Email Marketing - When Does It Become Spam?

Mike(VA) · 03-23-2009, 08:44 AM

I've started to do some email marketing and am wondering if I am entering rough waters. I am searching public media, magazine listings, organizations with accessible member lists, whatever, looking for public email addresses and compiling them. I am grouping these in like areas such as AIA Northern Virginia, hotels, and restaurants. I have started to send emails to some of these with a brief subject, hopefully interesting enough, with a link to my website for more information and a phone number to call. I have received a few return emails saying the address is invalid, but no 'get me off your list' emails; yet.

My emails briefly discuss my security construction services and a link to my 'hidden rooms' article on my website. I am hoping to increase my exposure, of course, to anyone who may have a need but hadn't yet found a good resource for such work.

I guess any unsolicited email could be considered spam and I am prepared to politely respond to requests to stop, but is there anything else I should consider? Should I have some way for the recipient to 'opt out'? Are there any specific laws I may need to consider?

Also, what are some of the ways these emails could be more effective? After all, this is really just like cold calling and getting the emails forwarded past moat dragons is the name of the game.

RidgeWalker · 03-23-2009, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike(VA)

I've started to do some email marketing and am wondering if I am entering rough waters. I am searching public media, magazine listings, organizations with accessible member lists, whatever, looking for public email addresses and compiling them. I am grouping these in like areas such as AIA Northern Virginia, hotels, and restaurants. I have started to send emails to some of these with a brief subject, hopefully interesting enough, with a link to my website for more information and a phone number to call. I have received a few return emails saying the address is invalid, but no 'get me off your list' emails; yet.

My emails briefly discuss my security construction services and a link to my 'hidden rooms' article on my website. I am hoping to increase my exposure, of course, to anyone who may have a need but hadn't yet found a good resource for such work.

I guess any unsolicited email could be considered spam and I am prepared to politely respond to requests to stop, but is there anything else I should consider? Should I have some way for the recipient to 'opt out'? Are there any specific laws I may need to consider?

Also, what are some of the ways these emails could be more effective? After all, this is really just like cold calling and getting the emails forwarded past moat dragons is the name of the game.

Mike, you need to be very careful sending out unsolicited emails, even the first one if not requested is considered spam.

Your safest best is to create a free short report about your services that might be something like. 5 Things Every Home Owner Must Know About Home Security. Offer the report for free in exchange for names and emails.

Use an service like getaresponce or aweber and make sure people who join your list are confirmed opt-in. Then you can start building relationships with your list.

Buying or using list's that other people have are ok, but not as targeted and not as responsive. You'll do much better building your own list which you own and control.

SLSTech · 03-23-2009, 09:04 AM

The first thing I noticed was that you didn't say that you had an opt-out option

You might want to review this before sending anymore http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/busi...rce/bus61.shtm

I would get setup on a place like Lyris or something similar. FYI - I have never used them, there just the one that I remembered that did this

gallerytungsten · 03-23-2009, 10:30 AM

In general, sending any unsolicited commercial email is considered spam. Most people receiving it, myself included, form a negative opinion of anyone who resorts to this tactic.

When I receive what seems to be a spam email, I typically write back and ask the suspected spammer, "how do I know you?" Usually, they don't bother to respond.

If I'm more annoyed by their obvious spam message, I either just delete it, or delete it and blacklist their address, so that no further emails get through.

Now, you could try what some people refer to as "permission marketing" whereby your first email asks their permission to send them some informative links.

If your first email is a humble request to send them some useful information, you might be able to overcome the negatives associated with spamming.

However, if you put your mind to it, surely you can find some more effective ways of marketing yourself. For example, if your "hidden rooms" service really us unique and newsworthy, try writing a press release and pitch it to a reporter. This method, in fact, is how most "business news" stories are generated. Reporters don't go out looking for very much business news; mostly, it comes to them.

CF Construction · 03-23-2009, 10:58 AM

I've been doing this for a while now. I buy magazines in which target our demographic and e-mail them. The e-mail I send to them is very brief and simple. Nothing where I try to "sell" our services to them, but more like "hey, this is who we are, keep us in mind". So far, I've never received any negative e-mail responses. No one has asked me to stop e-mailing them, but at the same time I keep a list as to whom I've e-mailed in the past, so I don't resend them the same e-mail. This approach has actually resulted very beneficial. We've landed several projects from this and are constantly being "invited" to give an estimate. What I always do, I always send out our marketing package via mail to all those whom I've e-mailed, this way not only do they physically have our info with way more information than I provide in the e-mails, but it provides more of a personal approach.

