All you need to start building a relationship online is an email address.

Email sign-up forms that require any additional information will convert fewer submissions.

A best practice in this regard is to accept the email address, and then route the user to a page inviting them to share more about themselves and the details of their interest in your work.

Alternately, consider sending them an email a week or so after signing up, providing them with a way to log in and update their profile.

In short, plan to obtain additional information incrementally instead of all at once.