From BizWeb2000
Throughout the last five years, I've stressed one particular online marketing strategy more than any other -- growing your own opt-in list. It is an essential Internet marketing component that no business, large or small, can do without.
So in this quick lesson I'd like to share with you some of the web's best resources for starting and managing your own opt-in email list.
When beginning your list, you basically have two options...
You can either A) use list management software at your site or B) utilize a free or paid list hosting service
Here's a quick overview of each solution, including the pros and cons of each...
Choice A involves a one-time purchase of software or a cgi-script. Once the software is installed on the server that runs your website, you'll need to go through a bit of a learning curve or training.
While you can save money using an installed solution like this, this route is probably best for folks with some technical experience. Things like setting up subscribe forms, processing them and automating unsubscribes can take a bit of time to conquer.
If you do want to try this route, here are some popular applications being used...
MailLoop
This is a great program for managing an email list. It allows you to filter email addresses from text files, purge duplicates, combine lists and automate just about every other task necessary to run an opt-in list through your own server. It is a bit pricey, but when used effectively it can save you quite a bit of money in the long-run.
SubscribeMe
This is a cgi script that can handle your subscribe and unsubscribe requests as well as automating maintenance and delivery. A popular script among do-it-yourself ezine publishers.
Free List Hosting:
For folks who want less hassles and no cost, here are some companies that will host your list for free...
CoolList
This company will host your mailing list for free. In exchange, they put a small, 3-line ad at the end of each message that gets mailed out.
Yahoo! Groups (formerly eGroups)
Looks to be geared more to non-business uses now. Worth checking for personal use.
Topica
A popular choice among marketers on a tight budget. Topica will host your mailing list for free. They offer an ad network which places small ads in your mailings.
NOTE: Before signing up with ANY free list hosting service, consider the benefits of using...
Paid List Hosting:
I know what you're probably thinking.. "Why PAY for list hosting when you can get it for free?"
Well, there are lots of reasons actually. But the biggest benefit you get when you pay for list hosting is that you won't have to show ads for the list host. And that goes a long way toward presenting a professional image!
That said, here are some reliable sites that offer paid list hosting...
WebBusinessWizard
Low cost opt-in list and e-database builder. Simple interface to build sign up forms and do broadcast mailings. Also includes a powerful shopping cart.
Lyris
This is a software program for hosting Internet email mailing lists, such as open discussions, moderated forums, announcement lists and autoresponders. They offer software to do it yourself or you can hire them to run your list.