Brick Marketing hit on this subject already, but I want to take a minute to weigh in on the value of organic lists, not only from a marketing point of view, but also from a cost standpoint. Why bring up cost? It’s free to grow lists organically! It also removes the risk in getting scammed from purchasing, or renting a list.
I can’t explain how often I receive the same phone call time again. It starts off with someone on the other end of the phone looking to send a mailing with a list they purchased from Joe Smith in Idaho. He or she says to me that they purchased this list, tried to email to it, and it was junk. Obtaining a bad list that you paid for is a quick way to lose your marketing capital. Buyers beware!
Trust is something that is earned, not something you purchase. By building an organic, opt-in list, you are building trust, not buying data. Growing your email list organically and creating a true opt-in list is essential in making your dollars work for you. See what Brick Marketing wrote about Opt-In techniques back on June 25th.
Justin Lavino is an Account Executive for Net Atlantic. Net Atlantic provides email newsletter hosting, discussion group hosting, and web hosting.

