So many of the things we are told to do to be successful won’t work if there is no network of people to connect to. How and where do those contacts come from? What is the best list building strategy you have found?

@deairby I think quality list building can be extremely difficult, particularly if you are small.

One way to grow a list is to offer a variety of good content. Then find related online or bricks and mortar businesses who might benefit from co-marekting campaigns.

Co-marketing usually involves including text (and links) at the bottom of any of your emails campaigns (or web pages for that matter) that say something to the effect: Here are some related businesses you might find helpful, and you agree to share conversions.

You can also pay to rent a list from a good related publication, but that is expensive. So you must have a compelling campaign and reason for people to convert. Webinars are useful for this.

If you can find a related business or similar demographic business that could leverage your expertise for a web event, you share registration info–all the better if they have a good list and you have a unique expertise that will be good for them to associate with.

Gated content is another way, but I am very cautious about what I “gate”. Better  as @calevans suggests and a form to sign up for your email list or your newsletter.

Offer something of value in exchange for an e-mail address. Make sure the value is in the eyes of your prospect–not just because you say “it’s a $97 value”  or whatever. One of the surest ways to get people to unsubscribe is to add them to your list without asking for (and receiving) their permission.

I am on my wordpress looking for the popup thingy and can’t find it. Where do I look? @calevans

ah, that is the problem, my blog is at wp not self hosted. can’t get the plugin to work… thanks anyway @calevans