Just saw this post... something I did when I launched my first product was drive traffic and optins from forums. Because you mentioned you were trying to get your head around all of this I would strongly suggest you begin with a WSO. (Warrior Special Offer) www.WarriorForum.com/forum

Use this to build your list. I still do to this day.

Why?

#1: It's $20 and if you screw something up you haven't lost that much cash

#2: You can get a solid feel for what people want and test your marketing/sales copy
before you bring it to partners.

To be perfectly honest this is the #1 best way to get proof your product works, social proof people are using it while at the same time build a relationship with your new list.

What will also happen (maybe) is you'll get some killer attention from the big kids and they'll contact you.

Start here. It's cheap and I can't think of a more targeted audience. (Make money niche)