The double opt--in method may be your best solution to the problem of single opt--in subscribers that don’t want to be on your mailing list. The confirmation process is your protection against individuals claiming you are sending them unsolicited e-mail. The double opt--in method establishes that:

• The e-mail a^ddress is good.

• The responder is the owner of the e-mail a^ddress.

• The responder wants to join your mailing list.

Some significant reasons to use double opt--in include:

• To attract interested and responsive subscribers in your targeted niche.

• Improve the chances your subscribers will see your message.

• A^dvertisers will place a higher value on your receptive subscriber list.

• Ability to more effectively market your products and services to your list.

• Documented proof that subscribers requested to be on your mailing list.

• Reduce the probability your ISP will shut you down due to a sp^am complaint.

An argument against double opt--in is that the number of individuals completing the confirmation stage is lower than those signing-up in the initial subscription stage. This is usually due to:

• Faulty typing by the subscriber.

• Malice by the subscriber.

• Problem with input processing at the point of sign-up.

• Wrong or incomple
  Wholesale Fraud
  There is an old saying that goes like this. "You get what you pay for." In the wholesale business this is way too true. We're going to take a look at some of the wholesale scams that go on constantly and how to avoid them. It's not as easy as it sounds.Let's face it. We all want to pay as little for something as possible. It costs so much to live as it is and the last thing we want is to overpay for something. So it is very tempting to try to get things wholesale to save a few dollars. The problem is this. When you're dealing with wholesale items you're paying a much lower price than you would for the same item retail, but how much less should you pay? This becomes a problem on two levels.The less serious level is actually paying too much for the item. In many cases what the wholesaler will do is display a retail price for the item that is actually inflated by as much as 100% over the actual retail price. For example, a Sony DVD that normally goes for $150 they may have listed for $300. Then they give you a wholesale price of say, $175. It sounds like a good deal but in actuality you're paying $25 over retail and y
  You heard the message before. Your e-mail list is the most important key to your future online success. The best list is a highly targeted and responsive opt--in list. At present, the single opt--in method is the preferred approach to building a list. However, Internet promoting considerations suggest the list owner should use the double opt--in or confirmation method to build a list. What is the right method for you?

  Opt--In Process

  The opt--in process means that an individual has requested to be on your mailing list before you a^dd them. At the same time, the individual must be given the ability to opt--out (unsubscribe) from your mailing list at any time.

  In the single opt--in method, an individual registers to join your e-mail list by submitting their name and e-mail a^ddress. As a result, the individual is giving you their permission to send them e-mail messages that promote specific products and services or discuss specific topics.

  In the double opt--in or confirmation method, an individual registers to join your e-mail list in the same manner as the single opt--in method. In response, the individual receives an e-mail from you to confirm their e-mail a^ddress. Upon receipt of the confirmation e-mail, you a^dd the individual to your mailing list. If the confirmation e-mail reply is not received, do not a^dd the individual to your list. However, you may want to follow-up with the non-confirming individuals and give them another chance to confirm.

  Autoresponder

  Your autoresponder should have the capability to implement the double opt--in method. If not, you can setup one very easily. Set up two separate campaigns in your autoresponder (let’s call them “A” and “B”). Campaign “A” receives the initial single opt--in request from your visitor. In turn, the message from campaign “A” contains a link the subscriber clicks to send a confirmation e-mail to campaign “B.” The “blank” e-mail sent to campaign “B” is from the subscriber’s “default” e-mail system containing their confirming name and e-mail a^ddress.

  Subscriber Relationship

  To be successful in e-mail promotions, you must build a personal one-on-one relationship with your prospects or clients. The success in your online mark^eting hinges on maintaining and building this personal relationship. As the list owner, you need to establish the initial relationship by:

  • Obtaining permission from your subscribers to send them promotional messages and other types of useful information

  • Practicing respect for the privacy of your subscribers.

  Implicit Opt--In

  An implicit opt--in situation may exist as the result of permission that is not granted but is derived from another relationship. An example would be when an individual has previously purchased from you. In this situation, you may be able to send limited but unsolicited e-mails to that individual under this pre-existing relationship. However, this level of implied permission must never be exceeded without the expressed consent of the individual.

