According to the experts, there are as many as 180 billion spam email messages sent each and every day.
This is why Gmail, Yahoo and other email service providers use software called “spam filters”. These filters try to improve the relativity and quality of emails their customers receive.
It can be tough to build your list if your emails keep getting flagged as spam.
When your email does get through, you want to make sure it is highly related to the topic which got that person to sign up on your list in the first place.
Introduce Yourself
One way to ensure that your list members don’t feel like you are spamming them is to let them know who you are and what to expect.
In your very first “Thank You” email, deliver whatever opt-in freebie you promised. Also let your new subscriber know how often you send emails to the list. Also indicate in general terms what the subject of those will be, and any other information you plan to share.
This guarantees your subscribers understand exactly when and how you will be contacting them.
Spam-Free Best Practices from Email Autoresponder Services
AWeber, GetResponse, MailChimp and the other most popular autoresponder services agree that the following practices will consistently land your emails in your subscribers’ inbox, instead of getting swallowed up by a spam filter.
1 – Get permission first. On your opt-in form, squeeze page or landing page, be very clear that they are signing up to your email newsletter in return for your opt-in bribe.
2 – Use a “From” name your subscribers will recognize. If someone signs up to your “Marketing Tactics 101” newsletter, make sure Marketing Tactics 101 is in the “From” email field.
Research reported by campaign Monitor.com shows that “68% of Americans base their decision to open an email campaign on the “From” line.” Make sure they recognize who you are and what is being sent.
3 – Segment your list. Buyers and non-buyers need to be receiving different emails from you. You can do this simply with list segmentation, a part of all major autoresponder services.
4 – Don’t sell too much. Only 1 out of every 3 or 4 emails should be sales oriented and even those should provide value.
5 – Make it very easy for someone to opt out. Surprisingly, being very open and upfront about how to opt-out of your list actually leads to higher loyalty rates.
I know I personally look for the unsubscribe link in an email. I block any that do not have this link and I am uncomfortable with those that want me to send and email with “Unsubscribe” in the subject.
In my experience, Gmail is a pain to get your emails into the inbox even following these tips. However, if you do follow these tips you should minimize any spam complaints.
