In order to build a highly responsive email list you want to focus on getting permission on for the people you wish to contact. When people give their consent to be contacted it’s more likely they’ll be engaged with the emails that you send them. This means more people opening your emails, clicking on links, and taking the actions you’d like them to take. If you send marketing emails without first getting permission it can lead to spam complaints, unsubscribes, and general ill-will toward your business or organization.

So how do you go about getting permission first so you have people looking forward to the receiving your emails and engaging with the content you send them? The first thing to remember is that you never want to buy, or rent email lists. This is a sure fire way to have your email marked as spam and generate complaints that can jeopardize your success with email marketing.

Next, it’s as simple as setting up ways for people to say, “Yes, I want you to contact me.” This can be done in both low and high tech ways. For example, setting up a pen and paper near your register so people can sign up for your email list can be just as effective as putting sign up forms on your website, or maybe you have a check box to join your email list as part of your online purchase process. In all instances the key is that you’re letting people opt in rather than just adding them to your email list.

Now, you may be wondering what about all those business cards you collect at conferences, or trade shows? Don’t just add these people to your email marketing list. Instead send a personal email that includes a link to your sign up form. This puts the new connection in control about being on your email marketing list.

This way you’ll end up with an email list of people who explicitly want to be there. This means better responses to your email marketing campaigns.

Keep in mind if you want to see continued success with your email marketing you’ll need to maintain the responsiveness of your list. Watch the next video to find out more.

So those are all the tips I have for you today. If you’re looking for more email marketing advice visit Constant Contact.