Setting up double opt-in email subscription?

[penny-slot-machines]

Hi

I'm looking to set up a double opt-in subscription to my site to build up a member database, so I can email them updates etc,

Where would be a good place to start for a beginner?

I don't have much traffic, so wouldn't be expecting a lot of emails right now, or that many enquiries, so a free option would be good until I start to see enough revenue to justify paying for such services

Thanks in advance

[scottl31]

Originally Posted by penny-slot-machines

Hi

I'm looking to set up a double opt-in subscription to my site to build up a member database, so I can email them updates etc,

Where would be a good place to start for a beginner?

I don't have much traffic, so wouldn't be expecting a lot of emails right now, or that many enquiries, so a free option would be good until I start to see enough revenue to justify paying for such services

Thanks in advance

Hi,

It's really best to go with a paid service because you will have far more features and capabilities, as well as the ability to send out unlimited messages. I use Aweber.

I didn't have all my newsletter content ready, or even my sites/tactics figured out, but I bit the bullet and signed up for it anyway so I could test it get used to the way it works. If you can afford to pay a year in advance, it's only $14.95US per month.

If you must go the free route, MAKE SURE the service you use has a paid option. That way you can just upgrade to paid when you are ready and you keep all your subscribers. Otherwise, if you switch services, you will have to ask all your subscribers to opt-in again. You will always lose some subscribers when you do that.

The only service I know of that has free -> paid is Get Response.

Hope this helps,
Scott

[penny-slot-machines]

Thanks Scott, that's really good to get some feedback

[universal4]

If you want to build a double opt-in database of subscribers to your website newsletter, then you need to start at your site.

Get a form on your website that captures their email address requesting to be put on the list...that is what the opt-in means...they are opting-in to get more information from you!

Whether you use a paid service, or write your own form to capture the emails and put them in a database is up to you and your level of expertise in writing the form or doing the coding should help make that decision for you...

Never just buy or rent a list of emails whether the seller says they are opt-in, double opt-in or whatever...

Even if a rented or purchased list started out as an opt-in...it isn't that once you buy it....the names on the purchased list did NOT opt-in to you....

Rick
Universal4

[Chips]

Super advise Rick! Those schmucks hit you on MSN and email all the time wanting to sell you a list, baaaaddd news!

Build you own, I use php list(free, maintain your own) and have it set up as double opt in. I have my forum members on one list, a website list for two of my sites and keep it seperated as one is Poker and the other is casino.

Just had to play with the throttles so I did not overload the server. At least I know for sure no-one will be getting my members email addresses as I am the only one with the list.