An opt-in list is the absolute most effective marketing tool
                           available on the Internet. Not only do they provide you with
                           a direct line of communication with your target market, but
                           they also enable you to develop a trusting relationship with
                           your subscribers.

                           The key to using an opt-in list effectively is to develop a
                           large subscriber base. Not just a large subscriber base, but
                           a list of targeted potential customers. 

                           Although a large opt-in list is an important part of your
                           success, the quality of your publication is even more
                           important -- both will play a very important role.

                           If you really want to build a massive opt-in list, you MUST
                           provide your potential subscribers with an incentive. The
                           competition on the Internet is fierce. No longer can you
                           simply tell your visitors what your publication will provide
                           and expect a large percentage to subscribe. It simply won't
                           work. You MUST give your visitors a reason to subscribe.

                           Incentives

                           Using incentives is a highly effective method of obtaining
                           new subscribers. However, your incentive must be of value
                           and be of interest to your target audience.

                           Some popular incentives include:

                           => Exclusive ebooks that provide valuable information

                           => Special exclusive reports

                           => Special software programs

                           => Provide access to a "members only" area of your website 

                           => Provide a service 

                           => List their website within your Directory or Search Engine.

                           In order for your visitors to receive your incentive, they 
                           must agree to receive your publication.

                           Pop Windows

                           Although pop windows can be irritating if not used
                           correctly, they provide a highly effective means of
                           obtaining new subscribers. The key to using pop windows
                           effectively is to combine them with your incentives. 

                          If you would be interested in adding a pop window to 
                          your site, I highly recommend the "Pop-Window Generator" at 
                          Willmaster.com. This powerful online utility will enable you to 
                          fill out a simple form and instantly generate the pop-window 
                          code for your pages. This generator will enable you to select 
                          the type of pop-window, set the length of cookies, and 
                          completely customize the look and feel of your window. The 
                          only requirement to use this free utility is that you must be 
                          a subscriber of WillMaster Possibilities. This is a great 
                          publication and I highly recommend subscribing. 

                          http://willmaster.com/possibilities/members/

                          This is a prime example of using incentives...

                          Alert Boxes

                          Although using pop windows with incentives is a highly
                          effective method of obtaining new subscribers, there is one
                          other method that is even better. When combined with an
                          incentive, this method will literally double or even triple your
                          subscriptions instantly. That's not hype -- it's fact, as I use
                          this method to obtain hundreds of new subscribers each
                          week. It's similar to a popup window, but it doesn't require 
                          your visitor to fill out a form. 

                          When a visitor enters your site, an alert box will appear.
                          This alert box should display text requesting their
                          subscription and information about your incentive. Your
                          visitor can choose to click on "OK" to subscribe or "Cancel"
                          to close the alert.

                          The alert box is displayed via a script that extracts your
                          visitor's name and email address. If they choose to
                          subscribe, it then sends their subscription request, via
                          email, to your subscription address and adds it to your
                          database. In addition, you can send personalized messages,
                          use autoresponder follow-ups and provide your subscribers
                          with "one click" unsubscribe links within your messages.

                          For further information, visit: 
                          http://www.web-source.net/cgi-bin/t.cgi?l=oil2

                          Keeping Your Subscribers

                          Now that you know how to develop a large subscriber base,
                          we'll focus on how to keep them.

                          Developing a large subscriber base is the easy part, 
                          keeping them will be a little more difficult.

                          The key to keeping your subscribers is to provide quality
                          content that teaches or informs in regard to the subject
                          matter. You must provide your readers with unique content
                          that can't be found in any other publication. 

                          Although providing original content can be a lot of work, it
                          is well worth the effort. Not only will it provide your
                          readers with unique content, but it will also enable you to
                          build your credibility and gain your readers' trust by
                          sharing your expertise.

                          Although providing some original content is an important
                          part of a great publication, it is perfectly acceptable to
                          run articles written by other authors. 

                          You can find a wealth of quality, free articles on a variety
                          of subjects at the following web address: 
                          http://www.web-source.net/articlesub.htm

                          Editor's Note

                          Another very important part of a successful publication is
                          an Editor's Note section. This section will enable you to
                          talk to your readers and develop a trusting relationship.
                          You can also use this section to provide recommendations.
                          There's absolutely no better way to develop a relationship
                          with your readers than by including an Editor's Note
                          section. 

                          Advertising

                          A great way to increase sales with your publication is to
                          run sponsor ads. Not a list of classified ads like you see
                          in many publications, but instead, run five or six sponsor
                          ads depending on the size of your publication.

                          These sponsor ads can be ads promoting your products, your
                          affiliate or even ad space you sell. Place one ad
                          at the top of your publication, a couple within the article
                          you run and work your way down the publication.

                          Sponsor ads should be clearly marked and only promote
                          legitimate products and services.

                          Conclusion

                          No matter how many new subscribers you may acquire, the key
                          to a successful opt-in list is keeping them. The
                          relationship you build with your subscribers will determine
                          your success. Above all, you must provide your readers with
                          quality content. They subscribed to your publication for a
                          reason. If it doesn't meet their expectations, they'll
                          simply unsubscribe. 

                          Once you've developed a trusting relationship with your
                          subscribers, your personal recommendations will be a highly
                          effective means of closing sales. However, it is very
                          important that you only recommend a product or service that
                          you truly believe in. Your professional reputation depends
                          on it.

                          Copyright © Shelley Lowery 2002.


                          -----------------------------------------------------------

                          Shelley Lowery is the author of Web Design Mastery - Learn
                          how to design a professional website in the easiest possible
                          fashion -- with 100s of copy & paste codes. Subscribe to
                          Etips, for a wealth of quality information to assist you in
                          Web Design, Internet Marketing & Ecommerce. All new
                          subscribers receive a free copy of the highly acclaimed
                          ebook, "Killer Internet Marketing Strategies."

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