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Has anyone ever thought about THIS when sending emails?

by truly_gifted
9 replies
I want to send out some emails, maybe a few hundred, but kind of stuck on the how-to. I know that people say it's a good idea to send your emails from an @yourdomain.com address rather than something free, but does it really matter that much?

I know when I open my emails, I look at the subject rather than the sender. I don't really care who is sending it as much as what it's saying. Does anyone else share this way of thinking? Business owners are normal people too, ya know, so maybe they think the same?

And if you do use a free email address for mailing, do you include an @yourdomain.com email in the footer for replies, or just leave it at the free one?
#clientsgot #emailing #potential #tips
  • Profile picture of the author Dr Dan
    When I send out a cold email (someone I never talked to before) I use Gmail and an account like docdan@gmail.com. I get a better open rate when it looks like its from a friend or a person looking to do business with them. Also it keeps my emails separate and easier to check.

    I also use in the subject line: Looking for a San Jose Plumber

    or something like that if thats the business. gets a better open rate.
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    • Profile picture of the author WillR
      Originally Posted by Dr Dan View Post

      I also use in the subject line: Looking for a San Jose Plumber

      or something like that if thats the business. gets a better open rate.
      It may get you a better open rate but it is not really Can Spam Act compliant.
      The second part of the Spam Act clearly states:

      2. Don’t use deceptive subject lines.
      The subject line must accurately reflect the content of the message.
      This type of subject line is misleading - that is unless you are actually looking for a plumber in the San Jose area. The reason you are using that subject line is because you are hoping businesses will think you are meaning something totally different - ie: you are misleading them.

      You should read over the rest of the Can Spam Act before sending out anymore emails. You can get yourself into a lot of trouble if you don't comply with the rules that are clearly set out.

      The CAN-SPAM Act: A Compliance Guide for Business | BCP Business Center
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      • Profile picture of the author truly_gifted
        Originally Posted by WillR View Post

        It may get you a better open rate but it is not really Can Spam Act compliant.
        The second part of the Spam Act clearly states:



        This type of subject line is misleading - that is unless you are actually looking for a plumber in the San Jose area. The reason you are using that subject line is because you are hoping businesses will think you are meaning something totally different - ie: you are misleading them.

        You should read over the rest of the Can Spam Act before sending out anymore emails. You can get yourself into a lot of trouble if you don't comply with the rules that are clearly set out.

        The CAN-SPAM Act: A Compliance Guide for Business | BCP Business Center
        Here's a question.

        If you're offering something free to a certain demographic, say San Jose plumbers, would that still be misleading? You're not asking them to buy anything. You are genuinely offering them a free service, such as a video showcasing their business.

        Would that subject line still be misleading in that instance?

        Sub: Looking for a San Jose Plumber

        MSG:

        I made this short video, and would like to feature a plumber in San Jose. I'm only doing this for one plumber in the area, so if you'd like to claim it for your business, get back to me soon.

        P.S. The video is completely free of charge, but it's only available to the first person to respond. I'm sending this email to about 10 plumbers in the area, so act fast.

        Your contact info

        'CAN-SPAM notice would go here'
        Maybe I'm looking at it wrong, but you ARE trying to find a plumber....just not to buy something from them. I agree that if you're trying to sell something then the subject line would need to be altered, BUT, you shouldn't be trying to make direct sales on initial contact anyway.
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  • Profile picture of the author redlegrich
    Gmail is cheap and not as hacked up like Hotmail. You can create as many accounts you like and it makes it easy to keep track of campaigns and so forth. I'd agree it's all about the subject line and Dr Dan's idea makes total sense, especially if you want the email opened ;-)
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  • Profile picture of the author TrumpiaTim
    I've actually found that a company email works better in regards to open rates.
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  • Profile picture of the author cryst
    I suggest you to choose @domain.com , this will let the people know that you mean business and also you can promote your brand name.
    If you send mails to strangers using your own id, people will take it as a spam, i hardly open mails from id's like @gmail.com , i just go through the subject, and if i found it as a spam content , i directly delete it!!
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  • Profile picture of the author Ashley Wright
    @yourdomain is a lot better off I feel, even if they do not take action straight away if you follow up - which you should be you've already planted the seed of your company in their head
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  • Profile picture of the author roypreece
    Originally Posted by truly_gifted View Post

    I know that people say it's a good idea to send your emails from an @yourdomain.com address rather than something free, but does it really matter that much?
    Yes, it really matters that much. If you are looking for new customers you should look like a serious business, so that they can trust you.

    A free email isn't professional, it's amateur. Not worthy of a stranger's trust.
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  • Profile picture of the author jsherloc
    This is a REALLY interesting issue that I've dealt with before.

    In MOST cases, I would think @domain is the way to go here, rather than a gmail account. BUT, if your domain name/company name is "mytownseoguy" or "mytowninternetmarketingexpert" or "mytownbestleadgeneration" etc....some of these business owners are going to ignore it as they are now bombarded with internet marketing and seo e-mails daily.

    I don't think there is really a "best" answer here, I'd just try both as you go along personally. I have had success with my @domain e-mail, but it does not look like: "jim@NUMBER1GOOGLETODAYSEOEXPERT.com".

    I wouldn't worry too much about not sounding/looking professional when using a free gmail account, because if they open your e-mail they'll see your company info...and you are just looking for them to OPEN the e-mail first and foremost. That is your first victory, the second is getting them interested enough to respond to you....even harder to do lol.

    - Jim
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