A couple of weeks ago I started collecting list building tips from colleagues, connections on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and my own list. My intention is to publish a mega list of tips to help you build a responsive and lucrative list – something I frequently get asked how to do.

Well, I created a monster project for myself. I received 39 responses, some in video, audio and most as text.  Nearly 30% of those who responded offered this tip in one form or another: give away a valuable freebie.  OK, I think that's a pretty well known tactic. Many of the tips go deeper and I'm in the process of evaluating and categorizing them so I can present you with a list of list builidng tips that makes sense. 

Since it's taking me longer than anticipated I'm going to share with you the first tip I received in response to my request. This comes from Derek Halpern, founder of Social Triggers and an expert in email conversion so it makes sense to kick of the series with his tip…

The best way to build a responsive AND lucrative list is much easier than you think.

If you want people to respond, and buy your products, you NEED to respond to them.

 

You NEED to interact with your subscribers.

 

It's not about just sending email broadcasts to thousands of people…

 

…It's about connecting with each and every one of your subscribers, one-on-one, every chance you get. 

 

"Why," you ask?

 

If you connect with people, they'll remember you, and respond to you, and your email broadcasts.

 

What's the best way to connect with your subscribers?

 

There's something I call the "What Are You Struggling With?" question. 

 

I wrote about it here, but here's the short summary: when people sign up for your list, inside your welcome email, ask your subscribers what they're struggling with, and invite them to reply to the email.

 

Yes, you'll get a bunch of emails, but when you respond to each person individually, they'll remember you. They'll be so shocked that you took that personal approach that they won't resist opening your emails.

 

For example, over at Social Triggers, when I send out email broadcasts, it's not uncommon for me to see open rates over 60%.

 

Yes, 60%.

 

Right now, some people are often happy with 10 to 20% open rates. 

 

And here I am, sporting 60% open rates.

 

Why are my open rates so much higher than everyone elses?

 

Since I've taken the time to connect with people individually, they look for my emails, and they know when they email me, I respond to them personally.

 

And that's it. Be personal AND responsive, and you should be good to go.

The post Expert List Building Tips – How to Build a Responsive and Lucrative List appeared first on Adventures in Visibility.

Usually I'm the one doing the blog reviews for clients and confess I was a bit nervous about what he would say. Sometimes I feel like my blog suffers from the "cobbler's children have no shoes" syndrome.

No need to worry. Derek spent 45 minutes with me and pointed out several areas where I can optimize my site to get better results, the most important of which is attracting more email subscribers. This is not about driving traffic, but how to convert your traffic to your list once they land on your site. Remember: it's your email list that sells, not your your blog.

The video is 45 minutes and worth every minute. Derek shares great marketing tips and explains the reason why behind every lead generation optimization suggestion.  So carve out some time, grab a pen and paper, take notes and then go implement! [If you can't see the video, click here.]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYnZRlfUCOc[/youtube]

As Derek points out at the beginning of the video, the tips he shares can be implemented on any blog in any niche. His advice is universal.

I'm in the process of working with my tech team to make the changes and additions Derek suggested. I'm also having the video transcribed and will post some of the nuggets in future posts.

If you have questions, comments or feedback about Derek's suggestions, please post them below. And do yourself a favor, click on over to Social Triggers and subscribe to get Derek's tips for turning traffic into subscribers.

The post How to Optimize Your Blog for More Subscribers [Blog Review] appeared first on Adventures in Visibility.