  Considerations

  As a list owner, you work hard to drive traffic to your web site and get subscribers to join your list. Individuals respond and decide to join your list. They submit their name and e-mail a^ddress. Great! All that hard work of publishing a newsletter, writing ezine articles and promoting is finally paying off. You have genuine subscribers. Or do you?

  As it turns out, some of these new subscribers did not sign-up on your mailing list, do not want to receive your mark^eting messages or forgot they signed up. You run the risk of getting sp^am complaints when you send e-mail messages to this group of individuals. This can be a serious problem to your online business. Open your e-mail and look at the flood of unwanted messages. Scan and listen to the media reports. Sp^am is a continuing problem.

  MessageLabs, a provider of e-mail security services, monitors e-mail messages on a worldwide basis. Out of 157 million e-mails tracked in July 2003, they reported that 80 million e-mails were sp^am. That’s a 51 percent sp^am rate. In December 2003, MessageLabs reported a 77 percent increase in year-to-year sp^am volume. These numbers are incredible.

  It is very important that you get your e-mail messages into the hands of individuals that want to receive your messages. As a result, the normal single opt--in may no longer be sufficient. Consider the double opt--in method as an alternate approach. Look at the pros and cons of each approach to find out what is right for you.

  Single Opt--In Discussion

  An argument in favor of single opt--in states it is simpler to subscribe to a single opt--in list than the double opt--in list. Even though the single opt--in method has more un-subscribes, the net number of subscribers is generally higher than with the double opt--in method.

  An argument against the single opt--in method states that new subscribers may be:

  • Tire kickers only looking for the fr^ee bonus,

  • Not really interested in your mark^eting efforts,

  • Can not remember signing-up,

  • Did not sign-up due to someone else signing them up or

  • There was a typographical mistake in the sign-up process.

  How many of the single opt--in subscribers fall into this “problem” category? Depending on the reporting source it ranges from 0 to 30 percent. Malice or typo mistakes can be mitigated in the confirmation process if the recipient does not confirm. As a result, you will probably lose these people in short order through the unsubscribe process. However, the most serious consequence is the sp^am complaint. This can cause you significant grief and wasted time defending yourself against the ISP that wants to shut you down.

  Double Opt--In Discussion

  Depending on your situation, you may need or want to start using the double opt--in method. This does not mean you trash all your current single opt--in subscribers and ask them to double opt--in. You should be able to continue your e-mail mark^eting to these individuals if you have a healthy business relationship with them. Consider the double opt--in method if you are in the early stages of building your list or want to increase to your existing list.

  The double opt--in method may be your best solution to the problem of single opt--in subscribers that don’t want to be on your mailing list. The confirmation process is your protection against individuals claiming you are sending them unsolicited e-mail. The double opt--in method establishes that:

  • The e-mail a^ddress is good.

  • The responder is the owner of the e-mail a^ddress.

  • The responder wants to join your mailing list.

  Some significant reasons to use double opt--in include:

  • To attract interested and responsive subscribers in your targeted niche.

  • Improve the chances your subscribers will see your message.

  • A^dvertisers will place a higher value on your receptive subscriber list.

  • Ability to more effectively market your products and services to your list.

  • Documented proof that subscribers requested to be on your mailing list.

  • Reduce the probability your ISP will shut you down due to a sp^am complaint.

  An argument against double opt--in is that the number of individuals completing the confirmation stage is lower than those signing-up in the initial subscription stage. This is usually due to:

  • Faulty typing by the subscriber.

  • Malice by the subscriber.

  • Problem with input processing at the point of sign-up.

