What Is Opt-In Email Marketing

Have you ever wondered what “opt-in email marketing” is and how it compares to bulk e-mail marketing? Being a ‘newbie’ to Internet marketing, and likely having limited funds, can leave entrepreneurs feeling lost in terms of marketing and they end up turning to extreme cost saving options like free classifieds and newsgroup sites.  Most marketing experts will tell you that these efforts are not only time consuming, they afford very few results.  

Internet marketing experts have compiled countless studies as to why Internet marketing works, as well as the techniques that are proven successful.  In addition to the techniques that are proven successful. Studies have also revealed techniques that prove unsuccessful.  If you're interested in learning more about e-mail marketing help promote your business consider the following information before you decide on a method of advertisement.

First let's look at the process of sending unsolicited bulk e-mail:

Unsolicited Bulk E-Mail is the practice of sending out huge quantities of e-mail to a massive list of e-mail addresses that remain unverified or qualified.  This practice is considered incredibly controversial and in many cases may be against the law.  If you're considering this marketing tactic for your business; you must be incredibly cautious.  Using unverified bulk e-mailing practices to promote your company could put your business and your reputation at risk; not to mention the possibility of huge financial fines and jail.

The appeal of unsolicited email marketing, for many aggressive entrepreneurs, is very dramatic, and it has become incredibly popular because it's extremely inexpensive.  Bulk e-mailing costs much less than standard mailing and is less labour intensive.  Postage costs alone can cut into the profits of a growing company quite dramatically.  To offset the costs, many companies will resort to the less expensive route, even though the risk is very high.

Unfortunately, massive bulk e-mail to unsolicited clients is considered in poor taste.  In most cases, potential customers will simply ignore your incoming e-mail block your website or have you forwarded to a junk mail folder.  The worst-case scenario would include your company's website being reported to an Internet service provider resulting in your website being permanently banned from the World Wide Web.  The bottom line is this; bulk e-mailing to unsolicited customers simply doesn't work.  It doesn't get you leads and the risk is far too great.

Now let's review the practice of direct opt in e-mail marketing:

Opt in direct e-mail is the practice of sending out company e-mail to recipients that have requested contact with your company.  It is possible to hire a company that will specialize in direct e-mail in order to promote your company legally, and without the hassles of bulk e-mail to unsolicited customers.  Opt in e-mail marketing services offer you a legitimate way to reach customers who are actually seeking your services.

When it comes down to your bottom line, opt in e-mail marketing is always the way to go.  This process may be a bit more time consuming and could potentially be a bit more labour-intensive, but the benefits far outweigh the detriments.