List Building is Crucial

Whether you are in the business of selling CDs, eBooks, or jewelry…without sales you’re not going to make any money. To generate sales, you need people that are going to be informed (through various mediums) about your products/services. The easiest way of informing people about you offers is by maintaining a list of customers, prospects, clients, and friends.

Most people don’t even realize that building a list is one of the first tools to utilize. There’s a general consensus that it’s hard to build a list, but that’s simply up to the individual. Millions of people browse the internet for information, products, and services. Wouldn’t you like to have 500 people on your list that recieve notification of your offers? What about 1000, 2,500, or 10,000 people who listen to and respect you?

I know 10,000 is somewhat of a stretch – though it’s entirely possible.

Start with a list of people that you know. First off, it’s good practice but more importantly it’s easier for them to listen since they already know you…and vice versa. The easiest way of doing this is by sending each person a personal email. Yes this may be time consuming but a good start. What do you provide to them? That depends on your market. It could be about news, articles, your own tips, guidance, or something related. Whatever you do, make sure you’re providing something with value (in some way) and NOT always trying to sell them on something. This is also important when you’re communicating with people you don’t really know.

People on your list need to trust you. You have to create your own character that they will want to listen to and see value in so they that don’t unsubscribe.

Oh, and lastly, you want to build an opt-in list. This means a list of people who manually accept joining your mailing list. Even if you add them to the list yourself and then they have to “accept”, you want them to approve joining. Much more valuable this way and you reduce complaints about SPAM.