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Guest post by: Caroline Melberg Become an Author

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There are many things computer users fear.

Viruses, unexpected shutdowns, loss of saved files – this list goes on.

There is one thing that all computer users hate: spam. Formerly known as cheap meat inside of a can (from my home state, I'm not-so-proud to admit), spam is now a larger-than-life term that can clog e-mail inboxes and slow down reading and sending of messages.

You probably receive spam messages every day dedicated to everything from helping you earn one million dollars to quick medicinal fixes for problems you do not have.

While spam e-mails are an unavoidable aspect of using the Internet, you must ensure that your small business does not end up listed as a spammer. Listing as a source of spam and unwanted e-mail can doom your messages from reaching their intended sources. With the ultimate power that an accurate and good e-mail subscription list possesses, your business needs to maintain an on-line impression as a sender of worthwhile and trusted information.

Every small business owner must pay attention to prevention of accusations of spam. Even though your business may never mean to send an unsolicited e-mail, you still run the risk of identification as a spammer. E-mail programs and Internet software have evolved into more advanced forms, and one of their primary goals is to eliminate spam from cyberspace. However, these programs use a variety of filters that are not entirely accurate. They may mark messages from friends and trusted sources as immediate junk, or even worse, they may never even deliver the notes.

As a small business owner, you recognize the importance of reaching your customers with special offers and new information via e-mail. Because of this, you should make sure that your e-mail list remains updated.

• Include an “unsubscribe” option in each newsletter or e-mail you send to your recipients in case readers no longer want to be a part of your list.
o While a long list of readers is a good tool, there is nothing worse than an angry customer who is tired of receiving updates.
o As soon as anyone gives you the news that he or she wants to be removed from the list, make sure this is done.
• Never add an e-mail address without a request from the recipient.
• Leave a sign-up form on your website and use addresses that are personally offered.
• Keep a list of who enrolls in case you are ever confronted with spam listings from individual subscribers. This serves as a good defense of your innocence.

Another note you should pay attention to when crafting consumer e-mails is subject lines. There are a number of programs that screen e-mails, and the most important part of the message is the subject. Ask your Internet service provider for a comprehensive list of terms or symbols that are sorted out as cases of spam to avoid using them in any of your customer messages. The service that I use to send my e-Zine, Constant Contact, has a spam checker built right in. I highly recommend using a service of this type and putting their spam checker to work before you send your e-mail campaign.

Accusations of spam can have serious consequences for your small business, and it is crucial to keep your web address free from suspicion of bad activity. Remain aware of what leads to spam listings, and keep your small business free from the hassle of removing itself from a list of Internet evils.

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