While this may seem simple enough, don't do it! You could end up with billions of dollars in fines. I like what this blog said about it the fine: "that's good quality AdWords money right there!".
So how do you send out emails without risking the spam death penalty? Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Always Double Opt In - This means require the user to enter the email address into a form themselves, and then VERIFY by clicking a link sent to the email that they want to sign up. Clearly mark the email saying to not click the link if they don't want to receive emails from you.
- Always have an exit - Simply put, have a link that automatically unsubscribes them, and make sure it works! It is important to periodically test it out, because I'll admit that a few times I've gotten unhappy customers because the unsubscribe link became broken. You don't want to get fined big time for something that'll take 10 minutes to test.
- Never send garbage - Only send them what they wanted in the first place. If they sign up to a newsletter about cars, don't try to sell them prescription drugs!
- Never share email addresses - Just don't do it, you can only trust yourself with your opt in list.
- Never buy email addresses - While some people may say it's ok, I definately wouldn't do it. How much do you like working at a burger joint, or sitting behind bars for the rest of your life?
The easiest way to remember it is this: What would you want someone else doing, with your personal email address?
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