32 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
32 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Trying To Convince Myself To Start Building A List

by sixstring
27 replies
OK folks. Its been a while since I have been on the warrior forum because I have been working hard in my IM endeavors. I am writing this post because I either need a kick in the a** or maybe just some pointed advice.

Over the last 7 months, I have put up a total of 7 websites. I have 3 sites making pretty steady sales. I have one website in the 'computer' niche that has just reached #1 in Google and I have another site sitting around 6 or 7 in another competitive niche.

Over the past few weeks, I have been having a struggle in my mind on whether I should start building a list rather than just promoting a straight affiliate offer. I struggle because I like getting that steady monthly income (although it's nothing to brag about) which is helping me outsource article writing and things like that for my other websites that I am trying to build.

I don't want to write a 2000 word post, so let me give you some of the ideas floating in my head:
  • I am think of starting to build a list in for my site that is #1 in Google in the 'computer' niche. It is up to about 3k uniques a month and trending upwards.
  • I can offer a lot of valuable info because I have been a Network Engineer for over 10 years.
  • Should I create an Ebook with some videos and give it a way free for opting in, or should I go all out and create a full-blown Ebook + Video product and sell it for a nice price while building a list? It seems there are differing opinions out there on this.
  • Having a list seems like it will require a good amount of dedicated time and effort. My time is already just about stretched to the max.
Please don't be too hard me, but I appreciate any tips or advice that might help knock some sense into me.

Also, I wanted to say thanks to all my fellow Warriors. I came into this not really thinking I could make any money online or have any success at all. I have only you guys and gals to thank!

~Six
#building #convince #list #start
  • Profile picture of the author cashcow
    I don't think you HAVE to have a list, but you'll probably make a lot more money and the list will insulate you against any drops in traffic due to search engine algos (or whatever).

    If you do start building one, I think you might want to think about a series of products that you could sell them. You probably already know from your stats what your visitors are really searching for and, like you said, you have the knowledge so why not plan out a series of ebooks that the market wants?

    You should create a report or ebook to give away to get them to sign up. Or, this could actually just be a video, no need for a full report. Then later on sell them your ebook.

    Hope that helps!

    Lee
    Signature
    Gone Fishing
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2048166].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author petelta
    Hey Six,

    Building a list is really dependent on your business plan. I know quite a few successful marketers that don't use a list. I personally would die without my lists. I do a very similar business plan as you making lots of websites in different niches.

    I would definitely recommend starting lists for each of your niches. It just gives you an opportunity not only to build a relationship to convert those that don't buy the first couple times to be actual buyers, but it also allows you to sell multiple items to those that are quick spenders.

    For each mini niche I get involved with, I create an informative website that has an autoresponder attached. I give away something of value for free in exchange for their sign up of course and I have an automatic newsletter do the promoting for me. The whole thing is on automatic after you get the website pulling in that automatic traffic from search engines and massive amounts of content marketing. I don't just promote one product. I promote about 5 on average depending on the niche.

    For niches I like to be involved with everyday...like IM and fitness...I have an email scheduled once a week to be on automatic and then I write something on the fly mid week that is a current topic. This not only gives them some great "classic" info but allows them to stay up to date with topics I see floating around.

    As far as what to offer your viewers to join your list...that is completely up to you. You have to give them great value for them to receive your emails. I always try and give my subscribers the best stuff I can when they sign up. I make sure that the freebies I give are extremely related to the items I actually charge for. I want both the freebies and the paid product to be able to work with each other so they get more value with the combination instead of just one or the other. I show this value as much as possible. It really helps sell the products.

    Having a list is not as much effort as you might think. You already have the number 1 spot in google for the computer niche. If you are getting a good amount of traffic from this you could be very close to automatic incomes already. If I were you, I would create a squeeze page (or 3) and start sending all your website traffic to the squeeze page. Get the squeeze page converting nicely (anything about 40% is pretty good). Then have an automatic promotion series set up for the list. You could see quite a bit of sales increase if you do it right. If it doesn't do as well then just switch it back to straight promotion from the site...which I doubt building a list will do much less.

    I was at one time doing straight promotions from my niche sites and it did well, but since I implemented lists, I have been able to step away from my mini niche sites much quicker. You will get some buyers that will buy every single thing you promote. You turned a one time buyer of a $47 profit into a return buyer who lets say buys 5 promoted products...$235 profit. It's nice.

