To be a success in internet marketing you need to build a list. The bigger the list, the greater your chances at success. The more targeted your list, the more likely you will be able to identify products that will appeal to them.  The more products that appeal to them, the more they will buy and the more dollars you will make.

It's a simple formula with just one big fat problem - how to you build a targeted list?   There are a lot of ways really, but one of the fastest is to take advantage of the feeding frenzy that major list building give-aways create.

Give-aways are organized by one or more internet marketers who set up a site and administer and promote the event. Sometimes they invite just their friends and partners, but most are open to all comers. As a newer internet marketer or even an established one, you want in. Rules and procedures and costs vary from event to event.  You need to pay attention to details, but most events are inexpensive or even free to join and great fun.

The idea behind the event is for contributors to list worthwhile quality products that are presented in a catalog type setting. Those who join first, or refer the most people, or pay an upgrade fee have the opportunity to get their free product listed closer to the top of the list where more people are likely to see it. But even if you are last in line, you will still get takers if your product offering is worth while.

All the contributors are then encouraged to promote the give-away to their lists. This is a big advantage for those with small lists, because they benefit from the larger lists of the more established players. Thus while the Big Guys may get preferential placement, they are likely bringing a lot more people to the party. 

On balance the process works out to everyone's advantage.  Visitors get access to a lot of great material for free. Some will try to download everything they see. This is usually a mistake, others will be selective about what they download. When they download your freebie, you get their email address and permission to follow-up with them by email.

They are now on your list. If you offer a targeted product that directly ties to your main product line, you now have a targeted list member. Those not interested in your niche are less likely to download your product. This is good not bad. It means your list is more targeted than it might be if everyone downloaded your freebie offering.