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They are primarily lists people who have requested more information from you.

Subscriber details can be as simple as the first name and email address, like the one here, or they can include many more details like the full-blown capture page asks for here.

Optin lists can be used in a variety of ways too... They can be made up of...

• A list of subscribers to an ezine offering articles on a particular theme (example - internet marketing, fishing, golf etc).
  
• A list of subscribers to who are interested in a series of articles on a niche topic such as writing and publishing, wedding favors, software development and so on.
  
• A list of subscribers to who are interested in finding out more information on home business opportunities.
  
• A list of subscribers to who are interested in receiving product and service critiques from someone who tests these for them so they don't have to. This list could be part of a membership site
  
• A list of customers who want to be informed of new products, services or specials.

How can you use optin lists to increase website traffic?

Optin lists are extremely useful in two ways.

1) You've just added a new website. A fast way to get traffic to your new site is to send the details to your list of existing subscribers.

2) Optin lists increase stickability. You make changes to an existing website, such as changing the offer. You announce it to your list, and presto, you have instant visitors to your site.

Most successful internet marketers have numerous optin lists. It is the most effective marketing tool in their arsenal. This is one reason you hear them keep saying things like...

a) The money is in the list.
b) The fortune is in the follow up
c) He who owns the list makes the rules.

How do you make optin lists work for you?

There are a few rules for using optin lists effectively:

1. Send your subscribers good information.

• Give them plenty of free tips and resources, sprinkled liberally in between your offers.
• Make sure the information is (a) current, (b) useful and (c) it works.
• Build trust, credibility and relationships first.

2. Send Relevant information.

• People join your optin list to receive information on a particular theme or topic.
• Make sure that all of your email messages contain the information that you have promised.
• Do not send advertisements. It's far more effective to send your readers articles with a link to the products or service your are talking about.

3. Frequency is important.

• Every day we all get bombarded with countless emails promising ice-cream and delivering mud-cakes. Make sure you don't do the same to your own subscribers. You may turn them off and have them unsubscribing in droves.
• I recommend sending messages every 2-3 days. This is usually enough to prevent people forgetting about you, but not too often to annoy them.

4. Remove people promptly.

If a person asks to be removed from your optin list, try to do this within 24-48 hours, so you comply with internet canspam act laws.

How do you build an optin list?

There are many ways you can do this...

• You can use simple optin forms on every page.
• You can use popups, popunders, popovers or exit pops with optin forms.
• You can design fast loading capture pages.
• You can purchase a pre-built optin list like those available here.

Final Thoughts.

Which ever road you take to build an optin list, make sure you...

• Use plenty of white space in your articles. It makes them easier to read.
• Keep your sentences short, concise and to the point.
• Use language that most people can understand. It much easier to understand a word like continue than it is to use a word like perpetuate.
• Be sure to format the line length to 60 characters.
• Use a spell checker before you send a message to your list. It stamps you as a professional.

Talk to you again next week.

Till then... laugh, live and prosper.

Phil Basten


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Phil Basten is President of JPE Advertising. Together
with his partner, Jane Mark, they have created some
of the internets most popular and innovative advertising
sites and resources. Sites like Free-Ad Depot and Joe
and Mable. You can see these programs at...
http://freeaddepot.com/ and http://joeandmable.com/
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Web Pro Times is Published by
Jane Mark & Phil Basten
JPE Advertising

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Phone: 618-8376-6086, Fax: 618-8376-6168

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