Even if you attract people to your newsletter sign-up page, it's another thing altogether to get them to sign up! You might be surprised (and disappointed) at how difficult it is to convince people to join your mailing list, especially now, when Internet users guard their e-mail address so carefully.
So let's look at what you need to do to convince potential subscribers to become real subscribers.
The first rule is that you must get permission before putting people on your list! If it's not required by law, it's probably required by your Web host or Internet service provider.
You'll almost always discover they say you must have explicit permission before sending e-mail to anybody.
If you break that rule, they will close down your Internet account and your Web site might be "blacklisted" (blocked by other Internet service providers).
So, assuming you don't break this rule, how do you convince people to sign up? Here are some ideas:

• Give them a sample: On the sign-up page on your Web site, show them one or more sample newsletters so they know what to expect.
  The samples don't have to be the most recent issues; rather, they should be your best issues.
  
• Give them an incentive: Give your new subscribers something of value in return for signing up - such as an e-book, a special report, a free audio clip, or a webinar recording.
  It doesn't have to be big, although the more value the better.
  Even something as simple as a tip sheet is better than nothing.
  
• Show testimonials: If you consistently deliver value, you'll get a range of glowing comments from happy readers (ask for them, if they haven't provided any).
  Ask for permission to use them on your sign-up page to convince new subscribers to join the list.
  
• Be clear about privacy: Reassure them you respect their privacy, will protect their e-mail address, and they can unsubscribe at any time.
  You can link to your privacy policy, but also make a clear statement like this on the sign-up page itself:
• "We respect your e-mail privacy and will never disclose your e-mail address to anybody else without your permission.
  "
• Talk it up! Put as much effort into your newsletter sign-up page as you do for any other product or service.
  Your newsletter will become an on-going cash flow pipeline, so treat it with the same importance as your other products.
  

Put some thought and effort into making this work.
Don't just create a Web page with a form and expect hundreds of people to sign up.
A few will, but the more effort you put into convincing them to sign up, the more subscribers you will get.
And it really is worthwhile because your newsletter is going to make a lot of money for you in the long term.