Finding targeted customers for your products and services is single-handedly the best way to get you the highest conversion rates for current or future sales. However, if you haven’t captured your interested prospects using email list building then you are missing out on a potential massive profit funnel.

Designing and placing an email capture form on your website is an easy step. In fact, there are many templates and services available to do just that. Nevertheless, many people miss some of the more creative ways to drive opt-ins beyond simple form placement. Here are five helpful tips that can really boost your list beyond the basics.

Tip 1: Dominate with Your Opt-in Form: In order to get prospects to even think about giving you their email you must create a form that is predominately placed and powerful. Think of it this way; if you have a form in the middle of a web page that with the caption ‘Newsletter’ or ‘Sign-up for Our Specials’ then you’d better have some fantastic and relevant content on your site or most of your customers will not even pay attention to it.

You must place the opt-in form in a highly visible part of your site either fixed in the page or dynamically with a script. It has to grab the prospect’s eyes so they will, at a minimum, scan it.

But, that’s not enough. You must also write the header much like any sales copywriter would – with power verbs and enticing text. Headlining the form with ‘Our Newsletter’ is not going to drive anyone to opt-in. Better yet, if you use copy such as ‘Enter your email for 10 free MIND-BLOWING profit tips!’, or, ‘Learn Amazing Shortcuts to Kick-ass Articles!’, I think you would see some significant list growth.

Tip 2: Give Something Back: Just tempting someone to opt-in with good copy may not be enough to tip them over the edge. Most people are also looking for something back that will help them. The easiest way to do this is to provide a simple free report.

Free reports are helpful in two ways; first, they help your prospects with whatever information you’re willing to share (be generous), and second, they help you build trust with customers. Hey, if you give something of value they’ll be more likely to opt-in.

Tip 3: Run a Contest: Face it, most people are greedy and would love to win something for nothing. Use that to your email list building advantage! Offer up a prize such as a gift card or electronic device with email sign-up. Then, as part of the contest have a special opt-in form just for your site (remember, be careful about not requiring a prospect to be on your list in order to win – just give them the option).

Giving away prizes may require some more effort to cover rules, disclaimers and regulations. Any time you’re running a prize winning be sure to check your legal requirements.

Tip 4: Use Interviews: One way to get capitalize on both your own site’s content and boost your list is to get an interview with an expert in your field. Interviews typically are more readable for web users and have a natural way of peaking someone’s interest with the question and answer dialog.

If you create a special page for each interview you can deliver part of the interview for free on the website with an opt-in form to continue to the rest. This is similar to the value a report provides but gets your prospects engaged which is worth every penny.

Tip 5: Capitalize on Social Tag-lines: Web 2.0 social websites are the rage these days. Many times internet marketers use the social web to promote their sites directly within profile sections. However, just a simple link will not entice your social circle to visit your site.

Much like tip number one you must dominate your social profiles much the same way as your opt-in forms. Curiosity is the key here – creating copy that literally pulls someone to click on your profile link is a great technique. Be sure not to create a sales pitch or the social site might ban you. Be clever and subtle; watch and study your own reactions when you click on other’s profiles. Why did you want to see their site?

By following the above tips, email list building should be fun as well as challenging. With highly targeted customers you should be seeing more profits for the future.