This is a blog entry from an industry expert who is discussing the challenges of dealing with spam in a small business.
What is spam? The term is used to describe unwanted email that is sent in bulk, often with the intent of promoting a product or service. Spam can be sent via email, text message, social media, and more. It’s important to know what spam looks like so you don’t fall victim to it. Read more in detail here: what is spam.
When the topic of spam came up in one of my small company marketing seminars recently, I found there is a lot of misunderstanding regarding spam among small business owners.
We all seem to agree that spam is terrible, yet we don’t really know what constitutes spam. What precisely is it? What exactly are the guidelines? When should you email someone and when should you not? So I’ll do my best to explain things up for you.
What’s all the hullabaloo about spam, anyway?
Every day, we all get a large number of emails. Isn’t it true that too many of them are unwanted and annoying? There would have been hundreds more if the CAN-SPAM Act had not been passed. The law was enacted to protect customers from fraudulent email tactics and junk email onslaught. It’s a “law that creates commercial email laws, specifies commercial message requirements, allows recipients the authority to have you stop emailing them, and lays out harsh consequences for infractions” (source: CAN-SPAM Act).
So, what exactly does all of this imply? It implies that you must obey the CAN-SPAM guidelines if you wish to email someone to promote your business in any manner, whether you’re selling to them directly or not.
But I’m just a little business; don’t my emails come under this act?
They certainly do!
The following is a list of what the act claims is covered under the law: “all commercial communications,” as defined by the legislation, “any electronic mail message whose principal aim is the commercial advertising or promotion of a commercial product or service,” including email that promotes material on commercial websites.” Business-to-business email is not exempt from the law. That implies any email must comply with the law, such as a letter to previous customers advertising a new product line.”
Spam is defined as any unsolicited email that promotes your company, product, or service.
In the end, don’t send emails to those who haven’t given you permission. You may send them a single email asking whether they want to be added to your mailing list, but a phone call is preferable.
So, how can I prevent getting branded as a spammer?
- Don’t utilize header information that is inaccurate or deceptive. Your “From,” “To,” and “Reply to” addresses, as well as routing information (such as the originating domain name and email address), must be correct and identify the person or company that sent the message.
- Use false subject lines sparingly—being creative is one thing, but tricking receivers is illegal.
- Include your address—you must include your address in your email someplace.
- Give recipients the choice to opt out and a simple means to do so—every commercial email must provide a clear and simple way for recipients to opt out of receiving future emails.
- Opt-out requests should be honored right away! Don’t put it off!
Finally, CAN-SPAM isn’t simply a recommendation; it’s the law. There are also consequences for those who break the rules!
Apart from all of this formality, sending emails to individuals who haven’t requested them is simply plain impolite. Why would you want to start a relationship by enraging someone? “Hey, I give out weekly marketing ideas, would you want to get them?” is an easy question to ask.
People typically say yes, but I remind them they can quickly opt out if they don’t like it. There’s no harm, no foul.
The complete wording of the May-SPAM legislation can be found on the Bureau of Consumer Protection’s website.
So, what are your thoughts? I’d be thrilled to hear from you!
Watch This Video-
“Spam meat meaning” is a word that can be used to describe unsolicited emails. These messages are often sent in bulk and are not always legitimate. They are also known as “junk mail”. Reference: spam meat meaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should small business owners know about using spam in an email campaign?
A: One of the most important aspects of an email campaign is determining your goals. You must determine if you are just trying to drive traffic or make a sale, as these will greatly influence how many emails you should send and what content you include in those emails. If its all about driving traffic, then people will find their way there organically and wont need any additional marketing prompts from your company – so that would be much less work for everyone involved!
Why is spam bad for business?
What are the 5 types of spam?
A:
1. Spam in a chat room or on an email list
2. False advertising, such as click-bait type headlines that are not representative of the actual article
3. Wasting someones time with repeated messages, usually by trying to sell something
4. Marketing spam (spams advertisements) and 5.) Harassment
Related Tags
- what restrictions are placed on the use of spam?
- when was spam invented
- how did spam get its name
- is spam good for you
