What You Should Do
and What You Should Not Do When
Building an Opt-in List or Newsletter

An opt-in mailing list is a database of people's names and email addresses that have subscribed to an email list via a web form giving that list owner permission to send them periodic emails on the topic they are interested in. It is a powerful tool is the possibility of being able to talk to people who are particularly interested in your product, service or organization.

It's a great way to start your own newsletter that gives your subscribers news tools, recipes, tips and whatever else they would like.

If you plan on building a sizable list, it is best to use an autoresponder service. A small list would be one of 500 people and under. A larger list can comprise thousands of names and e-mail addresses. In order to handle such a list effectively, which should be your goal, if you plan to build a list, it is best to use an autoresponder service. I use GetResponse, but Aweber is also a top-notch service. Either of these is a good choice. GetResponse is probably the least expensive and easiest to get started with.

There are things you should do and things you shouldn't do when starting your opt-in mailing list. Here are some of the most important tips:

DO

1. Put a subscription form prominently on your website. If you use GetResponse with Kompozer, you can alter the subscription form that the service provides you with. You will want to do this by pasting the form that the service provides you into the "Source" version of your page, then switching back to the "Normal" version and then altering the text.

Make it easy to subscribe. Don't ask for much information. Most people have privacy concerns and a first name and an e-mail address is really all you need to send them the newsletter. Provide easy steps for subscription so that subscribers may find it easy to do so and would not be discourage. For more subscribers, tell them the exact benefits they can get out of the subscription.

2. Inform people that they can subscribe to your email list on the signature of your normal work emails. This will enable it to link straight through the form on your website.

3. Avoid being suspected of spamming. Spam is unwanted e-mail correspondence. To be a spammer is the internet equivalent of being an illegal drug pusher. This is a standard warning, so I'm giving it. It doesn't make a lot of sense to me sometimes in light of the fact that I receive a ton of it on some of my e-mail addresses and the postal service jams my post office box that I have to pay for with all kinds of ads (physical spam) even after I (and many others) have asked them not to do this, so that there is no room for my requested mail, which I receive in a tattered and bent condition.

Yet, it is important not to be suspected of spam, particularly if you are using an autoresponse service. Fortunately, if you are using one of these services, there should be little danger of spamming. You should always have your physical address in the e-mail somewhere to comply with FTC laws and you should give your subscribers the opportunity to unsubscribe. At GetResponse, you do this by simply checking a box.

4. Keep your off-line opportunities for subscriptions open. I suggest keeping some business cards handy. This is nice when you're dealing with clerks or other people you meet. I tend to be quite gregarious when I take the notion and will sometimes end up discussing topics that I like with people, which also relate to information at my websites. It's good to have a business card ready with your website and relevant information on it just for such occasions.

5. Be clear on how people can benefit from subscribing and how often will you contact them. Let them know exactly what they will be receiving. Follow-ups (a series of e-mails on a topic - perfect for transmitting an e-course) usually run every other day for a couple of weeks. After that you can send your subscribers just the newsletter, which can recur weekly, bi-weekly or monthly.

6. If you can, contact new subscriber as soon as you can. Welcome them with notes and tell them what to expect.

7. Try to actively participate in discussion boards and forums, especially those in the line of your interest or your business. Try to build credibility. After you are a regular poster at some forums, you can begin advertising your website, your products and services.

8. Write articles and submit them to directories. Learn more about this here.

9. Write an e-book. An excellent freebie for those who visited and subscribe in your mailing list. The e-book does not have to be expensively made or elaborate but it can be a compilation or a collection of best articles, business tips and resources. Learn more about writing e-books when you subscribe to my newsletter.

10.  Here is the gem of this list:  Send surveys to your subscribers.  Send your subscribers exactly what they say they want from you.  

DON’T

1. Add everyone who has ever emailed you to your list. Always ask permission first.

2. Purchase lists that you are not 100% sure that are opt-in. Always have an evidence to prove the legitimacy of the opt-ins.

3. Abuse people’s trust. This is a sure way to ruin your brand and you. Soon enough they will ignore your messages.

Building your opt-in mailing list is cheaper than in sending direct mails. Printing, envelopes and paper used as material further add up to the cost. Here are some ways to effectively start your opt-in mailing list:

In building opt-in mailing lists and creating newsletters always keep in mind to offer something of value to your prospects. Remember opt-in lists are the foundations of most profitable internet business so do not miss chances for improvement and developing new strategies.

One of the best pieces of advice I can give you is this:  Join a bunch of lists on topics that interest your or that are relevenat to your business.  See what these newletter authors do that you like and what they do that you don't like.  Let that govern how you treat your own subscribers and how you design your own responders.