The Goal: Understand and follow GrowthZone’s email guidelines so the emails you send stay compliant with common anti-spam legislation and avoid being flagged as spam.
Before You Begin:
- Confirm you have permission (implied or express) to email everyone on your list.
- Have your organization’s physical mailing address ready to include in every email.
- Review the specific email-marketing laws that apply to your location before sending.
Sending emails is one of the most effective and expected methods of communication these days. All users of GrowthZone must diligently follow the guidelines below for compliance with common anti-spam legislation.*
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Ensure you have permission (implied or express) to email the people on your list.
- Don’t use false or misleading header information.
- Don’t use deceptive subject lines.
- Identify the message as an ad if appropriate.
- Tell recipients where you’re located.
- Tell recipients how to opt out of future emails.
- Honor opt-out requests promptly.
Ensuring you are not reported as being a ‘spammer’ is so important. For best practices on how to avoid your emails being flagged as spam, view this article on bulk emails and email list management tips.
Common Pitfalls
- Assuming one law fits all: There are a number of different laws that guide the use of email marketing, each with their own very specific guidelines. Our best-practice suggestions are not here to interpret these laws but to provide general principles that give you a quick view into common best practices that will help. Check out the specific guidelines for your location — use these links to jump-start your own research: US CAN-SPAM Act, and Canada’s CASL laws.
- Ignoring opt-out requests: Failing to honor unsubscribe requests promptly is one of the fastest ways to be reported as a spammer and damage your sender reputation.