Using articles to build your list

We have spoken previously about getting visitors to your site using SEO. That's all well and good but we need a way to keep them coming back. Studies have shown that it takes a visitor being exposed to you at least seven times before they'll consider a purchase.

Many experts agree that the money is "in the list". If we can get people to voluntarily give us their email address we can contact them regularly, essentially reminding them of our existence. It also builds a relationship. People will only make a purchase if they feel they know and trust you.

So, give them an incentive to opt in. Offer a free ebook in exchange for their email address. In my case I offer all my subscribers Revenge of the Online Shopper in exchange for their opting in. The ebook contains common sense advice about protecting yourself and your money while shopping online. A lot of people are very hesitant about handing over banking details which means we could be losing out on sales.

(By the way, if any of you want to grab this little gem of an ebook to give as an incentive to your customers- feel free. You'll just have to put up with the odd ezine from me! But you'll cope. If you can't you can unsubscribe.)

Anyhow, once you've got people on your list, you'll need to send them promotional material that is presented in an interesting way that keeps them wanting more. The best way to do that is through articles.

Well written articles full of content and useful information will help in building your list as more subscribers will be enticed your list. Perhaps in each issue you could suggest that readers pass on the ezine to their friends. Their friends may enjoy your articles so much that they opt-in too.

The article need not go into the newsletter, rather a link to the article from your newsletter which has the benefit of people actually visiting your site. Who knows, they may click on some adsense ads.

There have been the rise for the importance of well written, information enriched and keyword packed articles for the content of their site as well as for newsletters. These articles provide the information many are seeking in the internet. If your site has them, more people will be going to your site for information and research.

Well written articles would also boost your sites reputation. If they are filled with many information you will be regarded as well informed and an expert on the subjects that you tackle. Your articles must be well researched so that the people will trust you. When you have gained their trust, they will always come for you for their needs on that subject.

In connection, you must write articles or commission them to tackle subjects that are closely connected with your type of business. If you have a site for a medicine tackling a certain disease, your articles must be about the diseases. Or if you sell materials for home improvements provide articles with those themes. Most articles searched for are tips, guidelines, methods, manuals and such. If you provide these articles to your customers and you have their trust, they will always go to your site for help and advice as well as for your products.

With the loyalty of these customers, they may subscribe to your opt-in list to receive all the information you have. If you provide them with the answers for that need, they will be happy to be receiving your newsletters as well as other promotional materials to keep them well informed. Others may even forward your newsletters to other people when they find a certain article interesting.
Make sure to keep your subscribers happy and interested in your newsletters and promotional materials. Keep on posting and writing good articles for your site and newsletter. If you are not interested in writing them or if you just don’t have the time, there are many available well experienced and knowledgeable writers available to help you out.

Many online businesses offer their affiliates access to many articles and, in some cases, allow the resource box to be edited to contain your affiliate link.

This is an investment that will pay for itself in time. And at times it seems to take a frustratingly long period of time to realise the fruits of your efforts!

Anyway, hope to see you on my opt in list.


hugs
Sharon