Unsubscribing from email lists
I just recently went through a big email purge, taking myself off of many lists that aren't really helping me with anything or those that I simply have no time to read. I'm discovering that the majority of the lists offer a pretty quick way to unsubscribe. You simply hit the unsubscribe link in the broadcast, and you're either immediately unsubscribed, or have to choose the list(s) from you you want to unsub and you're done. Pretty easy, overall, just like I make it for people on my lists.
However, even in 2010 I'm discovering 2 things:
1. Large companies, retail stores and department stores in particular, make it VERY difficult to get off of their lists. I won't name names, but going through this unsubcribing process with them doesn't endear them to me at all. In fact, it really makes me not want to do any future business with them. Once I finally figured out how to get off of the list, I got a message that the unsubscription request will take 7-10 business days to process. Really???? In this day of automation, when even a micro biz owner like me can offer unsubscription automation, a huge corporate entity is unable to do this instantly? I think not. Or, if that is the case, they REALLY need to rethink their email marketing policies.
2. Some of these same large companies require you to dig for the email address you used to subscribe to their list in order for you to enter it into a box to get off of their list. I realize that their goal must be to make it as difficult as possible to remove yourself from their list in order to retain list numbers. However, how much customer goodwill is being sabotaged in this process? And sometimes you have to enter the email address twice for confirmation purposes. Again, really??? Whoever heard of anyone stealthily unsubscribing people from a list?? Doesn't it usually work in the opposite way?
OK, I'll hop off of my soapbox now. Too bad that they don't subscribe to my general business philosophy of making it as easy as possible for your customers/prospects to choose to do business with you. If we all operated with this philosophy, the world would be a better place. <g>
About the Author Donna Gunter
Best-selling author Donna Gunter works with successful business owners who are experts in their fields and established in their industry and are seeking a way to stand out from their competitors. Using her Ideal Clients on Autopilot System©, she helps them determine the exact strategies to generate more qualified leads and better-paying clients with automated systems. This proven system makes all their marketing easier and more effective and they find themselves positioned as the only choice for their clients.
