What do I need to know before sending out a mailing to many people

After investing all the time and effort into your list you have something that is far more valuable than just a list. Many companies would love to be included in your mailing as they know that the audience will likely read it if they've gone through the trouble of opting in twice. You may want to find companies that have products/services that your clients can use and ask them if they'd like to buy a little space on your newsletter. This can be worth thousands of dollars per month if you match up the right list with the right advertiser.

Here's an excellent example of the top and bottom of a mailing list that I subscribe to. This is how it's done. Prior to receiving this the client has filled out a simple, subscribe me type of request. To avoid fake subscriptions and to make sure that the person really wants in, this letter type of double opt-in email is sent. Note that the link at the bottom sends them to a form that collects a lot more information such their address, phone, whatever you want. At that point they're hooked.

Note the use of an enticement (free dinner contest which is detailed in the body of the letter) to get your viewers to say "Yes!". Then let them know how much email they should expect. Some value added references (sales pitches to get them to subscribe) and a full description of what they will miss if they do nothing. This is followed by the body and then the email options which links them to a form where they can fill out their contact info and preferences.

If you want to receive E-mail from [Organization Name], such as the free dinner offered below, you can select.

• No matter what, you will NOT receive more than about one E-mail per week.

See link at the bottom for the on-line form to indicate your preference(s) for future E-mail.

• This E-mail includes one FREE event announcement -- you can receive future announcements (see bottom of E-mail to sign up)
• This E-mail includes one issue of "News You Should Know" (issued a few times per month) -- you can receive future news (see bottom of E-mail to sign up)

If you do nothing, you'll NOT receive EITHER.

........... body of email goes here ..........

Now you can decide what E-mail you will receive from [ORGANIZATION NAME].

Make your selections -- Click HERE.
Please use your name and E-mail address by which this E-mail reached you as your identification in the on-line form.

[organization name]
[organization address, phone, website and email contact info.]