Evils of spam prevent any sales first contacts via email?

Digiteyes · 11-04-2003, 10:58 PM

Being that spam is such a no-no, and tends to piss people off so much... If you came across a potential customer online, would it be just as big a no-no to make first contact via email?

Digiteyes · 11-07-2003, 11:25 AM

Anyone? Bueller? Anyone?

PhilC · 11-07-2003, 05:30 PM

I have very strong views about that which I've argued in several places. Some people say that ALL unsolicted email is spam, but they say it out of principle and not out of rational thinking.

If you find email addresses of companies who may genuinely be interested in what you are offering, email them! If they think it's spam, they'll delete it - so what? On the other hand, they may appreciate knowing about your product or service because it's in their field.

The sort of spam that people really dislike is that which is sent to millions of email addresses - just because they are email addresses. We all hate those. But targeted email campaigns are fine.

**John Scott** · 11-07-2003, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Digiteyes

Anyone? Bueller? Anyone?

Is that a Ferris Bueller reference?

Digiteyes · 11-07-2003, 05:35 PM

Finally! a response.

Thanks Phil.

That's kind of what I was thinking but, there seemed to be some pretty strong opinions against it. Since I don't have any experience with it...

Have you found any approach that seems to work?

Digiteyes · 11-07-2003, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Is that a Ferris Bueller reference?

Boy I must be getting old.

PhilC · 11-07-2003, 05:39 PM

I've never done it but it's common for people to email websites, without getting their agreement, to suggest a link exchange.

If a website puts an email address on it, use it. That's what it's there for. People who insist that all unsolicited email is spam, regardless of whether or not it's targeted, just don't think properly.

Digiteyes · 11-07-2003, 05:46 PM

Good point.

icwcorp · 11-19-2003, 05:00 PM

You're basically talking about cold calling. Spam is random and is based on bulk messaging. You send out 100 million messages and get a .0001% response and still make a profit but your message has to be short and sweet. Basically setup business, make your few thousand of dollars worth of spam business and then close up shop.

When you cold call a customer you're targeting a group of people that may be interested in your services. People that registered a car at the DMV recently would be interested in car insurance, oil changes, car repair, etc. People that just set up a business would be interested in book keepers, accountants and advertising agencies.