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Email Newsletters

Written by: Tom Gosche

Article Overview: Choose Wisely and get help!

Email Newsletters

I recently changed from Constant Contact to Email Contact. Constant Contact is good and easy to use. The problem I had was being unsure of some of the spamming laws and guidelines in the beginning. When I uploaded my database, it was flagged (like it should be) since there were over 10,000 contacts from the last 10 years of networking.
I had to make a telephone call to Constant Contact to answer some questions about my list. Since I did not specifically ask each person if they wanted to hear from me, I could not add them to my list. I had no problem with that rule. I understand the problem with spamming. It is actually good have that in place.
The problem occurred when my complete uploaded database was designated “Do Not Mail”. That meant, if I wanted to add someone who wanted my newsletter, they would not be added to my list. They would have to sign up, then they get an email asking them to confirm, then asked to confirm again. When people got the first email the first sentence said, “You are already on the mailing list, please click here to confirm.” Most people did not take that next step since the thought they were on the list already!
I also did not realize that those people were not added. It was not until recently, as more people have been talking about the newsletter while networking, the people I know told me that were not getting it!
I tell this story, not as resentment to Constant Contact. I liked my experience and do recommend it. I actually agree with the spamming laws and guidelines. I tell the story so you can learn from my mistakes.
Getting help with a new idea is very important. Seek advice from an expert! I help my clients come up with their Marketing and Branding Strategy ideas, but I am not (obviously) an expert at everything, no one is. I have the resources to help with specifics. I “shoulda” used one to help me with my newsletter list.

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Article Tags: 10 years, branding strategy, constant contact, email, mail, marketing, networking, resentment, spamming laws, specifics, strategy ideas, telephone call



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