How many people are still not building a list?

64 replies
Almost every internet marketer has heard of the saying "the money is in the list". But I wonder if all the internet marketers are really building lists or if there are a few people that just don't believe this.

Anyone care to share?
#building #list #people
  • Profile picture of the author VilPietersen@
    I think the main reason people fail to build a list (me personally) is the daunting prospect of creating a free product (with high value), designing and testing squeeze pages and basically everything involved in the process!

    I don't think it takes a genius to see how it can be beneficial, I think people just fail to take action and come up with excuses of why they don't need to do it!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2027099].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author mr2monster
    I didn't build a list for a long time mainly because my follow up sucks...

    I can pop in 15 followup emails and let them run, but I never send out broadcasts and such as much as I could, even though I know I should.

    Creating a freebie wasn't ever the problem for me, it was knowing that I had to manage the list that detracted me.


    I still don't build a list in all of my niches...
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2027106].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author grafx77
    List building is definitely integral to internet marketing. Whether your marketing strategy is through social sites such as Facebook, Twitter, MIG4 etc or through traditional online methods, you need to establish an individual personal relationship with your active and inactive clients.

    Even after closing a sale, you can still prospect to your client.

    The key to building a great list is to sell an appealing product, create a great squeeze page and give away something valuable. The rest will be done by marketing.

    Opt-in lists that are in the particular niche are also useful.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2027112].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author rapidscc
    Well I haven't built a list yet.

    Though I'm doing heavy campaigns like selling lots of products.

    In fact I just finished my CPA promotion recently where I promoted
    758 products which is now starting to make me some pocket change
    daily..

    What I lack in list building I try to make up with something else..
    and again, I do large numbers..

    But a lot of list builders I know would definitely say adding a sign-up
    form for my campaigns would benefit me greatly..I just don't want to
    get tied up in maintaining a list and paying high dollars for it.

    However, I already studied phplist and might build a list soon on my own
    hosting without that much maintenance cost.

    Well see..
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2027120].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Tyson Faulkner
      A couple things kept me from building a list for a long time. I think one of the biggest fears I had was that I had to maintain it and I was always told that "you should email out twice a week" or some other nonsense that made it sound like it had to be scheduled or it wouldn't work.

      I was just too uptight about the whole thing. Now my main focus is building a list and everything I do is centered around that. The most important thing to remember is that a 'list' is not numbers, it's a collection of PEOPLE that are just like you and need help reaching their goals.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2027138].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author bgmacaw
    You don't have to build an email marketing list to make money online, just like you don't have to build a lot of sites or a single mega site to do it or have a blog or ecommerce site to do it. There are many approaches to take and which one to choose depends on your particular skill set and personality.

    I don't list build myself since I've seen it terribly abused, especially in the IM marketplace. Most of the time it's "permission spamming", not "permission marketing". It turned me off to the whole prospect of spamming a list of people who bought my product or downloaded a freebie with the latest rehashed garbage being excreted on Clickbank.

    That said, I have helped offline clients setup email lists for their businesses and, when you're essentially only promoting your own products and business it's a lot more palatable to me.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2027154].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Mike Anthony
      Originally Posted by bgmacaw View Post

      You don't have to build an email marketing list to make money online, just like you don't have to build a lot of sites or a single mega site to do it or have a blog or ecommerce site to do it. There are many approaches to take and which one to choose depends on your particular skill set and personality.

      Exactly. Depends merely on your business plan. I do have a list but I am not looking to build it out to 40,000 plus. I concentrate on people who are really interested in building out their web presence. You can have a hundred or two of those and make more than a guy selling a $9 product and a list with a thousand sales per ebook. Whats more its a more pleasant experience dealing with people who value what you do not just looking for the next magic pill.
      Signature

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2027363].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author DannyCee
    Creating a list is essential in internet marketing. It ensures that you will have potential customers for many weeks, months or years to come in a lot of different niches.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2027162].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Joe Benjamin
      Originally Posted by Tyson Faulkner View Post

      A couple things kept me from building a list for a long time. I think one of the biggest fears I had was that I had to maintain it and I was always told that "you should email out twice a week" or some other nonsense that made it sound like it had to be scheduled or it wouldn't work.

      I was just too uptight about the whole thing. Now my main focus is building a list and everything I do is centered around that. The most important thing to remember is that a 'list' is not numbers, it's a collection of PEOPLE that are just like you and need help reaching their goals.
      I agree. It IS a fear. A fear that building a list might turn out to
      be "useless" or the "I'm not good enough or have enough value
      to share with people to justify building a list"...it's all fears...

