Emailing Customers Without Spam (Unless it’s on the Menu)

Email marketing is a fantastic way to build your business and your brand.  You can reach out directly to the people you want and let them know about your business.

When email marketing, there are several legal and practical things to consider.  From a legal standpoint, the first thing most people think of when it comes to emails is the CAN-SPAM Act.  It sets rules for commercial email messages.  And failing to comply can result in penalties of up to $40,654 for each message sent.

Fortunately for businesses, it is simple to comply with the CAN-SPAM Act.  The main requirements are

Don’t use a false or misleading header Don’t use deceptive subject lines Identify the message as an ad Tell recipients your physical address Tell recipients how to opt out Honor opt outs promptly Monitor what others are doing on your behalf 

Following one and two are easy.  Just don’t lie.  If a restaurant has a $14.95 lobster special for the month of August, they can just say it.  Regardless…