Charles is a professional blogger and frequent One Woman Marketing contributor who usually writes about social media and internet marketing. He is currently writing for Flash templates.

Many businesses use email marketing as a tactic for announcing company news, promoting services and products and getting feedback from clients. But how do you build your subscriber list without being branded a spammer? Consider these seven strategies:

1. Invite your blog readers to sign up

You could simply ask your blog readers to sign in to your mailing list. Make sure you inform your visitors how they will benefit from receiving your email messages. Instead of just saying ‘Sign up here’, you could say, “Sign up to get updates about new products, discounts, and more exclusive offers.” This message should be accompanied by a link to a sign up form which visitors can use to submit their details.

2. Use your email signature

Most business owners communicate frequently through email. You can use your email signature to entice recipients to join your mailing list. Write one or two lines explaining the benefits of joining your list and provide a link for signing up. This strategy is especially effective for people who send emails to multiple recipients.

3. Run a blog contest

Blog contests can be very effective in creating interest in your blog and gathering email addresses. Once you design your contest, promote it extensively so as to encourage people to enter. Participants should be asked to submit an email address which will be used for notifying the winner. Just remember to include a disclaimer which informs entrants that they will receive new product updates and exclusive discounts via email in future.

4. Create an ad

Design an attractive ad asking people to sign up for your mailing list to receive news and exclusive discounts. Make sure the ad appears in a prominent location within your blog such as the sidebar or the top of the site. Also consider displaying your ad on other blogs, as well as on social networks such as LinkedIn and Facebook.

5. Promote on social networks

Use different social media channels to share helpful tips and news regularly with your fans, followers and friends. Ask them to sign up for your mailing list to receive exclusive information and news. In addition, encourage your fans, followers and friends to share the information with other people in their networks.

6. Offer a freebie

Offering a free incentive is one of the most effective ways of getting people to sign up for your mailing list. You could offer things such as free white papers, eBooks, product samples, software, reports or even a free consultation.

7. Create a signup sheet

When taking part in seminars or trade shows, consider carrying a signup sheet. As you interact with people at such events, talk about your blog and the benefits of being part of the mailing list. You can then ask those interested in receiving your emails to submit their details.

How do you encourage people to subscribe to your email marketing list? Share your tips!

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