      I should know. I was one of those people. Now, I will do nothing
      without building a group of people who are looking to solve a
      problem in their lives whom I can keep in touch with.

      Listbuilding...is FAR more easier than trying to sell "one product
      here and there" to someone who's skeptical of you and what
      you offer (because of no relationship to you). And when they
      buy from you, they're gone forever.

      I learned the importance of relationships writing for other people.

      I could not have had the success I had if I was so focused on
      the "one time sale" as I was before in the past. It's amazing the
      difference you'll experience. But everyone comes to their own
      conclusions on the value of building a group of people...I just
      know it' works like mad.
      Signature
      **How I FLIPPED $80 into $690 Pure Profit With ONE EASY Method...2 to 3x Per Week...Only 30 Minutes Per Day (and how YOU can COPY my RESULTS, too!) **CLICK HERE FOR VERIFIED VIDEO PROOF**
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2027284].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Rachel Goodchild
    I KNOW I need to build a list.
    I'm just not able to get my head around it. I have a great list of contacts, and I know it would make a huge amount of difference to one of my main websites, but I haven't got there in my head.
    I need to though...
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2027436].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Rachel Goodchild
    arrrgh. oops. posted reply in wrong place. sorry!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2027475].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jawshh
    lists aren't compatible with all niches. I only use it for IM niche and other niches like that. Some niches don't even require niches, so, why create a list?
    Signature

    Get a Website Loaded With Unique Content Every Month For Free. Check it out NOW!!!

    Advanced Internet Marketing Tactics

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2027485].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Travis72802
    I think there is something MORE important about list building
    than the money...

    and I think...it's about having MORE FUN.

    The FUN is in the list.

    When you start to get feedback and doing fun things with
    your list...it's very rewarding...to me anyway.

    I was discussing this the other day with Mike Long a marketer
    I have huge respect for...and only mention his name to give him credit...

    But Mike said..."The ADVENTURE is in the list."

    and I thought that was very profound.

    Travis
    Signature

    Be A Bum Marketer! Free eCourse
    http://www.BumMarketingMethod.com

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2027486].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author helisell
      Would it be ok if I re-phrased (or rather reframed) the original question?

      Ok here is my re-phrased (but slightly longer) version:

      How many people are still not attempting to create a real and genuine relationship with their website visitors and are relying instead on the visitor making a snap decision to buy or not buy whatever is being offered (big intake of breath) knowing full well that they are merely a click away from gathering the same or better info elswhere?

      Or how about this version:

      How many people still think that they can sell something to a complete stranger with no interaction and only a minimal amount of information within just a few short seconds of them turning up at the website against a backdrop of operating in the noisiest marketplace ever devised with multiple 'other options' available to every visitor?

      The point I'm making is that it's not really about building a list...it's about forming a relationship and communicating with the potential customer to the point where they trust you enough to make a positive buying decision.
      ....and then repeating the process.

      I mean....I suppose it's OK to try and sell 'em at the first visit....it just doesn't make any sense....does it?....P.S it CAN be done if you are a brilliant website designer and a master copywriter....if you aren't then why not just get them to give you a way of contacting THEM...instead of hoping they'll buy something now..or at least come back...(they won't)
      Signature

      Making Calls To Sell Something? What are you actually saying?
      Is there any room for improvement? Want to find out?

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2027553].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author AdamBartol
    I have some lists, but I also have offers producing 4 figures/day without a list. I know people doing mid-5 figures/day without a list. Building a list is NOT essential. It has its place... there are times that it is appropriate, and times you'll get a better ROI without it.

    It all depends what your goals are, where your customers are in the conversion process, what you're promoting, and what is going to give you the best ROI. Sure, a list allows you to follow-up and remarket, but it just doesn't work in some niches - at least not as the most effective/profitable method. Where other niches, list building is the best approach where there is potential for upsells, cross sells, the need to build a relationship, etc.

    It really depends on the offer or niche your promoting in, but also your traffic source. If you have an authority site getting 10,000 visitors/day from organic search, a list might do better there, where the same offer on PPC campaign might work better with a simple landing page.

