The most important thing you need to do when you own a web site, no matter what it's about, is to capture your customers e-mail addresses. To do this, you want to offer them something of value. Whether it's ongoing advice about what they came to your website for in the first place, a newsletter, free e-books or free software etc. Whatever you think would be a good enticement for folks to sign up for your membership.

If you've searched around the internet, and I know you have, you've seen almost everyone asking for your e-mail address. They offer free advices, or free this or free that because people like free stuff and if they think they're getting something of value and can learn something in the process, most will opt into your mailing list.

Once you have a way to get their email addresses, you need to have some automated emails or newsletters or something you can send them to keep them interested and keep them coming back to your website or at least continue to read your emails.

With the huge problem of SPAM these days, you would be much better off letting professional service like Aweber or GetResponse handle your mailings. This way, if there were complaints against you, and there will be complaints, you're protected from this third party company. I used a few services and finally settled on Aweber because their service works perfectly and it's very easy to use.  

Auto-responders are just automated emails that get sent out at certain times. You create the email messages you want people to receive and you decide when they should receive them. You want to build up trust with your members so they feel comfortable with the information you share with them. You need to be very knowledgeable in the areas you write about and must be ready to answer questions people have. You should always have a Contact Us page setup on your web site so people can contact you whenever they have questions or concerns.

Once you've been doing your thing for a while, you will become more than an expert. You will be able to comfortably answer peoples question and give them direction when they need it. They will begin to trust you and it will become easier to recommend products and service you know will help your members and help earn you income in the process. You do not want to rip people off or treat them badly. These folks have plenty of options open to them so you should feel good they chose to be with you, your website and business. Treat people with respect, because that's the way you would like to be treated.

Next on to Constantly monitor your sites progress, change content and test, test and test some more