Is it true double opt-in lowers conversions?

[Dexx]

I've heard that single opt-in can increase conversions since many people will choose not to confirm the opt-in email they receive.

Obviously this could go back and forth, so given current marketing trends and strategies TODAY (not posts from years past)

Who currently uses a single opt-in strategy and who uses a double opt-in strategy?

[Troy_Phillips]

I use both . Really depends on what niche and what the promotion is

[Tsnyder]

Double opt-in reduces the number of subscriber confirmations
but, in my experience, also reduces the number of spam complaints.

Tsnyder

[Jillian Slack]

Double opt-in keeps your list cleaner.

Yes, you'll lose some people because they don't want to go through the second step. But your list will be more highly targeted.

And why have a bigger list when it doesn't necessarily mean you'll make more sales? If you've got an unresponsive list, clean it up.

[ScottR]

I think in IM niches, people are accustomed to the double opt-in and you have higher rates of success with it than in some other niches. But if you incentivize your opt-in process and really build desire, then you can build a double opt-in list in most niches. As with everything, it's probably best to test it out though and compare your results from both methods. But if I had to choose, I would go with double and a solid incentive to opt in like a free report, audio, or video product.

[bobsedge]

I only use single opt in and have not had any spam complaints. Whenever I used double opt in it reduced my conversions from 30 to 50 percent. I simulate a double opt in by sending an auto response email with a link to whatever it is they signed up for.

[Quentin]

I use double optin and track and probably loose 1 in 10 and I think it is because what I offer to give them to subscribe they want. Lots of the non optin I have watched as they entered a bogus email or something hoping it was single and they come back and do it again. You can track using IP.

So quite often what you may call a drop is a false negative.

Quentin

[Loren Woirhaye]

This is my experience - and I use both but prefer single. I've never
had a problem with spam complaints, probably because I don't
email like a spammer.

Today the double-opt-in is an involvement device - and it can
backfire on you if the free "goodie" isn't of specific perceived value.
Today, let's face it, we all get so much "free" information thrown
at us that we are now sorting and prioritizing which free offers
we will respond to at all. Literally, I pass-up on so much amazing
free content marketers put out simply because I have other stuff
I am using my time for.

It's not only a battle for your prospect's mind anymore, it's a very
real battle to get them to devote time to paying attention to you.

That's why I usually use single.

[~Davor Debrecin~]

I think double opt-in is way better, not because of the spam complaints, but the quality of the subscribers is much higher. It's because they took action multiple times. They committed to you multiple times and that builds stronger relationship. And stronger relationship makes you more money.

Of course, you have to build desire and trust before asking them to take any action. But if you do everything properly then you could have a list of 1000 people with whom you have a great relationhip and they open your every email and most of them always buys from you. I think that's much much better than having a huge list with some occasional buyers, right?

Take care,

~Davor

[GoldTrack]

The way I see it is Double Optin gets rid of the 'Tyre Kickers' and ensures a better class of 'serious' customers who will likely have more 'lifetime value' for you.

[TelegramSam]

It's ok to say "you get a better class of subscriber" with double opt in.

However, the real question is do you make more money if you choose single or double opt in.

I'm not bothered about a few spam complaints. People will complain about anything, no matter whether single or double opt in.

Send good content and you will get few complaints.

But back to the main issue, would you make more money with single or double opt in?

I'm not sure myself, but personally, I prefer single opt in.

Most people are lazy and many won't double opt in for many reasons. Didn't realise, can't be bothered etc...

But with single opt in, they will still get your emails and one day, the right offer may evoke a sale.

[Mr McDonald]

I use double to avoid spam complaints , however i have noticed a definate reduction in confirmations.

[Dexx]

What about the issue when dealing with offline businesses that want to import their exiting customer database / emails into your autoresponder...

Would you just manually confirm all the imported customers since they already gave their information in PERSON to the business, or would you send out an initial email informing them they are being added to a "Discount/Coupon/VIP etc." list?

Then have them confirm, and THEN start sending them messages from the autoresponder?


Or would/do most of you just import the existing customer databases and go from there?

[Loren Woirhaye]

Bad news to import a list and THEN have them confirm. You'll
lose 90% or more. Better to be seamless and email them like
there is no question you have their permission - if it's a legitimately
built list virtually none will even comment. Better to ask for
forgiveness than permission.