I used to simply mark unsolicited email newsletters as spam, unsubscribe, and report them to their email marketing company (if their company even allows it).
But, I’ve started finding an email address to reply to and sending them a brief message in addition to everything else. I decided it was worth my time to reply with a bit of education on the off chance that whoever’s sitting at the other end is just honestly ignorant. The consequences can be pretty dire depending on how many people report them, and I want to see online and email marketing get better.
Here’s an example of one I sent today:
I’ve marked this email as spam, unsubscribed, and have reported you to [email marketing provider].
Sending emails to people who never asked to be emailed by you is not going to bring you more business—it’s going to give you a bad reputation. I work for an email marketing company and would be glad to explain to you why this is, and how you’re going to begin doing damage to your domain by sending unsolicited mass newsletters.
Thanks.
Cliff
No doubt, email marketing companies usually do their due diligence when it comes to warning people about these sorts of practices, but one more reminder couldn’t hurt.
And, if someone does respond to engage and ask questions, I’ll answer. I want to see online marketing get better by helping companies use permission marketing and other ‘tactics’ that help them find the right leads at the right time.
Feel free to use my email as a template, and I encourage you to engage and help when you can.