But I see many of these publishers overlooking the very beginning of their valuable relationship with their subscribers. For example, the "thank-you" page.

If I sign up for your e-zine at your site, where am I taken afterwards?

I hope it's not a page that only says something vague like "form received" or even worse, nothing, leaving me wondering whether my signup was successful.

Create a thank-you page where new signups go to right after they complete the form. On this page, be sure to:

1. Thank me for signing up!

   Example: "Thank you for subscribing to [E-zine Name Here]!"

2. Let me know if I need to do anything else.

   For example, do I have to watch my e-mail inbox for a confirmation message? This is ESPECIALLY important if you use a double opt-in process that requires me to reply or click on a link in that e-mail in order to complete my sign-up. If you don't point this out on the thank-you page, there's a chance that I'll assume the e-mail I receive is just a welcome letter and won't open it.

3. Make it feel personal.

   Include your photo and signature if you can. Being personal helps me feel like I know you, and remember this is important because I'm more likely to BUY from those I feel I know and trust.

4. Ask for their ideas.

   This fast-forwards your relationship with your subscribers by already making them feel like you care. Something like this will do: "I'd love to hear what topics YOU would most like to see covered in upcoming issues of [E-zine Name Here]." Put your e-mail address right on the page and make it clickable.

   You can also insert an automatic subject line in the link such as "ezine_idea" by forming your link like this: mailto:yourname@yourwebsite.com?subject=ezine_idea. When someone clicks on that link, it will automatically create an e-mail addressed to you with the subject line "ezine_idea." This will help you keep these requests organized on your end.

5. Give me a special offer right then and there.

   Why not give them a discount on one of your products or services right there? For example, you could say, "I know you signed up for my e-zine to get great tips on [subject matter here]. Wouldn't you like to get started right away? My [book, special report, teleseminar etc.] will walk you through the entire process, step by step. And if you act right now, I'll give you a 10% discount. Cl1ck here to learn more."

6. Recommend someone ELSE's e-zine.

   No, that wasn't a typo. Find one or two other publishers whose target market matches yours but who aren't direct competitors, and cross promote each other on your thank-you pages. This process is also called "co-registration."

   The copy might read, "Don't miss these other two e-zines that I read regularly and highly recommend!" Then follow with brief descriptions and sign-up instructions.

   Several publishers I know with very large lists share that this

   How to Play the Autoresponders Game
   We marketers exactly know what autoresponder is all about. (In case you don't, you can read a brief introduction to it at my homepage - see resource box) While many gurus are still charging for how to put it into best usage, I'll tell you precisely the same information, for not even a penny!I think I'll just keep it short so it can be as useful to novices as to the seasoned ones.1. Publish a newsletter.The idea is to keep your
   after they complete the form. On this page, be sure to:
   1. Thank me for signing up!

      Example: "Thank you for subscribing to [E-zine Name Here]!"

   2. Let me know if I need to do anything else.

      For example, do I have to watch my e-mail inbox for a confirmation message? This is ESPECIALLY important if you use a double opt-in process that requires me to reply or click on a link in that e-mail in order to complete my sign-up. If you don't point this out on the thank-you page, there's a chance that I'll assume the e-mail I receive is just a welcome letter and won't open it.

   3. Make it feel personal.

      Include your photo and signature if you can. Being personal helps me feel like I know you, and remember this is important because I'm more likely to BUY from those I feel I know and trust.

   4. Ask for their ideas.

      This fast-forwards your relationship with your subscribers by already making them feel like you care. Something like this will do: "I'd love to hear what topics YOU would most like to see covered in upcoming issues of [E-zine Name Here]." Put your e-mail address right on the page and make it clickable.

      You can also insert an automatic subject line in the link such as "ezine_idea" by forming your link like this: mailto:yourname@yourwebsite.com?subject=ezine_idea. When someone clicks on that link, it will automatically create an e-mail addressed to you with the subject line "ezine_idea." This will help you keep these requests organized on your end.

   5. Give me a special offer right then and there.

      Why not give them a discount on one of your products or services right there? For example, you could say, "I know you signed up for my e-zine to get great tips on [subject matter here]. Wouldn't you like to get started right away? My [book, special report, teleseminar etc.] will walk you through the entire process, step by step. And if you act right now, I'll give you a 10% discount. Cl1ck here to learn more."

   6. Recommend someone ELSE's e-zine.

      No, that wasn't a typo. Find one or two other publishers whose target market matches yours but who aren't direct competitors, and cross promote each other on your thank-you pages. This process is also called "co-registration."

