Introduction
Email that is considered opt-in email is those email messages that people are given the option to receive. This is generally a type of email you will receive when you subscribe to newsletters, ezines or other web-based publications that are sent out in bulk.
Uncomfirmed Opt-In Email
There are a couple of different categories when it comes to opt-in email. Unconfirmed opt-in emails are those emails that are sent based on email addresses that are entered websites or email lists without actually confirming the email address belongs to the person that entered it.
When someone enters an email address and no one bothers to confirm that action, when the email is received, it will sometimes be considered spam. It is also possible for people to enter someone’s email address in a spiteful manner. This act of maliciousness can lead someone to be subscribed to an email list that never really had an interest to begin with.
Typographical errors are also possible when email addresses are entered into online forms and other mailing list request forms. This could result in the email being delivered to the wrong person or perhaps it won’t be delivered anywhere and may bounce back to the original sender.
While opt-in email lists are a great way to send out newsletters or other publications to those who ask for it, it’s always a good idea to use a method of confirmation before sending any bulk emails.
Confirmed Opt-In Email
Confirmed opt-in email is the next category when it comes to opt-in emails. This confirmation happens when a person indicates they want to be subscribed to a specific mailing list. This is generally when someone enters their email address in order to subscribe. After this is done, the person must usually click on a special link to confirm or check their inbox and send a reply email in order for the subscription to be active.
This is a good way to avoid those malicious subscriptions and avoid your emails from being considered as spam. This method can also be called “closed-loop opt-in.” This simply means that the mailing list operators have done their part to confirm that the person subscribing has acknowledge that they want the subscription based emails by “opting-in” and being activated.
When sending any opt-in emails, it is always best to provide a way for recipients to opt-out. They can be removed from the email list with this option.
Authentication of email addresses can validate that a person who says they have a particular email address actually has the email address they indicated. This can be done by sending a special code or token to the email address that subscribed. The recipient would then need to supply that special code or token in order to authenticate their email.
To maintain successful email communication with opt-in emails it’s always a good idea to use the confirmed opt-in method and authentication. When sending bulk emails such as opt-in emails, you want to make sure your emails go out to those who requested to receive them.
No one wants their email box inundated with tons of spam. Avoid the common misuse of email by not spamming others. If excess spam is a problem, it can result in miscommunication and even being blocked by your email provider. That isn’t necessary when there are methods that will help avoid this from happening.
Tips and comments
Always use confirmed opt-in email when sending out bulk emails.
