Pros and cons: Opt in email lists

Should you have a single or double opt in email list building system in place? What about buying your leads rather than waiting for them to come? Find out all the pros and cons of opt-in email lists in this article.

Why you should practice safe email marketing

What is an opt-in list? An opt-in email, or mailing list, contains a list of emails from web users who have opted to join a particular mailing list. These are also known as safe email lists and contain targeted email users who are interested in what you have to offer. Email list building best practice
When you are practicing opt-in email marketing, you are practicing safe email marketing. This is a legitimate way of building your online business. You preserve the reputation of your business and are unlikely to be blacklisted by ISPs (internet service providers). This means that you can continue your online operations smoothly and not risk your account being shut down. For instance, there have been cases where some online businesses had their hosting accounts closed, without notice, due to too many spam complaints.

Should you have a double opt in?

What is a double opt in? Initially, a user opts-in through a web form upon your site in order to join your mailing list. However, you cannot be sure if it was the real owner (of the email address) who opted-in or otherwise. The only way to know is to send an email to the email address that was just entered into the system of your list builder. The real owner (who has the password to their email account) then confirms by clicking upon a link within that confirmation email, or not as the case may be. Only when the link is clicked upon, will the user be added to your mailing list and will receive further emails from you in the future. This email was sent as soon as the user initially opted-in.
Disadvantage
Some list owners are of the opinion that there is no need for double opt-in emails. They argue that an additional step causes them to lose some potential subscribers.

Should you buy email leads?

The purchase of email leads is questionable because these addresses are from users who have not opted to join your particular mailing list. In addition to getting less targeted subscribers, you risk getting your account banned, thus adversely affecting your online business. This is therefore, not a long-term business practice.