One of the best ways to attract subscribers is to ask visitors to sign up when they first enter your website. Offer incentives to "register". Then, in the registration form ask if they would like to receive updated information, notices of new articles or products, etc.
Another way to collect email contacts is to send a direct mailpiece. Ask if your prospects would like to be on your electronic mailing list and offer to send them relevant information on a periodic basis. Be sure to include a return mail card. Or even more direct: ask your prospect personally if they would like to be on your email list - make them an offer they can't refuse.
But be very careful. Don't contribute to the glut of unwanted email. And don't add someone's name to your mailing list without his or her explicit permission -- even if you graciously offer to unsubscribe them. People will resent it.
Conclusion - To obtain valuable email lists you can ask visitors to sign up on your website, send a direct mailpiece, asking them to subscribe to your electronic mailing list. Or just ask them personally. But be very careful not to add someone's name to your mailing list without his or her explicit permission. It will pay off in the end.
