Many people want to make money online. If you are one of them, you need something to succeed: a list. Making money online is difficult if you don’t have a list.

Having a list is important because it’s unlikely that people will buy your products or services with only one exposure. Most people will take time to decide whether or not something is worth their money.

Besides, people aren’t likely to buy from someone they don’t know. Just look at yourself: do you think you will buy from a stranger or from someone you know?

Having a list is really helpful here. If you have a list, you will have the chance to foster relationships with your visitors. You can communicate with them and thereby build the trust you need.

Trust is what you need to successfully make money online. If you have the trust of someone, the chance that he or she will buy from you is much higher.

So how should you build your list? The most common way to do that is by asking your site visitors to opt-in to your e-mail list.

When people arrive at your web site, ask their names and e-mail addresses so that you can send them your newsletter. Of course, the newsletter should cover a topic that is relevant to your prospects’ needs and wants.

But promising them a good newsletter alone is not enough. There are so many offers on the web that people won’t be interested to join your list if you don’t offer them immediate reward. They should feel the benefits of joining your list right away.

One way to do that is by offering your visitors a free report if they sign up. Obviously, the report should address their needs and solve their problems.

Alternatively, you may want to offer free tools that can be downloaded if they sign up. Or you can give them a free course that will solve their problems. Whatever it is, your offer should meet their needs.

Once your prospect is in your list, you will have the chance to gain their trust. And since you maintain contact with them, you have many opportunities to earn money by selling your products and services.