Question

Topic: E-Marketing

Sending An Email To Ask For A Contribution

Posted by alex111alex111 on 10/21/2013 at 11:47 PM ET 125 Points
Sending an email to ask for a contribution

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I'd like to send unsolicited email to some businessses in my community asking them if they'd like to contribute something about their business for a community blog. Is there any legal/legitmate way to do this? If I add the unsubscribe verbage at the end of the email, does that make this one-time email legal?

Being that it's a one-time email, it seems strange to ask them if they'd like to unsubscribe, since they aren't being subscribed. I look forward to being enlightened, thanks.
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RESPONSES

  • Posted by Jay Hamilton-Roth on 10/22/2013 at 7:21 AM Accepted
    Assuming you're located in the United States, here are the relevant regulations for CAN-SPAM:
    https://www.business.ftc.gov/documents/bus61-can-spam-act-compliance-guide-...
  • Posted by Gary Bloomer on 10/22/2013 at 6:37 PM Accepted
    Do you like to RECEIVE unsolicited e-mail? (Hint: the only answer is "no"). So don't send it.

    If you want to create action, place ppc ads on Facebook or Google that then drive traffic to a specific landing page on which you have a double opt-in form. Or send a piece of direct mail. Or go and bang on doors. But do NOT send unsolicited e-mail. It's annoying. It's presumptuous. And it's illegal.
  • Posted by Moriarty on 10/27/2013 at 7:37 AM Accepted
    If you want a genuine business, you need genuine opt-ins. Believe me, it's not hard to do and the rewards are enormous and continuous. Remember that spam is a one-hit wonder and misses out on the real deal - the returning customer. If they've opted in, they'll welcome your cheery emails, open them and respond in kind. An autoresponder series can do this for you with three to five pre-prepared emails. Jangomail offers a free service up to 250 subscribers with autoresponders (it's the only one that offers this). It's perfect for you in getting going - and all the unsubscribe elements are there waiting.

    Personally, I wouldn't open an unsolicited email at all, and would be more likely to send it to spamcop. What's the point in having an unsubscribe button for an email that's already landed in their spam bin, got your server into trouble for sending out spam and all the other attendant problems it will create? Remember that spammers need to use complex technology to avoid detection and must frequently re-locate their servers when the authorities close them down.

    The real value in email is getting interested parties to engage with you - and as a long term strategy this works wonders. What are you waiting for? Do it properly, use your skills to enhance peoples' lives and business!
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