Understanding List Building - Another Viewpoint

Introduction to List Building

You finally realize that you need a good opt-in list. After reading countless articles and sought expert advices and having read several success stories of people that created a small fortune with opt-in lists, you decide it is time to develop one of your own. Then it happens, you think you know everything there is to know about opt-in lists and are following the experts advice to the “T” when you realize... you still aren't able to make a profit. In fact, you may be losing money.

So you decide to hire writers to help you out, but these writer can be expensive, even if you think that by have a big list, you will now become profitible! You soon realize that only a very small percentage of the list actually buys from you, and you are still losing money. You easily understand this after a few days or weeks when you visit your statistics and sales figures.

So what could have gone wrong? Why have others succeeded where you have failed? The most common mistake is that you forged straight in and took an easy route... you have someone else do your research and writing. You chose a topic that you thought would be quite popular and could earn you money. Unfortunately, 99% of the time, this is not the best choice. Just because you have an article or review to present to the people from your list... does not mean they are going to buy instantly or... at all.

For those of you who are just starting out with building a list, here are several ways to build a profitable opt-in list;

1. In order to get your customers to trust you and your product, you need to have and show that you are knowledgeable about it before you jump in head first. Just launching an opt-in list does not make you an expert or a believable seller.
IDEA: Google your product to evaluate its position and also see how well it is within your niche. Then, begin reviewing and researching how other sites present the same or a very similar product. Next, create and publish (a blog) article/review on your own website before you start an opt-in list, as this will provide a history and credibility with search engines. If you research a product niche thoroughly enough, you will soon become comfortable and confident about it to be considered an “expert!” Then, publish another article and then another (about 1-week apart for best results).

2. Join a couple social forums in your same niche, and then research and review what others are discussing… pay special attention to the good qualities and the negative qualities being shared - the pros and cons. This can be invaluable information for your continued research for new articles. If you believe you can provide expert advices and/or recommendations… then do so, as this will begin your road to credibility. When you feel that people are genuinely responding and trusting you, it would be a good time to start building your opt-in list. Never build one on false pretenses!
Begin by sharing your “relative” article links that you have published in your website. You are now creating a credible base with other trusting forum users. It is also important to remember that each person on the forum will have their own special social friends, family members and co-workers etc., and if your information is good and holds interest and value... they will share it with their personal contacts – beyond the forum members!
This is considered a small viral expansion. Social media developed friends created in this manner are usually good customers, as they came through a friend's recommendation.

3. Remember… the money will only come in when the consumers and subscribers believe and trust in you. They want a product or service they perceive as beneficial, valuable and a good exchange for their hard earned money. People will not buy something simply because you recommend it or say it is good… they need to read and “feel” that they will benefit and get value from what you are presenting.

MY VIEW: No one is born with complete knowledge on all topics. We all learn through repetition!

Think about a newborn child and how the mother and father keep repeating; “Mommy” and “Daddy” and after enough repetition the child will say mommy or daddy.

This procedure will never change throughout your lifetime! It is the only way we learn anything… through repetition, practicing something over and over until it becomes part of our mentality, vocabulary or being!

So, pick a “niche” that you would like to know more about… and that has a strong potential to develop the type of revenue you desire. I’ll cover more on this in the next blog.

Thank you for sharing your valuable time and please feel free to share your comments.