I guess it's just how you approach it. I know that initially, it's all spam, seeing as to how they did not request an e-mail, but at the same time you can come off as being a complete professional, or as a telemarketer whom wants to sell everything possible.

kirbymurphy · 03-23-2009, 11:34 AM

Getting the E-mail addresses is the tricky part if you want to be compliant. In the past, I've used harvesters that you point at a web site and it extracts E-mail addresses. Works OK, but you get a lot of totally irrelevant addresses and you are vulnerable to both anger and fines.

Now I just ask everyone I meet if they would like to receive a newsletter. Now and then I add a company that I think might benefit from the info and have yet to receive a complaint. That doesn't make me compliant but I do use a lot more caution. The message has to be informational and not just say "Hey! Hire ME!" Add a sign-up form on your web site and make it simple yet prominent. Nothing much, just name and E-mail will do. People hesitate to enter their phone number.

I use a program called SendBlaster that handles multiple lists and allows the creation of a pretty nice newsletter. Or you can paste in HTML. It has opt-out and bounced mail features, but they are less than easy to implement. I think I paid about $115. http://www.sendblaster.com/

Another company has a package called EmailMarketer (formerly SendStudio) they will install on your web site. It is really cool and handles opt-outs AND opt-ins quite well and automates removing Bounced E-mails. It will track your newsletters and see who is opening theirs, and even what pages on your web site they visit. Was about $200 a couple of years ago, but now it's up to $495. (If you buy it, go for the pro install option.)
http://www.interspire.com/emailmarketer/features.php

kirbymurphy · 03-23-2009, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gallerytungsten

In general, sending any unsolicited commercial email is considered spam. Most people receiving it, myself included, form a negative opinion of anyone who resorts to this tactic............

Me too, sorta, kinda. When I receive the typical StayHard Cream or Acaie Berry SPAM I get pissed, but if it's a decent and informative message, I may stop and give it a look. I now get several weekly and monthly E-mails that I never requested yet I still read them. I guess I got harvested or sold by someone.

If you send the E-mail to someone who didn't request it, it's of course spam. But if you are careful and considerate, you can build a good list. It's like calling your 2 year-old non-commercial customers to ask how they are and if they have any work coming up. If you call one that's on the DNC list, you could be fined up to $11,000 for EACH occurrence.

Mike(VA) · 03-23-2009, 12:03 PM

Sean, thanks for the link. In looking at the information, it doesn't look like email advertising is not allowed, just that it must meet certain requirements.

The law, which became effective January 1, 2004, covers email whose primary purpose is advertising or promoting a commercial product or service, including content on a Web site.

My primary purpose is disseminating information. I link to an article on my site, a site whose primary purpose is information. Of course, people seeing that information can proceed further, if they want to. I am not offering anything specific, just services in general, for sale in the email.

It bans false or misleading header information
It prohibits deceptive subject lines
It requires that your email give recipients an opt-out method
It requires that commercial email be identified as an advertisement
and include the sender's valid physical postal address.

The four areas above seem to be no problem for me except the opt out. I need that in the email. Not sure how to best identify it as an advertisement since I am not selling anything.

The following is what I send out, the last paragraph is worded here for architects and engineers but would be different for other groups.

Subject line: Hidden rooms, panic room, security construction

HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT
Hidden rooms, safe rooms, panic rooms, shielded rooms, disguised passages and exits, candlesticks that turn and cause a bookcase to move. Stuff of legend and movies (Panic Room by David Fincher, 2002, starring Jodie Foster) or modern day necessities for some?
[Read More at http://www.homesteadrenovations.net/security-construction.html]
HOMESTEAD RENOVATIONS, LLC provides residential security construction services for diplomats, defense contractors, politicians, and private sector executives in the VA, MD, and DC. metro area. We also construct these features for our clients' enjoyment, for kids fun, to enhance the home's value, or just so our clients can be different. We participate in new construction or retrofitting the existing home. The entire process uses the utmost discretion and some construction may be accomplished after the home is built and finalized, or in conjunction with another renovation to disguise the true purpose of the construction. Whether it is the installation of a single feature or the construction of a custom designed room using various components, we can professionally and quickly accommodate your client's needs.

We are looking to be associated with professional firms who are or who have been involved with the design and implementation of residential security construction and COOP (continuity of operations) design. As a trusted company with experience, we can be a valuable resource to your clients who have need of such special features and designs. If your firm is capable of providing design services for these types of construction, please let us know as we will gladly refer clients whose needs appear to match your abilities.
For more information, please call us anytime or visit our website at www.homesteadrenovations.net

Mike Frost
HOMESTEAD RENOVATIONS, LLC
9655 Richmond Street
Manassas, VA 20110
703-966-6092
www.homesteadrenovations.net

Getting the email addresses is strictly from public areas, not using lists, harvesters, or anything like that. These are email addresses put out there for people to use to contact the person or company.

