There are list building seminars, courses, teleseminars, and much more. All of these give you advice on how to build your list. They even get excited when they show you the results of a blitz over a month to build the biggest and best list. True these experts can build lists quickly, my question is, "How long does this list stay in existence?" and "What is in it for the list builder other than simply having a big list?"

Many people will join a list because they are curious or there is a product that is of interest to them. I have purchased many products this way by giving my first name and email address. When it comes to the emails after the purchase, I quickly remove myself from the mailings. You may ask why, my answer is that I have no interest in another newsletter or ezine. I get plenty in my mailbox on a daily basis, plus all the spam in my spam blocker.

If you genuinely want to build a list, then there has to be something in it for the customer but there also has to be something in it for YOU. Most marketers concentrate on the customer desires (which is a good thing) but leave out the part that involves the business itself. A list is only as good as what it produces for the business. I have several lists that produce no sales - so I do not spend a lot of time working on that list as the ROI (return on investment) is not evident. The list that buys from me is the key to my success.

List building has been around for decades and sending out mailers with specials or calling clients to remind them of your sale has been common. Once we move online, the same list is still valuable especially when it is from paying clients. The reasons for building a list should be to gain clients and grow sales. Before you decide to build your list, set a goal of how many quality people you want on the list and set a time when you would like to accomplish the goal. After the goal is set, create a plan that includes your marketing tactics for building the list. Place each tactic into the goal plan (with timelines) then get to work.

Just remember your current customers are your best target and by capturing their information, you keep them in the loop of what is happening in your business. People like to be in the know and they will spread the word.