Is there something wrong with the title? How can you unsubscribe when the subscribers request so and still maintain your list growth? Well, it is essential to provide a quick and efficient unsubscribe process to the subscribers. They might opt-out, but they will not report your emails as spam! They might come back to your list with an opt-in request, when they need your information in future. Remember the internet world is viral and hence word of mouth has much wider speed and reach, unlike the traditional word of mouth where the reach is very limited (unless you are a big brand).
Anyone using Email Marketing should take the Unsubscribe (or opt-out) process very seriously. The email marketing tool that you choose (such as LeadPro) can help you to a great extent in automating the opt-out process.
Make it Easy to Unsubscribe
Every email message must contain a link to opt-out of the email communication from you. Most of the email marketing tools insert this link automatically. If it is provided as an option, then make sure that it is turned on before scheduling the campaign or broadcast.
Do not ask questions and frustrate the subscriber on the unsubscribe page. You may provide a comment field and request her to provide a comment so that you can use that to improve or fine tune your services. You may also highlight that you have a less frequent email newsletter (say quarterly or once in two months) proving important updates, for which she can subscribe, if preferred. But do not force anything and complicate the process with multiple selections and check boxes.
You may also customize the opt-out page with your logo and other branding stuff, so that the visitors know that you are genuine and mean the business. I have noticed many opt-out pages without any information on the page (and you won’t even know if it is a genuine page).
Make it Fast
Per CAN-SPAM regulations, an unsubscribe request should be fulfilled in 10 days. But do not wait for days or weeks. Unsubscribe the email address as soon as you receive the request from the subscriber. For instance, LeadPro executes the unsubscribe request within seconds of receiving it online.
However, if the email recipients are sending opt-out requests via email, fax, snail mail or telephone, then you have to have a process to carry out the opt-out as soon as possible. Note that your physical address is provided in the footer of the email communications per CAN-SPAM regulations. So they can snail mail the request or may hit the Reply To button on their email client.
Bounce Management
While Opt-out or Unsubscribe refers to the requests from email recipients, there is another source for cleaning up your email list; it is the bounce management function. Effective bounced email management will help you improved your reputation as an email sender. Let us look at the opportunities and issues with bounce management in relation to the list hygiene in a future issue.
In the mean time, please forward your comments, suggestions and thoughts.