How to establish your own e-mailing list

The success of any direct mail campaign lies in the accuracy of the list. The more targeted and personalised the list the more successful the direct mail campaign.

But how do you establish your direct mail list? Why not get your customers to make it for you? Simply ask visitors to your web site for their contact information....here's how.

1) Ask visitors to subscribe to an e-newsletter. Not unlike ours!

2) Offer your web visitors a free download, such as software, a game or screen saver; just ask them to sign up!

3) Free contests are always a hit with consumers. Ask for their contact information to enter. Let them know they will be contacted via their email address if they win.

4) If you provide a service, offer visitors a free email consultation or feedback session. Have them fill out a web form and e-mail you their questions and comments.

5) Give visitors access to a member's only area within the web site. This may be a forum, chat room, or games room. Simply have them submit their contact information to receive their very own username and password.

A nice touch is to auto respond to new members with a welcoming message, or a thank-you note for participating.