It’s not really even appropriate to call it an “email blast”. You might as well say to me, “I want you to to help me be an email spammer!”

Today I received  (synchronicity!) an email newsletter from Mail Chimp that starts like this:

So you’re the IT guy at some company, and the marketing team is bugging you to put together “an email blaster thingy” so they can send email marketing campaigns. First of all, if they actually used the word “blast” you need to immediately revoke all their internet access, and go ahead and punch them in the gut. As head of IT, you’re pretty much obligated to do that.  full article

I’m not an IT GUY and I’m certainly not going to punch anyone, but I am the “go-to gal” when it comes to internet marketing, web hosting, email and anything baffling to do with a computer or the internet.I was relieved to see I’m not being paranoid when I tell people not to send email blasts. I always recommend setting up an opt-in list and using a professional service like Mail Chimp or Constant Contact etc.

The obvious advantage to using a service like MailChimp for your “email communications” is that they are branded and look professional. The not so obvious advantage is that it helps you to be in compliance with the CAN SPAM ACT.

For instance did you know you could be sued for these 2 simple mistakes?

• Forgetting to include physical mailing address in the email footer
• Failure to properly clean unsubscribers from a list

Read up on the rules before you start your mailing campaign:

• Spam Lawsuits PDF
• Federal Trade Commission
• CAN SPAM ACT

Then sign up for a Forever Free plan at Mail Chimp and start a meaningful communication with your clients.

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