Aweber Spam Complaints 1.82%

[Fernando Veloso]

Hello Warriors,

Just noticed a Broadcast i sent yesterday to my IM List had complaints for the first time.

1.82% complaints.

In this broadcast i offered a free bonus (a good one frankly), so i guess people never opened the email...

So bare with me and give some help please:

- These complaints are what? People that send the message to Spam box? Or a real complaint to Aweber?

- Can i Block a particular country to get inside the list from Aweber panel?


Thanks in advance guys, really appreciated. This is my new list and i don't want to have problems with it.

Fernando

[artwebster]

I can never understand how an opted in member of a list can then claim that an email is spam.
If you are using Aweber, presumably Aweber will not allow you to broadcast to anybody less than double opted in so who are these complainers?
I know I have occasionally clicked on the Spam button rather than the delete button (by mistake) but surely that is not the same as making a complaint?

[Alex Taylor]

AWeber *will* allow you to broadcast to single opt-ins, because I have a single opt-in list that I do this with. I also have double opt-in lists that *still* get complaints (not many, but even a few are annoying when they double opted-in!).

[Fernando Veloso]

Originally Posted by artwebster

I can never understand how an opted in member of a list can then claim that an email is spam.
If you are using Aweber, presumably Aweber will not allow you to broadcast to anybody less than double opted in so who are these complainers?

I really don't know, but what I find disturtbing is this: I never had a complaint before and the one time i send a new message offering FREE bonuses (subject:Latest News) i get these complaints.

[Fernando Veloso]

Originally Posted by Alex Taylor

AWeber *will* allow you to broadcast to single opt-ins, because I have a single opt-in list that I do this with. I also have double opt-in lists that *still* get complaints (not many, but even a few are annoying when they double opted-in!).

Alex,

But what is a "complaint"?

- A report to Aweber or someone that puts the message in a SPAM box?

This is what i don't understand. I will wait for Aweber online support to get back online and will ask them whats up with this.

Fernando

[UKTim29]

I think the problem is people click the spam button for emails they don't want rather than if it's actual spam.

[UKTim29]

Originally Posted by Fernando Veloso

Alex,

But what is a "complaint"?

- A report to Aweber or someone that puts the message in a SPAM box?

This is what i don't understand. I will wait for Aweber online support to get back online and will ask them whats up with this.

Fernando

I think the complaint isn't a written one. It's just where people hit the spam buttons on whatever email system they're using.

[DwayneCoaching]

I've had that happen once. I would usually try to email that person and ask if they want to still receive info from me. If they don't responder I'll just unsubscribe that person from my list.

[Gene Pimentel]

Originally Posted by DwayneCoaching

I've had that happen once. I would usually try to email that person and ask if they want to still receive info from me. If they don't responder I'll just unsubscribe that person from my list.

You can't do that with Aweber. You don't know WHO sent the spam complaint. But Aweber removes the complainer automatically.

[Fernando Veloso]

Guys, just got on chat with Aweber support.

Complaints are messages sent to Spam Box.
Complaint Users are deleted automatically by Aweber.
Sometimes this stuff happens because it's easier for people to send the message to SpamBox then to open it, and click unsubscribe.

Lesson learned:

Will place a "how to unsubscribe" on Top of first 2 messages + a "unsubscribe here" on top of every message.

[Tyrus Antas]

Originally Posted by Fernando Veloso

Will place a "how to unsubscribe" on Top of first 2 messages + a "unsubscribe here" on top of every message.

If this is the first time I assume you still have a small list. If yes, don't overreact. Give it time and complaint percentage should drop to lower, more sustainable level.

ISP's won't even start getting pissed off until you reach 2% over a certain period of time. It isn't really bad. Just business.

Tyrus

[AndrewCavanagh]

# 1: It's people who have clicked on the "report as spam" button of some kind.


# 2: Aweber automatically unsubscribes anyone who does this from your list.


# 3: It's common unfortunately. Instead of just clicking on the unsubscribe button many people will report your email as spam.

If you have a huge space between people subscribing and you sending your first email that can cause a problem.

If that's the case you should remind subscribers that they opted in to receive these messages.


# 4: If you have a really small list 1.82% might only be 1 or 2 people reporting the email as spam...not really a cause for concern.

Kindest regards,
Andrew Cavanagh

[iwisuccess]

Where did you get this number? (% complaints) If this is number appears in your Aweber stats/reports - then this probably doesnt mean actual complaints - Aweber may count unsubscribers and marking as spam, you need to check with their support then.

[shermancox]

So what is this about an industry average of 0.1%? My SPAM rate in aweber has bounced back and forth between 0.05% and 0.15% and was starting to worry...they are all double opt in through aweber.

I guess my worries are unfounded....

