Most of us have Web sites, write blog posts, use Facebook, LinkedIn & Twitter, etc. in an effort to increase our exposure and get more business. And, these days, most online marketers also have those wonderful opt-in boxes to capture leads – myself included.
I’m writing this post because I’m beginning to feel that some marketers out there are going overboard. You sign up for their free offer and before you know it, your inbox is flooded with messages from them. For instance (and I’m guessing you experience this as well), I attended a Webinar on Wednesday. Before the Webinar ended I did sign up for their offer. It didn’t take long before the e-mail barrage began.
It started with a thank you confirmation, but each day since then, I’ve received at least 4-5 e-mails. And, every one was promoting something new. It’s beginning to feel a bit too pushy with too much sales hype. Do you want my business or do you want to piss me off? I’m getting ready to click that “unsubscribe” link.
Let’s face it, as business professionals, while passionate about what we do, we do it to make money. Each of us needs to put food on the table, pay our mortgage, take care of family, etc. So, we need to sell. Look, I’m a copywriter. It’s my job to write marketing content that sells products and services. However, there is a balance.
There is a company that made an offer I signed up for about a week and a half ago. Since then, about every 2 days, they e-mail me. I’m pleased to say that in that time, only one of those e-mails has been an up-sell to purchase a product. The rest of the e-mails have all been really informative messages providing me with great tips and pointers. It makes me feel like I did the right thing connecting with them. Isn’t that how you want your subscribers to feel?
When you opt-in to my e-mail list, you won’t receive multiple e-mails from me in a day. You won’t even receive one e-mail a day from me. I send an e-mail when I have something of value to share. Yes, on occasion, it may be a promotion, but on occasion. Perhaps I’m not bringing in as much money as some of my online marketing colleagues, but I feel better knowing that when I send an e-mail, my subscribers aren’t getting pissed off and opting out.
I’m also becoming more discriminating about opting-in and I think many others are doing the same. What say you? What has your experience been? Please post your comments below. I’d love to read what you have to say.
About Debra: Former President of the Rocky Mountain Direct Marketing Association (RMDMA) freelance copywriter Debra Jason is a seasoned copywriter with more than 25 years of experience. Owner of The Write Direction, she offers copywriting services for Web and direct marketing communications - delivering captivating content that converts your prospects into loyal customers. Debra is also a recipient of the RMDMA’s Creative Person of the Year Award. 
Important topic, thank you Debra. Whoever is sending you 4 – 5 emails a day is definitely going beyond the basic guidelines of even the creepiest email marketers. There are places I get an email a day from. If they don’t send information of value to me and only send up-sell offers, I unsubscribe. But if they send value, I auto send that newsletter to a smart mail box to review later.
The most important advice I would give to anyone on Kauai with a small business that wants to email their database, use an email marketing platform like Constant Contact, Mail Chimp or AWeber. That way you are sure to abide by the spam laws and your recipients can unsubscribe if they wish.
More importantly, you can make your emails look beautiful without attachments.
Linda Sherman
Social Media Marketing Consultant
Website Creation and Optimization
on Kauai
Thanks Linda. Like you, I do keep the informative e-mails tucked away. And, when e-mails become more frequent with less valuable information, I too unsubscribe. I think many others are likely to do the same.
I addition to the e-mail platforms you mentioned, there is also iContact. Many times these companies offer a free trial or your first month for a $1.00. They are great resources for small businesses anywhere. Thanks for reading the post and sharing your ideas. Have a great day.
Thank you Debra, for some common sense reassurance that reminds me of the importance of practicing the basic principles of civility, respect for others and a true sense of value to the marketplace.
Every so often, I wonder why I got into the social media business when I feel inundated by people who have lost all sense of respect for human beings while in pursuit of the dollar.
Bert
You’re welcome Bert. Respect and integrity are so important. While it’s becoming cliche these days, it is still true that people want to connect and work with those they know, like & trust. I think to get to that level requires respecting everyone’s time by providing worthwhile information that brings value to the table. Thanks for taking the time out of your busy day to share your opinion. Much appreciated. Have a great day.