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List technique to ensure a genuine, primary email is given

by sitehero
8 replies
Other than using a double opt-in for an email subscriber, does anyone know any effective techniques to ensure the user enters their primary email address.

Ideally, I'd like a method that doesn't over-complicate the simplicity of subscribing to my list. Maybe some sort of 'Check' on the form itself or something else but I don't want a technique that sends the user to another page.

I'm still undecided about using a single or double opt-in because they each have pro's and con's. I totally understand it's good practice to offer a double opt-in but because I am not representing a brand and it's only a short-term experimental campaign, the single opt-in makes much more sense. Obviously, I will always include an 'unsubscribe' option.

So you see, if I can find a technique that ensures someone enters their primary email to begin with, it will help eliminate the consequences of not using a double opt-in. Hope that makes sense.

Any advice from you guys would be really appreciated.
#email #ensure #genuine #list #opt-in #primary #technique
  • Profile picture of the author Myles Sinclair
    The only thing you can really do is to just ask them to enter their primary address. You have no way of knowing if the address they supply is primary or not. So just asking may improve the number a bit.

    PS. Using a double opt in doesn't mean they have to provide a primary address. I normally supply an address from an online account, and confirm from that.
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    • Profile picture of the author sitehero
      Originally Posted by Myles Sinclair View Post

      PS. Using a double opt in doesn't mean they have to provide a primary address. I normally supply an address from an online account, and confirm from that.
      Oh I know, but the double opt-in does ensure it's not a fake email or someone elses.

      How about using social media? Are there any tools/scripts that I can add to a form that will match their email with their social media profiles? Just an idea because 9/10 people will use their primary email for facebook/twitter etc
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      • Profile picture of the author Myles Sinclair
        Originally Posted by sitehero View Post

        Oh I know, but the double opt-in does ensure it's not a fake email or someone elses.
        Well, not necessarily. If you use double opt-in you'll find that there will be a lot who don't confirm the address. It maybe because they've used a fake email, or your confirmation email has landed in their spam folder, or they've changed their minds etc.,

        How about using social media? Are there any tools/scripts that I can add to a form that will match their email with their social media profiles? Just an idea because 9/10 people will use their primary email for facebook/twitter etc
        I doubt it. Anyone using their primary address with their social media accounts probably does so in the expectation that it will not be shared. That might vary though depending on the site being used and their t & c.

        I wouldn't worry too much about it. If they want to hear from you they'll provide an address they monitor. Isn't that the most important thing?
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        • Profile picture of the author sitehero
          Originally Posted by Myles Sinclair View Post

          Well, not necessarily. If you use double opt-in you'll find that there will be a lot who don't confirm the address. It maybe because they've used a fake email, or your confirmation email has landed in their spam folder, or they've changed their minds etc.,



          I doubt it. Anyone using their primary address with their social media accounts probably does so in the expectation that it will not be shared. That might vary though depending on the site being used and their t & c.

          I wouldn't worry too much about it. If they want to hear from you they'll provide an address they monitor. Isn't that the most important thing?
          Absolutely. Thanks for your help.
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        • Profile picture of the author ShawnHansen
          Hi SiteHero!

          Originally Posted by Myles Sinclair View Post

          I wouldn't worry too much about it. If they want to hear from you they'll provide an address they monitor. Isn't that the most important thing?
          What Myles said is spot on. That's how I operate as a consumer, and I suspect it's true for most people: If a person really wants to learn more, s/he's going to use a good address.

          One thing I do to build a solid, focused, responsive list is to create a custom page to send subscribers to after they hit that "subscribe" button. It contains an invite to my private Facebook group and an immediate, free PDF download that lists my related products and contact details. If they are interested in more of my information, they show up over on FB, and many times they buy from the included product list.

          Best of luck to you!
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          * * * THE SMARTER WRITER'S OPTION * * *
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      • Profile picture of the author BradVert2013
        Originally Posted by sitehero View Post

        Oh I know, but the double opt-in does ensure it's not a fake email or someone elses.

        How about using social media? Are there any tools/scripts that I can add to a form that will match their email with their social media profiles? Just an idea because 9/10 people will use their primary email for facebook/twitter etc
        Personally, I'd never sign up for any email that wanted my Facebook/Twitter info. Not going to happen. I have several email addresses used for varying purposes.

        You will never be 100% certain someone is using their primary email address. The best thing to do is send them quality, original, useful content, without emailing too much.
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  • Profile picture of the author lotsofsnow
    There is no guarantee that you will get a genuine, primary email.

    There will always be people who misspell their own email (this can be up to 5%).

    If you offer something of value chances are that the larger percentage will
    give you their real email. Whether it is the primary email is another story.

    If you meet a stranger on the street you will hand them your business card
    fairly quickly, right?

    Now, your cell phone is most likely not on there.

    A person can get your personal cell phone but they usually have to
    prove that they are worth it, right?

    It is similar with peoples primary email. Either the person is not worth much
    and you will get it right away or if the person is of any value you have to
    build some kind of relationship first.
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    Delivering the highest quality leads in virtually all consumer verticals.

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  • Profile picture of the author gcbmark20
    This is something that you shouldn't allow yourself to get too hung upon.

    1) If you have an OTO offer placed behind your landing page then use the
    Single Opt in approach.

    This means that your visitors will see your paid offer as soon as they opt into
    your list.

    2) Double opt in is always optional for example when you are collecting email
    addresses from your blog.

    This is purely FREE traffic and targeted too.

    Targeted because if someone is willing to read your content, search for your blog
    address, come back to your blog etc then they are definitely interested in what
    you have to offer in terms of providing for their needs or desires.

    And of course once you have them on your list, then you can find out what
    their needs are.

    If you already have products and services that match those needs then you simply
    give those to them and charge them for it.

    If not, then you can create those products and services to match those needs.
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