Any Internet marketing expert will tell you the same thing. The advantages you gain with a solid knowledge of email marketing skills are critical to success.

If there is one consistent theme running through EVERY single marketing course and 'how-to' I've ever seen and used, it is this:

The MONEY Is In The List! YOUR Email List!

While most of us can understand why this is important, there are many underlying skills and considerable learning that contributes to developing this list.

In other words, it IS worth studying and leanring.

Here is what I consider to be the "10 Critical Steps to Email Success."

Number 1 - The SUBJECT line of your outgoing email is the Internet equivalent of the direct mail envelope. It MUST do the work of getting the email opened, or your message will not get through.

Number 2 - Use a friendly tone. People now receive so much email, most of it trying to sell them something, that most is 'trashed' before it ever has a chance. Write your SUBJECT line like you're talking to a friend.

Number 3 - The 'curiosity' factor in your SUBJECT line, and in the opening to your message, increases your click-through AND your sales. Target your message carefully, (remember who they are and what they want) and elicit the highest level of curiosity.

Number 4 - Use email as a 'lead-in' to a next step. (Send them to your web site, or to an 800 number) Don't attempt to make the sale with it. People like small steps. Get their curiosity, promise an answer by going to the next step. When they do this, your email has done its job!

Number 5 - Personalize. People like to hear and see their name. They are instantly more receptive to your message and what you want them to do. Learn how to have their first name appear in the SUBJECT line, along with the curiosity factor.

Number 6 - Write your message like you are talking to one person, not a crowd. Keep it simple. Keep one goal in mind (having them take a next step). Check your spelling carefully. Misspelled words kill your credibility... and your chances to get them on your list.

Number 7 - Quantify. In your message, note how many people have used your product successfully, or how many ways the reader can use your product, etc. Give them a number that spells out why your product/service is proven. It makes your message more specific, more impressive, and more believable.

Number 8 - Let them know they CAN do it too. Give the reader the impression that they will be successful with your product/service. Convey the idea that using and being successful with your product is easy to do.

Number 9 - Give your web site visitors a reason to become part of your email list. Make it prominent. Give them something worth putting in their email address for. It is a critical part of how you can grow your business. It keeps you completely 'opt-in' and away from any complaints.

Number 10 - Know which days of the week are proven BEST to send out your email. There IS a difference. It has been tested and studied. Combined with the first 9 'critical' steps, your chances of having success with your email are MUCH better. Want to know which day is BEST? Send me an email… I’ll tell you!

Tim Genster is a 20-year Marketing Communications Pro, and the owner of Local2Global Marketing Communications in CT, USA. He is a Certified 'Guerrilla Marketing' Coach and Certified Master Web Copywriter. Get his FREE, 34-Point Evaluation of your current website’s 'selling power' at: http://www.local2global.biz or email Tim at: [email protected].