Internet marketers debate about the nature of email lists. Specifically, they argue with one another about whether building these lists is important in today's global marketplace. A few years back the email list was king. What is the status now?

Well, a great email list isn't the surefire way to have your business boom and rain down profits that it used to be. Those days are history. Consider the question more specifically. With technological advancements, and with people's mindsets also going through changes, does building an email list matter like it once did?

Although some would debate this, I would say the short answer is definitely yes. Your majority of Internet marketers agree that you still need to be putting in time and effort toward list building, it's the fundamental task in your marketing campaign. Without a solid list, you just won't be as effective. Here is why.

The advantages that you realize with a strong list have not changed. For instance, the most important factor is still in play - email lists are still the best way to build a great relationship with your customers.

Did you know that people's attention spans are shorter than they used to be? This has been confirmed by research, proven. People forget quicker than they used to. Use your email list to counter this, and remind them that you are still out there.

Most people these days also want their information in a streamlined feed. Think of RSS feed readers and how popular they have become in recent years. When you use email to reach customers and do your marketing, you are able to tap into this desire and put your information in a medium that allows the customer to multitask and feel efficient. They're going to check their email anyhow, so your information is not in the way.

Any effort you put into building a list will be an investment in future profit. You are building a list for all of the right reasons, which have not changed. The new challenges posed by today's marketplace and by changing technology notwithstanding, you still have to build and maintain a good strong email marketing list if you want your business to thrive.