Single vs. Double opt-in, which is better?

17 replies
Hi,

What are your thoughts on single opt-in vs double opt-in for conversion rates?

Thanks
#double #optin #single
  • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
    Banned
    First, there are 100 threads discussing this, including some very recent ones:
    http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...ouble-opt.html
    http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...ml#post8554418

    Secondly, there's no such thing, really, as "double" opt-in: nobody ever "opts in twice". They opt-in once and then confirm their email address before being added to the list, and that's why it's called "confirmed opt-in".

    Thirdly, email marketing questions live here: Email Marketing
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  • Profile picture of the author Rob Whisonant
    Single opt-in always gets my vote. Double is a total waist of time. No need to make a subscriber jump through hoops.

    Re's
    Rob Whisonant
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    • Profile picture of the author johnbjr
      I choose "Double". I like the user to confirm their address before giving them the free content and I do this for 2 reasons.

      1. It shows they are a motivated subscriber and more likely to be a good subscriber.

      2. It tells me that its a real email address on my list and not a list full of fake email addresses. I would take 50 new confirmed subscribers over 200 unconfirmed any day.
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      • Profile picture of the author cborgrx
        Originally Posted by johnbjr View Post

        I choose "Double". I like the user to confirm their address before giving them the free content and I do this for 2 reasons.

        1. It shows they are a motivated subscriber and more likely to be a good subscriber.

        2. It tells me that its a real email address on my list and not a list full of fake email addresses. I would take 50 new confirmed subscribers over 200 unconfirmed any day.
        Totally agree
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      • Profile picture of the author JensSteyaert
        Originally Posted by johnbjr View Post

        I choose "Double". I like the user to confirm their address before giving them the free content and I do this for 2 reasons.

        1. It shows they are a motivated subscriber and more likely to be a good subscriber.

        2. It tells me that its a real email address on my list and not a list full of fake email addresses. I would take 50 new confirmed subscribers over 200 unconfirmed any day.
        That's a fair point, but what about all the people who don't even bother to confirm to get the free content instantly which would have been a good subscriber.

        It's not because somebody is lazy one time or gets distracted for some reason and doesn't bother to confirm later this person couldn't be a good lead.

        But you have a valid point anyways which i totally understand.
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        • Profile picture of the author johnbjr
          Originally Posted by JensSteyaert View Post

          That's a fair point, but what about all the people who don't even bother to confirm to get the free content instantly which would have been a good subscriber.

          It's not because somebody is lazy one time or gets distracted for some reason and doesn't bother to confirm later this person couldn't be a good lead.

          But you have a valid point anyways which i totally understand.
          Yeah its definitely not a win win either way. Because with the confirmed opt-ins you still have people unsubscribe right after they get their free content. You have to find a way to keep their attention right away which is hard.

          I have been following Franks thread and he has some good points and ideas on keeping them on the list longer.

          See it here http://www.warriorforum.com/email-ma...y-well-me.html
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      • Profile picture of the author dana67
        Originally Posted by johnbjr View Post

        I choose "Double". I like the user to confirm their address before giving them the free content and I do this for 2 reasons.

        1. It shows they are a motivated subscriber and more likely to be a good subscriber.

        2. It tells me that its a real email address on my list and not a list full of fake email addresses. I would take 50 new confirmed subscribers over 200 unconfirmed any day.
        I also agree. It helps to ensure you're getting more legitimate email addresses.
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  • Profile picture of the author grandstar
    So alexa, basically an opt in is an opt in. Its good to leave things uncomplicated.
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  • Profile picture of the author Edwin Torres
    Eben Pagan says double optin is a waste of money. Frank Kern is in love with double optin. I personally prefer single optin because you don't lose subscribers, especially if you're using paid traffic.
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    • Profile picture of the author Fred@IncomeLabz
      There are advantages and disadvantages to both.

      With single opt-in, you'll be able to build a bigger list.

      But you open yourself up to the risk of ending up with
      junk email addresses and spam traps on your list.

      These types of addresses can really hurt your sender score
      and result in a lot of your emails ending up in your
      subscribers spam box.

      If you are going to use single opt-in, make sure that you
      practice good list hygiene.

      Many people don't do that and then they wonder why
      so many of their emails aren't being delivered.

      ~ Fred
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    • Profile picture of the author Sam Mann
      Originally Posted by Edwin Torres View Post

      Eben Pagan says double optin is a waste of money. Frank Kern is in love with double optin. I personally prefer single optin because you don't lose subscribers, especially if you're using paid traffic.
      Edwin, I don't understand. If people aren't interested to just check their email and click a simple Link... they are likely not going to buy from you.

      Further more... when people CLICK a link that's an interaction with your email which increases your deliverability.

      This is what I usually do - Traffic => Squeeze Page (Retarget) ( Double Optin ) => Thank You => (Email #1 - Presell ) => (Email #2 - Presell) => (Email #3 - Bust the bubble)

      Since the potential customer needs to confirm their email to download the freebie I lose less customers.

      But it depends on what you are offering. If they don't think your 'Freebie' is worth clicking a LINK... you are going to lose leads.
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      • Profile picture of the author twistedpixel
        "Single" or no confirmation is creating a lot more hassle for me lately.

        I am seeing more of these fake "optin welcome message" in my email, which are more likely a first blast from an imported list.

        I am having to un-subscribe more often and they are mostly coming from aweber accounts. (I'm not throwing shade, I use and like them too)

        They are written like a typical "welcome and thanks for joining my list" message.

        Anyone else seeing this trend?

        Put me on the list for the "double" (optins and jackD ; -)
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  • Profile picture of the author Sam Mann
    I always recommend Double Optin. Higher Deliverability and Higher Inbox Rate.

    If you are looking at 'Quantity' of leads over Quality you will be leaving money on the table. Remember that we are paying to keep their name and email so make sure that they are worth it.
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  • Profile picture of the author wickid
    Single opt-in is definitely easier but I agree that a double opt-in is worth more in terms of quality. All someone needs to do for a single opt-in is fill out your form, but when someone actually confirms that opt-in by clicking on your link you know they are getting your emails and interested in what you have to offer.
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  • Profile picture of the author rajika4ever
    go with double otherwise you will end up with lots of bounce emails in your list
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  • Profile picture of the author osamaye360
    single opt-ins are always the best. the only situation where you are not advised to use single opt-in is if you intend giving out your free offer on the same webpage immediately they subscribe.

    if you intend giving it out on the webpage its better to use double opt-in so that the emails are real.
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