  • Wrong or incomple
    What a 19th Century Opera Composer Teaches Modern Day Salespeople
    Most people are familiar with the old saying, "Easy come. Easy go." In the sales world we often observe that sales people who experience success quickly falsely assume that the sales profession is going to be easy. After a month or two, however, those fortunate few often reach a different conclusion. Without much sweat equity invested, they head off and look for the next rainbow. If only we could teach a new saying, "Easy come. Forget That." We may not have that saying, but we can look at a 19th Century opera composer who expressed it and set the example we may well want to copy. After experiencing a degree of success with his very first opera, a young and unknown composer, Giuseppe Verdi, hit the big leagues by receiving a contract to compose two more operas for the most famous opera house in Italy. Talk about a winning sales presentation! One could certainly say that his success came quite easily. Verdi's next opera was to be an Opera buffa, a form of comedic opera, but the life events that preceded the opening night of that opera were anything but comical. In August 1838 Verdi's 16-month old daughter died suddenly. Just
    capability to implement the double opt--in method. If not, you can setup one very easily. Set up two separate campaigns in your autoresponder (let’s call them “A” and “B”). Campaign “A” receives the initial single opt--in request from your visitor. In turn, the message from campaign “A” contains a link the subscriber clicks to send a confirmation e-mail to campaign “B.” The “blank” e-mail sent to campaign “B” is from the subscriber’s “default” e-mail system containing their confirming name and e-mail a^ddress.

    Subscriber Relationship

    To be successful in e-mail promotions, you must build a personal one-on-one relationship with your prospects or clients. The success in your online mark^eting hinges on maintaining and building this personal relationship. As the list owner, you need to establish the initial relationship by:

    • Obtaining permission from your subscribers to send them promotional messages and other types of useful information

    • Practicing respect for the privacy of your subscribers.

    Implicit Opt--In

    An implicit opt--in situation may exist as the result of permission that is not granted but is derived from another relationship. An example would be when an individual has previously purchased from you. In this situation, you may be able to send limited but unsolicited e-mails to that individual under this pre-existing relationship. However, this level of implied permission must never be exceeded without the expressed consent of the individual.

    Considerations

    As a list owner, you work hard to drive traffic to your web site and get subscribers to join your list. Individuals respond and decide to join your list. They submit their name and e-mail a^ddress. Great! All that hard work of publishing a newsletter, writing ezine articles and promoting is finally paying off. You have genuine subscribers. Or do you?

    As it turns out, some of these new subscribers did not sign-up on your mailing list, do not want to receive your mark^eting messages or forgot they signed up. You run the risk of getting sp^am complaints when you send e-mail messages to this group of individuals. This can be a serious problem to your online business. Open your e-mail and look at the flood of unwanted messages. Scan and listen to the media reports. Sp^am is a continuing problem.

    MessageLabs, a provider of e-mail security services, monitors e-mail messages on a worldwide basis. Out of 157 million e-mails tracked in July 2003, they reported that 80 million e-mails were sp^am. That’s a 51 percent sp^am rate. In December 2003, MessageLabs reported a 77 percent increase in year-to-year sp^am volume. These numbers are incredible.

    It is very important that you get your e-mail messages into the hands of individuals that want to receive your messages. As a result, the normal single opt--in may no longer be sufficient. Consider the double opt--in method as an alternate approach. Look at the pros and cons of each approach to find out what is right for you.

    Single Opt--In Discussion

    An argument in favor of single opt--in states it is simpler to subscribe to a single opt--in list than the double opt--in list. Even though the single opt--in method has more un-subscribes, the net number of subscribers is generally higher than with the double opt--in method.

    An argument against the single opt--in method states that new subscribers may be:

    • Tire kickers only looking for the fr^ee bonus,

    • Not really interested in your mark^eting efforts,

    • Can not remember signing-up,

    • Did not sign-up due to someone else signing them up or

    • There was a typographical mistake in the sign-up process.

    How many of the single opt--in subscribers fall into this “problem” category? Depending on the reporting source it ranges from 0 to 30 percent. Malice or typo mistakes can be mitigated in the confirmation process if the recipient does not confirm. As a result, you will probably lose these people in short order through the unsubscribe process. However, the most serious consequence is the sp^am complaint. This can cause you significant grief and wasted time defending yourself against the ISP that wants to shut you down.