Who you consider the above email as spam, gallerytungsten?

Publisher1 · 03-23-2009, 02:02 PM

Well, first Mike we should talk re publicity in Washington Construction News (unabashed plug)....

Now on to the spam issue....

As a rule, if you haven't received permission in advance, truly personal emails are generally okay. I mean, thoughtful and one on one emails with some recognition and understanding of the person you are communicating with. Obviously this is not hte same as broadcast stuff for newsletters and so on, but it is the right way to go. You can certainly use this initial email to invite further communications.

You can build a pretty good list of permission-based request emails by effective and patient marketing. My blog, for example, generates between two and six inquiries per day. The Constant Contact email management software we use allows for opt-outs, and every time we issue a news letter, we get several requests for removal from the list: This is fine, when the list gets to several thousand names you really should expect a few to drop off when you send out the broadcast.

Do I occasionally send emails to lists where I don't have direct permission? Yes. For example, we have a list from four years ago from Washington Construction News, so I sent out to that group a notice that we were restarting the publication. But I do this sparingly and with a great sense of caution and relevance. As a rule, when I send out these types of emails, the content is entirely informational and useful stuff without any meaningful sales message.

Mike(VA) · 03-23-2009, 03:59 PM

Mark, (I assume), I am currently reading through your past blogs. Got there from a reference on CT. I understand your point about securing permission but also realize that it is a time-consumming process. Granted, good marketing in most any form is a slow process. In looking at the above-referenced regulations, it seems that I can indeed send out unsolicited emails but I must follow certain guidelines.

The issue of whether these emails will be seen as intrusions by the recipient is another matter. If I were sending out an email flier about a roofing special, or anything similar to the usual true spam, I can see a problem.

Like many here, I am looking for additional ways to expand my marketing for my niche markets. While I may think I have decent content on my website, I don't feel it is really blog quality nor do I have the time to devote to a blog in a manner necessary to generate emails and sales. I have 2 campaigns going with Adwords, got top listings in G. organics, (all recently), just looking to do more.

So posting here hopefully gives me a chance to learn from others who have been down this road since they surely know where the potholes are.

silvertree · 03-23-2009, 04:19 PM

I consider all unsolicited emails spam. I don't get angry and do read a few, but its spam none the less. I won't do it but I won't condemn anyone for trying. So you get a lead or 2 and turn off how many people in the process?

Publisher1 · 03-23-2009, 04:28 PM

Mike ou are probably okay if you send informative, useful broadcast emails with an easy opt-out provision, but you are best to get true and meaningful permission first. You can ask for this permission (and perhaps do some direct selling at the same time) by personalizing the communication as done by CF Construction above.

Blogging of course requires some time and effort but paradoxically makes the newsletter project much easier -- you can recycle/elaborate on your blog materials in the e-letter! Your website is fine.

Like all marketing, things happen and opportunities arise from intriguing and strange places. In addition to the form newsletter requests, now get between two and four 'real' inquiries a week; most of which have no immediate business relevance within my existing markets, but all of which if possible I respond with some individual thought and courtesy. Then, out of the blue, we get a really good order or the network of relationships and insights takes us to other interesting places.

Mike(VA) · 03-23-2009, 04:51 PM

Paul, I know I may turn off a few people but I think time and results will tell as to how many that may be. Certainly, if I start getting blasted by lots of folks, I will close the curtains and crawl back in my cave. However, I am hoping that interesting content, not really seen anywhere else, will be intriguing enough to forestall or eliminate return hate mail.

I think that asking for permission to CONTINUE sending useful information to these folks is a good tact. I will give them a clear opt out choice, and will probably put it at the top of the email rather than in fine print at the bottom. I already have them from the subject and header. If that doesn't interest them, I want it to be easy for them to opt out.

You know, Mark is more on the cutting edge of marketing in this new world than many. Several recent threads on marketing practices are telling all of us that something has to, and will, change. We'll see.

Mark, I think I am getting close to knowing what I need to do to stay out of the law's way, keep from alienating potential customers, and generating business. Let's see how it plays out.

karunnt · 03-23-2009, 05:15 PM

One type of email marketing that is popular is to create an autoresponder series.

1) What happens is that you find some topic that your target market would like to learn.

2) Then create a set of short lessons that educate them on this subject.
For example 'How to install a deck', 'How to upholster a chair' etc. Anyone would that wants a deck or has some old chair would want to subscribe to this.

3) Then setup aweber (or a similar autoresponder company) so that people can sign up for this and it will send them each lesson in order automatically. Each of these lessons can include links to parts of your website that show ohw it should be done and your successes. But Make sure it is mainly on the customer and don't try and sell them anything - teach them how to do it themselves.

