If you’re looking to make money from your blog (and most of us are), you have to go beyond simply adding affiliate links and advertising to your content. Serious marketers know that the money is in the list.

What list? The opt-in email list. By building such a list, you have a database of leads to whom you can sell your products and services. It’s like having your own captive audience — consisting of people who all chose to be there because they are already interested in your products.

However, building an email list isn’t easy. Just like growing readers or growing fans on social media, it takes consistent effort and a thoughtful strategy. Here are just a few of the ways that you can grow your opt-in email list:

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Provide Multiple Opportunities to Sign Up

Your sign-up forms should be prominent and plentiful on your page. Include at least one above the fold on your page (right at the top), and then provide multiple additional opportunities for sign up. You can include forms at the end of your blog posts, in your sidebar, or even in the middle of your content.

Offer an Incentive

One of the most popular methods for growing an email list is to offer an incentive such as a free e-book or report. The reason this method is so popular is that it’s effective. You provide something of value, and in return, your readers provide their name and email address.

Your e-book or report need not be overly long or in-depth. Some reports are as short as a few pages. The key is that it must be useful and interesting to your readers.

Take a look at our Pinterest Pin It Button incentive here!

Hold a Contest

Many bloggers will ask that readers sign up for their email list as a way to enter a contest. If you have a good prize, this is a great way to get hundreds or maybe even thousands of people to sign up for your list. But we’re talking about a really good prize.

You don’t have to give away an iPad to see your list grow. Even a moderate prize will net you many new subscribers.

Cross-Promote

Your blog is not the only place you can ask your customers (or potential customers) to sign up for your list. Advertise your email list on your Facebook page, Twitter, LinkedIn, and any other place you have a presence. Include a link to your list in your email signature. Bring a paper sign-up with you when you’re at conferences, seminars, or other industry events.

If you’re willing to invest a little money in growing your list, you can even run advertisements or direct mail campaigns for it.

Opt-In Email List

Growing an email list (affiliate link) is an important marketing strategy that can help you establish long-term relationships with your readers for repeat sales. These tips can help you to grow your list quickly if used effectively. How you use your list will determine your next level of success.

What did you do to grow your opt-in email list? Share your tips for success in the comments!

Lisa Shoreland is currently a resident blogger at Go college, where recently she’s been researching graduate student grants. In her spare time, she enjoys creative writing and hogging her boyfriend’s PlayStation 3. To keep her sanity she enjoys practicing martial arts and bringing home abandon animals.