    Double Opt--In Discussion

    Depending on your situation, you may need or want to start using the double opt--in method. This does not mean you trash all your current single opt--in subscribers and ask them to double opt--in. You should be able to continue your e-mail mark^eting to these individuals if you have a healthy business relationship with them. Consider the double opt--in method if you are in the early stages of building your list or want to increase to your existing list.

    The double opt--in method may be your best solution to the problem of single opt--in subscribers that don’t want to be on your mailing list. The confirmation process is your protection against individuals claiming you are sending them unsolicited e-mail. The double opt--in method establishes that:

    • The e-mail a^ddress is good.

    • The responder is the owner of the e-mail a^ddress.

    • The responder wants to join your mailing list.

    Some significant reasons to use double opt--in include:

    • To attract interested and responsive subscribers in your targeted niche.

    • Improve the chances your subscribers will see your message.

    • A^dvertisers will place a higher value on your receptive subscriber list.

    • Ability to more effectively market your products and services to your list.

    • Documented proof that subscribers requested to be on your mailing list.

    • Reduce the probability your ISP will shut you down due to a sp^am complaint.

    An argument against double opt--in is that the number of individuals completing the confirmation stage is lower than those signing-up in the initial subscription stage. This is usually due to:

    • Faulty typing by the subscriber.

    • Malice by the subscriber.

    • Problem with input processing at the point of sign-up.

    • Wrong or incomple
      IT Specialists: Branding Your Company
      As IT specialists, a big way to differentiate yourself is to make sure that you're branding your company. Focus on selling your company name with its new industry twist. In this article, you'll learn why branding your company is so important for IT specialists.Don't go in flashing the certifications and vendor logos because that reduces you to a commodity. Sure, they can be part of your background information and something you can talk about, but don't lead with that-you are IT specialists. Concentrate on marketing and selling YOUR brand and the unique industry-specific value that your firm brings to the table.Filling Unfulfilled NeedsAnother great way to differentiate yourself is to find an underserved local niche and dominate it. How do you find these local niches and dominate them? It's a matter of just asking around.Where to Find Your Industry TwistWhen you're out at chamber meetings or the Rotary, talking to prospects, or going to B2B expos, look around for a big problem that's going unfulfilled. All of a sudden, a light bulb will go off one day and you say wow, I can't believe no one thought of that
      p>As a list owner, you work hard to drive traffic to your web site and get subscribers to join your list. Individuals respond and decide to join your list. They submit their name and e-mail a^ddress. Great! All that hard work of publishing a newsletter, writing ezine articles and promoting is finally paying off. You have genuine subscribers. Or do you?

      As it turns out, some of these new subscribers did not sign-up on your mailing list, do not want to receive your mark^eting messages or forgot they signed up. You run the risk of getting sp^am complaints when you send e-mail messages to this group of individuals. This can be a serious problem to your online business. Open your e-mail and look at the flood of unwanted messages. Scan and listen to the media reports. Sp^am is a continuing problem.

      MessageLabs, a provider of e-mail security services, monitors e-mail messages on a worldwide basis. Out of 157 million e-mails tracked in July 2003, they reported that 80 million e-mails were sp^am. That’s a 51 percent sp^am rate. In December 2003, MessageLabs reported a 77 percent increase in year-to-year sp^am volume. These numbers are incredible.

      It is very important that you get your e-mail messages into the hands of individuals that want to receive your messages. As a result, the normal single opt--in may no longer be sufficient. Consider the double opt--in method as an alternate approach. Look at the pros and cons of each approach to find out what is right for you.

      Single Opt--In Discussion

      An argument in favor of single opt--in states it is simpler to subscribe to a single opt--in list than the double opt--in list. Even though the single opt--in method has more un-subscribes, the net number of subscribers is generally higher than with the double opt--in method.

      An argument against the single opt--in method states that new subscribers may be:

      • Tire kickers only looking for the fr^ee bonus,

      • Not really interested in your mark^eting efforts,

      • Can not remember signing-up,

      • Did not sign-up due to someone else signing them up or

      • There was a typographical mistake in the sign-up process.