4) After they have seen all the lessons they may be automatically subscribed to your email list. They can unsubscribe at any time.

What is great is that you don't have to do any work at all once it is setup.

You may be worried that you may be giving them all the information they need to do the work yourself. But this is not always the case.

If they see how much work and time is involved they will most likely hire you since they have a 'relationship' with you already. If they do it themselves they most likely would not have hired anyone at all.

The essential element is to build a relationship with a someone before making any offer.

Mike(VA) · 03-24-2009, 11:13 AM

karunnt, that's an interesting idea, but as usual, I am thinking of modifying the concept for something else. Not sure what it is yet, but ... This is the kind of thinking, and ideas, that we need in this market. Unfortunately, there is no easy way to corral all this info in one place so we can review the ideas and draw upon them as needed. I've seen a lot of good ideas on here but darn if I can remember them all, much less where they are.

I think from now on, I am going to cut and paste to a word doc anything I see that may be of interest to me. I'll sort it out later.

heartoftexas · 03-24-2009, 11:40 AM

maybe get premission first? I might tell you where to shove your email,,,,but thats just me

carlsore · 03-24-2009, 01:13 PM

Signup for a service like SendOutCards.

Basically, you can send customized greeting cards right from your computer. They will print, envelope and mail the card for you. No spam issues to worry about.

Much more personal then email and only about $1.50 a card to print and mail within the USA. You can customize the cards with your own photos and even handwriting...

Homeowners could get a card with a before/after of a kitchen/bathroom etc... Or info on the security rooms, whatever you like.

Restaurant Owners could a before/after of some restaurant work etc...

These potential clients would be much more likely to read the information and possibly hang onto it for a future contact.

It's a super simple and affordable direct mail system for business owners and professionals. I'll send you something through their system if you like and you can see for yourself.

Carl Sorensen

karunnt · 03-24-2009, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike(VA)

Unfortunately, there is no easy way to corral all this info in one place so we can review the ideas and draw upon them as needed.

Mike, here is a sample that I found. It may not be exactly what you need but it can be changed to fit. I have not bought it and it looks like it uses videos.

Right now you cannot send videos by email (although Google is working on it) and if you say 'Try my 7-day video course on doing ***x' you will definitely get many people subscribing.

Youtube will make your videos private (I think) so they cannot see all of the videos at the same time.

www.ecoursesmonthly.com
www.ecoursesmonthly.com/homepackage.html

Once you have the course you need to attract people to your page and using Pay Per Click or just plain SEO targetting keywords like 'how to build a ***xx - Take my free course' will have people subscribe to your list.

The key thing is not to be pushy and try to sell them anything untill they approach you.

I just took an 7-day ecourse and I know I will be buying his service for $1200/year but not right now (but in a few months). If he sent me emails every week I would be turned off.

bob-contractor · 03-24-2009, 03:25 PM

its all spam to me, un solicited

Mike(VA) · 03-24-2009, 04:14 PM

I have a bit of a problem with seeking permission first. To do that, you have to send an email asking for same. What if they do not respond. Is that tacit agreement or not? I think I would rather send the intro email but make it very clear how often these may come out and how they can opt out.

The problem with mailing anything is getting to the intended target. Gate keepers will never send a card up to the top dog. Also, cost vs results is high. I think very few would answer a card type request to contact us for more information.

The enrollment (autoresponder)type of program may have some merrit. Seems like it demands a lot more time to develop but then may be ok. Problem I see is it doesn't work unless they already have hit your website.

As for people who consider all email that is unsolicited as spam, its not hard to see why. Most is irritating junk and a PITA to deal with sometimes. However, I think a well written email with an eye catching subject line would stand a better chance of being looked at than Carla pushing her on-line meds.

03-23-2009, 08:44 AM	#1
Mike(VA) View Profile Mike(VA) Custom Stuff Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (859) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Custom Stuff Trade: General Contractor - Custom Renovations Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Manassas, VA Posts: 859	Email Marketing - When Does It Become Spam? I've started to do some email marketing and am wondering if I am entering rough waters. I am searching public media, magazine listings, organizations with accessible member lists, whatever, looking for public email addresses and compiling them. I am grouping these in like areas such as AIA Northern Virginia, hotels, and restaurants. I have started to send emails to some of these with a brief subject, hopefully interesting enough, with a link to my website for more information and a phone number to call. I have received a few return emails saying the address is invalid, but no 'get me off your list' emails; yet. My emails briefly discuss my security construction services and a link to my 'hidden rooms' article on my website. I am hoping to increase my exposure, of course, to anyone who may have a need but hadn't yet found a good resource for such work. I guess any unsolicited email could be considered spam and I am prepared to politely respond to requests to stop, but is there anything else I should consider? Should I have some way for the recipient to 'opt out'? Are there any specific laws I may need to consider? Also, what are some of the ways these emails could be more effective? After all, this is really just like cold calling and getting the emails forwarded past moat dragons is the name of the game. __________________ __________________________________________________ ___________ I EXPECT THAT SOMEDAY I WILL SEE THE FRUITS OF MY LABOR. IS IT SOMEDAY YET? Clifton, Great Falls, McLean, Fairfax Station, Manassas, Virginia Renovation Contractor

