Building Your Business's E-Mail List

By John Arnold

Part of the E-Mail Marketing For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Collecting e-mail addresses isn't easy. Fortunately, your e-mail list needn't be large to be effective. The best lists contain loyal, repeat customers; referral sources who respect others' privacy; and interested prospects who know your business well enough to recognize your e-mails. Try these techniques to get people to sign up for your e-mail list:

Place sign-up links on your websites and in your e-mail signature.
Put a sign-up form on your social media sites.
Ask people to text their e-mail address to your mobile short code or fill out a mobile sign-up form.
Ask people whom you meet face-to-face to share their e-mail addresses.
Place a guest book on your counter or desk.
Ask people to join when you exchange business cards.
Collect e-mail addresses at trade shows and events.
Collect e-mail addresses from people who call you.
Offer an incentive, such as a discount, to join your e-mail list.
Share your sign-up link with noncompeting businesses.
Pay someone to collect e-mail addresses in person.
Ask for an e-mail address and permission in online shopping forms.
Include a sign-up URL (such as http://www.JoinMyEmailList.com) in your phone directory ad and in print advertising.
Include a link to your sign-up form in your online advertising.