To start earning a passive income online it is not always necessary to sell your own product. For example you could start publishing your own electronic newsletter, otherwise known as an ezine.

The way that it works is that you would send your own ezine publications to your subscribers on a predetermined or periodic basis. The great thing about this is you could automate the whole process by utilizing an auto-responder or manually broadcasting to your subscriber list at intervals determined entirely by you. You could also integrate the two by sending out broadcast messages in between your prescheduled auto-responder messages.

As the publisher of your own ezine, you are able to gain the benefits of a conventional newsletter by building a relationship with your subscribers, and also creating value in the products and services that you offer through your website or blog. Another added bonus is that you are saving several trees in the process by using an electronic medium. This also creates a perfect communications medium for your audience to relate to you, and you to relate to them on a more personal level, while providing them with an important value added service.

Other benefits include saving lots of time, money and effort. There is no need to invest in expensive publishing equipment, office space, or office worker staffing. You are saving a tremendous amount of resources while not compromising the importance or value of your content and your message.

One of the key components of creating your ezine will be choosing the right auto-responder. You will want to make sure that the broadcast feature is included with the service, and that there are options for subscribers to confirm their subscription, as well as have the option for opting out of your list. Once you have built your list of dedicated subscribers, then you can convert them to prospects and customers.

Whether you create your own products to sell, or you decide to promote other people's products through an affiliate program, then creating and publishing your own electronic newsletter will be a key cornerstone to your internet marketing efforts. Publishing an ezine establishes a relationship, builds trust, creates value, and develops loyalty with your subscriber list. Over time you will become the expert in your area of interest or niche, and your subscribers will grow to depend on you to deliver them information products of important value and quality content.