    I don't think there is a definitive yes/no answer, as to whether list building is necessary. It depends because there are too many variables involved. Test it out and get to understand your metrics.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2027514].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author zoltrifoot
    I have started building a list. It is small right now, only about 13 but I am trying. If I can make it work great but if not I am doing other things to promote my site so in the end I hope it all works out.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2027569].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author bertuseng
    I agree. Building a list in the IM niche is very important, but I guess it is not that important in some niches. Micro niches I guess..
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2027626].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author liite
    i NEED to make a list as i feel it will be beneficial to my Niche, However i wouldn't know where to start....

    What software would i need, how i create an "opt in" on my blog etc etc

    I can see the benefits of a list 100%
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2027681].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author MarkSherris
    you don't NEED a list, but if you're selling your own products or other peoples regardless of the niche, you'll make more money if you do have a list...

    I don't think you can say some niches don't require a list... because if you're selling a product, then a list will still help increase your profits no matter what niche
    Signature
    "I've Banked Over $350k Online With This..." - Click here to see my no.1 recommendation!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2027682].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author AdamBartol
      Originally Posted by MarkSherris View Post

      you don't NEED a list, but if you're selling your own products or other peoples regardless of the niche, you'll make more money if you do have a list...

      I don't think you can say some niches don't require a list... because if you're selling a product, then a list will still help increase your profits no matter what niche
      Lists can make you a lot of money, but always test an optimized email strategy vs. a landing page or direct linking. The cost to acquire a subscriber compared to the long-term value of the subscriber in some cases will put you negative - no matter how well you've optimized. Promoting the same offer by direct linking could increase your conversion rate and get you in the positive.

      This will also depend a lot on your traffic source and keyword targeting.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2027854].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author penny_preston
    I feel that building a list is essential and yes it is quite a bit of work. I currently have 7 lists at AWeber as I have a variety of niche websites. List building allows me to build a rapport with my visitors and, of course, promote offers to them over time.

    For some of my lists, I have created a year's worth of autoresponder newsletters. Some affiliate programs provide you with newsletters plus I also write a great deal of them myself. I know some people outsource this task and I hope to be able to do this in the future.

    I also have 4 blogs so my RSS feed is broadcast to my subscriber list once or twice a month. This seems to generate quite a bit of interest from my readers.
    Signature
    The PLR Connection
    Reviews of the absolute best in PLR products

    Insider secrets on how to make money with PLR
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2027683].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author MarkSherris
    yeah true, it's all about offering you're subscribers good useful information, and also products which you think can help them.

    Sure they're not idiots they know you're promoting to them, so it's NOT a case of being deceptive in you're promotions, but just make sure you offer products that are 1) relevent obviously and 2) not a pile of crap lol
    Signature
    "I've Banked Over $350k Online With This..." - Click here to see my no.1 recommendation!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2027700].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author penny_preston
      I agree with MarkSherris...my autoresponder series in only partially promotional. It's important to build a relationship and trust with your subscribers so a great many of my newsletters just provide useful information or a free tool/e-book/software etc. Bombarding your readers with constant promotions is a sure-fire way to have them click on the unsubscribe button.
      Signature
      The PLR Connection
      Reviews of the absolute best in PLR products

      Insider secrets on how to make money with PLR
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2027882].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author RCormacko
    I think it depends a lot on the product being promoted. In niches like the old, "yeast infection cures", trying to sign people up to a list can actually reduce your overall conversions and profits.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2027703].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author MarkSherris
      Originally Posted by RCormacko View Post

      I think it depends a lot on the product being promoted. In niches like the old, "yeast infection cures", trying to sign people up to a list can actually reduce your overall conversions and profits.
      I see you're point however I disagree... what if you had something above you're autoresponder form saying something like,

      "5 simple ways to get rid of a yeast infection" - please fill in you're details to be emailed these simple yet highly effective techniques!

      I'm not in the "yeast infection" niche lol, so wouldn't no for sure, but seems like it could work
      Signature
      "I've Banked Over $350k Online With This..." - Click here to see my no.1 recommendation!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2027715].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
    While list building is an optional marketing method and not everyone wants to do it, consider this: I can send out an email and make from 1k to 5k in 2-3 days. It took a long time to get to that point, but if you're not list building it's not even an option.

    I don't know of any other way you can raise that much cash over and above your normal online income with so little effort.

    Our remodeling project went over budget because of some unexpected problems. I'm about to have a sale to make up the difference between what we budgeted and the actual costs. I don't know of any other way I could do that so quickly and easily, do you? If you do, I'd love to hear about it! Joint ventures take time to set up, it takes time and money to buy traffic, etc.