    My success in this business is 99% because of how I build relationships with my viewers and a list allows me to do that. Where just a website doesn't give you as much leeway in relationship building.
    Signature
    TEESPRING Student Rakes In Over $116k In Less Than 3 Months
    Niche Pro Profits - How I raked in OVER $120k in 9 months with authority niche sites...

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2048178].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author sixstring
      Originally Posted by petelta View Post

      Hey Six,

      Building a list is really dependent on your business plan. I know quite a few successful marketers that don't use a list. I personally would die without my lists. I do a very similar business plan as you making lots of websites in different niches.

      I would definitely recommend starting lists for each of your niches. It just gives you an opportunity not only to build a relationship to convert those that don't buy the first couple times to be actual buyers, but it also allows you to sell multiple items to those that are quick spenders.

      For each mini niche I get involved with, I create an informative website that has an autoresponder attached. I give away something of value for free in exchange for their sign up of course and I have an automatic newsletter do the promoting for me. The whole thing is on automatic after you get the website pulling in that automatic traffic from search engines and massive amounts of content marketing. I don't just promote one product. I promote about 5 on average depending on the niche.

      For niches I like to be involved with everyday...like IM and fitness...I have an email scheduled once a week to be on automatic and then I write something on the fly mid week that is a current topic. This not only gives them some great "classic" info but allows them to stay up to date with topics I see floating around.

      As far as what to offer your viewers to join your list...that is completely up to you. You have to give them great value for them to receive your emails. I always try and give my subscribers the best stuff I can when they sign up. I make sure that the freebies I give are extremely related to the items I actually charge for. I want both the freebies and the paid product to be able to work with each other so they get more value with the combination instead of just one or the other. I show this value as much as possible. It really helps sell the products.

      Having a list is not as much effort as you might think. You already have the number 1 spot in google for the computer niche. If you are getting a good amount of traffic from this you could be very close to automatic incomes already. If I were you, I would create a squeeze page (or 3) and start sending all your website traffic to the squeeze page. Get the squeeze page converting nicely (anything about 40% is pretty good). Then have an automatic promotion series set up for the list. You could see quite a bit of sales increase if you do it right. If it doesn't do as well then just switch it back to straight promotion from the site...which I doubt building a list will do much less.

      I was at one time doing straight promotions from my niche sites and it did well, but since I implemented lists, I have been able to step away from my mini niche sites much quicker. You will get some buyers that will buy every single thing you promote. You turned a one time buyer of a $47 profit into a return buyer who lets say buys 5 promoted products...$235 profit. It's nice.

      My success in this business is 99% because of how I build relationships with my viewers and a list allows me to do that. Where just a website doesn't give you as much leeway in relationship building.
      First let me say..Thanks for the post. Very informative. The end goal as is most IM'ers is to be able to say heck with the corporate world one day and do this full time, so I seems like building a list is almost a must.

      I like your ideas of setting up almost an initial sales funnel that is automatic to every new list member...then setting up one weekly automatic and one on the fly. Great ideas. I think this is something I could handle.

      By getting pretty good organic traffic, I feel I leave a lot on the table even if someone does by the product I am promoting. They may never come back to my site again. I guess with a list I could be selling them things for years to come.

      Thanks again for all of the info. My answer is becoming more clear now
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2048252].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author petelta
        I'm glad I could help.

        I offer an e-course on this exact business model for people that sign up to my list. If you would like a copy of this ecourse to get some details, you can either sign up to my newsletter through the link in my signature or I could send you a copy without a sign up required. I don't mean to openly promote my list lol.

        Just send me a PM

        Travis

        Originally Posted by sixstring View Post

        First let me say..Thanks for the post. Very informative. The end goal as is most IM'ers is to be able to say heck with the corporate world one day and do this full time, so I seems like building a list is almost a must.

        I like your ideas of setting up almost an initial sales funnel that is automatic to every new list member...then setting up one weekly automatic and one on the fly. Great ideas. I think this is something I could handle.

        By getting pretty good organic traffic, I feel I leave a lot on the table even if someone does by the product I am promoting. They may never come back to my site again. I guess with a list I could be selling them things for years to come.

        Thanks again for all of the info. My answer is becoming more clear now
        Signature
        TEESPRING Student Rakes In Over $116k In Less Than 3 Months
        Niche Pro Profits - How I raked in OVER $120k in 9 months with authority niche sites...