03-23-2009, 09:04 AM	#3
SLSTech View Profile SLSTech Sean Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (4,515) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Sean Trade: General Contractor Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Cullman, AL Posts: 4,515	Re: Email Marketing - When Does It Become Spam? The first thing I noticed was that you didn't say that you had an opt-out option You might want to review this before sending anymore http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/busi...rce/bus61.shtm I would get setup on a place like Lyris or something similar. FYI - I have never used them, there just the one that I remembered that did this __________________ Alabama Full Service Remodeling, Renovation, and Preservation by SLS Construction Certified Energy Efficiency Audits, Ratings, Modeling, Verifications, & Consulting Residential, Commercial, & Industrial Infrared Thermography Scans

03-23-2009, 10:30 AM	#4
gallerytungsten View Profile gallerytungsten Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (260) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: Design Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: New Orleans, LA Posts: 260	Re: Email Marketing - When Does It Become Spam? In general, sending any unsolicited commercial email is considered spam. Most people receiving it, myself included, form a negative opinion of anyone who resorts to this tactic. When I receive what seems to be a spam email, I typically write back and ask the suspected spammer, "how do I know you?" Usually, they don't bother to respond. If I'm more annoyed by their obvious spam message, I either just delete it, or delete it and blacklist their address, so that no further emails get through. Now, you could try what some people refer to as "permission marketing" whereby your first email asks their permission to send them some informative links. If your first email is a humble request to send them some useful information, you might be able to overcome the negatives associated with spamming. However, if you put your mind to it, surely you can find some more effective ways of marketing yourself. For example, if your "hidden rooms" service really us unique and newsworthy, try writing a press release and pitch it to a reporter. This method, in fact, is how most "business news" stories are generated. Reporters don't go out looking for very much business news; mostly, it comes to them.

03-23-2009, 10:58 AM	#5
CF Construction View Profile CF Construction YourVisionIsOurCommitment Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (162) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity YourVisionIsOurCommitment Trade: General Contractor Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 162	Re: Email Marketing - When Does It Become Spam? I've been doing this for a while now. I buy magazines in which target our demographic and e-mail them. The e-mail I send to them is very brief and simple. Nothing where I try to "sell" our services to them, but more like "hey, this is who we are, keep us in mind". So far, I've never received any negative e-mail responses. No one has asked me to stop e-mailing them, but at the same time I keep a list as to whom I've e-mailed in the past, so I don't resend them the same e-mail. This approach has actually resulted very beneficial. We've landed several projects from this and are constantly being "invited" to give an estimate. What I always do, I always send out our marketing package via mail to all those whom I've e-mailed, this way not only do they physically have our info with way more information than I provide in the e-mails, but it provides more of a personal approach. I guess it's just how you approach it. I know that initially, it's all spam, seeing as to how they did not request an e-mail, but at the same time you can come off as being a complete professional, or as a telemarketer whom wants to sell everything possible. __________________ CF Construction and Remodeling, Inc. "Your Vision Is Our Commitment" General Contractor In Miami

03-23-2009, 11:34 AM	#6
kirbymurphy View Profile kirbymurphy Peon Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (129) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Peon Trade: Sales Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: MO Posts: 129	Re: Email Marketing - When Does It Become Spam? Getting the E-mail addresses is the tricky part if you want to be compliant. In the past, I've used harvesters that you point at a web site and it extracts E-mail addresses. Works OK, but you get a lot of totally irrelevant addresses and you are vulnerable to both anger and fines. Now I just ask everyone I meet if they would like to receive a newsletter. Now and then I add a company that I think might benefit from the info and have yet to receive a complaint. That doesn't make me compliant but I do use a lot more caution. The message has to be informational and not just say "Hey! Hire ME!" Add a sign-up form on your web site and make it simple yet prominent. Nothing much, just name and E-mail will do. People hesitate to enter their phone number. I use a program called SendBlaster that handles multiple lists and allows the creation of a pretty nice newsletter. Or you can paste in HTML. It has opt-out and bounced mail features, but they are less than easy to implement. I think I paid about $115. http://www.sendblaster.com/ Another company has a package called EmailMarketer (formerly SendStudio) they will install on your web site. It is really cool and handles opt-outs AND opt-ins quite well and automates removing Bounced E-mails. It will track your newsletters and see who is opening theirs, and even what pages on your web site they visit. Was about $200 a couple of years ago, but now it's up to $495. (If you buy it, go for the pro install option.) http://www.interspire.com/emailmarketer/features.php

