Internet Marketers have been told repeatedly “the fortune is in the list”. If you are still struggling to build a large list, or if you already have one but would like to grow it further, this article is for you.

The benefits of a large list are:

You have a large number of potential customers who already know you
You can segment the list according your perception of their interests
You can “drip feed” them with information to retain their interest
You can generate traffic to your websites
You can make more sales
You can become recognized as an expert
Do you need any more reasons?

I have found that lists come and go – what looked like a wonderful list last year can be dismal this year. People’s needs and interests change – how many lists have you already unsubscribed from this year?

This is why list building is a continuing process – you can’t just do it once and forget about it.

Here are three secrets to building and retaining a list:

1. Bribes

We all respond to a bribe! Internet Marketers prefer to call them “offers”, “special offers” or “one time offers”, but they are all essentially bribes. The best bribes are those where you give away free stuff that actually has value – something you normally charge for – in return for capturing a name and e-mail address for your list.

Bribes are an excellent list-building tool.

2. Squeeze Pages

Squeeze Pages, or Opt-In Pages, are the most common tools for list building. The secret is to design a squeeze page that is irresistible to the target audience. The page needs to address a problem, need or fear that the prospect has and show the prospect that you can provide a solution in return for their name and e-mail address.

3. Email marketing

You might think that e-mail marketing only works if you already have a list, but this is not necessarily true. You can start building a list by adding to all your e-mails a signature with a compelling message and a link to a squeeze page. You can also include a bribe as part of your signature – even if your friends do not respond they may pass the message on to someone else they know who will be interested.

These three are just a small sample of many free methods for list building. If you are stuck with a small list, if you just want a bigger list, or if you have no list at all, you need to take action now to grow your list.

But list building, in itself, is only the first part of the job. Once you have your list, you need to feed it in such a way that you turn a lukewarm list into rabid fans who will buy everything you recommend.

You also need to provide encouragement to your list to tell their friends and associates, allowing your list to grow even more.

List building is the essential first part of an internet marketing strategy. It’s the foundation – not the whole structure – but without it you cannot build a viable business.