How Not To Spam: Email Marketing Guidelines

The following can help you avoid the spam file or even worse – being blacklisted.

Have you ever wondered if that email campaign you're going to send will be considered spam? Have you ever worried that your email campaign is going to end up in the wrong box – the junk box? Keep reading and you'll have a better understanding of how to avoid spam pitfalls:

	Think about your recipients' feelings It's quite tempting to send email after email pushing your goods and services. But remember that most people don't have the time nor the patience to sit through a dozen emails touting the same goods. Think about how your customers feel when you send out your email marketing campaigns.
	Be professional Hold yourself to the very highest email marketing standards. Don't rush out an email that has mistakes or too many graphics. Take the time and make each email the very best.
	Investigate spam complaints as soon as you get them Letting a spam complaint go before finally addressing it could keep you on a blacklist. Don't let this happen. Investigate all spam complaints immediately after you get them so you can start a conversation with the Internet or email service providers involved.
	Immediately honor your unsubscribe requests Don't wait on this. The CAN-SPAM act says you have up to 10 days to comply. Do it sooner or you risk getting a spam complaint from an annoyed customer.
	Always use opt-in Always get permission from your customers before you email them. The best way to do this is to set up a list builder that automatically feeds sign ups into your email marketing list.
	Clean your lists frequently New data shows that up to 30% of emails change every single year. Make sure you clean your email lists often of old and erroneous email addresses.
	Don't buy or rent lists A bought or rent list contains recipients that haven't given you permission to email them. Plus, many rented and bought lists have email addresses that are meant to catch spammers. It only takes one email sent to one of these “honeypot” addresses to get you blacklisted. Don't do it, no matter how tempting it is.
	Be honest in your subject lines Don't use false info to get people to open your emails. Not only will draw your email recipients' ire, but you could get yourself blacklisted.
	Think about frequency There is such a thing as emailing too much – as well as too little. We recommend sending no more than two emails a week and no less than one email a month.