      The copy might read, "Don't miss these other two e-zines that I read regularly and highly recommend!" Then follow with brief descriptions and sign-up instructions.

      Several publishers I know with very large lists share that thi

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      As a recovering workaholic/perfectionist, not to mention having delusions of superhero syndrome, I'm quite familiar with the lies we tell ourselves.You know these lies. They're the ones that keep us stuck and away from our dreams. We might not be where we want to be in our business or our lives, but change is hard. It's uncomfortable. Worse, change forces us to face our fears.So the lies allow us to stay put. Right where we're stuck. They g
      it feel personal.

      Include your photo and signature if you can. Being personal helps me feel like I know you, and remember this is important because I'm more likely to BUY from those I feel I know and trust.

   7. Ask for their ideas.

      This fast-forwards your relationship with your subscribers by already making them feel like you care. Something like this will do: "I'd love to hear what topics YOU would most like to see covered in upcoming issues of [E-zine Name Here]." Put your e-mail address right on the page and make it clickable.

      You can also insert an automatic subject line in the link such as "ezine_idea" by forming your link like this: mailto:yourname@yourwebsite.com?subject=ezine_idea. When someone clicks on that link, it will automatically create an e-mail addressed to you with the subject line "ezine_idea." This will help you keep these requests organized on your end.

   8. Give me a special offer right then and there.

      Why not give them a discount on one of your products or services right there? For example, you could say, "I know you signed up for my e-zine to get great tips on [subject matter here]. Wouldn't you like to get started right away? My [book, special report, teleseminar etc.] will walk you through the entire process, step by step. And if you act right now, I'll give you a 10% discount. Cl1ck here to learn more."

   9. Recommend someone ELSE's e-zine.

      No, that wasn't a typo. Find one or two other publishers whose target market matches yours but who aren't direct competitors, and cross promote each other on your thank-you pages. This process is also called "co-registration."

      The copy might read, "Don't miss these other two e-zines that I read regularly and highly recommend!" Then follow with brief descriptions and sign-up instructions.

      Several publishers I know with very large lists share that thi

      The Thread That Runs Through Successful Entrepreneurs
      Whatever you are, be a good one Abraham Lincoln [1809-1865]There's a thread that runs through successful people. If you look at it very closely, you'll see that it's knowledge, belief and determination braided together and wrapped with emotion.In the late nineties, Pierre's girlfriend complained that she couldn't find Pez collectors online. So, he built a web site to help her. A website where collectors could buy a
      e_idea" by forming your link like this: mailto:yourname@yourwebsite.com?subject=ezine_idea. When someone clicks on that link, it will automatically create an e-mail addressed to you with the subject line "ezine_idea." This will help you keep these requests organized on your end.
   10. Give me a special offer right then and there.

       Why not give them a discount on one of your products or services right there? For example, you could say, "I know you signed up for my e-zine to get great tips on [subject matter here]. Wouldn't you like to get started right away? My [book, special report, teleseminar etc.] will walk you through the entire process, step by step. And if you act right now, I'll give you a 10% discount. Cl1ck here to learn more."

   11. Recommend someone ELSE's e-zine.

       No, that wasn't a typo. Find one or two other publishers whose target market matches yours but who aren't direct competitors, and cross promote each other on your thank-you pages. This process is also called "co-registration."

       The copy might read, "Don't miss these other two e-zines that I read regularly and highly recommend!" Then follow with brief descriptions and sign-up instructions.

       Several publishers I know with very large lists share that thi

       Corporate Gift Ideas
       By giving Corporate gifts you can ensure publicity for your company apart from generating tremendous good will among clients, employees and their respective families. This is a way through which your company can etch its name in the minds of the past, present and future employees and clients. It is a very important tool for maintaining public relations with both customers and employees. Undoubtedly it is a very attractive tool. If used effecti
       ugh the entire process, step by step. And if you act right now, I'll give you a 10% discount. Cl1ck here to learn more."
   12. Recommend someone ELSE's e-zine.

       No, that wasn't a typo. Find one or two other publishers whose target market matches yours but who aren't direct competitors, and cross promote each other on your thank-you pages. This process is also called "co-registration."

       The copy might read, "Don't miss these other two e-zines that I read regularly and highly recommend!" Then follow with brief descriptions and sign-up instructions.

       Several publishers I know with very large lists share that this method has been one of their best ways to gain subscribers faster on a regular basis. And your new subscribers will be happy to consider whatever other resources you recommend.

   Remember, You're Laying the Foundation

   The point of all this? By taking extra care with your new signups, you lay the foundation for a long and profitable relationship with your readers.

   (c) 2003-2007 Alexandria K. Brown