    List building may not be for everyone, but it's worth thinking about if you don't have at least one list.
    Signature

    Just when you think you've got it all figured out, someone changes the rules.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2027803].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author bgmacaw
      Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

      While list building is an optional marketing method and not everyone wants to do it, consider this: I can send out an email and make from 1k to 5k in 2-3 days.
      I know people who can do that with porn or pharma spamming but I don't feel comfortable using those methods either.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2027869].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
        Originally Posted by bgmacaw View Post

        I know people who can do that with porn or pharma spamming but I don't feel comfortable using those methods either.
        I write an informational newsletter. There's nothing to be uncomfortable about. There are a lot of warriors who subscribe to it and can attest to it's value and my integrity. To even mention spamming and porn in connection with my newsletter is an insult. No one said you have to do anything you feel uncomfortable in doing. If my post isn't useful to you, that's no reason to make an insulting, irrelevant comment.
        Signature

        Just when you think you've got it all figured out, someone changes the rules.

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2027891].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Mike Anthony
          Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

          . To even mention spamming and porn in connection with my newsletter is an insult. No one said you have to do anything you feel uncomfortable in doing. If my post isn't useful to you, that's no reason to make an insulting, irrelevant comment.

          I did not gather that he was insulting you. He was making a point about what he wouldn't do because he wasn't comfortable doing it. IF you read his previous post he wasn't being irrelevant he was being consistent with that. Think you read that completely wrong.
          Signature

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2027916].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
            Originally Posted by Mike Anthony View Post

            I did not gather that he was insulting you. He was making a point about what he wouldn't do because he wasn't comfortable doing it. IF you read his previous post he wasn't being irrelevant he was being consistent with that. Think you read that completely wrong.
            I disagree with your assessment because he quoted me. He could have said what he said without quoting me and I wouldn't have commented or took it as in insult. When he quoted me, he associated my newsletter with his comparison to porn and pharma spam.

            And it wasn't relevant to my post because my post had nothing to do with spam or porn, and I didn't tell him he should build a list. I said it's an option.
            Signature

            Just when you think you've got it all figured out, someone changes the rules.

            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2027957].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author Mike Anthony
              Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

              When he quoted me, he associated my newsletter with his comparison to porn and pharma spam.
              To you yes not to me. Just indicating its not an automatic connection. Quoting you I do not think was for that purpose. It was to respond to your point that list building works so you should use it (it was advocating that - to me rightfully so). He was saying Porn etc work but he doesn't use it either for the same reason. He is not comfortable with it. Sometimes people overestimate that a comparison can only mean a certain equivalence. Not true or they miss the nature of equivalence being drawn. In this case just two things the party isn't comfortable with generally not your newsletter in particular - Thats a stretch. Way too personal.

              I Think what has happened is that some people are talking about just having a list and some people are responding to how they see people using a list and advocating its use. Two different things but some times combined together by proponent of having a list.

              .
              Signature

              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2027987].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
                Originally Posted by Mike Anthony View Post

                To you yes not to me. Just indicating its not an automatic connection. Quoting you I do not think was for that purpose. It was to respond to your point that list building works so you should use it.
                Mike, I never said that. Here's what I said:

                - "While list building is an optional marketing method and not everyone wants to do it..."

                - "List building may not be for everyone, but it's worth thinking about if you don't have at least one list."

                Twice I said it wasn't for everyone, I only said it was worth thinking about. I gave my reasons for why I think it's worth thinking about, but I never told anyone they should do it.

                Offering porn and pharma spam as reasons why he doesn't want to build a list could have been done without quoting me, and thus associating my comments and newsletter with porn and pharma. That may not be an insult to you, and that's fine. I leave it up to you if you feel insulted. I would appreciate the same consideration from you.

                Like I said, he could have stated his opinion without quoting me and it's all good, but I never spoke about spam, porn, or pharma, so why make my comment the focal point of his post? He's inferring guilt by association, whether that was intentional or not.
                Signature

                Just when you think you've got it all figured out, someone changes the rules.

                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2028022].message }}
                • Profile picture of the author Mike Anthony
                  Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

                  That may not be an insult to you, and that's fine. I leave it up to you if you feel insulted. I would appreciate the same consideration from you.
                  Dennis That is not what I meant. If anything I was showing you how else it could be taken so that it was not insulting to anyone . Its not a matter of me not extending you the consideration because it was not an insult TO me. I didn't find it automatically insulting to anyone in particular.

