'It's in the List' You've heard it before - they all say it - Experts, Guru's, Everyone. Easier said than done and is having your own opt-in list really the success they all say it is? Experts say that their surveys clearly show that opt-in list building is still the hottest and most effective marketing tool for website promotion and huge earning potential.

The penny dropped! The fog cleared! You finally realize that you need an opt-in list to survive. After reading countless articles, reports and seeking out expert advice and having read many success stories of people creating a small fortune with opt-in lists you finally decide to have one of your own. Then it happens, you think you knew everything there is to know about opt-in lists and have followed the experts advice from A to Z and you still haven't been able to make a profit.

Even worse, you are losing money!

So what could have gone wrong? Why have others succeeded where you have failed? The most common mistake that many make is the research - they simply dived right in. Did you choose a topic you thought could be quite popular that would earn you money? Just because you wrote to your opt-in list subscribers doesn't mean they are going to buy instantly.

For those who have started an opt-in list and have failed, you can rejuvenate your failed venture. For those who are starting, here are three quick and easy ways to build a profitable opt-in list.

Your customers need to trust you and your products first. Just launching your opt-in list will make you an expert and a believable seller - you need reference. One way of getting that history or reference is to write articles first before you start an opt-in list. Write about the topic you know and have started and used for your site. Find out what your audience needs are and then target those needs.

Show your subscribers that you know what you are talking about. Provide them with helpful hints and guidelines that pertain to what you are selling. Talk about how to install a widget if your into widget products or provide articles on insurance settlements for widgets if you're a settlement lawyer. You don't have to be a big corporation to make use of an opt-in list. If your opt-in list subscribers (potential customers) see you as someone who knows what they are talking about, you will gain credibility, you will earn their trust and you'll make the sale(s).

There are many potential customers who are forum members. Join forums. Provide expert advice and recommendations to forum members. When you feel that people trust you, then is the time to start your own opt-in list. Put up your signature with a link to your site so that people can see what your business is about - don't make a spammy slogan - people wont trust you if your link is spammy looking, put some quality effort into it.

The certain truth is, the money will only come in when people you are dealing with i.e. subscribers, forum members - believe and trust in you. They want a product or service that gives them value for money. People are not going to buy from you - unless you have some credibility.

Find a product or service that people want and need. Invest your time and effort on your credibility. Do your research well and you will see the profits come in eventually.

Make your potential customers / opt-in list subscribers feel special - get your eye away from the money, if you're just thinking about yourself and the money you want to earn - you'll pouring all your energy into that and not be focused on helping your potential customer. If you think that you can just push a few buttons, sit back and watch the money roll in, without making little or no effort yourself - then you'll most likely be disappointed. Building a profitable opt-in list doesn't happen overnight.

As your Opt-in list grows, maintain it, keep it organized and manageable. Maintain the quality of your newsletters to subscribers. Hire help if need be, just make sure that your subscribers are happy and satisfied and they will stay with you and ultimately be willing to buy from you. An email list of subscribers is one of the most valuable assets that any marketer or online business can possess. It's so important that you not only continually build your list, but more importantly, keep your subscribers.