How to Build a Business With an Email List

Generating cash from the names included in an email list – is that possible? The simplest and shortest answer is yes! How do you make it happen? This is the part that requires a more detailed explanation.

First rule is to think about the people in the list, rather than about the monetisation opportunities you can get from selling to them. Now that may seem like a contradiction because that’s what the ultimate objective is however bear in mind that these people have hopes; they have worries, aspirations and desires.

These are real people and like most people, probably don’t like being “sold to” in a pushy or aggressive way. Keeping several essentials in mind will give you an opportunity to use such a list and even make money from it.

Step 1: Building the List

First and foremost, think about your ability to stay connected with customers. What does it take to entice new prospects to share their contact information with you, helping you build the list that starts it all?

Well, the easiest way is to start by using information you already have from previous or existing customers. These are the people that have already tested and are satisfied with your products and services. Chances are that some of these people may have no interest in your message however it’s also very likely that some of them will respond positively to your messages.

Step 2: Give Subscribers Something Valuable

So, you have the list - what comes next? Many marketers and business owners commit the grave mistake of attempting to sell subscribers something straightaway…and worse, every step of the way!

This kind of aggressive promotional approach is not only counter-productive but also harmful to your cause. In order to build a long-lasting and stable relationship with your customers, you will first have to give these people something valuable…and free.

Selling to people constantly and aggressively will only serve to turn people off and may eventually cause them to opt-out of your list.

All of the emails you send should give the readers something intriguing, funny or interesting to read. Focus on building quality newsletter content and occasionally weave promotional, sales related messages naturally in the informative texts.

Giving your subscribers access to some exclusive content – a report or a video guide – will also be great for getting people engaged and interested, and presenting yourself as the ”good guy/girl” they can rely on for cool stuff.

Content, Content, Content!

The email content should be really helpful and informative. If you have authority and experience inside a particular niche, use your knowledge to inform readers about something they are unaware of.

By sharing valuable and unique information, you will be building a credible relationship with your subscribers.

Trust

You need to build trust first, before you can start looking for ways to generate cash flow from a list of emails. You can make offers and you can include promotional messages in your newsletters but in the case of email marketing, patience is a virtue that can yield profitability when mastered.

Choosing the right moment will boost responsiveness and ultimately result in the success of your campaigns.

Generating Cash Flow from a Newsletter List

Once you reach the point of engaging your subscriber’s interests and more importantly their trust, you can begin promoting your own products and services.

Alternatively, you can also join an affiliate marketing programme and use this kind of promotion as a monetization opportunity by recommending products and services that ideally you have also tried and tested first.

If you get started with affiliate marketing, you need to be certain in the quality of the products and services you are recommending. Remember that your readers trust in you is paramount. The recommendations you make should be based on value and quality, so that the stable relationship continues.

Always be honest. Refrain from getting into the marketing hype that readers have learned to ignore automatically. In addition, promo and sales messages should be sent out infrequently.

Most of your newsletters need to be informative and impartial. Giving readers access to the occasional marketing message is going to make them more willing to pay attention and to take the expected action when you do finally make a sales or promotional offer.

Summary: The Main Steps

We have already outlined the details of making money through the use of a list of emails. Here is a brief summary that you can use to get started.

1. Remember the importance of being honest – refrain from recommending products you have never tried!
2. You are communicating with real people – treat them this way.
3. Being passionate about the items you are trying to sell is going to show in your messages. People respond to passion when it’s genuine.
4. Free, exclusive, valuable and informative content should be a major part of your strategy.
5. Use the following ration to communicate with readers: three marketing & sales driven emails to 10 informative ones.
6. Be consistent and always be yourself in all of your communication. People can usually tell when someone isn’t being authentic.

Get started today by building your email strategy by implementing the tips discussed. The newsletter topic should always be something you are passionate about or at least interested in.

The more genuinely enthusiastic you are about the project and the topics you are discussing will allow you to engage the long-term interest and enthusiasm of your audience, which in turn increases your chances of success at monetising your mailing list of names.