The Difference Between Opt-in Mails and Spam

[Stephan Weigandt]

Email marketing is one of the practical ways to promote goods and services in a more personal and direct manner. Although many have celebrated its wondrous benefits, this strategy has actually fallen atop the fine line towards spamming.

It has become difficult to tell whether or not this address is a spammer. Sometimes, though we have subscribed in an online publication, their messages still fall under spam. And yes, it is understandable that these marketers have to boost their clients but when will we know if they have crossed the line?

Opt-in mails vs. Spam

Email list building is the process of building a connection with prospected clients through the acquisition of their email addresses. However, the foremost difference with this and spamming is that email list building is permission based. Once we register in a certain website, we are offered newsletters, e-books or any informative media that seals the deal. The messages we receive from these are called opt-in mails.

There are some optional subscriptions and there are those that are not. If you’ve read most the terms and conditions, there are sites that instantly sign you up for their publication in exchange for your registering. This is still not spamming since you have agreed to receive those.

The key to email list building is that written statement which certifies your permission to them. Once registered, clients already know what to expect.

The advantage of this strategy is that you are secured that the owners of those emails included in your list are interested in your products/services. A successful list includes people who would actually participate and visit your site.

These individuals usually take the initiative to subscribe in your updates, feeds or newsletters for a simple reason—they needed/wanted your products. And having a constant update to your site will give them advantage in their own industry.

On the other hand, spam mail is used for commercial purposes but without the receiver’s knowledge. These are the sites that have never asked any information from you but still managed to flood your mail box with messages. It is like sending a golf related articles to someone you don’t know.

If you’re new to email marketing and is planning to give out information through spamming, you better think twice.

Spamming can place your company’s reputation at risk. Your IP address can be blacklisted as soon as Internet service providers notice your actions. These messages generally fall under spam button. As you’ve noticed, an email inbox have two folders for incoming messages. And once you got categorized as spam, the servers will keep their eye on you.
Although there are some legitimate and approved mails falling under spam box, the fact that the clients have requested for those information saves your company from trouble. You have the proof to show that they really did ask for your mail.

Besides, the chances of having an irresponsive audience are high. Noting the example earlier, what if that person you’re sending a golf related message is not a fan of it or worse hates that sport? You’ll lose profits instantly and waste cash on such stagnant users. You don’t want that, do you?

As they say, risking is good trait for businessmen but make sure you’re risking for a price. With email list building, you are assured to get the audience you desired and still be safe from the negative complications brought about by spamming. Think about it.