Why Build an Opt In List?
An opt in list is a database of names and email addresses of people who have agreed to let you send them emails.
Most experienced Internet marketers will tell you that their highly targeted opt in lists are their most valuable asset. And, your list will allow you to contact prospects over and over with news about your product or information about other products.
Up to now, you may have thought that building an opt in list was a waste of time. After all, you probably want to make a sale quickly. But, it takes several contacts befor a prospect becomes ready to buy. And, an opt in list lets you build a relationship with a prospect that will help move them to become your customer.
The fact is, you need an opt in list to be a successful Internet marketer.
Why You Need an Autoresponder
An autoresponder is the tool that manages your opt in list.
When people sign up for your list, their name and email address is added to the autoresponder’s database.
Your autoresponder then can send a prescribed sequence of emails to each subscriber to provide the information they were seeking. You have full control over the number and content of these emails as well as the timing of sending each emails.
Your autoresponder will also allow you to send periodic emails (or newsletters) to your subscribers. This allows you to keep your subscribers up-to-date on issues related to the topic of your autoresponder.
You autoresponder also automatically handles subscription requests and requests to leave your list.
There’s a lot to know about autoresponders. If you are new to autoresponders, you should take our “Autoresponder 101″ short course.
Autoresponder 101 Short Course
If you’re already knowledgeable about autoresponders, I suggest you use the low cost, full featured autoresponder I use. Get more information about My Recommended Autoresponder.
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Nice article. Building a list of prospects is how I started making money online and you must control your own list to do that. My favorite autoresponder is emailaces.
Interesting information – can I ask what distinguishes a good auto-responder from a not so good one?
I have seen a couple of free autoresponders that appear to be perfectly o.k. and only require you to upgrade to a paid member when your business expands.
Kevin
Hi Kevin,
Thanks for your comment.
Most free autoresponders place an ad at the beginning or end of your email. While this does not bother some people, it irritates others.
In addition, some IPS block email from autoresponders whose members have been guilty of SPAM. The better paid autoresponder aggressively respond to SPAM complaints and stay in touch with IPSs to assure them of the “fair” nature of email coming from them.
And, if you start with a free autoresponder and want to switch to one of the “gold standard” autoresponders in the future, you may have some difficulty importing your mailing list as the better autoresponders require double opt-in lists and may not agree to import your list.
Hope this helps,
Bob Sherman
I liked this, thank you.
At the end of the day building your own list and taking real good care of the people on your list, is what long-term Internet marketing success all boils down to.
It is actually quite sad to see how many affiliate marketers promote other marketers’ programs without building their list and without promoting themselves and their business.
My motto is “Promote you, build your business, your list and not someone else’s”