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03-23-2009, 12:03 PM	#8
Mike(VA) View Profile Mike(VA) Custom Stuff Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (859) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Custom Stuff Trade: General Contractor - Custom Renovations Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Manassas, VA Posts: 859	Re: Email Marketing - When Does It Become Spam? Sean, thanks for the link. In looking at the information, it doesn't look like email advertising is not allowed, just that it must meet certain requirements. The law, which became effective January 1, 2004, covers email whose primary purpose is advertising or promoting a commercial product or service, including content on a Web site. My primary purpose is disseminating information. I link to an article on my site, a site whose primary purpose is information. Of course, people seeing that information can proceed further, if they want to. I am not offering anything specific, just services in general, for sale in the email. It bans false or misleading header information It prohibits deceptive subject lines It requires that your email give recipients an opt-out method It requires that commercial email be identified as an advertisement and include the sender's valid physical postal address. The four areas above seem to be no problem for me except the opt out. I need that in the email. Not sure how to best identify it as an advertisement since I am not selling anything. The following is what I send out, the last paragraph is worded here for architects and engineers but would be different for other groups. Subject line: Hidden rooms, panic room, security construction HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT Hidden rooms, safe rooms, panic rooms, shielded rooms, disguised passages and exits, candlesticks that turn and cause a bookcase to move. Stuff of legend and movies (Panic Room by David Fincher, 2002, starring Jodie Foster) or modern day necessities for some? [Read More at http://www.homesteadrenovations.net/security-construction.html] HOMESTEAD RENOVATIONS, LLC provides residential security construction services for diplomats, defense contractors, politicians, and private sector executives in the VA, MD, and DC. metro area. We also construct these features for our clients' enjoyment, for kids fun, to enhance the home's value, or just so our clients can be different. We participate in new construction or retrofitting the existing home. The entire process uses the utmost discretion and some construction may be accomplished after the home is built and finalized, or in conjunction with another renovation to disguise the true purpose of the construction. Whether it is the installation of a single feature or the construction of a custom designed room using various components, we can professionally and quickly accommodate your client's needs. We are looking to be associated with professional firms who are or who have been involved with the design and implementation of residential security construction and COOP (continuity of operations) design. As a trusted company with experience, we can be a valuable resource to your clients who have need of such special features and designs. If your firm is capable of providing design services for these types of construction, please let us know as we will gladly refer clients whose needs appear to match your abilities. For more information, please call us anytime or visit our website at www.homesteadrenovations.net Mike Frost HOMESTEAD RENOVATIONS, LLC 9655 Richmond Street Manassas, VA 20110 703-966-6092 www.homesteadrenovations.net Getting the email addresses is strictly from public areas, not using lists, harvesters, or anything like that. These are email addresses put out there for people to use to contact the person or company. Who you consider the above email as spam, gallerytungsten? __________________ __________________________________________________ ___________ I EXPECT THAT SOMEDAY I WILL SEE THE FRUITS OF MY LABOR. IS IT SOMEDAY YET? Clifton, Great Falls, McLean, Fairfax Station, Manassas, Virginia Renovation Contractor

03-23-2009, 02:02 PM	#9
Publisher1 View Profile Publisher1 Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (283) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: Construction News Service Join Date: May 2006 Location: Ottawa, Ontario Posts: 283	Re: Email Marketing - When Does It Become Spam? Well, first Mike we should talk re publicity in Washington Construction News (unabashed plug).... Now on to the spam issue.... As a rule, if you haven't received permission in advance, truly personal emails are generally okay. I mean, thoughtful and one on one emails with some recognition and understanding of the person you are communicating with. Obviously this is not hte same as broadcast stuff for newsletters and so on, but it is the right way to go. You can certainly use this initial email to invite further communications. You can build a pretty good list of permission-based request emails by effective and patient marketing. My blog, for example, generates between two and six inquiries per day. The Constant Contact email management software we use allows for opt-outs, and every time we issue a news letter, we get several requests for removal from the list: This is fine, when the list gets to several thousand names you really should expect a few to drop off when you send out the broadcast. Do I occasionally send emails to lists where I don't have direct permission? Yes. For example, we have a list from four years ago from Washington Construction News, so I sent out to that group a notice that we were restarting the publication. But I do this sparingly and with a great sense of caution and relevance. As a rule, when I send out these types of emails, the content is entirely informational and useful stuff without any meaningful sales message.

