using the Signup form for email marketing

Jennifer Reager

We just recently posted the Signup form on our website to begin building a new e-newsletter list (previously used Constant Contact). Related to this, we regularly capture email addresses at various events that we host.



I'm not sure of the legalities or ethics that are related to signing someone up for the e-newsletter, but do you think it's necessary for people to tick a box that says, "Sign me up for the e-newsletter," or do we just naturally add them to that list when they give us an email address?



We want to keep things simple, but I think it's important to let them know what they're signing up for, while others say people can just opt out later.

Jen Claudy

We add a disclaimer at the bottom of the sign up list that states that we do not sell, share, or trade our lists with anyone, and then provide an opt-out box (particularly if it's individual "raffle" ticket style things rather than a list you add your name to).  Our thinking is that if they didn't want to get email from us, they wouldn't give us their address.



Personally, I have a separate email address specifically for things like this...signing up for coupons, registering for sites, etc.  It doesn't notify me on my phone, so I'm not annoyed, I just check it when I want, and sort thru them every couple of days.  Easier than lots of filters, and then it's just completely separate from my regular email account.