                  Your post he was responding to was advocating the benefits of a list and thats why I thought he responded using your post. I Might be wrong about it but I have had lots of conversations with bgmacaw and he's usually pretty reasonable but I'll leave it to him and you. Just was giving another outside view that might have cooled down the hurt feelings. Failed I guess.
                  Signature

                  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2028093].message }}
                  • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
                    Originally Posted by Mike Anthony View Post

                    Dennis That is not what I meant. If anything I was showing you how else it could be taken so that it was not insulting to anyone . Its not a matter of me not extending you the consideration because it was not an insult TO me. I didn't find it automatically insulting to anyone in particular.

                    Your post he was responding to was advocating the benefits of a list and thats why I thought he responded using your post. I Might be wrong about it but I have had lots of conversations with bgmacaw and he's usually pretty reasonable but I'll leave it to him and you. Just was giving another outside view that might have cooled down the hurt feelings. Failed I guess.
                    All right, Mike. I appreciate that. I don't have hurt feelings though, I try not to give that power away to anyone. My comments have not been made from an emotional perspective.

                    But, since you say he is reasonable I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt this time.
                    Signature

                    Just when you think you've got it all figured out, someone changes the rules.

                    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2028156].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author bgmacaw
          Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

          If my post isn't useful to you, that's no reason to make an insulting, irrelevant comment.
          I didn't intend it to be insulting although I've been insulted in this thread, indirectly at this point, for not wanting to build a list because I'm 'lazy' or 'afraid'. Therefore, I think it was quite relevant. If you feel that I was associating your list marketing with those topics, I apologize.

          Secondly, you may well have a high quality newsletter, I don't know because I don't subscribe to it, but I know I've subscribed to a number of Warrior members so called newletters that were just thin spam for whatever was hot on Clickbank this month. That kind of email marketing I do put on about the same level as pushing porn and pharma.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2028161].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
            Originally Posted by bgmacaw View Post

            I didn't intend it to be insulting although I've been insulted in this thread, indirectly at this point, for not wanting to build a list because I'm 'lazy' or 'afraid'.
            No problem bg, I'm only replying to let others know that you and I resolved this privately. And for the record, bg gets the credit for that for initiating the private conversation.
            Signature

            Just when you think you've got it all figured out, someone changes the rules.

            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2028286].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author AdamBartol
        Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

        While list building is an optional marketing method and not everyone wants to do it, consider this: I can send out an email and make from 1k to 5k in 2-3 days. It took a long time to get to that point, but if you're not list building it's not even an option.
        Originally Posted by bgmacaw View Post

        I know people who can do that with porn or pharma spamming but I don't feel comfortable using those methods either.
        Exactly, and it doesn't have to be porn, Viagra or anything shady, and it doesn't have to be spam. You can rent lists that are CAN-SPAM compliant, load up your email server with 100,000 names, push send, and average $0.10/email that cost you $0.01/email.

        Zero time building and maintaining a list, but you could actually build your list through this method.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2027909].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
          Originally Posted by AdamBartol View Post

          Exactly, and it doesn't have to be porn, Viagra or anything shady, and it doesn't have to be spam. You can rent lists that are CAN-SPAM compliant, load up your email server with 100,000 names, push send, and average $0.10/email that cost you $0.01/email.

          Zero time building and maintaining a list, but you could actually build your list through this method.
          I would call that list buying or list renting rather than list building. I've yet to meet anyone who has rented a list that has found it to be very effective. Most say it's a waste of money because the list is completely unresponsive. When you build a list, if you do it right, it's almost always going to be more responsive for you than lists you rent. I'd take my list over any rented list 10 times the size any day.
          Signature

          Just when you think you've got it all figured out, someone changes the rules.

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2027941].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author AdamBartol
            Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

            I would call that list buying or list renting rather than list building. I've yet to meet anyone who has rented a list that has found it to be very effective. Most say it's a waste of money because the list is completely unresponsive. When you build a list, if you do it right, it's almost always going to be more responsive for you than lists you rent. I'd take my list over any rented list 10 times the size any day.
            I was just supporting bgmacaw's point that there are more than 1 way to make a quick buck online than with a list.

            Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

            I'd take my list over any rented list 10 times the size any day.
            Most of the 8-figure affiliates I know are mailers and don't own a list (unless they bought it first). I have a number of responsive lists that I'm proud of too, but a properly executed email drop would crush any kind of revenue that could be generated from my home grown lists. Not because of the lack of trust or responsiveness of my lists, but just because of sheer volume.

