We have a few dozen users on Sage E-Marketing for ACT! (aka Swiftpage), and we have changed our philosophy over the last couple years on dealing with bad addresses or opt-outs.
When I first started using e-mail as a marketing technique, I would just erase their address when it came back or unsubscribed from my list.
Now, I added two fields in the database, “Bounce” or “Opt-Out” as checkbox (yes/no) fields.
ACT Layout with Checkboxes
Then, I make my “E-Mail List” group in ACT! exclude bounces or opt-outs.
Use an ACT! Group to Build Your List
Why ?
You can call to ask why or find out if their has been an employee change at the company. It offers an excuse to have a valid conversation with a client or prospect that you e-mailed once before.
Sage E-Marketing for ACT! also delivers a list of opt-outs to your inbox. You will see a list with emails listed as one address for line.
mark@demo.email
mm@demo.email
Use this free tool for ACT! 2010/2011 to lookup these contacts and update your mailing list accordingly. I asked if it would on 2007/2008/2009 but I haven’t heard back yet.
E-Mail Marketing isn’t the panacea, but one of many different options to reach your clients and prospects.
