Don’t Get Shut Down Due to “Spam”
Don’t think you can download or even ask for someone else’s email address list unless you know for certain those recipients – each and every one of them – has opted into receive your content.
We’ve previously offered our thoughts on the importance of a well-built email list of customers.
While some consider email “old-school” in the face of loads of social media platforms and texting, beautifully built content contained on your website, email still connects you to your audience in ways social media platforms might not.
You need email addresses. You need new email addresses. You need an email distribution list that is constantly growing and evolving.
Why?
Because engaging your clients and colleagues in a narrative about your business, while also providing useful information, is powerful in establishing you as an industry leader and establishing your brand.
But don’t think you can download or even ask for someone else’s email address list unless you know for certain those recipients – each and every one of them – has opted into receive your content.
To do otherwise, to poach or duplicate or take anyone else’s email address list without first getting a recipient’s okay to receive – or better, without getting the recipient’s email address directly from them – is “spamming,” and the implications are not pretty.
Spamming your audience could result in getting permanently banned from your recipient’s inbox such as if she hits the “do not contact” button or flags you as spam on her email client. Spamming your audience can even result in getting yourself permanently banned from your email management service.
When you think about it, sending unsolicited emails is not even helpful toward getting your message to the masses because these recipients have expressed zero interest in your offer – they may not even know who you are.
You’re better off taking the slow and steady approach to building your email database. Here are just a few ideas for building your email database:
- Create an email subscription form for your blog
- Promote contests that require an email address for entry
- Offer downloads that are accessible only by volunteering an email address
- Share a subscribe link to your social media pages
Always tell your would-be subscribers what they should expect. Do you email once per month or once a week? What type of information is included in your distributions?
By building your email list the right way, you’ll ensure you have quality contacts who are more likely to engage with your message.
