List building does not mean putting a sign up form on your web page and expecting everyone in your target market to magically find your opt-in form and sign up to be on your list.

List building encompasses all of those things you do every day to:

•    Find targeted prospects by getting your message in front of the right people.

•    Put them on your prospect list by enticing them to sign up.

•    Put them on your customer list by persuading them to make a purchase.

•    Put them on your VIP list by convincing them to spend even more with you.

Simply put, list building is your business.

Here are three powerful but rarely implemented ideas to help you move your subscribers from your prospect list to your VIP list:

1.    Free Consultation

Offer all of your prospects (and perhaps some of your clients) a free telephone consultation to help them work through their most challenging issue.

The offer can be part of your mailing list sign up process, or you might want to send out the offer for a consultation as part of your regular mail or e-mail campaign.  You could also simply drop a postcard in the mail and tell them how to get their free session.

It’s easy to set up a form on your website for them to register and tell you when they’re available so you’ll be able to set appointments with them.  Or you can have them call in to your call center to set the appointment.

The free consultation gives you true interaction with your client or prospect so they really feel a connection with you.  It opens the door for you to really help them immediately.  It also gives you the opportunity to find out what kinds of products and services will satisfy their wants and needs, so you can completely focus your marketing and truly help them.

2.    Birthday Club

Once someone has made a purchase from you – or when they’ve spent a certain amount of money with you that you pre-determine – put them on a list to which you send birthday cards every year.  You might also want to send them cards at other times during the year to remind them you’re available to help them and to keep your name fresh in their mind.

Sending out birthday cards can be time consuming if you go to the store, select and buy the cards, write the messages, address and stamp the envelopes, and get them in the mail – and do it every month.

One possible solution is to outsource it.  Hire someone to take care of all of the details and all you have to do is make sure it’s been taken care of.  There is also software available that will help with some aspects like addressing and stamping envelopes for you.

You might also consider sending gifts to your VIP customers in your Birthday Club.  This could be one of your own products or services or it could be totally unrelated to your business like a funny mug or even a gift basket.

3.    Client Advisory Panel

Asking someone for their opinion tells them you value them.  Asking your VIP clients for their opinion makes them treasure the relationship you have established even more.

Set up a Client Advisory Panel where you allow your VIP clients to sign up for one year.  As members of the panel, they will receive all of your new products that year for free.  In exchange, they must agree to consume the material and give you honest feedback.

Simply set up a web page for them to sign up and drop them an invitation in the mail that asks them to visit that page and sign up.  Highlight the benefits of participating and show your appreciation.

A responsive list is one that consistently responds to your offers in a positive way.  With all of the advertising and marketing messages constantly bombarding them, the best way to ensure your list remains responsive is to build a strong relationship with them.  You need to stand out from the crowd with your prospects and clients.

Implementing all of three of these tactics can make a world of difference in your business.