Have you ever considered using a sign up form to capture valuable contact information that you can use to reach out to customers or prospects? Maybe you've got so much money rolling in, you don't need to think about different tactics you can use to drive sales. If that's the case, stop reading this. If not, it's high time you put some sign up forms in place.

In this day and age, a beefy email list isn't a nice to have, it's a must have. By using sign up forms, people are choosing to turn over their information to you, which means your growing list is going to be highly qualified. Think about it this way - if you don't have a growing list to market to, how are you going to effectively get the word out about your latest and greatest offering, sale or promotion? Spreading the word means creating opportunities for folks to spend money on those tempting items or services.

You need to create opportunities for customers and prospects to come to you, and don't let up. Truth be told, you can expect up to one-third of your list to dry up, or become non-deliverable yearly.

The following tips should help you grow and maintain your list, ensuring you every chance to sell things - you know, make money.

1. Place a sign up form on your website

This is perhaps the most immediate way to start growing your list. Always make sure you place your sign up links in prominent locations on your website such as left or top navigation areas. The link doesn't need to flash, or say, "hi - click on me", but you need to make it clearly visible and attention grabbing.

2. Online transactions

If you sell online, during the checkout process add a checkbox for people to sign up for information on upcoming sales or offers, or to sign up for your newsletter. Also try including a link to your website sign up form in your email receipt to the customer.

3. Collect contact information in person

Ask your customers for their email address when they come in to make a purchase, or have a sign-up sheet handy at your counter. Don't stall adding them to your email list either. A timely thank you or welcome message is a great way to keep your business fresh in their minds.

4. Touch points

Give folks any and all opportunities to reach out and touch you. At the cash register and online shopping cart point-of-sale, online product registration, packaging inserts, thank you cards and order confirmations. Give them as many places as possible to provide their email address, or sign up for alerts and newsletters.

5. Promote it

Do what you can to increase site traffic to motivate new sign-ups. Generate some interest with coupons, free gifts, any sort of download, you get the idea. Think about what would make you sign up and go from there.

6. Don't get greedy

Ok, so you'd love to have all sorts of data on a customer or prospect because it makes it easier to sell to them right? Wrong. When thinking about a sign up form, less is always more. Don't make it difficult for them to sign up by asking for too much information, adding too many fields in your form, or making the experience time-consuming, confusing or painful.

Remember, people that choose to be contacted by you will always be your most responsive email subscribers. By following our sign up form advice, you're sure to be on the right path to driving awareness of your company, and ensuring your sales continue to grow.