03-23-2009, 03:59 PM	#10
Mike(VA) View Profile Mike(VA) Custom Stuff Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (859) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Custom Stuff Trade: General Contractor - Custom Renovations Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Manassas, VA Posts: 859	Re: Email Marketing - When Does It Become Spam? Mark, (I assume), I am currently reading through your past blogs. Got there from a reference on CT. I understand your point about securing permission but also realize that it is a time-consumming process. Granted, good marketing in most any form is a slow process. In looking at the above-referenced regulations, it seems that I can indeed send out unsolicited emails but I must follow certain guidelines. The issue of whether these emails will be seen as intrusions by the recipient is another matter. If I were sending out an email flier about a roofing special, or anything similar to the usual true spam, I can see a problem. Like many here, I am looking for additional ways to expand my marketing for my niche markets. While I may think I have decent content on my website, I don't feel it is really blog quality nor do I have the time to devote to a blog in a manner necessary to generate emails and sales. I have 2 campaigns going with Adwords, got top listings in G. organics, (all recently), just looking to do more. So posting here hopefully gives me a chance to learn from others who have been down this road since they surely know where the potholes are. __________________ __________________________________________________ ___________ I EXPECT THAT SOMEDAY I WILL SEE THE FRUITS OF MY LABOR. IS IT SOMEDAY YET? Clifton, Great Falls, McLean, Fairfax Station, Manassas, Virginia Renovation Contractor

03-23-2009, 04:19 PM	#11
silvertree View Profile silvertree Certified Remodeler Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (3,207) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Certified Remodeler Trade: Kitchen bath remodeler Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: North Oaks,MN Posts: 3,207	Re: Email Marketing - When Does It Become Spam? I consider all unsolicited emails spam. I don't get angry and do read a few, but its spam none the less. I won't do it but I won't condemn anyone for trying. So you get a lead or 2 and turn off how many people in the process? __________________ Vote for Pedro Kitchen, bath, St Paul remodeling Minneapolis Remodel Blog 203K Loan Consultant Minnesota

03-23-2009, 04:28 PM	#12
Publisher1 View Profile Publisher1 Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (283) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: Construction News Service Join Date: May 2006 Location: Ottawa, Ontario Posts: 283	Re: Email Marketing - When Does It Become Spam? Mike ou are probably okay if you send informative, useful broadcast emails with an easy opt-out provision, but you are best to get true and meaningful permission first. You can ask for this permission (and perhaps do some direct selling at the same time) by personalizing the communication as done by CF Construction above. Blogging of course requires some time and effort but paradoxically makes the newsletter project much easier -- you can recycle/elaborate on your blog materials in the e-letter! Your website is fine. Like all marketing, things happen and opportunities arise from intriguing and strange places. In addition to the form newsletter requests, now get between two and four 'real' inquiries a week; most of which have no immediate business relevance within my existing markets, but all of which if possible I respond with some individual thought and courtesy. Then, out of the blue, we get a really good order or the network of relationships and insights takes us to other interesting places.

03-23-2009, 04:51 PM	#13
Mike(VA) View Profile Mike(VA) Custom Stuff Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (859) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Custom Stuff Trade: General Contractor - Custom Renovations Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Manassas, VA Posts: 859	Re: Email Marketing - When Does It Become Spam? Paul, I know I may turn off a few people but I think time and results will tell as to how many that may be. Certainly, if I start getting blasted by lots of folks, I will close the curtains and crawl back in my cave. However, I am hoping that interesting content, not really seen anywhere else, will be intriguing enough to forestall or eliminate return hate mail. I think that asking for permission to CONTINUE sending useful information to these folks is a good tact. I will give them a clear opt out choice, and will probably put it at the top of the email rather than in fine print at the bottom. I already have them from the subject and header. If that doesn't interest them, I want it to be easy for them to opt out. You know, Mark is more on the cutting edge of marketing in this new world than many. Several recent threads on marketing practices are telling all of us that something has to, and will, change. We'll see. Mark, I think I am getting close to knowing what I need to do to stay out of the law's way, keep from alienating potential customers, and generating business. Let's see how it plays out. __________________ __________________________________________________ ___________ I EXPECT THAT SOMEDAY I WILL SEE THE FRUITS OF MY LABOR. IS IT SOMEDAY YET? Clifton, Great Falls, McLean, Fairfax Station, Manassas, Virginia Renovation Contractor

