Email Marketing Knowledge Base: Tips On Handling Unsubscribes
Author: Jamie Colbs
When users express their wish to opt-out of your email campaign, you should not take it personally. More importantly, do not think that by opting out your clients are rejecting your company. It may happen that people lose interest in the topic. The point is you can’t stop these occurrences. Ultimately, it boils down to how well you can handle unsubscribe requests. Keep in mind that people who unsubscribe are still potential customers. They may return to you if you give them something different and valuable. Here are some tips on how to handle unsubscribes.
Make the process quick
Your unsubscribe process should be very swift. You should not make any exceptions, for any number of reasons. It is mandatory on your part to comply with an unsubscribe request immediately. The CAN SPAM act permits you a window period of 10 working days, from the day the unsubscribe request is made. Users, on the other hand, don’t give a window period at all. Once a user opts-out, don’t send them any more emails. If you do, you will be dubbed as spammer and lose your reputation.
Make it simple
The best way to handle an unsubscribe request is to give them a link that reads ‘click here to unsubscribe.’ Don’t complicate it by asking your clients to log-in to their accounts or ask them for any subscription codes or passwords. Such requests from your end will only irritate them further. Irate clients usually don’t think before hitting the ‘report as spam’ button. Too many spam complaints will mean that your ISP blocks all future mails from you to its customers.
Remove users from all lists
When they make unsubscribe requests, you should take users from all the lists you have. As per the CAN SPAM act, when you receive an unsubscribe request from someone, you are not supposed to send them any emails. If users want to get off the list, you have to do so immediately.
Use different methods
Apart from the regular unsubscribe link, include an email address for the same. This is a good idea because if your users are unable to access the link, they will be able to send you their unsubscribe request through mails. You can also include a telephone number of your helpdesk. The only thing you should make sure is that the telephone number is functional and the attendant does not leave their place.
Show a webpage as verification
Confirm the reader’s removal from your mailing lists by showing them a webpage that says so. You can include a small farewell message on this page. You should also inform them that their request was received and complied with immediately. Let them know that you are sorry about their departure and they can return anytime they wish to. Ask them if they would like to receive the same email less frequently. Some of them may just approve of the offer.
These are some effective ways to handle unsubscribe requests. Remember, an unsubscribe request is always better than a spam complaint. Don’t keep your clients waiting, when it comes to unsubscribe requests. You can always find useful tips on how to handle unsubscribe requests. Gather some of the most useful articles and create your own email marketing knowledge base.
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About the Author:
Jamie Colbs is a html email newsletter templates best practices activist advocate for Benchmark Email , a leading Web and permission-based email marketing service.
Author Links
Business URL: http://www.benchmarkemail.com/email-marketing/html-email-templates
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Twitter URL: http://twitter.com/benchmarkemail |
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