Marketing by email is one of the best ways to affordably and effectively solicit new prospects and build a solid relationship with existing clients. However, creating a database of email addresses cannot happen overnight. It takes time and persistence. Here are twenty great ways to collect email addresses. But however you gather them, be sure you have their permission to send them emails.

• Ask for an email address on every order form, offer card, information request, and sign up form.
• Record the email address from every business card a client or prospect gives you directly to a central database.
• When setting appointments, ask for an email address for sending a follow up confirmation.
• Create a giveaway offer or contest on your website for those who supply an email address.
• Offer to email your PowerPoint presentation or speech notes to anyone who would like a copy.
• Ask callers to leave their email address on your voicemail for faster response.
• Place a simple sign up sheet next to your cash registers at point of sale establishments.
• After telephone technical support or customer service inquiries, ask for an email address to send them a summary of your conversation and conclusions.
• Match your postal customer list with a database of known email addresses. Although somewhat controversial, this can often provide addresses for 7% to 10% of your list.
• When shipping a product, request an email address so that you can send a tracking number and confirmation when it's delivered.
• Write a whitepaper or provide some other valuable content on your website and require an email address to access it.
• Provide a simple form for website visitors to recommend your site to a friend via email. Be sure to email each address provided for permission to send additional emails.
• Request it on mail-in rebate forms in exchange for an occasional "rebate status" email.
• If providing a regular service, offer to send an email notification reminder.
• Regularly publish an electronic newsletter with valuable content or special offers and provide a simple sign-up form on your website.
• At restaurants or other point of service establishments, request that customers fill out a card with their email address to receive a special offer on their birthday.
• Give away t-shirts, toys, and other coveted gimmicks at a trade show in exchange for contact information.
• Provide an online form for accepting credit card payments and request an email address for a receipt.
• Ask for it on change of address forms in your invoices.
• On all complaint or survey cards, request an email address for a follow up.