Creating an Effective Customer Email List

The first step in creating an effective email list is proper formatting. Most email marketing platforms, such as Emma, MailChimp, and Constant Contact, require lists to be in formats like Excel or CSV before they can be uploaded to the platform. And, when compiling your list, be sure to include essential information such as names, email addresses, and permissions. Understanding how the list was obtained is crucial, as these platforms often ask for this information.

Permissions are a key component of any email marketing strategy. They help ensure that fewer emails go to SPAM, reduce the risk of being flagged as SPAM, and prevent the potential loss of your email marketing platform account. A basic understanding of the CAN-SPAM Act can help you create compliant lists.

While the CAN-SPAM Act does not legally mandate express permission from recipients, many email service providers (ESPs) and industry best practices encourage or require opt-in consent to maintain high sender reputation and reduce spam complaints. It's also important to consider the age of your list and whether your customers have received communication from you in the past year, which can include a customer letter, service call, or sales call.

Siloing customer lists can be incredibly beneficial for email marketing. By segmenting your lists based on criteria such as customer behavior, purchase history, and engagement levels, you can customize your messages to specific audiences. Some examples of curated lists include:

• Recent purchasers
• Newsletter subscribers
• Event attendees
• Geographic location
• Engagement levels
• A targeted approach can lead to higher open rates and more effective marketing campaigns.