Well, let me explain a bit, I am currently using infusionsoft for my email marketing. the problem is I would like to start a newsletter but I have no prospects nor do I have a list. Can anyone tell me how to start a list when you don't even not even one name?

Thanks

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Pat@vizionva.com

Surely you know someone! To get other names, here are a few suggestions: Put a button on your website, blog or Facebook page asking people to opt-in for a newsletter. Do you do any f2f networking? Ask those people if they would like a copy. Once you have a newsletter, post it on Twitter and Facebook with a link to be put on a mailing list. Ask your mother and next door neighbor if they want a copy. Don't leave anyone out. You never know who will want it and who will be your next client. Good Luck!

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Pam
www.adminetcetera.com

Hello PatDormevil,

I do my own email marketing and email marketing for my clients through ConstantContact.com. I have been using it for a while now and I really like using it. It is easy to use and easy to navigate. They provide you with templates that you can customized while creating your newsletter. Also, the way I have found to be easiest to get contacts is to actually go to networking meetings and gather business cards of the people you meet. It is a great way to stay in contact with them as well as market to them.

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Alyssa
CEO, Co-Owner of Assist My Business

Hi Alyssa (that is also my daughter's name, Hi Pam

Thank you for your answers, I actually did gather a bunch of business cards at my last meetup but I did not think I could use it (I don't know why I was thinking that).. and Pam you are so right, I got my first customer (for bookkeeping) today from the reference of someone I totally thought was not my target market .. you never know
I am going to start putting all your advice to work right now
Thanks again

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Pat@vizionva.com

You've recieved some great info your email marketing company should allow you to create a form which you can put on your website so that visitors to your site can subscribe to your list, you could entice your potential subscribers with a free report or something similar. I would also you get permission from the people who gave you their business cards just to be polite, if they want to be on your list, as some people may not appreciate being added to your list just because they gave you their card. Well this is how we approach it in the UK, it might be different elsewhere.

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BlogWorkz WordPress Website Design Online Marketing & Virtual Assistant Services

Congratulations, Pat, on the new client. And good luck with the newsletter. BTW - I also use Constant Contact and find it very easy to use.

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Pam
www.adminetcetera.com

Hi Pat,

You've gotten some great answers here! I agree that you should ask permission before adding your business card contacts to your newsletter list to avoid the risk of SPAMming them. An easy way to do this would be to send them a short email reminding them of how you met and asking if they would like to receive more tips on (whatever your newsletter is about). If they say yes, add them to your newsletter list. You can also do this with people you know, such as colleagues, clients, and even family members. Encourage them to send the invitation to their friends and colleagues who might be interested in the info you share in your newsletter (you never know who might be - or know - your ideal client!).

Adding a newsletter opt-in form to your website is also a great suggestion, and one of the first things I tell my clients when they're looking to build their newsletter list. If you add an irresistible free giveaway (like a free report) to the opt-in form, you'll greatly increase the chances that people will sign up. (And you can also use the free report as an incentive when you invite your contacts and friends to join your newsletter list.)

Don't worry about not having any contacts when you first start your newsletter list; everyone starts with little to no contacts on their newsletter list. The important thing is just to get started! You'll build your list over time. Best wishes!

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Tammi Metzler ~ The Write Associate
Free call: "How to Write Email Subject Lines That Grab Attention!"

Don't forget to send an email to your friends/family to let them know about your enewsletter. Ask them to forward the link to others they think may find it useful.

Pam

Pat, lots of good advise here. One other thought: You might start by calling each person who gave you their card just to say hello and tell them you enjoyed meeting them. Follow up the phone call with the email. It is presumed when someone gives you their card they are interested in staying touch. It's also possible someone will say they already get too much email.
Best to you.
Mary