In my last two posts (7 rules to follow to comply with the CAN-SPAM act and What is the Legal Definition of Spam?) I outlined the legal definition of spam as determined by the FTC when it put together the CAN-SPAM act of 2003. I think we can all agree that this law has done nothing to decrease the amount of spam we all receive. Everyone hates spam Face it, we all hate getting spam. But, if you are trying to use an e-newsletter as a marketing tool you need to understand what is going on to try and diminish spam. Everyone hates spam, so nearly everyone is happy when a tool or service is applied that reduces the number of spam emails that reach our inbox. Our email providers know this. Whether you get your email through work, through your home ISP, or a third party email service such as gmail, or hotmail. We all hate being bothered sorting and… Continue Reading »
Read More...What is the Legal Definition of Spam?
In my last post I outlined the 7 rules to follow to be compliant with the CAN-SPAM act. This law was passed in 2003 as a way to help reduce spam. You may be as surprised, like I was, to learn that the FTC’s definition of spam is very small. According to the law: Is it OK to buy and sell email addresses? Yes. Is it OK to scrape email addresses from web sites and then send out mass mailings? Yes. Do people need to opt-in to receiving your emails? No. As long as you give people a chance to opt-out, as well as include basic contact information you have followed the law. Really? That’s the definition of spam? The reality is that whenever you send out emails to people that they don’t want to receive, you’re going to be viewed as a “spammer”. Few things degrade your brand image as quickly as annoying people with spam. You may want… Continue Reading »
Read More...How to Comply with CAN-SPAM Anti-Spam Law: 7 Rules
If you’re wondering about what is considered “spam” according to the FTC, they’ve put together this video that outlines the 7 rules to follow to make sure that you are compliant with the CAN-SPAM law of 2003. 7 rules to follow to comply with the CAN-SPAM act Your “From,” “To,” “Reply-To,” and routing information must be accurate. Don’t use deceptive subject lines. Identify the message as an ad. Your message must include your valid physical postal address. Tell recipients how to opt out. Honor opt-out requests promptly. You can’t contract away your legal responsibility to comply with the law. To view these rules in detail, or to download the brochure, check out: The CAN-SPAM Act: A Compliance Guide for Business
Read More...Effective Email Marketing for Small Businesses
Recently, I presented a Lunch & Learn workshop on Effective Email Marketing for Small Busineses at the Maine Center for Entrepreneurial Development. Here is a copy of the presentation. Effective Email Marketing for Small Businesses View more presentations from Visible Logic, Inc.
Read More...Protect Your Brand with a Strong Open Rate
NOTE WELL: Deleted emails also create negative thoughts and images in the mind of the recipient. They brand you and they create reputation. If you’re getting a 9% response, it means 91% of the people you sent the email to are somewhere between annoyed and pissed off. —Jeffrey H. Gitomer If you’re not familiar with Jeff Gitomer’s work, and you’re trying to increase your sales, I recommend you check out his web site. And also his e-newsletter. No, I can’t say that is was designed by Mail On The Mark. But that’s not the point. He understands the connection between email marketing and branding. I spend a lot of time preaching the importance of a cohesive brand identity and how that translates to e-newsletters. But he points out, with this quote, the flip side. When you send people junk that does not interest them, you’re hurting your brand. You may want to read about the three types of spam to… Continue Reading »
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