Published on 5/10/2007

An email opt in list is the power behind successful online businesses.

You've probably heard the saying 'the money is in the list' if you've been in business for any length of time and this applies doubly on the internet. It's a known fact people need to be contacted an average of 7 times before they buy. Here's 7 ways to make it happen...

Build an email opt in list and you build a business

Building your email opt in list starts with having a website that will persuade visitors to spend some time there. By doing that they will be more apt to sign up to your newsletter or offer.

Below are 7 steps to help you achieve this.

1. Use original material

If they see that you are displaying the same content as similar sites, they aren't going to stay around for very long.

2. Start out with a headline and introduction that captures their attention

Let them know what is going to be found on your website. It doesn't take long for today's surfers to decide if this page is going to be worth further attention.

3. Make sure your visitors know just what they will find on your website

They are looking for information on a certain subject and they need to know that you have their possible answers. Therefore be sure to use the keywords that best fit your web page because when your visitor clicks on a keyword with his browser he/she wants to find the corresponding content.

4. Crosslinks are key

Be sure you have numerous cross links to various pages on your site so the visitor can browse through it. If he/she finds it helpful and pertinent he will be more inclined to bookmark your site and come back again. Be sure your links are well designed to catch the reader's eye.

5. Design your site so your pages can load quickly

Don't load it up with too many pictures and long blocks of text. Leave enough "white space" so one's eyes can be drawn down the page. Articles should be broken up into short paragraphs of 4 or five lines and adjust your text so it is easy to read--not too small nor too light. Difficult in reading the content will discourage a visitor from continuing.

6. Proofread your pages

You don't want to make grammatical and spelling mistakes. You need to appear professional. If you are not sure of the effect the page is presenting let someone else take a look. Forums are a good area to ask members to view your site or particular page. (You will probably receive all kinds of opinions!) But you should definitely get some valuable help.

7. Offer your visitors freebies

Ebooks, software, articles etc. that they can download from your site. Ask them if they would fill out a survey which could help you find out for what type of information they are looking for, or ask if they would like to sign up for your newsletter. If a visitor does nothing else than become one of your subscribers and be put on your opt-in email list you have won the first battle.

As you can see building your email opt in list need not be difficult. Use your imagination and I am sure that you can find many other means to get results.