Using a mailing list is an efficient method to get and to keep in touch with prospective consumers. It has become so popular that an increasing number of people are finding their email inboxes flooded with emails, both valid and junk. As a result most people have become much more suspicious of emails than in the past. This means that the subject line of your email is really a one off chance to persuade the recipient that your email is not only valid but also that you have something to offer that is of value to them and therefore they should open your email and read it to get more information. Without a compelling subject line – your email is most likely doomed to end up in your customer’s trash folder. You then run the risk of your mailing list being banned althogether.

So how are you going to avoid getting your mailing list banned?

1. Make sure the subject line, and indeed the email itself is relevant to your list.
The list will have been created with some sort of common theme in mind. Whether it be a particular interest like growing roses or organic gardening (for example), or it may be a particular age group or socio-economic group. Always make sure that this common factor is considered when writing emails to the mailing list. Also it’s a good idea to think about it from their point of view – would you want to open it if you were them? If you write your emails without any thought given to who it’s intended for, it is most likely to end up immediately deleted.

2. Don’t put in extreme amounts of punctuation.
Only use it where appropriate and necessary. The overuse of punctuation such as multiple exclamation marks (!!!!!) or lots of question marks (?????) is a guaranteed way for your mailing list to be banned – it’s likely not to even reach your list’s inbox. Spam filters will label this sort of thing as spam and filter it. Other things to avoid that are often used to signal a spam email are words such as “limited time”, “free” or “exclusive”. These words combined with too many punctuation marks will just about guarantee the banning of your mailing list. The use of good punctuation and correct spelling will not only help your email to get through, it will look much more valid and professional.

3. Limit the amount you send out, and avoid sending repetitive emails.
Sending out too many emails to your list is annoying. Haven’t we all had days where we’ve received several emails from the same person? Even if it’s someone you know it can be irritating. Just imagine how much more irritating it would be if it was the same one over and over again! By being careful about the amount and the contect of your emails, you are much more likely to get one of your customers to click on the links directing them to your website, product or service.

4. Do not attempt to slip it past their guard.
Have you ever seen the sneaky tricks people sometimes use? Like writing a subject line that seems to refer to a preceding association with the recipient? Or attempting to make the email seem as if it’s coming to them from a friend or acquaintance? These tricks will be easily caught by most people. And even if your customer does open it as a result, they will feel tricked and the chances are they will not only trash the email they will probably remove themselves from your list quick smart.

Your mailing list is a potential gold mine – make sure you treat it with the respect it deserves. Remember the people reading your emails – are real people! Work on building a relationship with the real people on your list and you will not only build a great list, you will have a loyal customer base to build on.

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