The “Courtesy” Opt-In
Last week, I received three emails in one day from a subscriber of mine. It seems that because he had subscribed to my email list, he thought it was fair to add my email address to his distribution list, as well.
If you’re using this type of list building — opting the people you meet into your list as a “courtesy,” without their consent or knowledge – beware. You are running afoul of anti-spam laws, not to mention being rude, from an Internet etiquette point of view. (An even bigger faux pas? Making the email addresses of your “subscribers” visible to everyone on the distribution list.)
The smarter and more courteous approach: Send an email introducing yourself and your business to the people you meet and include a link back to your opt-in page. That way, they can decide whether they want to opt-in to your list … and you can build your list ethically and legally.
Want to learn more about the rules and regulations governing email marketing? Visit the FTC’s CAN-SPAM website.
Recommended Resource: The Internet Law Compliance System
Tags: guerilla marketing, Guerrilla Marketing, Internet marketing, opt-in email