December 20, 2012

5 Rules to Prevent Spammy Emails

Dec. 20, 2012 at 02:18 PM | By Donna Brewer | Comment Count

From the beginning of any marketing and communications campaign, it is important to follow these five rules to avoid your hard work from being flagged as spam.

Clean data – Above all else, ensure your data is clean and up-to date with fully opted-in recipients. Working with dirty data is like fighting a losing battle. Clean your lists by removing all opted-out members and avoid bombarding pesky spam walls.
The Importance of Using an Actual Physical Location –Reassure segments that you’re not a spammer by including a physical address somewhere within the email.
Be Clear on How to Opt-Out – Typically at the bottom, present a clear option to ‘unsubscribe’ from the mailing list. Making it difficult to unsubscribe is extremely poor practice and is a sure fire way of getting your emails flagged as spam. Not everyone wants to hear what you have to say – respect that.
Don't Lie in the Subject Line – Make sure that your subject line reflects the content inside the email. Luring your readers in under false pretences will not win you any friends. Not to mention, it is also illegal.
Consistency - Try to consistently send email messages that are highly relevant, engaging, and add value to the prospective student. (Try these 5 tips for making a lasting digital impression) But . . . be careful not to send too many, 65% of students report “receiving too many emails” as the main reason for unsubscribing from a mailing list.

***Bonus: If you are managing communications in-house, consider registering a feedback loop with your ISP. A feedback loop collects complaints, allows removal of list members who wish to unsubscribe, and analyses the complaint rate of each email campaign sent.