Here We Go Again!

I have touched on this subject in the past and we must revisit from time to time. This is in regards to importing address books into subscriptions.

For some strange reason people believe it is OK to add their email address books to their business emails without permission. No matter how you justify it this is spam. It was not requested and therefore is a big no no.

The argument comes up well they can just unsubscribe if they do not wish to receive it. Yes they can and most do but they should not have to is the point.

This practice does more than just become a temporary inconvenience. It can damage your reputation. Most times instead of gaining a customer, you lose one plus whomever they tell about your spamming practices.

Next time you consider importing your email address book to business newsletters, social networks, or anything else you were not given permission to do, think about the damage that can and will be created in regards to your business.

Is it really worth it in the end?


Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Spam

This is a constant issue that I feel I must address from time to time - Spam.

Spam is ANY unsolicited email, instant messages advertising, blog comments advertising unwelcome products or services, unwelcome advertisements on forums and message boards, mobile phone text ads, invitations to social networks regardless if business related, to join traffic exchanges, and anything else you or your business will benefit from. If someone did not ask for it no matter the intention it is unsolicited and that is spam.

I see many WAHMs justify their spam by stating they were just passing on something they thought they would benefit from. If it was not asked for, it is spam. A common way many WAHMs begin to spam is using their address book. If they come in contact with anyone for any reason through email they automatically add them to their address book without permission. Because they felt they were entitled due to previous contact regardless of the circumstances surrounding that contact they send our advertisements for their business.

Spam is spam no matter how you try to candy coat it and change the intention. If you did not ask if you can add a contact to periodic emails or they did not sign up for your newsletter, do not send them spam. It's that simple.

If you do receive permission to send email advertisements or newsletters (it is not spam if you have permission) you must offer the option to opt out later. A simple disclaimer at the bottom telling receivers how to remove themselves from your mailing list is all you need.

Make it easy and simply state:

If you no longer wish to no longer receive periodic emails from {insert your name or business name here} click reply with unsubscribe in the body or subject line.

You don't need to bother with asking why. Just respect their wishes, accept they no longer wish to receive your mailings, and leave it at that. There is nothing worse than receiving more emails after you requested they stop just to find out why you want to stop. Just end the emails immediately.

Do not risk harm to your name or your business because you sent out what you called a beneficial email aka SPAM to someone who did not want to receive any. More reputations get a nasty ding over what you thought was an innocent email. Its not worth the trouble so just do not do it.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com