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There are do’s and don’ts in starting your opt-in mailing list.

Guest post by: Mike Saunders

Article Overview: As excited as you may get to see your list growing, don't get too excited and blow your chance to develop a long term relationship with these people!

There are do’s and don’ts in starting your opt-in mailing list.

DO’S

1. Put a subscription form prominently on your website. You can create your own subscription form using a software Sign-Up form builder. Bottom line is that you want multiple opportunities for your visitors and contacts to submit their contact info to you.

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. This is a very powerful way to build your opt-in list ….think about it, how many e-mails do you send a day?!

3. Ask people permission if they do want to be subscribed on your mailing list. As much as possible avoid being suspected for SPAM. A good email auto-responder system will take care of this for you and don’t feel frustrated to put these filters in place because you definitely need to make sure you have a clean and solid list!

4. Open options for subscription especially during your interactions with them. Always be ready with your subscription cards if you run in on events….and find a product that you will give as a bonus for subscribing. This is a very powerful way to build your list because they may really be in need of your bonus item! I offer a free training video teaching small business owners how to use LinkedIn as a Social Networking solution on my blog.

5. Be clear on how people can benefit from subscribing and how often will you contact them. Make them know exactly what they will be receiving….and make sure they know that you will not rent or sell their info ever.

6. If you can, contact new subscriber as soon as you can. Welcome them with notes and tell them what to expect….and even consider adding a video postcard to your emails!


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….this means do not send 3-4 messages a week! People just don’t want that!

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Article Tags: auto responder, blog, bonus, bottom line, email auto, email list, ins, legitimacy, networking solution, new subscriber, open options, signature, small business owners, social networking, subscription cards, subscription form, video postcard, work emails



Related Forum Posts
Why people don't vote/post - [quote:ilc3axhr]I'm curious why people don't vote. Anyone know the answer?? I'm really not trying to be difficult, but I am curious. [/quote:ilc3axhr] It seems they don't vote and they don't post. I used to have a few mailing lists - actors fan clubs - on one list I had over 300 members, on another list I had about 100... and nobody posted. Ever. I had a rare cassette tape of a certain actor - that no one could have ever heard but any fan would have loved to have heard (I thought) and I offered copies of it as a premium for anyone who would make 5 posts on the list. Just 5! And I didn't get post one. When it comes to that, you might think it's because people don't want their names skimmed off for a mailing list, but when it comes to voting in a poll...where it takes a single mouse button click.... I don't understand it either!
Re: How do you save your business from construction? - The unfortunate thing is that most small business restaurants don't have a customer mailing list to inform them about specials/discounts or alternative entrances during construction. On the other hand, a large restaurant chain like Swiss Chalet is always providing their customers with incentives like a free slice of pie or side orders if you join their online mailing list. Aren't bricks and mortar small businesses supposed to buy some sort of insurance for the loss of business due to outside construction?
Re: Is Bulk Mailing useful for promotion - Generally speaking, NO it's not. Of course, if you are building up your own true opt-in list of subscribers and you use an autoresponder to bulk mail them then it can be very useful. But simply blasting out emails in bulk to people who don't know who you are and haven't specifically given you permission to mail them (by optin in) is not useful at all.
I need a mailing address for office space in Toronto - HI there I am in London UK starting a financial services business. I am from Toronto and I would like to list a Toronto office on the website. Does anyone know where I might be able to use someone's office mailing address? Just to pick up mail once in a while, although mail will very rarely be sent there. Any ideas on how to get around this? Many thanks Jamie
Re: What is Email marketing? - Do a list building activity using opt-in. Or you can buy database of potential customers from mailing list providers and do an email blast. or you can ask them to do an email campaign. But, i would recommend to put an opt-in code and let the people subscribe for it. That is better. What is others' opinion? Thanks Robert


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