the money is in the listYou’ve heard the money is in the list many times, right?

Okay, so yesterday I wrote the post, “Why the Money Is NOT In Your Email List.”

The reason was your list isn’t responsive. I touched on some reasons why it might be unresponsive and I gave some tips on how to build a responsive list.

Today I want to take it a step further and talk about making it so the money is in your list.

If you have an online presence and you’re trying to bring in an income from your efforts, you are an internet marketer. I feel comfortable in assuming that you’re also familiar with the power of a subscriber list. I’m also comfortable in assuming that you want to honestly say the money is in the list.

The more people who opt in to your list, the more potential customers you will have. If, and that’s a big IF, you handle it properly.

You see, subscribers are often your best customers because they should be pre-qualified leads. In theory, they’ve already expressed an interest in your business and what you have to offer.

So what’s the secret of “the money is in the list”? It’s all in how you treat your subscribers. Let’s talk about that.

You Gotta Give ‘em Quality Content

If you don’t give them quality content, they won’t think much of your products or services either.  Why should they buy when you aren’t showing them what you’ve got to offer — and more importantly, if what they got for free is of questionable quality?

I know, you’ve heard it over and over but I can’t emphasize this fact enough, especially if you’re hoping the money IS in the list. Quality content is essential if you’re hoping to convert a subscriber into a customer. It builds your reputation and credibility. Think of what you give away as buying triggers. Show them what you’ve got!

Be Uniquely You

Your personality matters. Don’t put on any pretenses. There’s a market out there that will only respond to your personality type. Someone else offering similar products or services that has a different personality won’t attract those that are drawn to you.

It’s a simple fact that people buy from people or companies they like. When you’re communicating with your subscribers, be you! Share your personality, quirks and all, with your readers. Share your stories, experiences, and what not, with them.

Share testimonials, too. They show what others think of you. All good stuff!

Tell them what to do

I know, right? Sounds weird, maybe even rude. That’s what a call to action is all about. You need to tell them what you want them to do next. Don’t think it’s pushy. It’s not.  Yet a lot of entrepreneurs and small businesses gloss over this part.

Even if you create excellent content and openly communicate your unique (and amazing) personality, if you don’t tell them what you want them to do next, they won’t know. And they aren’t going to try and guess.

Freebies and Special Offers

Visitors to your site most likely opt in to your list because you offered them something they thought would be of value. Don’t stop there. Yes, reward them for giving you their name and email, but also reward them for staying on your list. They deserve it. They’ve given you permission to hear from you, to send them information about you and what you have to offer. That’s called permission marketing (coined by Seth Godin).

Why not offer them something special, such as another gift or even a promotional offer that isn’t available to anyone else. And let them know they’re getting special treatment.

If you want to get to the point where the money IS in the list – your list – just like the infamous gurus you hear this from all the time, do what they do. Give and then give some more. Don’t stop giving.

Even the gurus will tell you the more you give, the more your subscribers will want to give back. (One caveat: Don’t make everything free, or your subscribers won’t ever think about buying from you!)

Reciprocity. That’s one important reason why the money is in the list — or can be!

Related posts:

  1. Why the Money Is NOT In Your Email List
  2. The Don’t Do List
  3. How Much Money Do People Make Online?
  4. Update On My YouTube Strategy