Everyone has received an email. Most importantly we've all received unsolicited emails at one point or another. It's important that you build a list of subscribers who want to receive email communications from you. If they believe they haven't given you permission to email them they can report you for spamming. And that's a big no-no.

Probably the most common way online business owners connect with their potential customers is through email marketing. You can reach more people that way and save time by sending a blog broadcast to all your subscribers at once. If you spent your time trying to call every potential customer you'd likely spend a whole lot of time doing it.

The reason you want to build a list of responsive subscribers is email can be accessed from mobile devices, WebTV and laptops in Wi-Fi hotspots, just to name just a few ways. Most people have access to their email everywhere they go nowadays. So, you could say that it is pretty important to manage this marketing tool just right.

Getting Subscribers to Your List

To gain new subscribers (potential customers) you want to include an opt-in page on your website for something they value. It could be for discounted merchandise, more information on something they read on your site or, one of the most popular ways, free “relevant” stuff. Readers are asked to become subscribers to your website by providing their name and email address.

Lots of people refuse to give out their email address unless you include a disclaimer to put them at ease. If you include the disclaimer on your opt-in form anyone who signs up knows that you won’t send them unwanted email spam or sell their information to a third party. You’ll remain focused on the topic at hand in your communication with them.

Your initial list will be mixed with those who are looking for more general information and those who are in your target market. For example, if you're trying to reach people who are into dog accessories, you may reach those who are seeking information on pet accessories in general. But, the latter will soon be weeded out and hopefully won’t make up the bulk of your list.

Use Your Autoresponders

Now that you have subscribers, don't keep them waiting. Begin communicating with your list right away. Teach them to expect consistent emails from you.

Every time you email your list speak directly to each subscriber as if they were the only one on your list. Treat your subscribers like old friends. Building and maintaining a solid relationship with your list is your number one priority.

Your emails can be set up automatically to go out on a pre-set date using your autoresponder programs and services. Always add the personal touch of addressing your list by name instead of a blanket greeting.

You can load up a series of emails that highlight your product offerings as a way to transition subscribers into the realm of customers. The goal of these emails is to provide additional information on the topic of your website business and not to necessarily sell a product directly.

Now get out there and contact your subscribers regularly with the purpose of building a solid relationship for future business.