Did you know that... § "69 percent of U.S. e-mail users have made purchases online after receiving permission-based e-mail marketing, 59 percent mailing list have purchased in retail stores, 39 percent have purchased through catalogs, 34 percent through call centers and 20 percent through postal mail." § And, "78 percent of those surveyed say they want to receive e-mail from their favorite online merchants."
Source: Doubleclick.com If you're not actively collecting opt-in e-mail addresses -- and using them for marketing purposes -- you are mailing list missing out on important relationship building, credibility enhancing, and advertisement improving possibilities that could translate into more sales! This is your chance to turn one-time visitors into your best customers.
If you're not providing a way for customers and visitors to express interest in hearing from you in the future, you've just lost a potential sale. Remember, your opt-ins are loyal visitors to your site. They have willingly asked you to send them mailing list newsletters, ezines, eCourses, promotions, special offers, and other free information. They want what you have to offer them!