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2048271].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Imran Naseem
    Banned
    If you are not going to be focusing on building a list in Internet Marketing then you are leaving a lot of money on the table.

    List building is a MUST if you are serious about making money. Trust me - you will not regret it.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2048189].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author sixstring
      Originally Posted by Imran Naseem View Post

      If you are not going to be focusing on building a list in Internet Marketing then you are leaving a lot of money on the table.

      List building is a MUST if you are serious about making money. Trust me - you will not regret it.
      I'll consider this post my official 'kick in the a**' I need to start taking action now.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2048324].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author jbsmith
        Yes to building a list...not only can it mean increased conversions for offers you have on your page today, but it can mean additional income streams as new recommendations and reviewed products come out in the future as well as a built-in launch pad for any new products you decide to develop and launch in the future.

        The key to effective list building is being able to offer a compelling reason to sign-up.

        You mention an ebook and video - I would start with something quick to test a particular angle - a video or short report will do.

        Another approach is to run a series of polls or surveys on your site to get insight into the top interests, questions, frustrations and information people coming to your site are looking for...that will give you some insight into what giveaways and positioning to use in trying to get people to signup.

        Jeff
        Signature
        Turn Your Knowledge Into High-Paying Digital Products To Sell Online
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2048429].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author entrepreneurjay
    Start a list you here it over and over again the money is in the list, and its 100% true. You have a nice amount of traffic, capitalize on your hard work. Another thing to think about is you will always have that list for some extra residual income for the long haul.

    I think you would be a fool not too. You could prob build it up to a decent size fairly quickly, because you have already established decent traffic to your website.
    Signature
    Mastering Blogging with Chat GPT: How to Make AI Generated Text Undetectable
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2048462].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Joe Benjamin
    A list is your audience. A list is like having your own
    gold mine you can tap over, and over again.

    without one, your simply the guy with a hard hat
    prospecting for it. Sure, you could make a few dollars
    here and there, but the real power is in OWNING the
    gold mine you tap into.

    Right now, your just leasing space. But the secret
    is in OWNING the space. Catch my drift?

    But hey, at the end of the day, your going to do what
    you feel is best(and comfortable) for you.
    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[2048480].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author ronr
      Think long term and build a list or as Dan Kennedy says take it to the next level and build a "herd"

      Build a list and you can start selling more expensive products and you'll hve more long term success.

      I've sold $500-$700 info products from a website. Some people buy on the first visit but most are not going to spend that much on the first visit. So I started them on an autoresponder sequence. Sometimes it's people months or even years before they buy from you, but since the autoreponder messages make it automatic it's a great feeling to make single $700 sale from someone who visited your site a year ago.

      Of course there is nothing to stop you from selling low cost product upfront while building list then following up with a higher priced product later.

      The bottom line is ..build a list!

      Ron
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2048555].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Ernie Lo
    This might be shocking to hear but lets get one thing straight. You dont need to have a list to be successful. There are plenty of ways and plenty of people making thousands of dollars without a list.

    Having a list isnt the be all end all and dont believe the whole 1% will buy, heck you'll be lucky if 1% open the email in the first place....(slight exaggeration)

    Now does buying a list work? YES.
    Do I recommend building a list? YES

    But if you dont know what you're doing and dont have a solid plan you're going to be very disapointed. Do not "wing it" and if you have a choice Id build a list in a different niche from the IM niche because it can be damn hard.

    My advice for what its worth is focus on building a list of buyers even if its from a $1 product. Having thousands of freebie seekers will just waste your time and get your hopes up for no reason, because most of them will not buy and will cost you extra money to Aweber/GR.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2048546].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jason Jensen
    Do a Q & A like Eben Pagan (Davide D.) does with doubleyourdating. It's great way to build rapport with your list.

    JJ

    P.S.

    Also, some products are just a one time deal. This is why weight loss, health, weight loss, nutrition, etc... are such great niches. You can sell more than one thing.
    Signature
    Step-By-Step COACHING PROGRAM: Watch As I Create a Cool Product & Make Sales Using Articles
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2049232].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Dan Bainbridge
    Originally Posted by sixstring View Post

    • Should I create an Ebook with some videos and give it a way free for opting in, or should I go all out and create a full-blown Ebook + Video product and sell it for a nice price while building a list? It seems there are differing opinions out there on this.
    • Having a list seems like it will require a good amount of dedicated time and effort. My time is already just about stretched to the max.
    DEFINITELY CREATE A LIST!