            That said, I'm not saying list building isn't a great way build a business.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2028013].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
              Originally Posted by AdamBartol View Post

              I was just supporting bgmacaw's point that there are more than 1 way to make a quick buck online than with a list.
              Okay, but I never said a list was the only way. In fact, I said it may not be for everyone. I simply said it's something to think about.

              Most of the 8-figure affiliates I know are mailers and don't own a list (unless they bought it first). I have a number of responsive lists that I'm proud of too, but a properly executed email drop would crush any kind of revenue that could be generated from my home grown lists. Not because of the lack of trust or responsiveness of my lists, but just because of sheer volume.
              I don't know anyone that makes their fortune renting lists. We're talking list rental now, not joint ventures or buying solo ads. If you know someone that's making 8-figures a year renting lists, I'd love to meet them. Otherwise I'd say they are the exception and not the rule.
              Signature

              Just when you think you've got it all figured out, someone changes the rules.

              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2028040].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author AdamBartol
                Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

                Okay, but I never said a list was the only way. In fact, I said it may not be for everyone. I simply said it's something to think about.
                You were asking what other ways people can make a couple grand by just sending an email to their list.

                Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

                I can send out an email and make from 1k to 5k in 2-3 days. It took a long time to get to that point, but if you're not list building it's not even an option.

                I don't know of any other way you can raise that much cash over and above your normal online income with so little effort.

                Our remodeling project went over budget because of some unexpected problems. I'm about to have a sale to make up the difference between what we budgeted and the actual costs. I don't know of any other way I could do that so quickly and easily, do you?
                bgmacaw responded by suggesting spammers do this all the time without a list, and I followed up by saying you can also legitimately profit this way without being a spammer. I don't think any of it was a personal attack.

                Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

                I don't know anyone that makes their fortune renting lists. If you know someone that's making 8-figures a year renting lists, I'd love to meet them. Otherwise I'd say they are the exception and not the rule.
                It's not hard to find high volume mailers that send over 100M emails/day. Not necessarily renting lists, but buying, revshare, swaping data.
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2028147].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Joe Benjamin
      Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

      While list building is an optional marketing method and not everyone wants to do it, consider this: I can send out an email and make from 1k to 5k in 2-3 days. It took a long time to get to that point, but if you're not list building it's not even an option.

      I don't know of any other way you can raise that much cash over and above your normal online income with so little effort.

      Our remodeling project went over budget because of some unexpected problems. I'm about to have a sale to make up the difference between what we budgeted and the actual costs. I don't know of any other way I could do that so quickly and easily, do you? If you do, I'd love to hear about it! Joint ventures take time to set up, it takes time and money to buy traffic, etc.

      List building may not be for everyone, but it's worth thinking about if you don't have at least one list.
      took the words right out my mouth.

      Strange how some people will rationalize NOT building a
      list as a good option, when...although it is A option...it
      certainly isn't a GOOD option in most cases.

      You can argue some niches don't require building a list,
      but we're talking about the niches where building a list
      DOES make more sense than not....

      I saw one post on here to where the guy said it's fun to
      build a list and talk back and forth with people...I would
      second that...a lot of fun. You just can't get that
      connection without a list.
      Signature
      **How I FLIPPED $80 into $690 Pure Profit With ONE EASY Method...2 to 3x Per Week...Only 30 Minutes Per Day (and how YOU can COPY my RESULTS, too!) **CLICK HERE FOR VERIFIED VIDEO PROOF**
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2027931].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Fallen_Angel
    I dont have a list
    email lists is the online version of telemarketing, do u like telemarketing calls?
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2027900].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
      Originally Posted by Fallen_Angel View Post

      I dont have a list
      email lists is the online version of telemarketing, do u like telemarketing calls?
      No it's not. Telemarketing is the online version of spam. Building an email list is permission based. The only people that receive your emails are those who have given you permission to send to them.
      Signature

      Just when you think you've got it all figured out, someone changes the rules.

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2027907].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author bhappy3402
    Well my thoughts are: if you are not utilizing building a list from the traffic that you receive then you are definately leaving money on the table. But on the other hand, when some people just start out in the IM niche, they are trying to get started somehow, and learning and working on the list building will come for them later, it just becomes too much to take on at one time. Information Overload, or they just arent quite sure how to go about it.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2027917].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Aira Bongco
    Building a list is very important in this business. It is not merely having a ready list of people to buy your products, but it is also about having a list of people that trust you because you continue to give them value.