[talfighel]

I personally NEVER had ONE single complaint from the auto responder service that I am using: Getresponse. Thank god but sometimes I am amazed at myself that I am sending way too many email per week to my subscribers.

I hate to get a lot of emails from someone too many times per week.

I think I will be sending only 3 broadcasts per week from now.

Tal

[Profnet]

It may make you feel better to do the math and see how many people 1.82% is. If your list is small, it could be one or two people. Aweber is an awesome service and they do watch that particular percentage for all of their users. They (Aweber) want that number to be below something like .08%. But they work with you to find out why it is high (if it is) before taking any action on your account. Great company to work with.

Respectfully,

Nancy Roebke

[Paul Myers]

Art,

I know I have occasionally clicked on the Spam button rather than the delete button (by mistake) but surely that is not the same as making a complaint?

That is exactly what it is. The way the systems are set up, that is a complaint as far as Aweber is concerned.

Tyrus,

ISP's won't even start getting pissed off until you reach 2% over a certain period of time. It isn't really bad. Just business.

The last number I heard is that some will block at .1%. Yes, anything over 1/1000.


Paul

[Chris Thompson]

I am starting to include a line at the top of my email text that says, "as a reminder, if you do not enjoy getting email from me then you'll find an unsubscribe link at the bottom of this message. Otherwise I hope you are enjoying my emails, since I do my best to give you useful content".

I just sent out a broadcast and I'm aware that the broadcast will hit MANY people who are getting that broadcast are in my follow-up sequence getting emails from me today ... so with the broadcast some folks will get 2 emails in a single day. I don't want this same problem that you're describing.

Hopefully my solution will work. I am not afraid to remind people about the unsubscribe link. If they think about using the link it means I have no relationship with them and I'm never going to get value from having them on my list.

[LB]

The problem lies with uneducated users who think "SPAM" means "mail I don't want" as well as mail providers and ISPs who provide applications and webmail with a giant "SPAM" button that makes it easy to click.

Your subscribers' fingers are "on the trigger" so to speak.

AOL and Hotmail are the two worst in my experience.

[Fernando Veloso]

Guys,

My list is really small, true. So, 1.82% is nothing to worry for now. But i will take some measures to prevent this kind of trouble, as i said above.

Anyone had a major problem with Aweber regarding this issues?

[jakesellers]

Aweber is whitelisted with pretty much everywhere and participates in every feedback loop, they can handle a substantial complaint ratio without adverse consequences to deliverability. If they have a problem with your complaint rate they'll tell you.

The complaint rate (just like the opens rate) indicated in Aweber reports is always potentially lower than the actual rate. Gmail, for example, doesn't have a feedback loop so the only indication you have of spam clicks from gmail users is your mailings going to the bulk box.

Remember to always seed your Aweber lists with at least one of your own Hotmail, Yahoo, Gmail and AOL accounts, and test your drip campaigns regularly. Keep in mind that Aweber (usually) has pristine IP and sender reputation, so spambox hits are due to filtered content or url's.

[Adrian Cooper]

Originally Posted by Fernando Veloso

I really don't know, but what I find disturtbing is this: I never had a complaint before and the one time i send a new message offering FREE bonuses (subject:Latest News) i get these complaints.

People associate offers with spam.

No one subscribes to receive offers, they subscribe to receive information, so if they get a sales pitch they hit the spam button.

My weekly newsletters are between 10 and 20 pages of pure information, in which I will weave a related offer twice per month.

Lists are for building relationships, not for pitching products.

[Fernando Veloso]

Originally Posted by apc01

People associate offers with spam.

No one subscribes to receive offers, they subscribe to receive information, so if they get a sales pitch they hit the spam button.

My weekly newsletters are between 10 and 20 pages of pure information, in which I will weave a related offer twice per month.

Lists are for building relationships, not for pitching products.

People joined my list to receive these offers. That's why its so disturbing. And you can add the subject of the message: Latest News.

No pitching here.

[Paul Myers]

People associate offers with spam.

No one subscribes to receive offers, they subscribe to receive information, so if they get a sales pitch they hit the spam button.

Ummm... Where did you get THAT?

Hint: When I send an offer to my subscribers, I get very few complaints. Often none at all. On the flip side, I get the usual rate when I send them an article, and double the usual when I send them a warning note about a virus, or a link to something free.

That's not going to apply to every list, obviously. I've seen it enough, though, to know that it's not "offers" that trigger complaints. Not by themselves.

By the way, I have signed up for quite a few lists with the express purpose of getting offers from the mailers involved. A lot of people do that, despite what they taught you in spam-l.


Paul

[FredericoVilaVerde]

Originally Posted by Paul Myers

Ummm... Where did you get THAT?