    Keep it simple, for now just put the list up and offer them a simple ebook, or a "mini course" you can write this in a couple of hours especially as you have the knowledge - doens't need to be 100 pages, or amazing, just label it a "secret report" or "insider tips" or something. Start with something simple, and then build from there - get a list asap basically.

    It is a bit of work, but it pays over and over and OVER AND OVER... You do the work once, put your posts into an autoresponder series over a 2-3 month... 6-12 month period eventually and then every now and then you can mail your whole list a campaign.. the initial setup is a bit of work, but no more so than writing some blog posts, setting a new site up.
    Signature

    Hypnosis Affiliate Program Pays 50% + $20 Join BONUS
    Real Subliminal Messages Pays 35% (world's largest subliminal site)
    SubliminalMP3s.com Pays 75%

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2049244].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author tpwilliams
    I feel it's a good idea to build a list alongside. And i strongly recommend you do. It will help you market all other related products in the same niche over again and make more money. The money really is in the List. Build it!!!
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2049322].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author LilBlackDress
    Yes build a list. Offer a nice free opt in report or ebook. List building is so simple. I wish I had started earlier. When I did start I made the mistake of using a free auto responder.
    Signature

    Pen Name + 8 eBooks + social media sites 4 SALE - PM me (evergreen beauty niche)

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2049356].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author sixstring
      I wanted to say thanks to everyone who has posted. It is very motivational and gets me all pumped up to take action.

      It is pretty clear to me what I need to do and I am starting to take steps at getting things in order to start building up a list.

      I plan to create mini E-book to give away for free and then follow up with really informative emails and videos showing users some really cool tips on computers.

      I will also take the advice to have a plan set out before starting!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2051390].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author richgrad
    The best time to start building a list is yesterday
    Signature
    Get my NEW eBook "How I made S$138,255.80 in passive internet income during the last recession" (worth $47) FREE now (Limited Time Only!)

    FREE eBook: 101 Powerful Affirmations (worth $47)
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2051504].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author sinpeople
      That's true!

      Originally Posted by richgrad View Post

      The best time to start building a list is yesterday
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2051770].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Adam Roy
    Here's how I feel about list building.

    A visitor that comes, maybe spends money, and then leaves is most likely a one time customer.

    A visitor that comes, JOINS YOUR MAILING LIST, and then does whatever they do, is now a repeat customer, whos next visit or sale is controlled by YOU!

    Would you rather make money once per buying visitor, or multiple times? A mailing list is income at the click of a button.

    I may be hipocritical right no because I'm not currently building a mailing list, however I'm in the process of doing so by building an autoresponder database of material.

    Quick tip for building emails to fill up your autoresponder with...

    Free PLR! Simply find a bunch of PLR's related to your niche...if you find 52 good ones, rewrite them all with wordflood...which is free, or outsource. This is enough for one email per week, ALL YEAR LONG!!

    After every 3 or 4 free PLR's, send out an affiliate promotion, or your own product to promote.

    Every once in a while, IF YOU FEEL LIKE IT, once you've built a responsive email list which you've provided with quality, you can simply add a simple little promo into your auto responder...click the button...and make instant sales!

    OPT IN=INCOME AT THE CLICK OF A BUTTON
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2051805].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Daniel Brock
      Here's a thought for you:

      Go ahead and make your first course - the PDF and video combo.

      Then go into what you have created, and pick the very best tip out of the entire product you made.

      Create another video or PDF teaching that technique or tip and give that away as your freebie on your squeeze page.

      From there you can promote the full product in your freebie as well as in the follow up. You can also promote it on your thank you/download page as well.

      Regards,
      Dan Brock
      Signature
      Clickbank #1 Best Seller: The Deadbeat Super Affiliate.
      Click here to learn how to make money online in your bath robe and gym socks!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2051827].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author sixstring
        Originally Posted by friend View Post

        Here's how I feel about list building.

        A visitor that comes, maybe spends money, and then leaves is most likely a one time customer.

        A visitor that comes, JOINS YOUR MAILING LIST, and then does whatever they do, is now a repeat customer, whos next visit or sale is controlled by YOU!

        Would you rather make money once per buying visitor, or multiple times? A mailing list is income at the click of a button.

        I may be hipocritical right no because I'm not currently building a mailing list, however I'm in the process of doing so by building an autoresponder database of material.

