Ok, that's the reviews done with. Before we move on, I'd like to discuss a couple more points with you, and of course find out which type of list you're going to be running. Before that, though, point number one. Remember to divide up your lists for tracking a relevance purposes. If you sell a piece of software and gain a load of subscribers, affiliates, sales and so on through your site, you don't want to then try to mix it all up and sell them onto an online marketing scheme, because you're going off track, losing the reason they subscribed in the first place, and will in the end lose subscribers.
Another reason for doing this is your tracking and testing. We already talked in several key areas about how important tracking and testing actually is using your list as kind of a market research tool. You don't want to be asking about online marketing when your list is based on software, no one will have a clue what you're talking about, you'll get bad data, and a whole bunch of unsubscriptions, and in extreme cases, strange phone calls.
Don't be afraid to split your lists up and have two or three smaller ones related to different markets or different areas. This isn't unusual at all, and the extra work and maintenance is worth it by far when you look at the possibilities and the clear research data you can gain from each targeted list individually. Of course, don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with introducing one list to the other and inviting them to join if they're interested. Don't randomly mold them into one though, or you'll confuse the heck out of people.
Another advantage here is something closer to home and more direct, and that’s simply it allows you to target people specifically for the type of products you're selling. We all know how important targeting is, and how much of a waste of time it is selling golf clubs to someone who's interested in fishing equipment, this is just the same. On a deeper level, you're allowed massive flexibility too. It's not just for show.
You'll be able to get more relevant people to spend more on relevant products, earning you even more money and targeted affiliates at the same time. You're even targeting indirect sales here and your future resource building by doing this in the way of additional subscribers and affiliates as well as direct sales. It doesn't get any better than this and it sure beats just throwing them all in the same hat, and hoping the right people read it. The power here is catering to your customers to your needs.