    I think the reason people are not building a list is that they do not realize its value. They don't realize that not building a list causes them money for they can build a ready list of buyers only if they are willing to extend an extra effort to give people something of value.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2027952].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author moneyblogger1
    I have never seen so many people say that they know they need to build a list yet don't. That just seems crazy to me.

    I think the best quote I heard was this: "With a list you can make money on demand" After I heard that I began building a list right away
    Signature

    Suck a video? Hate creating them? Let us do it for you. Get a custom video for 1/10th the industry standard price: http://www.angulusmarketing.com/Video.html

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2028012].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Rob Howard
    [DELETED]
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2028193].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author discrat
      I am building Lists for some of my Blogs. But some I dont. Like ones that are focused on Adsense.

      Also my top producing Blog I started building a good list. But it was NOT converting as it was based on CPA signups (paid Surveys etc...). The whole site is based on Free Money as is the domain name. And it is just NOT efficient building a List with it !!
      Signature

      Nothing to see here including a Sig so just move on :)

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2028287].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author CFOservices
      I believe at the end of the day communicating with customers or potential customers whether it is by email or by snail mail or by telephone will make you more money than if you did not communicate with your customers or potential customers. Therefore I would be an advocate of any type of customer contact including email.
      Signature

      Michael Barbarita - Part time Chief Financial Officer for Next Step CFO - Providing CFO Services

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2028362].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author timpears
      One of the things I always think about when I see people talking about building lists, is the free give away that is so often mentioned. It was talked about in this thread. People also talk about the value of lists of buyers, and the problem associated with freebie seekers.

      So why not build a list by selling product for $1, which has a high perceived value? Would this not alleviate the issue of freebie seekers somewhat? Or do the returns from the larger list, including the freebie seekers, outweigh the lesser list that would be created by selling the item for $1 in the beginning, instead of giving it away for free?

      Inquiring minds want to know.

      I think my biggest problem when I contemplate building a list is, how do I keep the list supplied with valuable information and not just bombard them with sales pitches. Not being very creative, I would find it hard to come up with stuff all the time that would interest my list. Therefore, I closed my Aweber account shortly after I opened it. I didn't know what the hell to do with it, and it wasn't being filled up with email addresses very quickly. Actually, even with a free item, I think I got four or five on the list in a couple of months. Obviously I was not doing it right.
      Signature

      Tim Pears

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2028553].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author nuz
    I constantly hear that I need to build a list but my main fear is also the follow up.

    I don't want to feel pressured into writing emails and scheduling with one set of emails for buyers and one set for non buyers and keeping conversations going. It is just too much.

    Especially if you have more than one site for different niches.

    I don't know... Maybe later...Like years later.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2028305].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author AdamBartol
      Originally Posted by nuz View Post

      I constantly hear that I need to build a list but my main fear is also the follow up.

      I don't want to feel pressured into writing emails and scheduling with one set of emails for buyers and one set for non buyers and keeping conversations going. It is just too much.

      Especially if you have more than one site for different niches.

      I don't know... Maybe later...Like years later.
      Hey Nuz, that's what the autoresponder is for. You can sit down and write all your emails up now, and then just load them up so they automatically go out for you.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2028323].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Melani
    Originally Posted by bertuseng View Post

    Almost every internet marketer has heard of the saying "the money is in the list". But I wonder if all the internet marketers are really building lists or if there are a few people that just don't believe this.
    I'm not building a list, but it's not because I don't believe in it. I fully understand that if you do it right there's a lot of money to be made in a subscriber list, however I don't personally feel that it's the right way for me to make my money.

    I started trying to build a list, but then I realised that I was not interested in just sending sales pitch after sales pitch to the subscribers, and I don't have enough knowledge on the different aspects of IM to be able to give them anything of value.

    I've chosen to go a different path to both help people and (hopefully) make me some money along the way. But help them becomes before helping me.

    So no, I'm not building a list.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2028523].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Emily Meeks
      Originally Posted by Melani View Post

      I started trying to build a list, but then I realised that I was not interested in just sending sales pitch after sales pitch to the subscribers, and I don't have enough knowledge on the different aspects of IM to be able to give them anything of value... help them becomes before helping me.
      Melani, I see where you're coming from - most marketers abuse their list's power by sending promotion after promotion. You don't need me to tell you that it gets really old, really quickly. Truth be told though, the original point of a list (this may be a revolutionary idea for a few certain individuals) is to get targeted customers to whom you provide VALUE. This, sadly, is the exception rather than the rule when it comes to the Internet Marketing niche, which is a real shame.