        Quick tip for building emails to fill up your autoresponder with...

        Free PLR! Simply find a bunch of PLR's related to your niche...if you find 52 good ones, rewrite them all with wordflood...which is free, or outsource. This is enough for one email per week, ALL YEAR LONG!!

        After every 3 or 4 free PLR's, send out an affiliate promotion, or your own product to promote.

        Every once in a while, IF YOU FEEL LIKE IT, once you've built a responsive email list which you've provided with quality, you can simply add a simple little promo into your auto responder...click the button...and make instant sales!

        OPT IN=INCOME AT THE CLICK OF A BUTTON
        Awesome info friend. There are just about endless products I can promote in this niche covering all angles...I would really like for it to lead into selling my own product.

        Cheers.

        Originally Posted by Daniel Brock View Post

        Here's a thought for you:

        Go ahead and make your first course - the PDF and video combo.

        Then go into what you have created, and pick the very best tip out of the entire product you made.

        Create another video or PDF teaching that technique or tip and give that away as your freebie on your squeeze page.

        From there you can promote the full product in your freebie as well as in the follow up. You can also promote it on your thank you/download page as well.

        Regards,
        Dan Brock
        Dan: Thx for the reply. Your point is one that I have learned on this post and that is you have to absolutely put your best foot forward to make a great impression on someone who signs up for a list.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2051920].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Tyson Faulkner
          I went through the replies on this thread and I don't *think* I saw anyone addressing this issue. If I'm wrong I apologize.

          You said that you are already stretched for time and you think building a list could be very labor intensive. I used to think this too because I felt that I should contact them often or else they'll forget my name and never open my emails.

          If this is your fear, just don't worry about it. The only work you need to do is create your freebie, set up your optin process (squeeze page, thank you page, download page), and start giving away your freebie. Just write one welcome email that explains who you are, what you do and how you are going to help them with their computer problems.

          If you're giving away valuable and actionable content, then they will remember you, even if you only email them once per month. But my guess is once you see the traffic driving power you have with your list, you'll get motivated to email them more than that.

          So my vote is to just go for it, let people get on your list, and don't let it worry you at all.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2051956].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author sixstring
            Originally Posted by Tyson Faulkner View Post

            I went through the replies on this thread and I don't *think* I saw anyone addressing this issue. If I'm wrong I apologize.

            You said that you are already stretched for time and you think building a list could be very labor intensive. I used to think this too because I felt that I should contact them often or else they'll forget my name and never open my emails.

            If this is your fear, just don't worry about it. The only work you need to do is create your freebie, set up your optin process (squeeze page, thank you page, download page), and start giving away your freebie. Just write one welcome email that explains who you are, what you do and how you are going to help them with their computer problems.

            If you're giving away valuable and actionable content, then they will remember you, even if you only email them once per month. But my guess is once you see the traffic driving power you have with your list, you'll get motivated to email them more than that.

            So my vote is to just go for it, let people get on your list, and don't let it worry you at all.
            Tyson - Ok..you've done it. You have exposed something I have to admit I do quite frequently and that is...over analyze things too much.

            I know now that I just need to dig my heels in and just do it.

            Thx.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2051979].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Adam Roy
    Simple trade...valuable info for an email address on your list...an email that typically at least 1 out of 100 will result in a sale from a promo email. AT LEAST 1% providing your visitors said "wow that was great", implemented it and got results.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2052006].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Edward Rubi
    I have come to realize that there are a lot of different ways to skin a cat. I have a few websites up and running. One is my personal blog and I use it to build my list. The others are affiliate sites. And I will be building "sniper sites" here in the near future. I look back and I realize that there are a lot of ways to make money on line, but I believe that building a list, but most of all building a relationship with that list is key to my success.
    I think that you just need to decide what you want to do. Affiliate marketing via many websites, or market to a list that you have built a relationship with (relationship being the key word here).
    You have your cat, how will you skin it?

    All the best,

    Ed
    Signature
    Edward Rubi, Your Guide Into The Internet Marketing, and eBay World
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2052676].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ikejohnson
    Here's a method I use on one of my blogs.

    I front end the blog entry with a freebie squeeze page.

    I'm getting about 10 new subscribers per day from this
    page alone.

    see:

    Snap In Squeeze Pages Make Squeeze Pages Fast

    Ike
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2053195].message }}

Trending Topics