the “Forward to a Friend” link to send this month’s newsletter to at least one new recipient, they will be entered into a drawing for a prize. There are many things that can be used as email list building incentives. One useful advantage of using an email marketing service provider is that you can see which subscribers forwarded your email to a friend. With that knowledge, you can easily run the contest. See how to have win-win relationships…