Viable e-mail addresses are a valuable commodity; each name represents a potential sale to the e-business owners that implement e-marketing campaigns. With inboxes becoming more crowded and Internet users becoming more possessive of their personal information, it is becoming increasingly difficult to collect names in a permission-based manner.

Here are some creative methods for getting your visitors to opt-in to your list:

1. A sign-up box on every page of the site can inspire subscriptions.
2. A pop-up window — Visitors might be more likely to subscribe through a window that pops up when they exit, rather than when they enter, since they've already spent some time at the site and determined whether they would be potential customers.
3. Contests/sweepstakes — Entrants are apt to give a primary e-mail address so that they can receive notification of winning.
4. Giveaways/free offers/loyalty programs — The possibility of getting something for nothing can entice visitors to part with their information.
5. "Insider" unadvertised specials — Invite your visitors to join this exclusive list.
6. Required with sale — Request an e-mail addresses along with all the other billing information. Make sure to include a box that lets the customer check "yes" to receiving additional mail from your site.
7. Customer service inquiries — Contacts with your staff, either through e-mail or Web-based forms, should include e-mail subscribe information.
8. Recommend-a-friend — Offer some incentive for your subscribers to suggest the e-mail addresses of anyone they think will enjoy your messages. Rather than automatically subscribe those that were recommended, send them an invitation that uses the friend's email address.

Don't attempt to trick visitors into giving up their information and don't make it difficult for them to unsubscribe. Your professional reputation is not worth adding a few extra names to your list.