subject: How To Build a Solid Permission Based Mailing List [print this page] How To Build a Solid Permission Based Mailing List
If you have obtained an email list from a source other than your own efforts, you need to use some caution even if you are told it is permission based. It could be based on faulty information or be outdated. You don't want to risk the integrity of your current list or of your email campaign by using a questionable list. Here are the tools you will need to use to convert the questionable list to a sure-fire one:
- A simply formatted text email - no fancy graphics or images
- A link that recipients can click to re-confirm the subscription
- A clear and easy to use unsubscribe link
- A link to your website that allows the recipient to get to know your company, service or product
- An email address that is similar to your newsletter send address, but NOT the same one
Step 1: Create the re-confirmation email
Some people have a hard time with this step. Here is a good example:
Step 2: Set up the email address from which to send reconfirmation emails
Although it should not be an exact match to your newsletter address, it should be similar enough for recipients to recognize.
Here is an example:
The send address for your newsletter: Mike@gardeningupdate.com
The reconfirmation-send address: Mikesgardeningupdate@gmail.com
It is recommended that you use a free email provider to send the reconfirmations. Yahoo!, AOL or Gmail are all good providers for this task. Only send a limited number of these emails per day in order to avoid spam filtering. You may want to set up multiple accounts for reconfirmation purposes if you have a very large list to work through.
Step 3: Send a newsletter or email right away
When recipients reconfirm, get them a newsletter right away. You may need to segment your list once per week to make sure your new subscribers hear from you soon after they opt-in. As long as you keep up with the new subscribers, they will soon fall into your regularly schedules emails.
Even if you make all the right moves, you may experience some disappointment in trying to secure new subscribers from the questionable list. Bear in mind:
Many of the addresses may be invalid because about 30% of all email addresses change annually. Many people just can't take another scheduled email they have to open.
The first reconfirmation email may have been overlooked. Wait a month and send a second, maybe even a third. There will still be some people who refuse to opt-in. Maintain your website signup form. This will always yield solid new addresses.