03-23-2009, 05:15 PM	#14
karunnt View Profile karunnt Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (401) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: Contractor hosting Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 401	Re: Email Marketing - When Does It Become Spam? One type of email marketing that is popular is to create an autoresponder series. 1) What happens is that you find some topic that your target market would like to learn. 2) Then create a set of short lessons that educate them on this subject. For example 'How to install a deck', 'How to upholster a chair' etc. Anyone would that wants a deck or has some old chair would want to subscribe to this. 3) Then setup aweber (or a similar autoresponder company) so that people can sign up for this and it will send them each lesson in order automatically. Each of these lessons can include links to parts of your website that show ohw it should be done and your successes. But Make sure it is mainly on the customer and don't try and sell them anything - teach them how to do it themselves. 4) After they have seen all the lessons they may be automatically subscribed to your email list. They can unsubscribe at any time. What is great is that you don't have to do any work at all once it is setup. You may be worried that you may be giving them all the information they need to do the work yourself. But this is not always the case. If they see how much work and time is involved they will most likely hire you since they have a 'relationship' with you already. If they do it themselves they most likely would not have hired anyone at all. The essential element is to build a relationship with a someone before making any offer.

03-24-2009, 11:13 AM	#15
Mike(VA) View Profile Mike(VA) Custom Stuff Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (859) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Custom Stuff Trade: General Contractor - Custom Renovations Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Manassas, VA Posts: 859	Re: Email Marketing - When Does It Become Spam? karunnt, that's an interesting idea, but as usual, I am thinking of modifying the concept for something else. Not sure what it is yet, but ... This is the kind of thinking, and ideas, that we need in this market. Unfortunately, there is no easy way to corral all this info in one place so we can review the ideas and draw upon them as needed. I've seen a lot of good ideas on here but darn if I can remember them all, much less where they are. I think from now on, I am going to cut and paste to a word doc anything I see that may be of interest to me. I'll sort it out later. __________________ __________________________________________________ ___________ I EXPECT THAT SOMEDAY I WILL SEE THE FRUITS OF MY LABOR. IS IT SOMEDAY YET? Clifton, Great Falls, McLean, Fairfax Station, Manassas, Virginia Renovation Contractor

03-24-2009, 11:40 AM	#16
heartoftexas View Profile heartoftexas GeoThermal Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (103) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity GeoThermal Trade: HVAC Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 103	Re: Email Marketing - When Does It Become Spam? maybe get premission first? I might tell you where to shove your email,,,,but thats just me

03-24-2009, 01:13 PM	#17
carlsore View Profile carlsore Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (300) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: Web Design Specifically For Contractors Join Date: May 2008 Location: Qualicum Beach BC Posts: 300	Re: Email Marketing - When Does It Become Spam? Signup for a service like SendOutCards. Basically, you can send customized greeting cards right from your computer. They will print, envelope and mail the card for you. No spam issues to worry about. Much more personal then email and only about $1.50 a card to print and mail within the USA. You can customize the cards with your own photos and even handwriting... Homeowners could get a card with a before/after of a kitchen/bathroom etc... Or info on the security rooms, whatever you like. Restaurant Owners could a before/after of some restaurant work etc... These potential clients would be much more likely to read the information and possibly hang onto it for a future contact. It's a super simple and affordable direct mail system for business owners and professionals. I'll send you something through their system if you like and you can see for yourself. Carl Sorensen

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03-24-2009, 03:25 PM	#19
bob-contractor View Profile bob-contractor Member Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (44) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Member Trade: web development Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 44	Re: Email Marketing - When Does It Become Spam? its all spam to me, un solicited

03-24-2009, 04:14 PM	#20
Mike(VA) View Profile Mike(VA) Custom Stuff Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (859) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Custom Stuff Trade: General Contractor - Custom Renovations Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Manassas, VA Posts: 859	Re: Email Marketing - When Does It Become Spam? I have a bit of a problem with seeking permission first. To do that, you have to send an email asking for same. What if they do not respond. Is that tacit agreement or not? I think I would rather send the intro email but make it very clear how often these may come out and how they can opt out. The problem with mailing anything is getting to the intended target. Gate keepers will never send a card up to the top dog. Also, cost vs results is high. I think very few would answer a card type request to contact us for more information. The enrollment (autoresponder)type of program may have some merrit. Seems like it demands a lot more time to develop but then may be ok. Problem I see is it doesn't work unless they already have hit your website. As for people who consider all email that is unsolicited as spam, its not hard to see why. Most is irritating junk and a PITA to deal with sometimes. However, I think a well written email with an eye catching subject line would stand a better chance of being looked at than Carla pushing her on-line meds. __________________ __________________________________________________ ___________ I EXPECT THAT SOMEDAY I WILL SEE THE FRUITS OF MY LABOR. IS IT SOMEDAY YET? Clifton, Great Falls, McLean, Fairfax Station, Manassas, Virginia Renovation Contractor