So you’ve got a great product that’s finally ready for the market.  You’ve spent many years and no doubt thousands of dollars perfecting it and preparing to put this product out on the market.  There are probably ten or twenty more people with a similar product looking for an in.  Because of this, fledgling business owners will turn to direct email marketing without realizing the dangers involved.

Direct email marketing involves composing an advertisement for a specific product and then emailing that advertisement out to people. Not many people that the phrase direct email marketing refers to someone mailing advertisements to potential customers.  A business owner will often compose a special advertisement that links back to a website where their product is sold and then send it to many different email addresses hoping to interest someone.  Doing this is actually illegal in several states, Washington and Virginia among them, and you can be sued in small claims civil court for sending out this unsolicited mail.

People can also retaliate to spam emails in other ways.  Often, they will complain to their Internet Service Provider, which will usually do an investigation.  It’s easier for them to shut down the site than it is to deal with customers who are complaining about receiving unsolicited mail. Some Internet Service Providers will even go so far as to fine you anywhere from $20 to $20,000 depending on their Terms of Service.

However, not all direct email marketing involves spam messages.  It’s a common practice amongst all companies, big and small, to obtain email addresses from customers who purchase their items.

The company will then send those special offers or information about new products through their email address. If someone knows they can get special discounts, they are more likely to stay with a company.

Navigating the world of direct email marketing can be very tricky.  When in doubt, it’s always best to err on the side of caution.  Most new business owners cannot afford a large fine or to have their website shut down. Respect is key in the business world and if you end up with a reputation for spamming, chances are your business will never get off the ground.

Direct To Email Marketing: Spam Or Not?, From The Love Shop