Hint: When I send an offer to my subscribers, I get very few complaints. Often none at all. On the flip side, I get the usual rate when I send them an article, and double the usual when I send them a warning note about a virus, or a link to something free.

I agree with Paul.

The problem is not about "receiving offers".

I think the MAIN problem about both receiving content
or offers is this. Both should be relevant, useful and interesting
for the end user... and sadly that's not always the case!

And please don't get me wrong. I do LOVE content.

In fact, in many cases online the content can drive
the BOND and the offer can drive the INTENSITY of the
relationship you are trying to create with your list.

Take this as an example...

I think content is good to develop NEW relationships
(you are moving the "FREE line") and products are good
for you to strengthen the relationship you have created
(they are good for you to move the "FANS line").

Regards,

Frederico Vila Verde

P.S. And once a relationship is established I am sure
you should pump more content... and more offers.

The key is the balance and frequency between them!
And this is where I personally think many marketers fail!

[Steve Peters Benn]

Originally Posted by Adrian Cooper

People associate offers with spam.

No one subscribes to receive offers, they subscribe to receive information, so if they get a sales pitch they hit the spam button.

My weekly newsletters are between 10 and 20 pages of pure information, in which I will weave a related offer twice per month.

Lists are for building relationships, not for pitching products.

Bit of a jerky response to Fernando considering what he wrote...

Fact is - my highest complaint levels come when I have sent a broadcast offering a free download. Not a product pitch. I've found people click spam when I send free stuff.

Just me probably.

[Bill Farnham]

Originally Posted by Steve Peters Benn

Bit of a jerky response to Fernando considering what he wrote...

Steve, it took you almost a year to get up the courage to tell Adrian that?



~Bill

[Dan C. Rinnert]

Originally Posted by Bill Farnham

Steve, it took you almost a year to get up the courage to tell Adrian that?



~Bill

Just sit back and wait another ten months for Adrian's sharply worded reply.

[Alan Petersen]

Originally Posted by Bill Farnham

Steve, it took you almost a year to get up the courage to tell Adrian that?



~Bill

Especially since Adrian hasn't been around here in almost five months ...

Last Activity: 12-23-2009 09:13 AM

[Robert Puddy]

Originally Posted by Paul Myers

Art,That is exactly what it is. The way the systems are set up, that is a complaint as far as Aweber is concerned.

Tyrus,The last number I heard is that some will block at .1%. Yes, anything over 1/1000.


Paul

Paul is correct 1 complaint in a thousand is enough to get you blacklisted with some ISP's with aweber if you go over that % to often they can and will delete your account

Or if you still have the single optin on your list they will enforce a double optin on you, if you consistently go over that % of complaints

Getresponse are the same, the % is set by the ISP's not the AR services

[Robert Puddy]

Originally Posted by Adrian Cooper

People associate offers with spam.

No one subscribes to receive offers, they subscribe to receive information, so if they get a sales pitch they hit the spam button.

My weekly newsletters are between 10 and 20 pages of pure information, in which I will weave a related offer twice per month.

Lists are for building relationships, not for pitching products.

Bull****....

Most people are to lazy to read past the 3rd or 4th 2 line paragraph

Even if you send them a map to dig up gold bricks in their own back yard people will unsubscribe.

Content or lack of content has absolutely no bearing on unsubscribe rates

[Steve Peters Benn]

Originally Posted by Bill Farnham

Steve, it took you almost a year to get up the courage to tell Adrian that?



~Bill

It did. I was scared of SPAM 'reprisals'.

Apologies guys, no idea how I ended dredging up this old thread?

[Raquel]

Fernando I cannot give you advice but your post got my attention, I hope your concerns with Aweber will get resolved soon..

This post got my attention because I just got an account from Aweber and I noticed when I created my welcome message (1st follow up message) there is a 0.7 in the Spam column. At first I wonder why there is a 0.7 there and then the other follow up messages I made has 0 on that column..I am new to Aweber and new in list building...so I thought ..maybe that 0.7 is normal. Until I read this post...now I'm concerned...so that 0.7 at spam folder is a spam complaint? How come? It was my welcome message and 1st message so why there is already 0.7% spam complaint? Should I worry?

Thanks..

[anthony2]

Does anyone know how remove unsubscribers
from your aweber account?

I don't have alot of unsubscribers but the ones
i have...i would like to remove them from my account.

If someone knows how to do that let me know?

thank

[davidjames42973]

Anthony,

Once your subscribers unsubscribe, they are no longer on your aweber list. No need to worry about removing unsubscribers.

As far as spam complaints, if your spam complaints aren't consistent, you'll be OK. I've also heard that when you are in a high percentage rate of spam with aweber, they'll just send you a warning. I'm sure they can terminate your account, but you'd probably be OK if all you're doing is sending the occasional email and not sending "cheap viagra" posts.