Q: “I am starting a new mailing list and at first, I don’t want to sell them anything because I want my subscribers to get to know me and see I offer good information. Is this the best plan for a new list?”

A: First, congratulations on beginning your new list. Best of success to you! Also, way to go for thinking things through beforehand, it will definitely make creating your new list a lot easier for you.

To answer your question about waiting to sell to your list, the short answer is: No, don’t wait. And here’s why…

When you create a mailing list, keep in mind that you control what your readers will and won’t do. In other words you have to train them from the very beginning.

Train them to expect a pitch. Whether the pitch is straightforward or one that is intertwined with great content, advice, reviews, etc. is up to you.

People get annoyed when you don’t sell and then all of the sudden you throw sales pitches at them. You goal is to find and keep readers who fit your target customer. By showing them, from the get-go, what they can expect from you, you’re letting them know upfront exactly what you’re all about.

You can easily incorporate the information you want your readers to learn, establish your expertise, etc. into a sales pitch. As a matter of fact, those types of pitches are what people react to and will get you the most response with your list.

Tips for Creating Informative Pitches

Be Honest

By being honest about products, your readers will see that you’re not just picking anything you can find to promote to them. Honesty helps to build credibility. If something about a product isn’t up to par, let your readers know about it.

Produce QUALITY content

Use content that engages your readers. Give them facts and statistics, etc. that are easily verifiable.

Make Them Curious

Give your reader’s a reason to want to know more.

Never Forget Calls to Action

Contrary to popular belief, people, especially on the Internet, like to be told what to do next. Don’t leave your reader’s guessing what their next step should be.

Click here for 21 Strategies to Get More Results from Your Email Marketing.