      The TRUE idea of building a list... gathering customers whom you can help, over and over again. Help them enough, and yes, eventually you'll see some cash from it.

      That said, I think building a list might actually be PERFECT for you. Hear me out:

      You want to help others right? It's a lot easier to get the attention of people who've come to trust and like you than those who size you up in less than ten seconds.

      If you say you don't have enough knowledge on IM to do that then... there are THOUSANDS of other niches besides IM!

      Besides, you'll probably find that building a list (and providing value) is far easier in any other niche market anyway... other niches aren't quite so jaded or bored with the familiar marketing tactics >

      If promoting ebooks altogether is a turnoff, don't forget that ebooks are NOT the only products being sold online. So many physical-product affiliate programs - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Best Buy, Walmart, I could go on - to choose from. You'd make less per sale, but promoting a book for $9.97 through Amazon is a hell of a lot easier than John Doe's $97 ebook (plus if the buyer goes on a shopping spree through Amazon, you get commission on EVERYTHING - not just your promoted product).

      Anywho, the moral of the story is to not turn yourself off from what could be a profitable venture because other people are misusing it. There is power here, so long as you're willing to apply a little creativity.
      Signature

      In all that you do, know your True INTENT...

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2029383].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jay Rhome
    One of the main reason I don't build a list is that for some strange reason I want the Internet part of my life to remain totally hands off, passive income, unrelated to my "real" life. I don't have a Facebook or Twitter account either.

    I more and more feel this is a big mistake. I'd only build a list from 20% of my sites, not all of them, but they would indeed become assets with lots of leverage later on.

    I have more things to fry now, but I do plan to build lists in a month or so. Starting with my soon to be born "offline" marketing consultant business.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2028550].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Ilya Feynberg
    But how many of them are pushing it a few steps further and building and creating something of serious value, building their brand, and actually caring about their users/members/subscribers?

    It's been said more than once in this post, but just building a list believing that the money "is in the list" is just a fools errand. More to it than that.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2028703].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Silas Hart
      I often wonder if I should plan on building a list with a niche product I am making. So far, I have

      "How to Build a ______" - which I know people will pay for.

      I can create a decent mini-site with just a couple pages promoting the product, saying why people should buy it, and answering common questions.

      or...

      I put an offer on the main page that offers a free basic 'average quality' product that is slightly similar to my product that has a couple ads for my main product, but also allows me to capture their e-mail to later offer them a discount of 20% off for 48 hours, about two days after I have captured their e-mail. But for the people that do and do not buy my main product... what could I sell them? What would be the point in sending them an e-mail every once in a while, affiliate product or not?
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2028956].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author DeonKrey
    List building is crucial and this quotation will also tell you why: "The principle of maximization is to increase the amount of purchases from clients you already have."

    Thus, there is no point if you already have built thousands or hundreds of lists if majority of them are not interested in your offer. What matters about the success of list building is grabbing the opportunity to offer them what they need right from the beginning and that list goes never ending from your list to their lists and so forth.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2029085].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author pappyy3
      We have trialled and tested building email lists in various niches, and I can attest to 2 things:

      1. Emails lists do not work in all niches, and

      2. Just having an email list will not make you money.

      Here are my learnings from painful lessons learnt:

      - Build a relationship with your readers,
      - Provide useful quality content that's relevant to them,
      - Don't stuff your emails with sales messages (oversell)
      - Only offer GOOD products.

      p.s. None of our niches are in the IM niche. We are making approx $AU 3,000 p/month without email lists, but have implemented lists in one of our niches that seems to be working .... on others it dosen't work at all.
      Signature

      Tonster

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2029274].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author MarkSherris
    i think there is a big misconception that building a list is very hard and time consuming and it's anoying having to follow up with prospects etc etc...

    I personally think list building is a LOT easier than most other ways to make money online.

    Send traffic to a page, collect your prospects, then follow up with them via email....your autoresponder will do most of the hard work.

    The only problem that people should face is traffic, but if you already know how to get traffic using blogs, articles etc, then having a list will be a great asset to your business.

    You can even build lists in niche's that you know very little about aslong as you do your research to provide your list with good useful content!
    Signature
    "I've Banked Over $350k Online With This..." - Click here to see my no.1 recommendation!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2029473].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Underground SEO
    Well I don't really focus on building a list anymore, I was led to believe that it was the be all and end all of IM, however, I have found that I can generate a large profit consistetly without one.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2029761].message }}

Trending Topics