Q. What is SPAM?
A. Unsolicited email messages are commonly referred to as SPAM, which is derived from the CAN-SPAM Act of 2003 - the U.S. law regulating commercial email. The Federal Trade Commission and numerous Internet Service Providers enforce CAN-SPAM regulations. Key provisions of the CAN-SPAM act include:
- Email messages must contain a valid and simple opt-out mechanism
- Opt-out requests must be honored within 10 business days
- Sender must include a valid physical postal address
- Functioning return email address
No false, deceptive or misleading email transmission information, headers or subject lines Sound complex? Don’t worry, the Xpressdocs Email platform helps Associates stay in compliance by automatically including an opt-out mechanism and physical address at the footer of every email, and by ensuring recipients that opt-out through the designated link will be removed from further mailings automatically and immediately.
Q. Can I purchase a list of email contacts?
A. No. All lists uploaded into the Xpressdocs Email platform must contain only names that have opted-in to your mailing list.
Q. I have a list of client email addresses. Can I use that as my email contact list?
A. A successful email marketing program is centered around the quality of your recipient list. Even though you may have your clients’ email addresses, that does not mean you have permission to send them commercial emails. You should receive explicit permission to send your recipients commercial messages via email, and recipients should also be aware of the specific usage of their email address.
Q. How do I build my own list of email contacts?
A. If you don’t already have an opt-in list, try one of these common methods to start building one today:
- Direct Mail. Include a call-to-action in all of your direct mail pieces that encourages recipients to opt-into your email distribution list. You can direct them to a place on your website where they can opt-in, ask them to simply email their ad dress to you or include a business reply postcard.
- Website Opt-in Links. If you have a website, add a page where visitors can opt-in to receive email messages from you. Be sure to promote links to this page throughout your site and in all of your online marketing.
- Open House Sign-ups. Display an email ’sign up’ sheet prominently at open house events and with all of your listed properties. Be sure to clearly state what subscribers can expect to receive and how often you will communicate with them.
- Networking. Tradeshows, seminars, speaking engagements, Chamber of Commerce meetings and other events you attend that include potential prospects are great opportunities to build your email lists.
Be sure to include an incentive that will encourage people to opt-in to receive your communications. Incentives can be in the form of unique, compelling or exclusive content or special offers to opt-in.
Q. Once I get started, how will I know if my email "worked?"
A. Emails sent using the Xpressdocs platform are delivered by ExactTarget, the industry leader in email technology. The service includes complete reporting for every email you send, including open rates, click-through rates and bounce-backs (undelivered emails). Within an email, you can even track the number of times a specific link (URL) is clicked by recipients.