      How many of the single opt--in subscribers fall into this “problem” category? Depending on the reporting source it ranges from 0 to 30 percent. Malice or typo mistakes can be mitigated in the confirmation process if the recipient does not confirm. As a result, you will probably lose these people in short order through the unsubscribe process. However, the most serious consequence is the sp^am complaint. This can cause you significant grief and wasted time defending yourself against the ISP that wants to shut you down.

      Double Opt--In Discussion

      Depending on your situation, you may need or want to start using the double opt--in method. This does not mean you trash all your current single opt--in subscribers and ask them to double opt--in. You should be able to continue your e-mail mark^eting to these individuals if you have a healthy business relationship with them. Consider the double opt--in method if you are in the early stages of building your list or want to increase to your existing list.

      The double opt--in method may be your best solution to the problem of single opt--in subscribers that don’t want to be on your mailing list. The confirmation process is your protection against individuals claiming you are sending them unsolicited e-mail. The double opt--in method establishes that:

      • The e-mail a^ddress is good.

      • The responder is the owner of the e-mail a^ddress.

      • The responder wants to join your mailing list.

      Some significant reasons to use double opt--in include:

      • To attract interested and responsive subscribers in your targeted niche.

      • Improve the chances your subscribers will see your message.

      • A^dvertisers will place a higher value on your receptive subscriber list.

      • Ability to more effectively market your products and services to your list.

      • Documented proof that subscribers requested to be on your mailing list.

      • Reduce the probability your ISP will shut you down due to a sp^am complaint.

      An argument against double opt--in is that the number of individuals completing the confirmation stage is lower than those signing-up in the initial subscription stage. This is usually due to:

      • Faulty typing by the subscriber.

      • Malice by the subscriber.

      • Problem with input processing at the point of sign-up.

      • Wrong or incomple
        How To Change Careers Whatever Your Background
        Thinking about changing your career... but worried that you may not have the background or qualifications to make the change?In some cases, you're right to be worried. Some careers do require you to possess specific qualifications and experience.However... it could be that your concern isn't warranted at all.Actually, you may have "credentialitis" - you think you need some kind of credential to qualify you for a promotion, new position or career change, when you actually have all the skills, talent and knowledge necessary.Funny, really.I always considered qualifications and credentials to be short-hand for skills and knowledge... but not the only "short-hand" and not necessarily indicative of the most valuable skills and knowledge.For example, what if you're an entrepreneur who left high school before graduating, launched a super-successful business which you ended up selling, and now want to be the marketing manager of a large, established company?If you suffered from credentialitis you may believe that you aren't qualified to become that marketing manager.So much so that you seriousl
        favor of single opt--in states it is simpler to subscribe to a single opt--in list than the double opt--in list. Even though the single opt--in method has more un-subscribes, the net number of subscribers is generally higher than with the double opt--in method.

        An argument against the single opt--in method states that new subscribers may be:

        • Tire kickers only looking for the fr^ee bonus,

        • Not really interested in your mark^eting efforts,

        • Can not remember signing-up,

        • Did not sign-up due to someone else signing them up or

        • There was a typographical mistake in the sign-up process.

        How many of the single opt--in subscribers fall into this “problem” category? Depending on the reporting source it ranges from 0 to 30 percent. Malice or typo mistakes can be mitigated in the confirmation process if the recipient does not confirm. As a result, you will probably lose these people in short order through the unsubscribe process. However, the most serious consequence is the sp^am complaint. This can cause you significant grief and wasted time defending yourself against the ISP that wants to shut you down.

        Double Opt--In Discussion

        Depending on your situation, you may need or want to start using the double opt--in method. This does not mean you trash all your current single opt--in subscribers and ask them to double opt--in. You should be able to continue your e-mail mark^eting to these individuals if you have a healthy business relationship with them. Consider the double opt--in method if you are in the early stages of building your list or want to increase to your existing list.

