Creating a Mailing List

Whether you’re a reseller, an affiliate marketer or an auction seller, having a mailing list full of targeted readers is a must!

Before you do anything, you need to set up an autoresponder/mailing list script.
Oftentimes, you hear Aweber and GetResponse as favorite autoresponder/mailing list
services and AutoResponse Plus as folks’ favorite standalone script. Yes, there are
scripts, services and options! Be choosy before buying any.

Note: Make sure the autoresponder is double opt-in, meaning potential subscribers have
to confirm their subscription. Also, provide a link to unsubscribe in all emails!
Another note: I tried various free autoresponder services, an $80 standalone script and
then Aweber. Aweber works the best, hands down! I highly recommend their service. It’s
easy, powerful and inexpensive. You can visit their site by directing your browser to:
http://www.original-eproducts.com/recommends/Aweber

What will my ezine be about? You must figure this out before you go any further!
Frankly, it’s best to write what you know about! Me, I often write about resell rights and
eproduct creation because they are what I know and enjoy. I’ve dealt in them long
enough to be considered an expert.

Once you have your script configured and the basis for your ezine figured out, create a
web page promoting your ezine. Make it short and concise. Tell your potential subscriber
why they would want to read your ezine. Get them excited! At the bottom, include a sign
up web form and below that, links to your privacy and no-spam policies.
Where do I get the code for the web form? Any autoresponder/mailing list script worth
its price will automatically generate the code for you.

How do I integrate the code into my web page? With code in hand, you simply
integrate that code into your web page’s code. One easy way to do this is to locate where
you want to place your web form. In that spot, type bbb.
Then, when you’re viewing the html code, you can use the search utility in your html
editor to hunt down the ‘bbb’ piece of text. Then just replace bbb and its tags with the
code for your web form. Once you’re done, upload the file and begin driving traffic to
that page. With subscribers onboard, begin releasing your ezine.

When it comes to content, again rely on what you know and enjoy. You can also use
others’ articles as long as they come with reprint rights (in most cases, you must also
keep the article intact and preserve the resource box as well.) Other marketers are known
to hold contests, include jokes and stories and introduce links to interesting and useful
sources. It’s your ezine; be creative!

The main purpose of your ezine is actually to market, though. So, remember to gently
market to your subscribers. In other words, don’t shove advertisements and promotions
down their throats. Not only is it annoying to customers but also, in my opinion,
inconsiderate. You can work your advertisements in by providing helpful information in
your messages that relate to what you’re promoting.

Important: When sending any emails to your subscriber, it’s imperative that you go
across the email only 65 characters at the most.
I use the following ruler (not my creation and I’m not sure which marketer it was that
introduced the email ruler concept.