Affiliate marketing can be very profitable and one of the powerful tools that can take you to the next level is having an opt-in mailing list with hundreds or even thousands of subscribers. When you create a mailing list, it is called an opt-in list because the visitors choose to be included in the mailings, meaning they have given you permission to send them emails periodically.

With the ever-changing spam laws, it comes down to the provider to use their mailing list wisely, and in an appropriate manner that doesn’t cross the spam line. This is why it’s important to create an opt-in form for your mailing list subscribers. You can then be assured that you are complying with the Anti-Spam laws since they entered their own name and email and submitted the info, requesting email from you (in the form of a newsletter, etc.).

Although it will make you feel powerful, knowing that you can reach numerous people at the click of one button, instantly, it’s important to realize that it is an extension of your business and you must treat your subscribers (potential customers) with respect. You can’t send repeat sales pitches without any valuable free info in return, and it’s not wise to send a sales pitch for a product or service that does not fit the audience.  You will only lose subscribers that way.

Giving away free, but valuable, information relevant to your niche is the best way to gain trust with your subscribers. You can do this by loading a series of short email courses into an autoresponder that you’re using to manage your list, like Aweber, Or you can give away ebooks or short reports in a downloadable pdf. With a little work up front, and consistent marketing, you can gain a very large list in a specific niche in no time. If used wisely, it can end up being a passive cash cow.