Let's Make Yours the Best Email List Ever

This article was written by Gail F. Goodman of Entrepreneur.com Gail is the "E-Mail Marketing" coach at Entrepreneur.com and CEO of Constant Contact, a web-based email marketing service for small businesses.

The Basics

When you first start email marketing, it's normal to have a smaller list. It takes a concerted effort to get in the habit of asking for email addresses. There are people who have been email marketing for years and still aren't taking advantage of all the opportunities they have to grow their list.

Here are a few simple ways you can build your list:

Add a "Join My Email List" sign-up box on your Web site. Constant Contact and other email marketing service providers make it easy for you to do this. Your Web site is usually the first place people look when they want information about your business. Don't miss the chance to start building a relationship with them when they visit your Web site.

Ask your customers for their email addresses and permission. Whether it's over the phone or in person, tell customers about your email communications and ask if you can add them to your list. If you have a physical store, put out a sign-up book in a prominent place. If your business is Internet-based and your only customer communication is through email, send a follow-up email after an order and ask if they want to join your list. If you have employees who interact with customers, train them to ask as well.

Ask those you meet at networking events and at trade shows. When you meet people at networking events and trade shows, tell them about your free e-newsletter or your email-only specials and ask if they would like to join your list.

Beyond the Basics

Want to take it to the next level? Here are some creative ideas to put into practice:

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