Email Address Lists And Their Uses

Lists made of up of a collection of email addresses treated as a single unit are considered an email mailing lists. An email sent to the complete list is automatically sent to all the members in the list. Email address lists are created for a particular purpose like sending out a newsletter, sending information about a new product. These are also known as distribution lists.

Now let us discuss how to subscribe or unsubscribe to an electronic mailing list. The person wishing to subscribe enters their name and e-mail address on an online form. The subscriber is added by either of two subscription methods. One is the single and other is double opt-in.

In a single opt-in the subscriber fills an on line form or sends an email to a subscription address and automatically gets added to the email address list. In double opt-in the user first subscribes through on line form and then confirms his subscription with a reply to the subscription confirmation e-mail. Without this confirmation, the subscriber does not get added to the email mailing list.

The double opt in method has numerous advantages over the single opt-in method. It reduces the number of dead mail addresses. It minimizes the chances of the email being sent to somebody who has not subscribed. In order to unsubscribe you to go to a website and use an on line form or through a specific email address.

There are three ways for the implementation of email mailing lists. It is done by the use of client based software, server based software and auto responder service. We can discuss these in detail.

The first is client based software in which an electronic mailing list is managed by the use of an existing mail client or mailing list software. The advantage of this method is the ease of use, privacy of the mailing list, the cost, and the ease of set up etc. The disadvantage is that a backup of the list needs to be stored.

The next is the server based email mailing lists which are maintained on a server which is permanently connected to internet. The advantages include that the immediate auto responses are sent immediately, and a backup of the list is maintained by the web host. The disadvantages are in the difficulty to install and setup and that it requires a website.

The last is an email mailing list service. In case you do not wish to have your own mailing list software, you can choose a mailing list service. Here, the software is on a third party server. The advantage is that it is easy to set up. There is no software to install or maintain.

As you can see, it is important to get the email service that is right for your business. By taking note of the points outlined above you should be able to choose an email address list service that is right for you.

Mailing Lists