        The double opt--in method may be your best solution to the problem of single opt--in subscribers that don’t want to be on your mailing list. The confirmation process is your protection against individuals claiming you are sending them unsolicited e-mail. The double opt--in method establishes that:

        • The e-mail a^ddress is good.

        • The responder is the owner of the e-mail a^ddress.

        • The responder wants to join your mailing list.

        Some significant reasons to use double opt--in include:

        • To attract interested and responsive subscribers in your targeted niche.

        • Improve the chances your subscribers will see your message.

        • A^dvertisers will place a higher value on your receptive subscriber list.

        • Ability to more effectively market your products and services to your list.

        • Documented proof that subscribers requested to be on your mailing list.

        • Reduce the probability your ISP will shut you down due to a sp^am complaint.

        An argument against double opt--in is that the number of individuals completing the confirmation stage is lower than those signing-up in the initial subscription stage. This is usually due to:

        • Faulty typing by the subscriber.

        • Malice by the subscriber.

        • Problem with input processing at the point of sign-up.

        • Wrong or incomple
          Measuring the Right Indicator to Drive Behaviour
          Organisations measure what they value: volume, profit, safety, errors, customer or employee satisfaction.They measure what they hope to influence.Problems arise for organisations when they substitute proxy measures for what they value that are not actually directly related to what they value.A personal example of this was when I was a production manager in charge of a lubricating oil plant in Sydney, Australia.What the organisation I worked for valued was profit before tax, which was duly measured. Other measures which received air time were customer satisfaction, employee satisfaction and safety.At an operational level we had a fixation on costs and as a driver of costs, labour productivity. We fought for a long while to get productivity accepted by the unions as a legitimate measure that influenced their take home pay.The performance of our plant at which I was a supervisor at the time was illustrated by continual stock outs, long back orders, high levels of obsolete stock, despatch areas congested with returned stock, poor customer satisfaction and overall productivity one quarter of the national average.
          der the double opt--in method if you are in the early stages of building your list or want to increase to your existing list.

          The double opt--in method may be your best solution to the problem of single opt--in subscribers that don’t want to be on your mailing list. The confirmation process is your protection against individuals claiming you are sending them unsolicited e-mail. The double opt--in method establishes that:

          • The e-mail a^ddress is good.

          • The responder is the owner of the e-mail a^ddress.

          • The responder wants to join your mailing list.

          Some significant reasons to use double opt--in include:

          • To attract interested and responsive subscribers in your targeted niche.

          • Improve the chances your subscribers will see your message.

          • A^dvertisers will place a higher value on your receptive subscriber list.

          • Ability to more effectively market your products and services to your list.

          • Documented proof that subscribers requested to be on your mailing list.

          • Reduce the probability your ISP will shut you down due to a sp^am complaint.

          An argument against double opt--in is that the number of individuals completing the confirmation stage is lower than those signing-up in the initial subscription stage. This is usually due to:

          • Faulty typing by the subscriber.

          • Malice by the subscriber.

          • Problem with input processing at the point of sign-up.

          • Wrong or incomplete information at sign-up becomes a surprise during confirmation.

          • The request for confirmation looks like a legal document.

          As a result, it should be expected that the recipient will not complete the confirmation phase. The list operator should make the confirmation request as short and simple as possible.

          Conclusion

          In conclusion, there is no easy answer to the single versus double opt--in issue. You need to weigh the pros and cons of each method, perform tests on each method and then select the method that is right for your business.

          It’s possible that you could wind up with a hybrid solution. In other words, use the single opt--in method for your directly controlled programs like mini-courses and your newsletter and use the double opt--in approach for your co-registration programs.

          There is no silver bullet in determining the best method to handle sign-ups. You need to experiment. Whatever you do, don’t shoot yourself in the foot. You want to build your business and not destroy it.

          I wish you the best of success in your online business activities.

          Copyright © 2004 F. Terrence Markle – All Rights Reserved

          Get the FR^EE e-mail course on list building
          “How To Build Your Own Opt--In Mailing List” at:
          http://www.QuikSystems.com/OIC/OpInCourse.htm