Know-How Exchange : E-Marketing

I don't know about legally responsible, but it sure sounds like a "best practice" to me. I think people would expect that your company would contact them about the download, but if you start to use that email address for general software and services, you're sort of taking that permission and expanding on it. I think that needs to be revealed. This is even more so if you share that contact information with "partners," which in the minds of your customers, could be 50 companies who are willing to buy the name.

If it were me, I'd just assume that you're allowed to communicate with them abotut the software that they downloaded. This just makes sense that you'd stay in touch post-download to see if they like it, want to buy, etc.

I'd then have one checkbox that said something like "Receive other information about relevant software and services from Pertmaster." and another that said "Receive information from select, relevant partners of Pertmaster." Or something like that...

Now you've established that it's okay to send whatever you're sending. You're not going to upset the people who don't want this extra communication, and you're focusing on the smaller subset who DO want to hear from you and your partners.

Just my $0.02.

If you KNOW you're going to pass on their information, you really should have it on there. Most visitors understand that you'll be collecting their information for YOUR use. But if you're also collecting for someone else, be honest about how you use it.

Michael

You've already got the answer to your question - an emphatic YES (which I agree) - but I couldn't resist chiming in (not looking for any points).

This is one of those instances where a communications question forces a re-think about the marketing strategy. Offering free "stuff" is the bane of every marketer - we hope to never have to do it - so we can't help but make it an uncomfortable situation for the customer (as you say, many prospects don't get to know your company and its products because the awkward statement of conditions compels them to abandon the download).

If either of the following are true, I'd consider altering your strategy:
1) management feels like we are giving away the store every time a download occurs
2) we are getting many many download requests

The alternate strategy to #1 is to offer only a very small slice/ (or slices) of the software, but enough so the user can see obvious benefits. Then, build in a strong call to action such as "if you want to learn even more about how our XYZ module can help your business, contact us at...." Move the prospect out of demo mode and into relationship mode.

If situation #2 is occurring, then it says you have high demand and should be converting leads a different way than through passive, free demos (too much to go into here).

Best of luck!

brooke,

I had to read your post and the member responses twice to try and understand what the question really is. (I'm not sure I still do).

You are trying to do to much with one check box. Create at least two check boxes, based your quoted statement above.

First, move all the legal stuff into your terms and conditions page. There are only a few reasons to have legal text placed on specific pages. It's much easier to manage if you centralize all the legal stuff on your T/C.

The first check box would be to confirm they have read the T/C. If they don't check this, don't download.

The second check box is your opt-in/out for follow-up communications, but for a very specific reason. Your T/C should already state that by downloading software demo's you have the permission needed to contact them, until such time that permission is revoked. This second check-box should be focused on 'promotional' and 'special offers' by your company and authorized partners.

I hope this helps.